Written by Catherine |
Hangzhou, a city full of poetry and romance, attracts countless tourists home and abroad with its natural beauty of lakes and hills as well as profound historical and cultural heritage. Here is a step-to-step guide to help you plan a Hangzhou tour easily and reasonably.
Hangzhou Weather & Best Time to Visit
Hangzhou has a subtropical monsoon climate with distinct four seasons and abundant rainfall. The average annual temperature is 17.8 ℃, the average relative humidity is 70.3%, and the annual precipitation is 1454 millimeters. No matter when you travel to Hangzhou, you can appreciate the unique charm of Hangzhou.
Which month is best to visit Hangzhou? From the perspective of tourism experience and climate comfort, spring (March – April) and autumn (September – October) are the best time to visit Hangzhou. The spring breeze is warm, the autumn air is crisp, without the scorching heat of summer or the chilly coldness of winter, making these months very suitable for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Hangzhou in Spring
In spring, Hangzhou’s temperature ranges from 15-25 ℃. The West Lake is surrounded by peach blossoms and green willows, and with just a snap, it’s an amazing picture! Especially, the West Lake Cherry Blossom Festival and the tea picking activities at Longjing Tea Plantation have attracted a large number of tourists.
Hangzhou in Summer
In summer (June to August), although lotus flowers can be seen in full bloom, the temperature is relatively high. It is important to take measures to protect yourself from the sun and repel mosquitoes and insects due to the hot weather. Late June to early July is the plum-rain season, so be sure to bring rain gear when traveling in Hangzhou.
Hangzhou in Autumn
In autumn, Hangzhou is filled with the fragrance of osmanthus flowers, and the leaves by West Lake are as red as oil paintings. The cool weather is suitable for hiking and cycling. But there is a large temperature difference between morning and evening, so it is recommended to carry a lightweight jacket.
Hangzhou in Winter
In winter (November to February), the temperature is relatively low, which is suitable for enjoying the unique beauty of Lingering Snow on the Broken Bridge. Winter is also a good time to visit indoor attractions in Hangzhou, such as China National Silk Museum and China National Tea Museum.
Tips: Try to avoid China public holidays such as May Day and National Day, as these are peak tourist periods.
Top Attractions and Things to Do in Hangzhou
West Lake: The Classic Place to Visit on Hangzhou Trip
West Lake is the soul of Hangzhou. One of the top ten scenic spots in China, it was included in the World Heritage List in 2011.
You can watch the sunset at Leifeng Pagoda, stroll on the Su Causeway leisurely, and visit Xiling Society of Seal Arts. There are also Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, Yue Fei Temple, Viewing Fish at Flower Harbor, Breeze-ruffled Lotus at Quyuan Garden, etc. The famous “Ten Views of West Lake”, with nature and culture complementing each other, constitute the core of Hangzhou tours.
Lingyin Temple: Feel Zen Spirit in Thousand-Year-Old Temple
- Feilai Peak Stone Carvings: One of the most exquisite Buddhist stone carvings in China, ancient and mysterious.
- The Great Buddha’s Hall: Many people come here specially to pray for blessings.
- Faxi Temple: Hidden deep in the hills and forests, it becomes a fairyland when autumn red leaves fall.
Xixi National Wetland: The Unique Urban Oasis
Xixi Wetland is the first national wetland park in China. The ecological environment here is beautiful, with criss-crossing rivers, lush green trees, and swaying reeds. Taking a small boat, you will feel like entering a paradise on earth. Whether it’s taking photos or experiencing slow life, Xixi Wetland is always an excellent choice.
Southern Song Imperial Street: The Taste of Old Hangzhou
This antique street was once the central axis of the Southern Song imperial city, and the buildings on both sides preserved a strong sense of history. Here you can also find paper cuttings, silk, Longjing tea and other traditional handicrafts in Hangzhou. You can visit together with Hefang Street and Wushan Night Market to experience the nightlife of old Hangzhou and taste all kinds of authentic snacks. This is an ideal answer to what to do in Hangzhou at night.
Qiandao Lake: The Most Beautiful Landscape Near Hangzhou
If you enjoy natural scenery, Qiandao (Thousand-Island) Lake is suitable for relaxing your mind.
- Takinga cruise around the lake area: There are 1078 small islands here, and the lake water is clear to the bottom.
- Cycling on Qiandao Lake Greenway: Cycling around the lake is the best experience, with fresh air and picturesque scenery.
- Tasting Qiandao Lake Fish-Head Soup: One of the most famous local delicacies. Be sure to try it.
Grand Canal (Hangzhou Section): A Witness to Canal Culture
Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal is the longest artificial canal in the world, and the scenery of Hangzhou section is particularly attractive. You can take a night cruise on the canal, see the ancient Gongchen Bridge and feel the cultural atmosphere of the ancient canal. The combination of old buildings and canal scenery is full of the charm of Jiangnan water towns.
Song Cheng: Experiencing the Charm of Song Dynasty Culture
You can watch the large-scale live performance “Legend of Romance” in Song Cheng, hailed as one of the most stunning stage plays in China. Experience the ancient market, and ancient games such as Pitch Pot and Cuju. There are many staff wearing Song Dynasty costumes in the scenic area, allowing you to travel through thousands of years.
Enjoying Authentic Hangzhou Cuisine
There are many special foods in Hangzhou, such as Dongpo Pork, West Lake Fish in Vinegar Gravy, Fried Shrimps with Longjing Tea, Beggar’s Chicken, as well as Xiaolongbao with Crab Meat, Pian’er Chuan Noodles, Congbaohui, Dingsheng Cake, etc. You can go to time-honored restaurants such as Louwailou and Zhiweiguan or some popular snack shops to experience Hangzhou’s food culture.
In addition, you can also visit the famous Longjing tea producing areas – Longjing Tea Plantation and Meijiawu Tea Village, climb the Liuhe Pagoda on the bank of Qiantang River, watch the sunrise on Baoshi Mountain, experiencing the unique charm of this “heaven on earth”!
Related reading: Hangzhou Travel Facts: 12 Things You Didn’t Know
How to Get to & Travel Around Hangzhou
Hangzhou has well-developed transportation. Planes, trains, and highways are all very convenient. The most common choices for people coming from outside Zhejiang Province to Hangzhou are airplanes and high-speed trains. There are two main railway stations in Hangzhou city: Hangzhou Railway Station and Hangzhoudong Railway Station (high-speed train). From Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport, Hangzhoudong Railway Station, or Hangzhou Railway Station, you can take Metro Line 1 directly to the downtown.
Then how to get around Hangzhou? The public transportation in Hangzhou is very convenient, including subways, buses, and shared bicycles. The subway can directly reach most scenic spots, so choose the subway as much as possible to avoid traffic jams. Buses can take you through the streets and alleys of Hangzhou, experiencing the city’s life atmosphere. Shared bicycles are suitable for short distance travel.
How Many Days to Spend in Hangzhou?
Hangzhou is one of the most charming tourist destinations in China. Generally speaking, a 3-5 day itinerary can provide a comprehensive experience of Hangzhou’s classic attractions and unique culture. Below are some recommendations for planing a trip to Hangzhou.
Recommended Hangzhou Day Trip Itinerary
- Arriveat Lingyin Temple in the early morning, visit the Feilai Peak stone carving statues, climb the North Peak to visit the “World’s Number One Temple of Wealth” (Lingshun Temple), and then go to Faxi Temple.
- Go toLongjing Village to taste Farmhouse Cuisine for lunch, then take a cruise on West Lake. Climb the Leifeng Pagoda to overlook the panoramic view of West Lake. Walk or cycle on the Su Causeway. If time is tight, you can choose the section from Bai Causeway to Broken Bridge.
- In the evening, stroll through Hefang Street/Southern Song Imperial Street- the most bustling historical district in Hangzhou, and then watch the light show by Qiantang River.
Hangzhou Trip for 2-3 Days
In addition to the above, you can add West Lake Music Fountain in the evening, Xixi Wetland cruise, Gongchen Bridge Canal Culture, Song Cheng performance, or a Jiangnan ancient water town nearby to your Hangzhou 2-3 day itinerary.
Our Popular Hangzhou Short Tours:
- Hangzhou Sightseeing Day Tour
- One Day Wuzhen Ancient Town Tour from Hangzhou
- 2 Days Hangzhou Tour: Tea Plantation, Bamboo Forest…
- 2 Days Hangzhou Essence Tour
Hangzhou Itinerary 5-7 Days
- Classic Tour around West Lake: Broken Bridge, Bai Causeway, cycleon Su Causeway, lunch, boat tour of Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, climb Leifeng Pagoda; watch the Music Fountain after dinner
- Follow the reverse route ofFaxi Temple to Yongfu Temple and then to Lingyin Temple, admire the Feilai Peak stone carvings, visit Tea Plantations, and watch the performance in Song Cheng in the evening
- Boat tour of Xixi Wetland;night tour of Qiantang River, watch the light show
- Visit the Gongchen Bridge on the Grand Canal, then visit the China Silk Museum, ZhejiangProvincial Museum or Hangzhou Museum. Taste Hangzhou’s specialty dishes and snacks at Wulin Night Market.
- Go to Qiandao Lake, take a lake cruisearound the islands, and taste the unique cuisine.
- If your have enough time, expand your tour to Shanghai, Suzhou, Huangshan, etc. >> How to Plan a Shanghai-Suzhou-Hangzhou Tour
Related Reading: How to Choose Between Hangzhou and Suzhou for the Best Trip
Our Best China Tours Including Hangzhou:
- 5 Days Hangzhou Huangshan Highlight Tour by High-speed Train
- 6 Days Shanghai Suzhou Hangzhou Tour with Tongli Water Town
- 7 Days China Private Tour of Shanghai-Hangzhou-Huangshan
- 9 Days China Private Tour: Shanghai Suzhou Huangshan Hangzhou
Hangzhou Visa-free Transit
On December 17, 2024, the National Immigration Administration further relaxed and optimized China’s visa–free transit policy.
Citizens from the 54 eligible countries who transit via China to a third country (region) may enter visa-free from any of the 60 open ports, including Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport. They may stay for no more than 240 hours (10 days) within the allowed areas of 24 provinces (autonomous regions and municipals), and travel across provinces. The permitted stay area in Zhejiang covers the administrative regions of all cities in the province.
Essential Hangzhou Travel Tips
- The scenic areas in Hangzhou areusually very large, it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes. Ride a shared bicycle around West Lake, super healing.
- Remember to plan your Hangzhou tripand book tickets in advance for famous attractions, especially Lingyin Temple and Leifeng Pagoda!
- Hotels should be booked in advance, and it is highly recommended to stay near West Lakefor convenient travel and complete supporting facilities.
