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Hangzhou

China

Pace: balanced Scenic Historic Serene Cultural
Ideal trip length
3 - 5 days
Busiest
Apr-May, Sep-Oct
Hangzhou
Destination
Dates
Guests 1 room, 1 adults, 0 children
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Where to stay

Hotels in Hangzhou

Book direct on our own Hangzhou hotel pages — no booking fee and instant confirmation.

At a glance

Climate
Temperate
Languages
Mandarin and Hangzhou dialect
Local currency
CNY (CNY)
Local time
(GMT+8)
Ideal trip length
3–5 days
Cost level
3 of 5 · our research
Suggested area to stay
West Lake Area
Tap water
Bottled water recommended
Tipping
Not customary

What this place is for

History

95 · Outstanding

Culture

90 · Outstanding

Food

90 · Outstanding

Family 80 · Very good

Our own 0–100 ratings for this one destination. They describe a city; they are not a league table of cities.

Food to try

Dongpo Pork Longjing Shrimp Beggar's Chicken West Lake Fish in Vinegar Gravy

When to visit Hangzhou

How good each month is here, on this destination's own scale. It compares months within this city, never one city against another.

Best months: April, September Busiest: Apr-May, Sep-Oct
  1. Jan
    30

    Cold, often grey

  2. Feb
    40

    Chilly, spring approaches

  3. Mar
    70

    Cool, cherry blossoms

  4. Apr
    90

    Pleasant, vibrant blooms

  5. May
    85

    Warm, beautiful scenery

  6. Jun
    60

    Hot, humid, rainy

  7. Jul
    50

    Very hot, humid

  8. Aug
    55

    Hot, humid, occasional storms

  9. Sept
    90

    Mild, clear skies, ideal

  10. Oct
    85

    Cool, crisp, autumn leaves

  11. Nov
    70

    Chilly, quieter

  12. Dec
    40

    Cold, sometimes foggy

Things to do in Hangzhou

7 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.

Best in the morning

2 places

Lingyin Temple

Wulin 3 hrs

Explore one of China's wealthiest Buddhist temples and its grottoes.

Indoors Good for children

Longjing Tea Plantation

Longjing Village 2.5 hrs

Wander through lush tea fields and sample famous Dragon Well tea.

Outdoors Good for children

Best in the afternoon

1 place

Leifeng Pagoda

West Lake 2 hrs

Ascend this historic pagoda for panoramic views of West Lake.

Indoors Good for children

Best in the evening

2 places

Hefang Street

Shangcheng 2 hrs

Stroll through a bustling historic street filled with traditional shops and snacks.

Outdoors Good for children

Impression West Lake Show

West Lake 1.5 hrs

Witness a spectacular outdoor musical on the lake, directed by Zhang Yimou.

Outdoors Good for children

Any time of day

2 places

West Lake Cruise

West Lake 1.5 hrs

Glide across the iconic West Lake, admiring islands and pagodas.

Outdoors Good for children

Xixi National Wetland Park

Xihu 4 hrs

Discover a serene wetland ecosystem with boat rides and traditional villages.

Outdoors Good for children

Hangzhou itineraries

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For couples

2 Days in Hangzhou — Romance

Discover the timeless beauty and intimate charm of Hangzhou, perfect for couples seeking a romantic escape.

This 2-day itinerary is crafted for couples looking to immerse themselves in the poetic landscapes and cultural richness of Hangzhou. From serene boat rides on West Lake to exploring ancient tea plantations and enjoying enchanting evening performances, every moment is designed for shared memories and intimate connection.

2 Days 10 Stops
See the full plan
Things to book

Tours and activities in Hangzhou

Guided tours, day trips and tickets to book alongside your stay.

Practical ratings

Our own ratings and key insights for this destination.

Eating & Culinary

Dongpo Pork 95 · Outstanding
Longjing Shrimp 87 · Outstanding
Beggar's Chicken 78 · Very good
West Lake Fish In Vinegar Gravy 70 · Good

Signature Experiences

West Lake Cruise 95 · Outstanding
Leifeng Pagoda 91 · Outstanding
Lingyin Temple 87 · Outstanding
Longjing Tea Plantation 83 · Very good
Hefang Street 78 · Very good
Impression West Lake Show 74 · Good
Xixi National Wetland Park 70 · Good

Best Suitable For

Couples 95 · Outstanding
Families 90 · Outstanding
Friends 85 · Outstanding
Culture 80 · Very good
History 75 · Very good
Nature 70 · Good

Planning & Tips

Download a translation app for easier communication. 95 · Outstanding
Book accommodations near West Lake for best access to sights. 83 · Very good
Carry cash for smaller vendors, though mobile payment is dominant. 70 · Good

Ratings and recommendations are curated from local travel data.

Near Hangzhou

Straight-line distance from the centre of Hangzhou.

Getaways from Hangzhou

Places people from Hangzhou travel to, from our own travel research.

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