Hangzhou is by far one of the many cities in China I’ve fallen in love with. It was the overall experience of visiting new places, meeting new people, and basking in the sun, but also how beautiful and vibrant the city is. I’ve experienced enough cities in China to feel the uniqueness of each place, and Hangzhou was definitely one of them.
Here’s a Hangzhou travel guide of all the beautiful places to visit in 5 days.
About Hangzhou
Hangzhou is the capital city of Zhejiang province in eastern China. It is located about 180 kilometers southwest of Shanghai and is home to over 10 million people, making it one of the most populous cities in China.
Hangzhou is known for its beautiful natural scenery, historic landmarks, and cultural heritage. The city is surrounded by hills and mountains and is located on the banks of the West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous attractions in China.
Hangzhou has a long and rich history dating back over 2,000 years. It was also the capital of the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279) and has been an important center of commerce, culture, and education ever since.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Hangzhou is in the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and comfortable. During these seasons, the temperature is usually between 15-25°C (59-77°F) with occasional rain, making it a perfect time for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Summer (June to August) in Hangzhou can be hot and humid, with temperatures reaching up to 35°C (95°F) and occasional thunderstorms. However, the lush greenery of the West Lake area and the surrounding hills are still beautiful to explore.
Winter (December to February) in Hangzhou can be cold and damp, with occasional snowfall. However, the city’s temples and museums are still open, and the holiday decorations make it a festive time to visit.
How to get around
Depending on your preference in travel style, Hangzhou has an excellent public transport system that is accessible.
- Hangzhou Metro: The Hangzhou Metro has a large network of lines and stations that cover most of the city’s popular tourist destinations and commercial areas. Using the metro can help you get to your destination quickly and easily without the hassle of navigating through busy streets and crowded public transport.
- DiDi: Didi Chuxing is a popular ride-hailing app in China that can be used to order a taxi or private car to take you to and from places.
- Bicycle: Hangzhou, like many Chinese cities, is very bike-friendly. There are many bicycle rental services available. Renting a bike is a great way to explore the city at your own pace and take in the sights. Here are a couple of apps where you can access bike-sharing options, also my favorites:
Where to stay ~ Zhongrui Hotel
A very pleasant, clean, and convenient hotel in the city and in close proximity to many attractions. In most of the hotels I’ve stayed in, in China, I’ve enjoyed my experience. The Zhongrui Hotel is definitely one of them. Breakfast was buffet style and offered many options of vegetables, eggs, bread, and much more. The hotel location was also a 10-minute bike ride from Southern Song Imperial Street, where I was able to find and indulge in some halal food.
For booking details, here’s where you can book your stay.
What to see
Of all the lovely and scenic places in Hangzhou, these are the top attractions I found to be the most lively and beautiful. If I could visit this city again, I’d revisit all the places again for the sake of capturing what I may have missed the first time. Enjoy!
West Lake
West Lake is a scenic lake known for its natural beauty and its cultural and historical significance. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2011.
The lake covers an area of about 6.5 square kilometers (2.5 square miles) and has a circumference of about 15 kilometers (9.3 miles). It’s surrounded by hills and mountains and is fed by several small streams and rivers. Throughout the area, there are historic sites around the lake, including temples, gardens, bridges, and pavilions.
Below is a map of the lake and all the attractions you can visit during your visit.
10 Scenes of West Lake
Taking a boat ride around West Lake is a great way to see different parts of the lake. There are several types of boats available, including traditional Chinese-style boats, electric boats, and paddle boats. You can choose a guided tour or rent a boat and explore the lake on your own.
Prices for boat rides will vary.
Leifang Pagoda
The Leifeng Pagoda is a five-story tall tower and is one of the most famous landmarks of West Lake.
The original Leifeng Pagoda was built in 975 AD during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, but it collapsed in 1924 due to natural disasters and neglect. In 2002, a new pagoda was built on the same site using modern materials and techniques.
When visiting, you can climb up to the top of the pagoda to see the panoramic views of West Lake and the surrounding areas. The pagoda also houses a museum that displays artifacts and exhibits related to the history of the pagoda and West Lake.
Getting to the top of the pagoda will be very packed, especially if you’re visiting during peak tourist seasons.
To enter the pagoda there is an entrance fee of 40 yuan ($6 USD).
West Lake Cultural Square
In every city in China I’ve explored, there’s always a cultural center swarming with people of all ages. I found the West Lake Cultural Square somewhat by mistake while going for a very long bike ride, and it was well worth it.
The square is a public park in the heart of Hangzhou City with various cultural and recreational activities. You can find the Hangzhou Library, the Zhejiang Museum of Natural History, and the Zhejiang Art Museum here.
I obviously decided to watch the elder folks dance, because it was very entertaining.
Xixi Wetland Park
This is a very beautiful natural wetland park.
The wetland has breathtaking landscapes, with open water, swamps, reed beds, and forests. During my visit, I went around the park by a tour bus leading up to the drop-off area, then walked a couple of trails, and eventually explored the water by boat.
One of the highlights of the wetland is the traditional architecture and cultural heritage you can see throughout the park. There are several ancient buildings, some being the Xiaoying Pavilion and the Yanshui Pavilion, which give you a glimpse into the history and culture of the area.
When you feel like you’ve explored enough of the wetland, leading toward the exit, you will find cultural shops, restaurants, tea houses, and more.
Here’s a breakdown of the ticket prices:
Admission: 80 yuan ($11.6 USD)
Bus ride: 10 yuan ($1.5 USD)
*If you’d like to start your journey with a bus ride to get a head start, I’d recommend paying the extra 10 yuan. It’s at least a 30-minute walk to get to where the attraction is.
Boat (4 trips): 60 yuan ($8.7 USD)
*You will be given a punch card after purchasing your boat ride tickets. This will give you access to riding all the boats one time.
Southern Song Imperial Street
I visited this street both in the morning and evening, and the evening by far was the most lively.
Southern Song Imperial Street, also known as Hefang Street, is a historical pedestrian street located in the heart of Hangzhou City. You’ll find everything from traditional architecture to a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. Many of the shops have been operating for generations and offer a glimpse into the history and culture of Hangzhou.
Qinghefang Old Street
Similar to the Southern Song Imperial Street, the Qinghefang Old Street was most lively at night. This place is a wonderful location to indulge in street food and get a better image of Chinese nightlife culture.
Qinghefang Old Street is located in the Shangcheng District of Hangzhou and is known for its well-preserved historical architecture and traditional shops.
Chenghuang Pavilion & Tower
Chenghuang Pavilion and Tower is a historical tower located on Wushan Hill. The tower overlooks West Lake and the surrounding city, granting visitors beautiful views from above.
The tower was first built in the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) and was later restored and expanded during the Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD). It is one of the oldest and most well-preserved pagodas in Hangzhou. The tower is also divided into seven stories and stands at a height of approximately 40 meters.
The best time to visit the Chenghuang Tower has to be during sunset. The colors are magnificent and the views of the city make you appreciate it even more.
To enter the tower, the entrance fee for adults is 30 yuan and 15 yuan for children.
This tower is also in very close proximity to Qinghefang Old Street, so make sure to head down to the street after catching the sunset.
Longjing Tea Field
Longjing tea field, also known as the Dragon Well tea field, is famous for its tea production in Hangzhou. It is widely considered to produce some of the highest-quality green tea in the world.
The Longjing tea field covers an area of around 800 acres and is divided into different sections based on the quality of the tea produced. The highest quality Longjing tea is grown in the Shi Feng section, which is located on the west side of the West Lake in Hangzhou.
I truly fell in love with how green and lush the field is. Right before entering the field perimeters, there are houses down the hill that have turned into tea houses and restaurants. I made my way into one and drank the most refreshing yet enjoyably bitter tea.
As I was strolling through the field, I also met a couple of individuals who were also touring the place from different cities in China. I also bought fresh persimmons and chestnuts from an auntie selling her local produce.
If you get the chance to visit any tea field, I wholeheartedly recommend it.
China National Tea Museum
More lush and green fields. After heading back down from the Longjing Tea Field, I decided to take a local bus to take me into the city. On the way, I caught a glimpse of The China National Tea Museum and decided to get off and see more.
The China National Tea Museum is a museum dedicated to the history and culture of tea in China. The museum features a variety of exhibits related to tea, including ancient tea utensils, tea production equipment, and tea art. The museum’s collection includes over 20,000 items related to tea, making it one of the largest tea museums in the world.
You can walk around the fields of tea, similar to the Longjing tea field. It’s also an excellent place to take photos, with beautiful natural lighting.
Qiantang River & Bridge
The Qiantang River is a large river that flows from the western hills of Hangzhou, through the city, and out to the East China Sea. It was first built in 1937 and was the first bridge to be built across the river. The original bridge was destroyed during the Second Sino-Japanese War and was rebuilt in 1958. In 2003, a new bridge was built to replace the old one.
I surprisingly found the Qiantang River in hopes of looking for a halal restaurant to eat at. I had the DiDi driver drop me off at a random street and found a bike from there and started riding until I decided to settle for Costa Coffee.
When visiting the bridge, I’d recommend passing the bridge and finding a bike to ride along the river. As the sun is setting, take a taxi back to see the sunset as you drive across the bridge. This was a highlight for me to see.
Well, there you have it, an all-inclusive Hangzhou travel guide to the city. There’s nothing more wholesome about travel than a well-rounded experience.
For more on Hangzhou, click here to check out my guide on halal food and mosques around the city.
As always, happy travels!
