Hangzhou, China

The Ultimate Guide to Traveling in Hangzhou, China

Hangzhou, the capital city of Zhejiang Province, is a must-visit destination for any traveler to China. Located in the southeastern part of the country, Hangzhou is known for its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant economy. In this guide, we’ll take you on a journey through the best places to visit, things to do, where to eat, where to stay, and tips to make your trip unforgettable.

Places to Visit

1. West Lake (Xi Hu)

  • Address: Xihu District, Hangzhou City
  • Best Time to Visit: Morning or late afternoon for a peaceful experience
  • Must-See Attractions:
    • The Temple of the Soul’s Retreat (Lingyin Temple)
    • The Memorial Archway of General Yue Fei
    • The Qinghefang Ancient Street

West Lake is the crown jewel of Hangzhou, and it’s easy to see why. This stunning artificial lake is surrounded by beautiful gardens, temples, and pagodas. Take a leisurely stroll around the lake, rent a bike, or take a romantic boat ride to explore its many wonders.

2. Lingyin Temple

  • Address: 91 Xizifeng Alley, Xihu District
  • Best Time to Visit: Morning for fewer crowds
  • Must-See Attractions:
    • The Heavenly Dragon and Tiger Pavilions
    • The Grand Master’s Hall
    • The Treasure Room

Lingyin Temple is one of the most famous Buddhist temples in China. This magnificent complex is known for its intricate carvings, paintings, and sculptures. Explore the many halls, pavilions, and gardens to discover the rich history and culture of Buddhism.

3. Xixi National Wetland Park

  • Address: No. 1238 Xixi Avenue, Xihu District
  • Best Time to Visit: Late morning or early afternoon for a peaceful experience
  • Must-See Attractions:
    • The Ancient Canals and Bridges
    • The Water Lily Garden
    • The Xixi National Wetland Park Museum

Xixi National Wetland Park is the largest urban wetland in China, covering an area of 4.3 square kilometers. This beautiful park is home to a wide variety of plants and animals, including water lilies, lotus flowers, and numerous species of birds.

4. Qinghefang Ancient Street

  • Address: No. 1-19 Qinghefang Street, Shangcheng District
  • Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon or evening for a lively atmosphere
  • Must-See Attractions:
    • The Former Residence of Hu Xiangyu
    • The Old Jailhouse
    • The Traditional Tea Houses

Qinghefang Ancient Street is one of the oldest and most historic streets in Hangzhou. This charming street is lined with traditional buildings, shops, restaurants, and cafes. Explore the many alleys and courtyards to discover the rich history and culture of Hangzhou.

5. China National Silk Museum

  • Address: No. 98 Qingchun Road, Shangcheng District
  • Best Time to Visit: Late morning or early afternoon for a peaceful experience
  • Must-See Attractions:
    • The Silk Production Hall
    • The Silk Exhibition Hall
    • The Silk Library

China National Silk Museum is the world’s first national museum dedicated to silk. This fascinating museum showcases the history, production, and culture of silk in China. Explore the many exhibits and halls to discover the rich history and significance of silk.

Things to Do

1. Take a Boat Ride on West Lake

  • Best Time: Morning or late afternoon for a peaceful experience
  • Cost: Approximately ¥50-¥100 per person

Take a romantic boat ride around West Lake to enjoy its stunning scenery, beautiful gardens, and historic landmarks.

2. Visit the Local Markets

  • Best Time: Late morning or early afternoon for a lively atmosphere
  • Cost: Free admission, but prices vary depending on the market

Visit one of Hangzhou’s many local markets to experience the vibrant culture and rich history of the city. From traditional street food to souvenirs and handicrafts, there’s something for everyone.

3. Practice Tai Chi or Qigong

  • Best Time: Early morning or late afternoon for a peaceful atmosphere
  • Cost: Free admission

Practice tai chi or qigong in one of Hangzhou’s many parks or gardens to experience the city’s rich cultural heritage and spiritual traditions.

Where to Eat

Hangzhou is famous for its traditional cuisine, which includes dishes such as Dongpo pork, Beggar’s Chicken, and West Lake Fish. Some must-try restaurants include:

  • Dongpo Restaurant: Known for its delicious Dongpo pork and other traditional dishes.
  • Beggar’s Restaurant: Famous for its signature Beggar’s Chicken dish.
  • West Lake Restaurant: Offers a wide variety of traditional Hangzhou cuisine.

Where to Stay

Hangzhou has a wide range of accommodations, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. Some top recommendations include:

  • Grand Metropark Hotel: A 5-star hotel located in the heart of Hangzhou.
  • Jinsha Lake Resort: A luxurious resort surrounded by beautiful gardens and lakes.
  • Hangzhou Shangri-La Hotel: A 5-star hotel offering stunning views of West Lake.

Things to Know

1. Language

  • Mandarin Chinese is the official language, but many locals speak Hangzhou dialect.
  • English is widely spoken in tourist areas and hotels.

2. Currency

  • The Chinese yuan (RMB) is the official currency.
  • Credit cards are accepted at most restaurants and shops.

3. Weather

  • Spring (March to May): Mild temperatures, with average highs around 22°C.
  • Summer (June to August): Hot and humid, with average highs around 32°C.
  • Autumn (September to November): Comfortable temperatures, with average highs around 20°C.
  • Winter (December to February): Cool temperatures, with average lows around 5°C.

4. Transportation

  • Taxi: Available throughout the city, but be aware that not all taxis have English language capabilities.
  • Public Bus: An efficient and affordable way to get around Hangzhou.
  • Metro: A convenient and fast way to travel within the city.

Tips

  1. Learn some basic Chinese phrases: Show respect for the local culture by learning a few basic words like "" (hello), "" (thank you), and "" (goodbye).
  2. Bring sunscreen and sunglasses: Protect yourself from the sun during your outdoor activities.
  3. Try traditional Hangzhou cuisine: Sample the city’s famous dishes to experience its rich culinary heritage.
  4. Respect local customs and traditions: Be mindful of cultural norms and values when visiting temples, parks, or other cultural sites.

Other Interesting Things

  1. The Ancient City Wall: Explore the remains of Hangzhou’s ancient city wall, which dates back over 2,000 years.
  2. The Museum of Traditional Chinese Medicine: Learn about the history and practices of traditional Chinese medicine at this fascinating museum.
  3. The Longwang Temple: Visit this beautiful temple dedicated to the Dragon King, a revered deity in Chinese mythology.

By following this guide, you’ll be well on your way to experiencing all that Hangzhou has to offer. Remember to be respectful, curious, and open-minded, and you’ll create unforgettable memories of this incredible city!