Discover Hidden Gems in Hangzhou
1. 🚤 Take a Boat Ride on West Lake
West Lake is definitely a must-go attraction. The best way to get around West Lake is by boat. So I chose to stepp onto a small wooden boat on West Lake. It was sunset time. I saw the orange and pink sky reflecting on the calm water, with willow trees swaying by the lake’s edge. The whole place felt calm and dreamy.
📖 What makes it special?
Taking a boat ride lets you see West Lake from a new view, with the sunset turning the lake into a painting. This is a must-try experience in Hangzhou!
West Lake Pleasure Boat | |
✅Opening Hours | 07:45 AM-05:00 PM |
📍Location | West Lake Cruise Pier |
💰 Cost | Around ¥55–¥120 (approx. S$10–S$22) per person for shared or private boats |
📍 How to get there?
Take Metro Line 1 to Longxiangqiao Station, then walk about 10 minutes to the lakeside piers. You can also take a Didi to “West Lake Broken Bridge” and walk to the nearest boat pier.
👨👩👧👦 Is it family-friendly?
Yes, it is safe and relaxing for kids and family.
💡 Pro tips
- Bring a light jacket or shawl, as it can get chilly on the water.
- Sit on the right side of the boat for clear lake views without blocking others.
2. 🎭 Watch the West Lake Impression Show
That night in Hangzhou, I sat by West Lake, waiting as the sky turned dark. The stage was the lake itself, with lights shining on the water. Music started, and dancers in white moved across the lake like they were walking on water. I saw stories of Hangzhou’s legends come alive on water. It felt magical!
📖 What makes it special?
The West Lake Impression Show is one of the best shows in China. Directed by Zhang Yimou, it uses the lake as its stage, combining lights, music, and local stories. It is a unique cultural show you can’t find elsewhere and the best things to do in Hangzhou at night.
West Lake Impression Show | |
✅Opening Hours | First Show: 07:45 PM-08:35 PM (Regularly Scheduled) Second Show: 09:10 PM-10:05 PM (Specially Scheduled on Holidays) Duration: 55 minutes |
📍Location | West Lake Yuehu Lake Scenic Area, near the Yue Fei Temple side |
💰 Cost | Around ¥360–¥980 (approx. S$64–S$175) depending on seat category |
📅 Best time to visit
March to November when the weather is pleasant and the outdoor seating is comfortable.
📍 How to get there?
Take a Didi to “Impression West Lake” or “Yue Fei Temple,” or bus 7, 15, or 27 to Yue Fei Temple stop and walk 5 minutes to the entrance.
👨👩👧👦 Is it family-friendly?
Yes, it is suitable for kids and elderly visitors, but bring earplugs for young children as the music can be loud.
💡 Pro tips
- Book tickets at least 1–2 days in advance.
- Arrive 30 minutes early to find your seat.
- Avoid front-row splash zone seats unless you want to get slightly wet during the show.
3. 🚶♀️ Wander Through Qinghefang Ancient Street
I wandered down the cobblestone lanes of Qinghefang Ancient Street in the early evening. Lanterns lit up one by one. The narrow street felt lively, like stepping back in time. I felt curious and joyful here.
📖 What makes it special?
Qinghefang Ancient Street mixes history, food and craft in a lively area. Shops here go back hundreds of years, selling local treats, Chinese medicine, silk and antiques. It’s a cultural gem.
Qinghefang Ancient Street | |
✅Opening Hours | 9 AM – 10 PM (all year round) |
📍Location | Hefang Street, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou |
💰 Cost | Free to enter; snack and craft prices vary (most under ¥20 / S$4) |
📅 Best time to visit
Evening, especially between 5 PM and 8 PM when lanterns are lit.
📍 How to get there?
Take Metro Line 1 to Ding’an Road Station, Exit C, then walk about 10 minutes. Or hop on buses 8, 13, 127, 195, 208, or 216 and alight at Qinghefang or Gulou stop.
👨👩👧👦 Is it family-friendly?
Yes! The street is safe, stroller-friendly, and enjoyable for all ages. Kids love the sweets, and elders can relax in teahouses.
💡 Pro tips
- Wear comfy shoes.
- Visit a traditional pharmacy to see ancient Chinese medicine.
4. 🥾 Hike Nine Creeks Meandering Through a Misty Forest
The air at Nine Creeks was fresh and cool, with mist floating between the tall bamboo and leafy trees. I heard birds singing and the soft sound of water flowing. Small streams crossed the trail, and I walked over little wooden bridges. I felt peaceful and free.
📖 What makes it special?
This is one of the best things to do in Hangzhou for nature lovers. The Nine Creeks trail is a hidden gem with clear streams, bamboo forests, and mountain air.
Nine Creeks in the Misty Forest | |
✅Opening Hours | Open 24 hours, but best during daylight |
📍Location | Longjing Village area, Xihu District, Hangzhou |
💰 Cost | Free |
📅 Best time to visit
March to May and September to November for cooler weather.
📍 How to get there?
Take a Didi to “Nine Creeks and Eighteen Gullies” or “九溪十八涧.” You can also take bus 27, 87, or Y5 to Longjing Tea Village and walk about 15 minutes to the trail entrance.
👨👩👧👦 Is it family-friendly?
Yes, it is suitable for kids and seniors. The path is not too steep and has many flat sections to rest.
💡 Pro tips
- Wear non-slip hiking or sports shoes as some paths can be wet.
- Bring water and light snacks.
5. 🌃 Explore Hubin Night Market
When I walked along Hubin Pedestrian Street at night, I saw bright lights and lively crowds by West Lake. I felt excited and relaxed at the same time.
📖 What makes it special?
Hubin Night Market owns trendy shops, street food stalls, and performances. It’s not just about shopping or food. It’s the vibe, right, social, and local life.
Hubin Road Night Market | |
✅Opening Hours | Around 6 PM–11 PM (food stalls active nightly) |
📍Location | Hubin Pedestrian Street, along West Lake lakeside |
💰 Cost | Free entry; food from ¥5–¥30 (≈ S$1–S$6) per item; drinks vary |
📅 Best time to visit
Around 7 PM–10 PM for a lively night vibe.
📍 How to get there?
Take Metro Line 1 to Longxiangqiao Station (龙翔桥), Exit B/C. Walk about 5 minutes to reach the lakeside street. Or take bus 7, 10, 16, 25, 27, 45, 49, 103, or 186 to Xiaoche Bridge stop.
👨👩👧👦 Is it family-friendly?
Yes. Kids will love the buzz and snacks. Seniors can sit at cafes or along the walkway.
💡 Pro tips
- Sample small portions from different stalls.
6. 🎤 Enjoy Live Jazz at Huanglou Jazz Bar
The scent of cocktails and warm wood filled the air. I heard the saxophone notes slide over the hum of conversation. I tapped my foot and sipped my wine. It felt instantly at ease and touched by the music’s soul.
📖 What makes it special?
Huanglou is a cultural gem. It's a two-storey historic building offering top local and international jazz. It has character, great drinks (Italian wines or cocktails).
Live Music at Jazz Bar | |
✅Opening Hours | 07:70 PM – 2:00 AM |
📍Location | No. 6 Liuying Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou |
💰 Cost | Free entry; drinks from ¥40 (≈ S$8) upward |
📍 How to get there?
Take Metro Line 1 to Wulin Square and transfer to bus 37, then alight at Liuying Road. Or grab a Didi/taxi to “Liuying Road Huanglou JZ Club.”
👨👩👧👦 Is it family-friendly?
It suits adults and older teens who enjoy live music. It’s cosy and calm, so not suitable for young kids.
💡 Pro tips
- Order a glass of Italian wine or a cocktail. They’re well priced and pair nicely with the music.
Grab Flights to Hangzhou
7. 🚣♀️ Glide Through Xixi National Wetland Park
I stepped onto a small electric boat at Xixi Wetland. Mist floated above the water. I heard birds chirping and the gentle hum of the boat motor. You can see dragon boat docks, wooden bridges, and quiet fishing huts.
📖 What makes it special?
Xixi is China’s first national wetland park and a hidden gem with over 70% water, six creeks, and rich wildlife like birds, fish, and rare plants. You get peace, culture, and a true taste of old water-village life.
Xixi National Wetland Park | |
✅Opening Hours | April–Oct: 7:30 – 18:30; Nov–Mar: 8:00 – 17:30 |
📍Location | No.518 Tianmushan Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou |
💰 Cost | ¥80 (≈ S$17) for park entry; boat rides start from ¥60 (≈ S$13) |
📅 Best time to visit
April to October, early morning for mist and quiet.
📍 How to get there?
Take Metro Line 3 to South Xixi Wetland Station or Line 19 to North Xixi Wetland. From either station, walk about 5 minutes to the visitor centre. Or take buses K506, K310, 356, or the free shuttle from West Lake (Leifeng Pagoda). They will drop you near the main pier.
👨👩👧👦 Is it family-friendly?
Yes. Paths are safe, boats stable, and quiet breaks are easy to find.
💡 Pro tips
- Wear light, non-slip shoes.
- Bring insect repellent and a light jacket.
8. 🧘♀️ Visit Spiritual Peace at Lingyin Temple
Near Feilai Feng, I saw stone carvings of Buddhas etched into cliffs. The quiet hush inside the halls made me feel humble and calm. As light filtered through wooden beams, I felt connected to Hangzhou’s deep culture and history.
📖 What makes it special?
Lingyin Temple has ancient architecture, cliff carvings, and active worship in a lush hillside. The Feilai Feng grottoes are hidden gems with over 300 stone Buddhas carved by monks long ago. This visit offers a rare with religion, art, and nature.
Lingyin Temple | |
✅Opening Hours | 06:30-18:00(Latest entry time:17:30) |
📍Location | No.1 Fayun Lane, Lingyin Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou |
💰 Cost | Feilai Feng ¥45 + Temple ¥30 (≈ S$15 total) |
📅 Best time to visit
Early morning in spring (Mar–May) or autumn (Sep–Nov) to avoid crowds and enjoy mild weather.
📍 How to get there?
Take Metro Line 1 or 2 to Longxiangqiao or Fengqi Road, then bus 7, 807, or Y2 to the Lingyin stop. Or take a Didi taxi directly. It’s about ¥40 (≈ S$8) from West Lake central.
👨👩👧👦 Is it family-friendly?
Yes, it's suitable for kids and elders. Paths are easy, and you can walk without steep climbs.
💡 Pro tips
- Buy the combined ticket online to skip lines.
- Wear non-slip shoes and modest clothes.
- Don’t miss the Feilai Feng grottos.
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9. 🚴♂️ Cycle Around West Lake
I rented a bike near West Lake and started pedaling along the smooth lakeside paths. I heard birds chirping and soft splashes from the water. The breeze kept me cool under the warm sun. Cycling made me feel free and alive.
📖 What makes it special?
Cycling around West Lake is a fun way to see famous sights like the Broken Bridge, Su Causeway, and Leifeng Pagoda. You can stop anytime to take photos, enjoy local snacks, or just relax by the water.
Cycle Around West Lake | |
✅Opening Hours | Bike rental shops open 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
📍Location | Various rental points near West Lake, especially around Hubin and Broken Bridge |
💰 Cost | Around ¥20–¥50 (≈ S$4–S$10) for a half-day rental |
📅 Best time to visit
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) for cool weather.
📍 How to get there?
Take Metro Line 1 to Longxiangqiao Station or Line 2 to Fengqi Road Station, then walk about 10 minutes to West Lake bike rental shops.
👨👩👧👦 Is it family-friendly?
Yes, suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Many shops offer child bikes and helmets for safety.
💡 Pro tips
- Bring a water bottle and sunscreen.
- Avoid weekends if you want a quieter ride with fewer tourists.
- You can also rent a shared bike.
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10. 🍰 Dessert Cafes Hopping
Dessert cafes hopping is a unique way to experience Hangzhou. It’s also a popular hangout for young locals and travellers. I spent a sweet afternoon hopping between cute dessert cafes. I tasted soft cakes made with tea, creamy matcha puddings, and fruity parfaits. The smell of baked goods and coffee filled the air. Sitting by the window, watching people stroll by the lake, I felt relaxed and happy.
💰 Cost
Desserts range from ¥20–¥50 (≈ S$4–S$10) per item.
📍 Recommended areas
- Qinghefang Ancient Street
- Hubin Pedestrian Street
- Wushan Square
📍 Recommended cafes
- 小狗咖啡
- NANA’S CAKE
- Cafe Crushed
- 麦记牛奶公司
👨👩👧👦 Is it family-friendly?
Yes, cafes are cosy and welcoming for all ages.
💡 Pro tips
- Try signature Longjing tea desserts. They are unique to Hangzhou.
- Bring a camera for Instagram-worthy photos. The decor is often very pretty.
Why Hangzhou Should Be Your Next Travel Stop
Hangzhou really left a mark on me with its peaceful nature and city culture. There’s a unique energy here, from the ancient temples to the modern dessert cafes, that keeps surprising me every visit.
If you’re thinking of going, check out the latest travel promotions for Hangzhou. You might just find the perfect deal on flights to Hangzhou or hotels in Hangzhou. Now’s a great time to plan with all the discounts around. Can’t wait to hear about your own adventures here!