Hangzhou is what Marco Polo called "the finest and most splendid city in the world." Home to West Lake, Longjing green tea, and silk — it's the most romantic city in China.
Best of all: it's just 1 hour by train from Shanghai.
Must-See Attractions
West Lake (西湖)
The soul of Hangzhou. A UNESCO World Heritage Site with pagodas, gardens, temples, and causeways around a serene lake.
- Best experience: Walk or bike the causeway (3.6 km Su Causeway)
- Boat ride: ¥55 for a traditional wooden boat to the Three Pools Mirroring the Moon
- Sunrise/sunset: Both are magical — sunrise is quieter
- Free to visit (boat rides cost extra)
Longjing Tea Plantations (龙井茶园)
The home of China's most famous green tea. Walk through terraced tea fields and taste fresh-picked Longjing.
- Where: Longjing Village or Meijiawu Tea Village
- Experience: Tea picking + tasting + learning about tea processing
- Price: Free to walk; tea tasting ¥50-100
- Best time: April (spring harvest) — the tea is at its best
Lingyin Temple (灵隐寺)
One of China's most important Buddhist temples, with 700+ Buddha carvings in the surrounding cliffs.
- Ticket: ¥75 (temple) + ¥30 (Feilai Peak)
- Time needed: 2-3 hours
- Pro tip: Go early morning for the best light through the trees
Xixi Wetland (西溪湿地)
A vast urban wetland park — one of the few of its kind in China.
- Ticket: ¥80
- Best experience: Boat tour through the waterways
- Time needed: Half day
Hangzhou in One Day
If you're day-tripping from Shanghai (which 80% of visitors do):
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8:00 AM | High-speed train from Shanghai (1 hour) |
| 9:30 AM | West Lake walk or boat ride |
| 12:00 PM | Lunch at Louwailou (famous Hangzhou restaurant) |
| 1:30 PM | Lingyin Temple |
| 4:00 PM | Longjing Tea Village |
| 6:00 PM | Train back to Shanghai |
For train booking tips, see our train travel guide.
Food in Hangzhou
| Dish | What It Is | Where to Try |
|---|---|---|
| Dongpo Pork (东坡肉) | Braised pork belly, sweet and tender | Louwailou (楼外楼) |
| West Lake Fish in Vinegar Gravy (西湖醋鱼) | Sweet and sour freshwater fish | Louwailou |
| Longjing Shrimp (龙井虾仁) | Shrimp stir-fried with Longjing tea leaves | Any Hangzhou restaurant |
| Beggar's Chicken (叫花鸡) | Chicken wrapped in lotus leaves and baked in clay | Traditional restaurants |
When to Visit
Best months: March-May (cherry blossoms, spring tea) and September-November (autumn colors, comfortable weather).
For month-by-month details across all of China, see our best time to visit guide.
Hangzhou is a peaceful counterpoint to Shanghai's intensity. Plan your Hangzhou day trip with our AI Trip Planner.