Hangzhou

Travel Guide
Lingyin Temple featuring a memorial
Sensational natural beauty and a host of preserved cultural icons make this region of China a favourite among tourists.

Visit Hangzhou to discover historical streets and canals plus gorgeous natural surroundings. Hangzhou is one of China's biggest tourist attractions.

Hangzhou was the capital of the Southern Song Dynasty, which began in 1127, until the Mongols invaded in 1276. Back then, the city was populated by 1 million people. That's now ballooned to close to 9 million. Find high-quality and abundant accommodation in many parts of the city. Locals generally welcome foreigners readily.

Acquaint yourself with downtown Hangzhou by taking a stroll along Qinghefang Street, the city's best-preserved thoroughfare. Mingle with the locals, watch traditional handicrafts being made and sample delicacies like roasted walnuts and “dragon-whisker” candy. Next, visit China Silk City to sift through quality fabrics remember to barter before buying.

Another walk you must take while in Hangzhou is along the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal. You probably won't want to cover the entire length, since it is over 1,000 miles (1,700 kilometres) long. However far you get, appreciate it as the earliest and longest man-made canal anywhere.

The main reason for Hangzhou's tourist trade is undeniably West Lake. This enchanting body of freshwater is a UNESCO site and has been preserved and restored accordingly. Spend a weekend walking over Broken Bridge, climbing to the base of Baochu Pagoda and marvelling at the sumptuous halls of Lingyin Temple.

Take time to relax in the parks and gardens surrounding West Lake. Enjoy the colours of the tulip festival held at Prince Bay Park every spring. For other walks among trees and flowers, visit Hangzhou Botanical Garden.

Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport provides regular flights to and from Hong Kong and Beijing. Get around Hangzhou on the convenient bus and subway networks. Rent a boat or bike along West Lake’s shores to enjoy a pleasant jaunt. Humidity is high in Hangzhou between June and September. In spring and winter, the climate is very comfortable and the scenery magical.

Where to stay in Hangzhou

Sheraton Grand Hangzhou Wetland Park Resort
Sheraton Grand Hangzhou Wetland Park Resort
5 out of 5
1 Westbrook Resort, Zijinggang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang
The price is S$186 per night from 22 Oct to 23 Oct
S$186
per night
22 Oct - 23 Oct
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Hangzhou. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 restaurants. Popular attractions National Wetland Museum of China and Xixi ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (118 reviews)
"Reception counter staff attitude is very bad and not well trained"

Reviewed on 11 Apr,2023

Sheraton Grand Hangzhou Wetland Park Resort
Conrad Hangzhou
Conrad Hangzhou
5 out of 5
228 Xinye Road, Jianggan District, Hangzhou
The price is S$263 per night from 22 Oct to 23 Oct
S$263
per night
22 Oct - 23 Oct
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Hangzhou. Enjoy free parking, 3 restaurants, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Hangzhou City Planning Exhibition ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (39 reviews)
"New hotel, large room with fantastic views, nice and friendly staff. Free vip service to take you to airport or train station. We really enjoy to stay there."

Reviewed on 29 Dec,2019

Conrad Hangzhou
Hangzhou Marriott Hotel Qianjiang
Hangzhou Marriott Hotel Qianjiang
5 out of 5
No 399 Juyuan Road, Jianggan District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang
The price is S$186 per night from 15 Oct to 16 Oct
S$186
per night
15 Oct - 16 Oct
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Hangzhou. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 4 restaurants. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (85 reviews)
"Great hotel. Nice and clean"

Reviewed on 31 Aug,2023

Hangzhou Marriott Hotel Qianjiang
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Citadines Intime City Hangzhou
Citadines Intime City Hangzhou
4 out of 5
Block 4, Intime City, 380 Fengtan Road, Gongshu District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Hangzhou. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (58 reviews)
"Great location. A shopping mall right beside it. Was extremely convenient. Loved the hotel."

Reviewed on 25 Nov,2020

Citadines Intime City Hangzhou
Oakwood Residence Hangzhou
Oakwood Residence Hangzhou
4.5 out of 5
No 28 Jiaogong Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Hangzhou. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Popular attractions Yellow Dragon Sports Center and Huanglong ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (275 reviews)
"We have stayed here numerous times and it is our home base in Hangzhou."

Reviewed on 13 Jul,2023

Oakwood Residence Hangzhou
Somerset IOC Hangzhou
Somerset IOC Hangzhou
4.5 out of 5
No. 2477 Jinji Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Hangzhou. Enjoy free parking, breakfast, and a free kid's club. Popular attractions Qianjiang Century Park and Hangzhou ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (14 reviews)
Wrong location on maps !!!
"I booked the hotel as I intended to stay in the city center center Wulin Square and West Lake. As I wanted to go to the Hotel, I noticed that the location on the map that Hotels.com provides and the actual location are totally different . In fact the hotel is not anywhere near the center but far ..."

Reviewed on 5 Jun,2022

Somerset IOC Hangzhou
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Hangzhou

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
5
" "5 - Excellent 55.55555555555556%
4 - Good
4
" "4 - Good 44.44444444444444%
3 - Okay
0
" "3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
29 Oct 2019

Hangzhou's an excellent city and by far the most attractive and relaxed place I've visited in China

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
9 Oct 2019

Clean and beautiful city, people are friendly and helpful. Everything is convenience.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
2 Sep 2019

People are friendly, the Xihu lake is very beautiful.