Ultimate Hangzhou Travel Guide for Foreign Visitors

 Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang Province, is often called "Heaven on Earth" in Chinese poetry and folklore. Famous for its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and serene atmosphere, it's a perfect escape from bustling cities like Shanghai. Marco Polo once described it as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The highlight is West Lake (Xi Hu), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, surrounded by temples, gardens, and hills. Hangzhou is also home to world-famous Longjing green tea and a blend of ancient culture with modern vibes (it's the headquarters of Alibaba).

This guide covers everything you need for a memorable trip, including top attractions, how to get there, practical tips, and a suggested itinerary.

Top Attractions in Hangzhou

West Lake Hangzhou - Top 10 views and popular activities ...

West Lake Cultural Landscape of Hangzhou - UNESCO World Heritage ...

West Lake - Wikipedia

  1. West Lake (Xi Hu) The heart of Hangzhou – a serene freshwater lake with willow-lined paths, pagodas, and causeways. Walk or cycle along Su Causeway or Bai Causeway, visit Three Pools Mirroring the Moon island, or take a boat ride. Don't miss Leifeng Pagoda for panoramic views. Entry to the lake area is free; boat rides cost around 50-150 CNY.
  2. Lingyin Temple & Feilai Peak One of China's most famous Buddhist temples, dating back 1,700 years. Admire ancient rock carvings and the massive halls.

Lingyin Temple - Wikipedia

Lingyinsi Temple

Ticket: ~75 CNY combined.

  1. Longjing Tea Plantations (Meijiawu or Longjing Village) Experience China's finest green tea. Wander terraced fields, learn about picking and frying, and enjoy a tea tasting.

Best in spring for fresh harvest.

  1. Hefang Street (Qinghefang Ancient Street) A lively pedestrian street with traditional shops, snacks, and architecture. Great for souvenirs like silk or tea.

Vibrant at night.

  1. Qiandao Lake (Thousand Island Lake) A stunning reservoir with over 1,000 islands – perfect for a day trip with boating and nature.

Qiandao Lake, Thousand Island Lake Zhejiang, China 2026
Thousand Island Lake Hangzhou, Qiandao Lake in Zhejiang Province

About 2-3 hours from downtown.

Other highlights: Xixi National Wetland Park, Impression West Lake Show (evening performance on the lake), and China National Tea Museum.

How to Get to Hangzhou

  • From Shanghai: The easiest way is high-speed train from Shanghai Hongqiao Station to Hangzhou East Station (45-90 minutes, 100+ trains daily, ~80-100 CNY for second class). Book via Trip.com or at the station.
  • By Air: Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH) has flights from major cities and some international routes (e.g., Seoul, Bangkok, Singapore).
  • Visa Tips: Many nationalities qualify for 240-hour transit visa-free entry in Zhejiang (including Hangzhou) if transiting to a third country. Check current policies.

Getting Around Hangzhou

  • Metro: Efficient and cheap (~3-8 CNY per ride). Lines connect the airport, train stations, and West Lake.
  • Shared Bikes: Use Alipay or Mobike apps to rent bikes – ideal for West Lake paths.
  • Taxis/Didi: Reliable; use Didi app (English available).
  • Buses: Good for tea villages, but metro/bike preferred.

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March-May) for blooming flowers and mild weather; Autumn (September-November) for clear skies and fewer crowds. Avoid national holidays (e.g., October Golden Week) for lower crowds.

Food & Shopping

Try local specialties: Dongpo Pork (braised pork belly), West Lake Vinegar Fish, Beggar's Chicken, and Longjing Shrimp. Street food on Hefang Street is a must. Shop for silk (at China Silk Museum area) and tea.

Practical Tips for Foreigners

  • Apps: Download Alipay/WeChat for payments (almost everything is cashless), Pleco or Google Translate for language, and a VPN for unrestricted internet.
  • Language: English is limited outside hotels/tourist spots; use translation apps.
  • Money: Cards are rare; link a foreign card to Alipay for easy payments.
  • Safety: Very safe; watch for crowds and e-bike traffic.
  • Stay: Near West Lake for convenience (e.g., Shangri-La or mid-range options on Booking.com).

Suggested 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive, explore West Lake – boat ride, Su Causeway walk, Leifeng Pagoda sunset.

Day 2: Morning at Lingyin Temple, afternoon tea plantation visit and tasting.

Day 3: Hefang Street shopping/eating, optional Qiandao Lake day trip or wetland park.

Hangzhou offers a peaceful, poetic side of China – relax, sip tea, and soak in the beauty! If you have more time, combine with Shanghai or Suzhou. Safe travels!

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