West Lake
Hangzhou’s iconic lake landscape, framed by causeways, pagodas, gardens and wooded hills.
Zhejiang · China
Hangzhou
Discover
Discover Hangzhou
Hangzhou combines the iconic scenery of West Lake with Buddhist temples, tea culture, historic neighborhoods and easy high-speed rail access from Shanghai. It works well for a relaxed 2–3 day stay or as part of a Shanghai–Suzhou–Hangzhou journey.
Best for
Ideal stay
2–3 Days
Known for
Combine with
Shanghai · Suzhou · Huangshan
Top places to see
Top Places to See in Hangzhou
Start with the places that define the destination, then build the route around your pace and interests.
Lingyin Temple
One of China’s best-known Buddhist temples, set among forested hills, grotto carvings and historic halls.
Longjing Tea Village
Tea-growing hills near West Lake where visitors can explore Longjing culture, plantations and village life.
Leifeng Pagoda
A prominent West Lake landmark with panoramic views and strong links to the legend of the White Snake.
Hefang Street
A historic pedestrian quarter with traditional shops, local snacks, crafts and restored architecture.
China National Tea Museum
A museum set amid tea fields that introduces Chinese tea history, production and regional traditions.
Xixi Wetland
A large urban wetland of waterways, reed beds and traditional villages offering a quieter side of Hangzhou.
Grand Canal & Gongchen Bridge
A historic canal district centered on an old stone bridge, museums and preserved riverside neighborhoods.
Six Harmonies Pagoda
A historic pagoda overlooking the Qiantang River, surrounded by wooded grounds south of West Lake.
Explore the destination
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Good to know
Practical Travel Info for Hangzhou
Plan West Lake by area rather than trying to circle everything in one go, and allow a separate half-day for Lingyin Temple or Longjing tea country.
Best time to visit
March to May and September to November are generally the most comfortable seasons for West Lake, temple visits and tea-country walks. Spring is especially associated with fresh Longjing tea, while autumn brings clearer, cooler weather.
How many days
Allow 2–3 days for West Lake, Lingyin Temple, tea villages and one additional cultural or nature area. A single day is possible but feels rushed if traveling from another city.
How to get there
High-speed rail links Hangzhou with Shanghai, Suzhou, Nanjing and many other major cities. Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport also serves domestic and international routes.
Getting around
Metro and taxis work well for city transfers, while walking and cycling are useful around parts of West Lake. A private vehicle is convenient for combining tea villages, Lingyin Temple and more distant sights.
What to combine it with
Hangzhou combines naturally with Shanghai and Suzhou for a classic Jiangnan route, while Huangshan can extend the trip toward mountain scenery and traditional villages.
Your China journey
Plan Your Hangzhou Trip
Tell us your dates, interests and onward cities, and we’ll help shape a relaxed Hangzhou itinerary around your wider China trip.