Hangzhou
East Asia · China
Did you know?
- Longjing tea and the plantations around Longjing Village make tea culture tangible.
- Walking around West Lake takes about five hours; cycling is popular nearby.
- An evening lake show adds a theatrical option to the waterfront.
See also
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Shaoxing
China30.00°N 120.60°E
Overview
Hangzhou is known for West Lake, historical heritage, classical gardens, temples, and tea culture. Its modern tech scene adds a contemporary layer to the former Southern Song capital.
Languages: Chinese
Why go?
Hangzhou is one of China's most important tourist cities, famous for its natural beauty (especially West Lake) and rich historical heritage. The city served as the capital of the Southern Song Dynasty and offers a blend of classical gardens, temples, tea culture, and modern tech buzz.
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Get in
Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH) serves domestic and international flights, including Amsterdam, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. High-speed trains from Shanghai (about one hour) and other cities arrive at Hangzhou East Station or Hangzhou Station. Buses connect to nearby cities.
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Get around
The Metro (lines 1,2,4,5) covers the city and lake area. Buses cost ¥1-3. Taxis are plentiful, but have your destination written in Chinese. Cycling is popular but banned directly along the lake in some sections. Walking around West Lake takes about 5 hours.
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When to go
Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are best. Summer (June-September) is hot and humid. The tea harvest in March-May offers a unique experience. Winters are cold but can be beautiful with snow on West Lake.
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Where to stay
Budget options include Hangzhou International Youth Hostel (dorms from ¥40) and Hangzhou Garden Youth Hostel. Pod Inn and My Inn Hotel offer private rooms from ¥95. Mid-range hotels are along Nanshan Road and near the lake. The Overseas Chinese Hotel offers lake views at reasonable rates.
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Food and drink
Hangzhou cuisine features dishes like dongpo rou (braised pork belly) and West Lake fish in vinegar sauce. Local snacks include xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) and pian'er chuan (noodles with preserved vegetables). Cheap eats are at Wushan Square. For drinks, Longjing tea is the specialty; try it at Hupao Spring. Nanshan Road has many bars and clubs.
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Things to do
Walk or cycle around West Lake (12 km), visit Lingyin Temple and the Feilaifeng Grottoes, hike in the surrounding mountains, and take a boat to the islands. Tea plantations in Longjing Village are worth a visit. For evening entertainment, watch the 'Impression West Lake' show (from ¥260) or stroll along Nanshan Road.
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Stay safe
The area around West Lake has biting insects that may cause allergic reactions. Use insect repellent. General safety is good, but watch out for pickpockets in crowded areas like night markets.
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Connectivity
Free WiFi is available in many hotels and some cafes. SIM cards can be purchased at the airport or from China Mobile/Unicom shops. High-speed internet is common in hotel rooms.
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Budget
Daily backpacker budget: dorm bed ¥40-50, meals from ¥25, bus/taxi ¥10-30, entry fees ¥10-40. Tea at a teahouse costs about ¥20 per cup. Budget for ¥150-250 per day.
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Day trips
Shanghai is about one hour by high-speed train. Suzhou is two hours by bus (¥68). Qiandao Lake (Thousand Island Lake) is a scenic reservoir. Other options include Tianmushan, Lake Tai, and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain).
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Etiquette
When visiting temples, dress modestly and remove shoes where required. Bargaining is expected at markets. Tipping is not customary. It's polite to accept tea if offered.
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Go next
Popular onward destinations include Shanghai, Suzhou, Huangshan, and Moganshan. Buses and trains connect frequently.
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Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- eat
Haveli
Indoor and outdoor dining. Expensive and small dishes.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Indian Kitchen
All you can eat/all you can drink buffet on Saturday & Sunday nights. ¥98, excellent service and tasty food. Serves pretty good masala dosa.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
L'Amour French Restaurant
87 Shu Guang Lu (on the right of youtou bar), +86 57186592191. is a French brasserie serving strictly homemade food in a Shanghaï-Belle-époque themed environment. Closed every Thursday.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Lou Wai Lou
The most famous restaurant in Hangzhou and in existence for over 150 years, and visited by President Nixon on his first trip to China. Lou Wai Lou also has a second establishment called "Shan Wai Shan" right on the Botanical Gardens. “West Lake sweet & sour fish” is a specialty of this place, and another dish to try is the Beggar’s Chicken, wrapped in fresh lotus leaves and baked on fire. The chicken meat is soft and tender and falls easily off the bones. The restaurant is full every night so a reservation is highly recommended.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Ming Ren Ming Jia
Not only normal can have a delicious lunch, but also can satisfy some people‘s vanity. It has many kind of food, the characteristic of this restaurant is snake and a variety of Chinese food. There also a book shop named Bo Ku book shop near the Ming Ren Ming Jia.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Mingjia seafood workshops
A famous seafood restaurant, built in 2008. Located at the intersection of Tianmushan Road and Huanghushan Road, near the Huanglong stadium. To be a modern restaurant, the decoration is comfortable. This restaurant belongs to the MIngren Mingjia food limited company, which is one of the biggest restaurants in Hangzhou.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Provence
Is a restaurant in Hangzhou, serving fresh French and Mediterranean food. Good selection of wines, liquors and cocktails available. Weekend all day brunch.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Qiantang Chongjin Noodle Restaurant
Popular spot for Hangzhou-style noodles.
Recorded price: ¥25
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Health
Biting insects may cause allergic reactions. Use repellent. Medical services include Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital (English-speaking nurse available for ¥100).
Language
Local language is Wu Chinese (Hangzhou dialect). Mandarin is widely spoken. English is not common; have destinations written in Chinese.
Money
Currency is the Chinese yuan (CNY). Cash is widely used; credit cards accepted at larger hotels and restaurants. Bargaining is expected at markets.
Safety
Watch out for biting insects near West Lake. General urban safety is good, but beware of pickpockets in crowded areas.
Transport
Metro lines serve major areas. Buses cost ¥1-3. Taxis are affordable; have your destination in Chinese.
Visa
Most foreign visitors need a visa to enter China. Check with Chinese embassy.