Hangzhou
Famous for the beautiful West Lake.
About Hangzhou
Marco Polo once called Hangzhou 'the finest and most splendid city in the world.' Its centrepiece, West Lake, is ringed by pagodas, arched bridges and tea plantations, and has inspired Chinese poets and painters for a thousand years.
Just 45 minutes from Shanghai by bullet train, Hangzhou is an easy and rewarding addition to any Shanghai-based itinerary — a slower, greener contrast to the skyline next door.
Major attractions in Hangzhou
Every must-see highlight and hidden gem our itineraries are built around
West Lake
A UNESCO World Heritage lake ringed by causeways, temples and gardens.
West Lake Cruise
A boat ride past the lake's classic pagodas and pavilions.
Longjing Tea Village
The hillside origin of China's famous Dragon Well green tea.
Lingyin Temple
One of China's oldest and most important Buddhist temples, set in wooded hills.
Leifeng Pagoda
A lakeside pagoda tied to the legend of the White Snake.
Hefang Street
A historic pedestrian street of traditional shops and snacks.
Grand Canal
UNESCO waterway that once linked Hangzhou to Beijing.
Song Dynasty cultural attractions
Museums and streetscapes recreating Hangzhou's era as imperial Song capital.
Essential Details
Key information for planning your Hangzhou visit
Best Time to Visit
Mar – May / Sept – Nov offers the most comfortable conditions for sightseeing in Hangzhou.
Typical Weather
Average temperatures of 14-26°C during seasonal range — pack accordingly for the season you travel.
Getting There
A 45-minute high-speed train from Shanghai makes Hangzhou an easy day trip or overnight extension.
Language Support
English-speaking Chinese staff and Chinese-speaking Indian/Malayali guides can be arranged for Hangzhou.
Food Arrangements
Indian, Kerala, Halal, Arabic and local Chinese food options can be coordinated throughout your stay.
Local Tip
Walk or cycle the Su Causeway across West Lake for the best photo spots.
Visual Journey
A curated collection of moments across Hangzhou