Hangzhou Travel Guide: How to Plan a Hangzhou Tour

Hangzhou tops many travel lists because of its stunning nature, excellent tea and food culture, and iconic ancient temples. You'll also find all the amenities you'd expect from a world-class city, and it's just a short distance from Shanghai. Learn more about how to plan your dream Hangzhou vacation below.

A pavilion on West Lake

Best Time to Visit

Aerial view of West Lake and Leifeng Pagoda

The best times to visit Hangzhou are during the autumn (September to October) and spring (April and May). You'll enjoy pleasant temperatures ranging from 12 to 26 degrees Celsius (55 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit), which makes it ideal for hiking and seeing the gorgeous greenery in places like West Lake and Taiziwan Park. You can also take advantage of the comfortable temperatures by sipping a cup of Longjing green tea outside near the tea terraces.

During the autumn months, the temperatures are similar, between 17 and 29 degrees Celsius (69 and 84 degrees Fahrenheit). Hangzhou is alive with vibrant foliage in yellow, red, and orange shades, and the dry weather is perfect for exploring. You'll also find autumnal foliage, like Osmanthus flowers, and have the chance to birdwatch in Xixi National Wetland Park.

Additionally, the Mid-Autumn Festival is an ideal time to see the annual Qiantang River Tidal Bore, an immense wave that speeds through Hangzhou Bay in a massive wall of water before spilling out into the ocean.

Top Things to Do in Hangzhou

No matter what time of year you visit, there are plenty of great things to do in Hangzhou. We can help plan a personalized itinerary that takes your tastes and needs into account, but meanwhile, these are some absolute must-sees of this incredible city.

West Lake

Take a boat on West Lake

West Lake is a tranquil paradise in the center of Hangzhou's bustling metropolitan downtown, where you can cycle, hike, or take a relaxing boat tour out on the waters. This area is also culturally relevant, with places like the Leifeng Pagoda, which dates back to 975 C.E., and Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, three small stone pagodas set into the middle of the lake.

Longjing Tea Plantation

Meijiawu Tea Plantation in Hangzhou

One of the best things to do while you're in Hangzhou is to visit the Longjing Tea Plantation, where you can see sprawling vistas of tea terraces and sip one of the region's most famous drinks, Longjing green tea. There's also a museum that gives you a deep insight into the cultural importance of tea, Chinese tea-drinking traditions, and how this delicious beverage is harvested and prepared.

Lingyin Temple

Lingyin Temple in Hangzhou

If you're interested in Chinese culture and Zen Buddhism, Lingyin Temple should certainly be at the top of your list. This massive complex was built in 326 C.E. and includes precious relics like a 25-meter-high wooden Buddha statue. The Hall of Heavenly Kings includes the golden Maitreya Buddha and 26-meter-high statues of each of the Heavenly Kings, one for each direction.

Grand Canal

The Grand Canal is the longest human-made waterway on the planet, running from Beijing to Hangzhou. It's an excellent place to see the illuminated skyline on an evening boat cruise or visit the historical Gongchen Bridge, which dates back to the Ming Dynasty. This triple-arch stone bridge is also an exceptional place to take photographs.

Wuzhen Water Town

Wuzhen Water Town in Zhejiang

We highly recommend that you visit Wuzhen Water Town if you're interested in ancient culture and history. This 1,300-year-old town dates back to the Tang Dynasty and is split into two parts: Xizha and Dongzha. Visit Dongzha during the day for authentic indigo dye workshops and traditional performances, then go to Xizha at night. Xizha is much more developed, and it's illuminated at night, so we suggest you take a river cruise to take it in from the water.

How Many Days to Spend

Typically you'll want to spend between 2 and 3 days in Hangzhou, which will allow you to see all the city's top highlights and visit Wuzhen Water Town. We recommend that you take 2 days to visit Hangzhou city, including the Longjing Tea Plantation and West Lake. This timeline will also give you time to visit other must-visit sites, like Lingyin Temple. On the third day, visit Wuzhen Water Town, which is about an hour away from Hangzhou by car.

Where to Stay in Hangzhou

Handpicked Hangzhou hotel from our team

There are plenty of places to stay in Hangzhou, including near West Lake, Lingyin Temple, Xixi Wetland, and Qiangjiang New Town. Each area has its own unique features, which we've detailed below.

• The West Lake area is highly convenient, and you'll have access to key attractions like Hefang Street, the West Lake scenic area, and many key metro stations. It's close to key shopping districts and plenty of dining, but the prices tend to be higher than in other areas of the city. Book early in peak season to make sure that you get your preferred accommodation.
• The Lingyin Temple area is quieter and closer to more cultural attractions and temples, but there are fewer shopping, dining, and transportation options. On the other hand, you'll enjoy plenty of peace and quiet.
• The Xixi Wetland Area is an excellent choice for nature lovers, hikers, and cyclists. It's slightly outside the city but a great place to stay if your focus is on exploring the natural wonders of Hangzhou.
• Qianjiang New Town is a modern district with beautiful views of the Qiantang River and plenty of modern, more expensive accommodations. It's a great place to stay, but less convenient for classic attractions like Hefang Street and West Lake.

How to Get to Hangzhou

Hangzhou has an international airport that offers direct flights from key cities in Europe, Asia, and Australia, plus a high-speed train line that connects it to Shanghai. Most travelers visit Hangzhou from Shanghai, where trains run multiple times per day and take 1 hour to get between the two destinations. You can also fly between Shanghai and Hangzhou, and flights take about 45 minutes.

Travel Tips

These travel tips will help you make the most of your time in Hangzhou. Please don't hesitate to talk to us about any specific needs or concerns you might have before visiting.

• Visit West Lake in the early morning to see residents doing Tai Chi and have more of the lake to yourself.
• Pack plenty of layers during the winter, autumn, and early spring months, as early mornings and evenings can get chilly.
• Make sure your shoulders and knees are covered when visiting the temples.
• Good hiking shoes are a must, especially for exploring the Xixi Wetland Area and West Lake.
• West Lake is especially beautiful in the summer, when lotuses bloom across its surface.
• Take an evening canal boat ride on the Grand Canal and enjoy the Hangzhou skyline from the water.

Explore the Cultural and Natural Wonders of Hangzhou

Hangzhou truly has something for everyone, whether you're interested in hiking through some of China's finest nature, enjoying a steaming cup of local tea, or wandering through a beautifully preserved water town. Let us help you plan a fantastic trip. Visit our contact page or email us at trip@odynovotours.com to talk to a representative today.