East China · China city guide
West Lake, tea hills and temple paths — a calm, convenient counterpoint to Shanghai's pace.
Overview
Hangzhou offers an elegant pause from China's larger cities, centred on West Lake, temple paths and tea-growing hills. Its fast rail connection from Shanghai makes it an easy addition without complicating a first itinerary.
Two or three days is enough for the lake, Lingyin Temple and the Longjing tea fields. Stay near the east side of West Lake for walking access, and use the metro for the station and Xixi Wetland.
China's 30-day visa-free entry covers ordinary passports from 50 countries (48 are currently listed through 31 December 2026, Russia through 2027, Brunei without an end date). The 240-hour transit rule covers 57 countries, designated ports and permitted areas, and requires a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region. Check the visa guide for the passport and route you will actually use.
Read the full entry guideWest Lake is free, but Lingyin Temple, the pagodas and boat rides are ticketed. Book Lingyin and any boat in advance on weekends, and go early for the lake's quietest hours.
Check Hangzhou visitor informationWhen to visit
March–May and October–November is the most comfortable window for most visitors. Check the holiday calendar before fixing dates, and keep a spare half-day for weather or queues.
10–22°C, mild with rain
Blossom, tea picking and comfortable lake walks; weekends are busy.
Pack a light rain layer and go early for the lake.
25–35°C, hot and humid
Lotus season and lively evenings, but midday heat is intense.
Walk early or after 17:00 and carry water; shade is limited on some paths.
15–25°C, clear and comfortable
The best all-round window; osmanthus season and National Day crowds.
Book hotels early around 1 October.
3–10°C, damp cold
Quiet, misty and cheaper, with fewer crowds around the lake.
Bring a warm, waterproof layer; the lake wind feels cold.
National holidays change transport, hotel prices and timed-ticket availability. Check the official calendar before you lock a route.
Attractions
What each place adds to a trip, how long to allow and the booking rule that can change your day.
Photo: DXR · CC BY-SA 4.0
The classic Hangzhou landscape: causeways, pavilions, islands and hill views, best explored on foot or by boat.
No ticket for the lake. Book a boat through an official pier and check the route before boarding.
Fit it in: Start at Broken Bridge, walk the Su Causeway and take a short boat back.
Official visitor information
Photo: Tyg728 · CC BY-SA 4.0
A major Buddhist temple in wooded hills, with the carved rock faces of Feilai Peak beside it.
Buy the temple and scenic-area tickets through official channels; dress respectfully.
Fit it in: Go early, then walk or take the bus toward Longjing tea village.
Official visitor information
Photo: Peter K Burian · CC BY-SA 4.0
Terraced tea hills, village lanes and teahouses around Longjing, with the spring picking season as the highlight.
No ticket for the fields. Agree tea prices before sitting down and avoid aggressive tours.
Fit it in: Walk from Longjing village toward Meijiawu, then take a bus or taxi back.
Official visitor information
Photo: Yoshi Canopus · CC BY-SA 3.0
A quieter network of waterways, boardwalks and gardens west of the lake, with boat routes and birdlife.
Check which zone and boat route your ticket covers; the park is large.
Fit it in: Use the metro and allow a slow half-day; combine with a tea village only if you have a car.
Official visitor information
Photo: HoweyYuan · CC BY-SA 4.0
A rebuilt pagoda on the south shore with views over the lake and a popular evening light display.
Go late afternoon for the light change; the escalator and stairs can be busy.
Fit it in: Pair with the Su Causeway and a lakeside dinner.
Official visitor information
Photo: Windmemories · CC BY-SA 4.0
The southern end of the Grand Canal, with old warehouses, stone bridges and a quieter local waterfront.
No ticket. The canal is a working waterway; keep back from the edge and watch for bikes.
Fit it in: Combine with a metro ride to Gongchen Bridge and a walk along the canal.
Official visitor informationItineraries
Start with the length you actually have. Each plan keeps one major sight per half-day and leaves room for transport, queues and weather.
Food & drink
The dishes worth planning a meal around, plus the areas where you can try several in one evening.
Photo: Pauloleong2002 · CC BY-SA 4.0
Slow-braised pork belly, rich and sweet, usually served in a small bowl with rice.
Try it: Established Hangzhou restaurants around the lake.
Photo: 猫猫的日记本 · CC BY-SA 4.0
River shrimp stir-fried with Longjing tea leaves; delicate and lightly bitter.
Try it: Traditional restaurants near West Lake and Longjing.
Photo: Windmemories · CC BY-SA 4.0
Steamed freshwater fish with a sweet-sour vinegar sauce; a divisive local classic.
Try it: Old-brand Hangzhou restaurants.
Lakeside restaurants and shopping, convenient but touristy and priced for the view.
A busy snack and souvenir street; good for grazing, not for a quiet meal.
Teahouses and farm restaurants among the tea fields; agree prices before ordering.
Getting around
Arrival, payment and the everyday transport choices that make the biggest difference.
Hangzhou Xiaoshan (HGH) is southeast of the city, with metro and shuttle links. Allow 45–60 minutes to West Lake.
Hangzhou East is the main high-speed hub; Hangzhou West and Hangzhou Station serve other routes. Check the full station name and allow metro time.
The metro reaches the lake area, stations and Xixi. Use a transport code or ticket; expect bag checks at station entrances.
Use an official rank or app. Traffic around West Lake is slow at weekends; the metro is often faster.
Stay
Choose the neighbourhood first, then the room. These areas trade atmosphere against transport time in different ways.
Walk to the lake, restaurants and metro; the most convenient base for a short stay.
Premium rates; check whether the room actually faces the lake.
Central metro interchange, department stores and a short walk or ride to the lake.
Busier and less scenic; good value for transport.
Modern hotels near Xixi Wetland, with more space and a slower pace.
Farther from West Lake; check metro and taxi times.
Guesthouses among the tea hills, with village walks and fresh tea.
Fewer restaurants and transport options; a car or taxi helps.
FAQ
Two days covers West Lake, Lingyin Temple and the tea fields. Three days adds Xixi Wetland or the Grand Canal; a single day is possible from Shanghai but rushed.
Yes, the lake and causeways are free. Boats, Lingyin Temple, Leifeng Pagoda and some gardens are ticketed; check the official pier or ticket channel.
Yes. High-speed trains from Shanghai Hongqiao take about an hour, but a day trip only covers the lake and one temple. Staying overnight gives you quieter mornings and the tea fields.
The spring picking season, usually late March to April, is the most atmospheric. Tea is sold year-round; agree the price and grade before buying, especially in village teahouses.
West Lake is busy at weekends, public holidays and during the autumn osmanthus season. Go early, use the metro, and visit the tea hills or Xixi for quieter hours.
Sources & review
Official city information; check current visitor and transport notices.
Official rail booking and station details.
Country list and current policy dates.
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