Hangzhou Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

West Lake showing a garden and a lake or waterhole
Lingyin Temple featuring a memorial
West Lake featuring a garden and autumn leaves
West Lake showing a park
Hangzhou

Sensational natural beauty and a host of preserved cultural icons make this region of China a favorite among tourists.

Visit Hangzhou to discover historical streets and canals plus gorgeous natural surroundings. Hangzhou is one of China's biggest tourist attractions.

Hangzhou was the capital of the Southern Song Dynasty, which began in 1127, until the Mongols invaded in 1276. Back then, the city was populated by 1 million people. That's now ballooned to close to 9 million. Find high-quality and abundant accommodation in many parts of the city. Locals generally welcome foreigners readily.

Acquaint yourself with downtown Hangzhou by taking a stroll along Qinghefang Street, the city's best-preserved thoroughfare. Mingle with the locals, watch traditional handicrafts being made and sample delicacies like roasted walnuts and “dragon-whisker” candy. Next, visit China Silk City to sift through quality fabrics remember to barter before buying.

Another walk you must take while in Hangzhou is along the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal. You probably won't want to cover the entire length, since it is over 1,000 miles (1,700 kilometres) long. However far you get, appreciate it as the earliest and longest man-made canal anywhere.

The main reason for Hangzhou's tourist trade is undeniably West Lake. This enchanting body of freshwater is a UNESCO site and has been preserved and restored accordingly. Spend a weekend walking over Broken Bridge, climbing to the base of Baochu Pagoda and marvelling at the sumptuous halls of Lingyin Temple.

Take time to relax in the parks and gardens surrounding West Lake. Enjoy the colours of the tulip festival held at Prince Bay Park every spring. For other walks among trees and flowers, visit Hangzhou Botanical Garden.

Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport provides regular flights to and from Hong Kong and Beijing. Get around Hangzhou on the convenient bus and subway networks. Rent a boat or bike along West Lake’s shores to enjoy a pleasant jaunt. Humidity is high in Hangzhou between June and September. In spring and winter, the climate is very comfortable and the scenery magical.

Where to stay in Hangzhou

Broken Bridge featuring a bridge and a sunset as well as a large group of people

Xihu

5/5(9 area reviews)

You might take some time to check out the lake views in Xihu. Spend some time visiting top spots like West Lake, and catch the metro at Huanglong Sports Center Station or Huanglong Cave Station to see more of the area.

Xihu
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Shangcheng

Consider a visit to West Lake and take some time to enjoy the lake views during your time in Shangcheng. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at Houchaomen Station or Nanxingqiao Station.

Shangcheng
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Downtown Hangzhou

4/5(5 area reviews)

While you're in Downtown Hangzhou, take in top sights like Hangzhou Stadium or Hangzhou China Silk Town, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at North Jianguo Road Station or Baoshan Bridge Station.

Downtown Hangzhou
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Xiaoshan

Xiaoshan is a destination travellers like for its restaurants, and you might hop aboard the metro at Yaqian Station or Kanshan Station to explore sights like Hangzhou Paradise Park.

Xiaoshan
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Binjiang

Visitors to Binjiang like its restaurants. Jump on the metro at Jucai Road Station or Chengye Road Station to see top sights like Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center while you're in the area.

Binjiang
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Jianggan

Get to know Jianggan and its many features like its museums and lake views. You might want to explore sights like MIXC Mall and Hangzhou Grand Theatre, and you can jump on the metro at Qianjiang Road Station or Xinye Road Station to get around the city.

Jianggan
Midtown Shangri-La, Hangzhou

Midtown Shangri-La, Hangzhou

5 out of 5
6 Changshou Road, Kerry Central, Yan'an Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang
The price is ₹10,241 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
₹10,241
₹11,940 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Hangzhou. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Popular attractions West Lake and Former Residence of Sha ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (204 reviews)
"Mike 张 is excellent!"

Reviewed on 20 Jun 2025

Midtown Shangri-La, Hangzhou
Grand Hyatt Hangzhou

Grand Hyatt Hangzhou

5 out of 5
28 Hu Bin Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang
The price is ₹14,216 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹14,216
₹16,576 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Hangzhou. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Popular attractions West Lake and Broken Bridge are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (417 reviews)
"Excellent location on the lake. Third time staying at this location."

Reviewed on 19 Jul 2025

Grand Hyatt Hangzhou
Hangzhou Marriott Hotel Qianjiang

Hangzhou Marriott Hotel Qianjiang

5 out of 5
No 399 Juyuan Road, Jianggan District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang
The price is ₹8,795 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹8,795
₹10,255 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Hangzhou. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the property condition in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (139 reviews)
"Modern, clean and spacious hotel. It’s located in cbd area."

Reviewed on 3 Jun 2025

Hangzhou Marriott Hotel Qianjiang
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Oakwood Residence Hangzhou

Oakwood Residence Hangzhou

4.5 out of 5
No 28 Jiaogong Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Hangzhou. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions West Lake and Yellow Dragon ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (298 reviews)
"Personal services, extra efforts by all who work here. Our home base each time when we are in Hangzhou. Exceptional service and perfect location."

Reviewed on 21 Jun 2025

Oakwood Residence Hangzhou
Somerset IOC Hangzhou

Somerset IOC Hangzhou

4.5 out of 5
No. 2477 Jinji Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Hangzhou. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Popular attractions West Lake and Qianjiang ...
"The employee are so nice"

Reviewed on 20 Jan 2025

Somerset IOC Hangzhou
East King Business Hotel Hangzhou

East King Business Hotel Hangzhou

3 out of 5
No.1 Yuewang Road, Hangzhou, Hangzhou
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Hangzhou. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Popular attractions West Lake and No.2 Park are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (23 reviews)
"The hotel building is quite old. The room is so roomy and clean. But much smoking smell."

Reviewed on 24 Oct 2021

East King Business Hotel Hangzhou
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Hangzhou