Written by Catherine |
As the capital of Zhejiang Province and one of the Eight Ancient Capitals of China, Hangzhou is known as a “Paradise on Earth”. It not only boasts the poetic natural scenery of Jiangnan, but also has profound historical and cultural heritage. Hangzhou is a vibrant and prosperous urban city, too. Here are some Hangzhou travel tips and FAQs that you may be interested in.
What Is Hangzhou Best Known for?
Hangzhou is best known for the West Lake, which is a renowned tourist destination in China and even the world. As the first national 5A scenic spot in China open for free, tourists can freely explore and experience its unique charm.
Hangzhou is one of the important birthplaces of Chinese tea culture, and West Lake Longjing Tea is one of China’s top ten famous teas. In addition, Hangzhou is the famous Silk Capital in China. You can visit the Silk Museum and purchase various exquisite silk products. Hangzhou is also famous for the delicious food Dongpo Pork, Lingyin Temple and Jiangnan Water Towns, etc.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Hangzhou?
Hangzhou is suitable for tourism all year round, but spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best time to visit when the weather is pleasant.
In spring, the willows by West Lake sprout out, while flowers are in full bloom. This is also a good season for picking new Longjing tea. In autumn, the breeze is refreshing, and the scenery of West Lake has a unique flavor. Although summer (June to August) is hot, lotus flowers bloom, making it a paradise for photography enthusiasts. Winter is suitable for enjoying snow scenery.
Top Attractions & Things to Do in Hangzhou
- West Lake is the iconic scenic spot in Hangzhou, renowned for its beautiful lake and mountain scenery and rich historical and cultural heritage. You can choose to walk, bicycle, or cruise to explore the Ten Views of West Lake, Nine Creeks in Misty Forest, etc.
- Lingyin Temple is one of the top ten famous Buddhist temples in China and a popular attraction for tourists to pray. The sculptures on Feilai Peak are the pinnacle of Jiangnan stone carving Due to high passenger flow, it is recommended to depart early.
- Xixi National Wetland Park boasts abundant flora and fauna resources and unique natural landscapes. Take a small boat to shuttle between waterways, or stroll and admire flowers, relaxing your body and mind in the peaceful nature.
- Liuhe Pagoda is one of cultural landmarks in Hangzhou, a great place for overlooking the magnificent scenery of the Qiantang River.
- Song Cheng is a famous theme park in Hangzhou, set against the backdrop of Song Dynasty history and culture. Don’t miss the amazing “Legend of Romance”- one of the world’s three famous shows.
- Qiandao Lake, although slightly far from downtown Hangzhou, has breathtaking scenery. The lake water is clear to the bottom, with over one thousand islands scattered all over. Suitable for cycling, boating, and camping.
Travel Tips: Popular Hangzhou attractions require advance booking of tickets on official platforms, especially during China holidays.
Transportation Within Hangzhou – Getting Around Hangzhou
From Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport to the city center, you can choose to take the airport bus or take subway. Hangzhou has multiple railway stations such as Hangzhou Railway Station and Hangzhoudong Railway Station, with convenient transportation.
Within Hangzhou city, subway is the preferred mode of transportation, convenient and comfortable. At present, Hangzhou Metro Lines can cover most scenic spots and commercial areas.
There are many bus routes in Hangzhou, and although congestion is common during peak hours, the ticket prices are lower. If time is tight or there is a lot of luggage, taking a taxi or ride hailing service is also a good choice. In addition, shared bicycles are a good helper for enjoying the scenery by West Lake.
What and Where to Eat in Hangzhou?
During your Hangzhou travel, try the following authentic food:
- West Lake Fish in Vinegar Gravy (西湖醋鱼), recommended restaurants: Lou Wai Lou and the Grandma’s
- Dongpo Pork (东坡肉), recommended restaurant: Zhi Wei Guan
- Fried Shrimps with Longjing Tea (龙井虾仁), recommended restaurant: Green Tea
- Pianerchuan(片儿川), recommended restaurants: Kuiyuan Restaurant and Juying Noodle Shop.
Recommended Food Streets in Hangzhou
- Wulin Night Market: Located by West Lake, it gathers snacks and creative markets from all over China, particularly suitable for going at night.
- Hefang Street and Southern Song Imperial Street: Paradise of food, preserving unique historical charm. Various snacks, specialties, and handicrafts to explore.
- Wushan Square: A gathering place for delicious food, famous for a snack – crispy corn, and also hiding many authentic Hangzhou food.
Which Areas to Stay in Hangzhou?
Here are some Hangzhou travel tips about choosing a suitable accommodation location:
It is highly recommended to stay in areas near West Lake, such as West Lake Cultural Square, Longxiang Bridge, Fengqi Road, Wulin Square, etc., which are close to the subway and there are many delicious foods nearby. Staying around Hefang Street is also a good choice.
If you enjoy the urban hustle and bustle, you can also stay in the area of Qianjiang New City and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Qiantang River.
Nearest Water Town to Hangzhou
There are many water towns and ancient towns near Hangzhou, full of the tenderness and charm of Jiangnan.
- Tangqi Ancient Town, 30 kilometers away from Hangzhou, about 50 minutes’ driving: one of the top ten famous towns in Jiangnan, located on the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, peaceful and leisurely, with must-visit attractions such as the seven-hole ancient bridge – Guangji Bridge.
- Anchang Ancient Town, 40 kilometers away from Hangzhou, 1 hour’s driving: one of the four ancient towns in Shaoxing, with a history of over a thousand years. It has the most typical characteristics of Jiangnan water town, with a strong sense of life. Remember to taste the authentic food
- Nanxun Ancient Town, 95 kilometers away from Hangzhou, about 2 hours’ driving: located in Huzhou City, it was once a famous silk town in Jiangnan. Abundant cultural resources and a combination of Chinese and Western architecture.
More FAQs for a Hangzhou Trip
Below are more things to know about Hangzhou travel tips:
Longjing Tea Plantation Vs. Meijiawu Tea Plantation: Which One to Visit?
Longjing Tea Plantation (Dragon Well) and Meijiawu are two famous tea villages in Hangzhou, both located around West Lake. If you like peaceful small villages of Jiangnan and experience the life of tea farmers, Meijiawu is a better choice. If you have a strong interest in tea culture and want to delve into the history of Longjing tea, Longjing Village would be more suitable for you.
Longjing Village, known as the first tea village, is surrounded by tea fields, and the ancient roads and buildings are also major highlights. Longjing Village not only has tea houses, but also many historic tea rooms and a Tea Museum.
Meijiawu is the birthplace of Longjing tea, with a history of more than 600 years. It has beautiful mountains, clear waters, and layered tea fields. You can taste tea and pick tea here. The tea houses and “nongjiale” are also very distinctive.
How Many Days Are Enough for Hangzhou Travel?
It is recommended to arrange 3-5 days for a Hangzhou tour, so that you can fully experience the unique attractions and charm of Hangzhou.
Day 1, visit the West Lake Scenic Area and visit its famous attractions. In the evening, taste local food on Hefang Street. Day 2, visit Lingyin Temple and Feilai Peak, then go to Longjing Village. In the evening, watch the performance in Song Cheng. Day 3, visit Xixi Wetland Park, and then go to Qiandao Lake as you wish. Day 4 and 5, visit nearby water towns such as Nanxun, Wuzhen, etc.
Is Hangzhou Safe for Solo Female Travelers?
It is safe for females to travel alone in Hangzhou. The public security in Hangzhou is very good, the quality of citizens is also high, the surveillance network covers a wide area, and safety is guaranteed.
Here are some Hangzhou travel tips about safety: plan your itinerary in advance, choose a safe accommodation, keep your belongings safe, keep in touch with family or friends, and choose regular transportation and tour guides.
What Did Marco Polo Say About Hangzhou?
Marco Polo was the earliest European traveler to introduce Hangzhou to Europe. In 1275, the famous Italian traveler and merchant Marco Polo arrived in the Great Capital of the Yuan Dynasty and traveled in China for 17 years. In the Travels of Marco Polo, he gave the highest praise to Hangzhou, praising it as the “most beautiful and luxurious heavenly city in the world” – magnificent, splendid, and prosperous, seemingly unparalleled in the world.
How Many UNESCO World Heritage Sites Does Hangzhou Have?
Hangzhou has the following three world heritage sites:
- West LakeCultural Landscape: It consists of six elements, namely the West Lake natural landscape, the city and lake spatial characteristics, the landscape pattern of “two embankments and three islands”, the “Ten Views of West Lake”, the West Lake cultural and historical sites, and the West Lake characteristic plants. Together, they form an indispensable tourist attraction in Hangzhou.
- Grand Canal (Hangzhou Section): It is an important part of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, with a total length of about 327 kilometers. Along the way, there are numerous historical relics, ancient buildings, and folk legends. Tourists can take a boat tour of the canal, enjoy the beautiful scenery of Jiangnan water towns on both sides, and experience the ancient canal culture.
- Liangzhu Archaeological Ruins: Located in Yuhang District, as an outstanding representative of the late Neolithic period, it witnessed the splendid civilization of the lower reaches of the Yangtze River in China from 5300 to 4300 years ago.
How Can I Reach Hangzhou from Shanghai?
The fastest and most convenient way from Shanghai to Hangzhou is by high-speed train. It usually takes about 1.5 hour to arrive. Meanwhile, there are many many high-speed trains for you to choose.
Hangzhou is about 180 kilometers away from Shanghai, so self driving is also a good choice. You can drive along the G60 Shanghai-Kunming Expressway, which takes approximately 2-3 hours to reach.
Which Train Station Should I Use if I Arrive at Hangzhou by Train?
Taking a train to Hangzhou, you can generally choose from the following train stations:
- Hangzhou Railway Station is very close to the West Lake scenic area and the city center. There are subway lines 1 and 5 here.
- Hangzhoudong Railway Station is mainly serving high-speed trains. There are subway lines 1 and 4 here. It is the first choice for most tourists.
- Hangzhounan Railway Station: There are relatively few trains. However, if you plan to travel to Xiaoshan areas, this station will be very convenient.
Related reading: Hangzhou Travel Facts: 12 Things You Didn’t Know
