travel-to-Hangzhou

Travel to Hangzhou

Hangzhou feels like a city that’s always in two places at once. On one side, there’s the calm of West Lake, with old temples and quiet tea fields. On the other, the city hums with busy streets, shiny malls, and cool cafes. You can drink Longjing tea in a 100-year-old teahouse, then step out into a world of lights. It’s a mix of old charm and fresh energy.

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Hangzhou Travel Guide

Explore top attractions, activities, and experiences in Hangzhou.

best-of-Hangzhou

👑 Best of Hangzhou

Explore top attractions, hotels and restaurants in Hangzhou.

📷 Hangzhou Through Travellers' Eyes

Explore Hangzhou through traveller photos, stories, and insights.

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📍Overview of this trip: Perfect for those who love mountain views, ancient temples, culture, and fresh air. It's absolutely amazing, and we loved it so much!

💌 Let's get to know Hangzhou
Hangzhou (杭州) is the capital of Zhejiang Province in eastern China. It's only about an hour away from Shanghai by high-speed train. Famous attractions include West Lake, mountain views, waterfalls, ancient temples, and a romantic atmosphere.

🚩Lingyin Temple (a large complex with multiple temples, you can spend the whole day here) - West Lake - Tea Village

🏠 For this trip, we stayed at a cozy guesthouse that we absolutely loved. It was close to the attractions we planned to visit, especially Lingyin Temple, which was within walking distance.

🚇Transportation: Taxi (DiDi). Taxi fares in Hangzhou are quite affordable, highly recommended for those who prefer convenience like us.
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Warning ! You will fall in love with business class ride, China Highspeed train. Exclusive entrance 😎Exclusive security check channel 😚Exclusive waiting lounge 😘Exclusive escort 😍Luxury seat 😙Attentive service !#china #highspeedtrain #businessclass #exclusive #chinatour #luxurylife
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If you’re heading to Hangzhou and want a coffee spot that’s literally insta-famous, do NOT miss the Starbucks at Hefang Jie! This isn’t your regular Starbucks—it’s got next-level vibes with Western-style architecture and artsy details that totally pop against the classic Chinese outdoor landscape. 

Whether you're a caffeine lover or just chasing cool photo spots, this place is always packed with people striking a pose. The exhibition hall vibe and close-up building features make your pics look straight up editorial. 

Perfect for taking a break (and some epic selfies!) before hitting the next stop in Hangzhou. Want another Starbucks fix before your flight? Check out STARBUCKS COFFEE at Xiaoshan International Airport, T2, International Departure Area, 3rd Floor (Near Gate A01) – open daily, so you can grab a latte whenever you need that caffeine hit!

All in all, Hangzhou’s Starbucks at Hefang Jie is serving major aesthetic goals and good brews. Coffee + culture = match made in heaven!
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5-Day Hangzhou Itinerary

🗺️【Itinerary】
Day 1: Arrive in Hangzhou, stroll along West Lake – soak in the poetic lake scenery, relax by the lake, and get a taste of Hangzhou's romance.
Day 2: Pray at Lingyin Temple + take a refreshing walk through Jiuxi Yanshu, a journey to purify your soul.
Day 3: Explore Hefang Street & Southern Song Imperial Street – a literary and artistic destination, strolling and shopping in the ancient and charming streets.
Day 4: Hangzhou Xintiandi – trendy shopping + popular desserts.
Day 5: Hangzhou Zoo × Prince Bay Park – enjoy nature and adorable animals to make for a perfect ending.

📍【Must-Visit Attractions】
West Lake - West Lake Scenic Area, Xihu District, Hangzhou. Opening Hours: All Day
Lingyin Temple - Fayun Mountain, Lingyin Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou. Opening Hours: 7:30-17:00
Hefang Street - Hefang Street, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou. Free time to explore all day.
Southern Song Imperial Street - The Southern Song Imperial Street on Zhongshan South Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, is a pedestrian street brimming with ancient charm.

Hangzhou Xintiandi - Xinfeng Road, Jianggan District, Hangzhou, is a trendy hotspot.

🥘【Must-Try Foods】 West Lake Vinegar Fish, Longjing Shrimp, and Beggar's Chicken are must-try! Explore hidden local breakfast stalls, Hefang Street souvenirs, and Southern Song Imperial Street dessert shops – all included! 😋

🏠【Accommodation Recommendation】 Hangzhou eLong Hotel (Wulin Square Jianguo North Road Metro Station Branch)
Address: Next to Wulin Square Station, Line 1, Jianguo North Road, Xiacheng District, Hangzhou. Super convenient transportation! Numerous restaurants nearby, and you can enjoy a tranquil evening stroll.

📷【Photo Spots】 Must-see: The classic West Lake reflection – every shot on the green trees and lake is a masterpiece! Ancient trees at Lingyin Temple, autumn colors of Jiuxi, the starry lights of Southern Song Imperial Street, and the cool exterior of Xintiandi – guaranteed to be a hit on social media!

📣【Tips】

👟 Relaxed and flexible itinerary, comfortable shoes recommended!

📸 West Lake sunset is a must-see! A sunny day at Prince Bay Park is incredibly therapeutic for photographing the flower fields.

🎉 Hefang Street gets crowded on weekends, so consider a weekday for a leisurely stroll.

🌿 Be mindful of quiet and politeness at Lingyin Temple, and remember to pray!

🛒 Xintiandi has many shops, so remember to book reservations for popular dessert shops in advance!

🏞️ Hangzhou is so beautiful you'll want to stay longer! Flexible itinerary, satisfying all your needs for leisure, photo opportunities, and fun activities!
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Recently, West Lake Scenic Area is quietly brewing a visual feast—the changing colors of the maple leaves. Popular spots like Gushan Hill, Quyuan Fenghe, and Lingyin Temple are dyed in brilliant red by the maple leaves, creating poetic and picturesque autumn scenery. The highlight of maple viewing at West Lake lies in the unique blend of natural landscapes and profound cultural heritage. Strolling along the maple-covered paths, every step follows the rhythm of autumn, feeling the romance and tranquility of falling maple leaves. The maple leaves at Gushan Hill complement the ancient architecture, those at Quyuan Fenghe reflect beautifully with the lake water, and the maple leaves at Lingyin Temple add a touch of Zen and mystery. Visitors can fully enjoy the relaxation and comfort of autumn here, strolling with friends to admire the maples and create wonderful memories. Come to West Lake Scenic Area for a romantic date with the maple leaves, appreciate this limited-time beauty, and experience the unique charm of autumn!
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This is one of those times when listening to chats and other people's advice isn't the best idea, because I ended up with way too little time here!

Hangzhou is so contrasting, green, and authentic. It has its own vibe, its own rhythm.

You should definitely plan for 3–5 days here to fully enjoy its beauty without rushing.

Here’s what I absolutely recommend seeing:

📍 Leifeng Pagoda (雷峰塔, Léifēng Tǎ)
Best visited at sunset.
Entrance fee: 40 yuan.
⏱ ~1–2 hours.

📍 Hefang Street (河坊街, Héfāng Jiē)
A pedestrian tourist street filled with shops, souvenirs, and cafes.
Come hungry and enjoy the tastings 🙈😀
Best visited after sunset.

📍 West Lake (西湖, Xī Hú)
Anywhere around the lake (!) — it’s beautiful everywhere.
I dreamed of walking around the entire lake, but I’ll save that for another time 🥲

📍 Su Causeway (苏堤, Sūdī)
A nearly 3-kilometer-long causeway crossing the lake, connected by six elegant bridges.
⏱ ~1–2 hours.

📍 Lingyin Temple + Jinghui Temple
(I shared more details about them yesterday)
Entrance fee: 50 + 30 yuan.
⏱ ~3–4 hours.
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Hangzhou, Anji, Tonglu, and Tongxiang form a perfect loop for those who want to experience the charm of Jiangnan's landscapes, popular theme parks, night markets, and the slow-paced life of boutique homestays! This three-day, two-night itinerary includes family-friendly activities, adventure spots, cultural experiences, night market visits, afternoon tea at homestays, and live performances. If you're looking for a short trip that's both exciting and relaxing, just follow this route and you won't go wrong!

[Highlights of the Itinerary]  
Anji Hello Kitty Theme Park, Tonglu OMG Adventure Park, West Lake boat tour + "Enduring Memories of Hangzhou" water performance, night market food guide, and highly-rated boutique homestays. Suitable for families, couples, and friends, this itinerary is easy to follow even without driving!

[Recommended Attractions]

1. Anji - Hangzhou Hello Kitty Theme Park   
The world's largest Hello Kitty theme park! It's not just for kids; even adults will find their inner child here. The park is designed in dreamy pastel tones, with delightful afternoon tea spots and souvenir shops. The iconic Kitty bow photo spot is a must-visit. If you visit in summer (July 1 - August 31), the park stays open until 9 PM, allowing you to enjoy cooler evenings and night views. Local transportation or private car hire is very convenient.  
📍Address: No. 1 Angel Avenue, Anji County, Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province  
⏰Opening Hours: 10:00-17:00 or 10:00-21:00 (extended hours during summer/holidays)  
💸Ticket Price: 210 RMB  

2. Tonglu - OMG Adventure Park  
For thrill-seekers, this is the place to be! Located in the Chuiyun Tongtian River Scenic Area, it features forest-themed challenge courses and high-altitude experiences that are both exciting and safe. Perfect for team challenges with friends. Even if you don't try the extreme activities, the photo spots are worth it. Don't forget to try local snacks in Yaolin Town.  
📍Address: Chuiyun Tongtian River Scenic Area, Donglin Village, Yaolin Town, Tonglu County, Hangzhou City  
⏰Opening Hours: 08:00-18:30  
💸Ticket Price: 100 RMB  

3. Hangzhou - Comprehensive Guide to West Lake and Surroundings  
- West Lake Boat Tour: Start your day with a boat tour for a visual treat. Tickets can be purchased on-site; avoid peak holiday times for a better experience.  
- Impression West Lake "Enduring Memories of Hangzhou" Performance: A water stage show set against the West Lake nightscape. The experience is enhanced with front-row seats.  
📍Address: Opposite Yue Temple, No. 82 Beishan Road, West Lake Scenic Area  
- Lingyin Temple: Known for its vibrant incense offerings, it's best to book in advance or visit early to avoid crowds.  
- Qinghefang Street: A historic street offering authentic Hangzhou delicacies, pineapple cakes, and Longjing tea. It's quieter and more atmospheric in the evening.  
📍Address: No. 180 Hefang Street, Shangcheng District  
⏰Open Year-Round  
- Wulin Night Market: A variety of snacks and handmade crafts make it ideal for night strolls. Must-try items include stinky tofu and grilled squid.  
📍Address: Beishan Street  
⏰17:00-23:00  

4. Hangzhou Suburbs and Wuzhen in Tongxiang  
Homestays: This trip includes stays at "Hangzhou Yue Shang Yun She," "Ru Ye Glass House," and "West Lake Tea Fragrance Li She," all of which boast excellent design and surroundings, offering West Lake views and afternoon tea. Wuzhen homestays are perfect for leisurely walks, with beautiful nighttime lighting in the ancient town. Don't miss Shanghai-style green onion pancakes and Wuzhen lamb noodles in the morning and evening. Most homestays include breakfast, which is clean and unique.

[Practical Tips]  
- For city transportation, a combination of metro and ride-hailing services is time-efficient. For Anji and Tonglu, consider private car hire or direct buses for hassle-free travel.  
- It's best to visit Hello Kitty Theme Park in the morning when it's less crowded for photos. Bring sunscreen hats and snacks for kids.  
- Wear sports shoes for OMG Adventure Park. Some attractions may require queuing; avoid weekends for a smoother experience.  
- The West Lake water performance may adjust schedules in case of rain; check the official website or ticketing updates.  
- Reserve evening time for Qinghefang Street and Wulin Night Market to savor local snacks.  
- Homestays often require advance booking during peak seasons, and some may need real-name verification.
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Introducing the best autumn spots in Hangzhou, personally selected by photographer Li Xiaolei (@李小镭), who has been capturing the beauty of Hangzhou for 10 years. Every year, Hangzhou's autumn offers a fresh and moving experience, and these are the standout locations.

📸 Recommended Photo Spots

• Quyuan Fenghe (曲院风荷)
  - A stunning harmony of autumn ponds and fiery red maple leaves
  - Morning mist creates a scene reminiscent of a traditional Chinese painting

• Huagang Guanyu (花港观鱼)
  - A lively landscape of fish and autumn foliage
  - The contrast between red maple leaves and koi fish is particularly striking

• Taiziwan Park (太子湾公园)
  - A romantic blend of expansive lawns and autumn flowers
  - Bustling with locals enjoying picnics on weekends, but peaceful on weekdays

• Beishan Street (北山街)
  - A mix of French-style trees and West Lake, evoking a European vibe
  - Best enjoyed during sunset for its breathtaking beauty

• Hupao Park (虎跑公园)
  - Features serene forest trails and clear streams
  - An ideal spot to capture autumn leaves reflected in the water

💡 Visiting Tips

- Early mornings or weekday afternoons are the best times to avoid crowds
- Mid-November to early December is the peak season for autumn foliage
- Experiment with various angles and compositions; the same spot can look different depending on the time and weather

Hangzhou in autumn feels like walking through a living watercolor painting. This fall, enjoy your own unique Hangzhou autumn journey! 🍂
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📍Hangzhou is a peaceful city that blends traditional culture with modernity. It's an easy and safe destination to explore, with friendly locals. Getting around is very convenient using the DiDi app, which offers quick and affordable rides. Alternatively, you can rent a bike to explore the city.

📍Must-visit spots include West Lake (西湖) and Leifeng Pagoda (雷峰塔), famously associated with the Legend of the White Snake. You can take a leisurely stroll around West Lake, which offers numerous picturesque photo spots. Some viewpoints provide stunning views of the lake and Leifeng Pagoda, reminiscent of scenes from Chinese films. Visiting during sunset is especially breathtaking, with the orange hues creating a magical atmosphere.

📍Another recommended site is Lingyin Temple (灵隐寺), an ancient Buddhist temple with a history of 1,600 years. Surrounded by tree-covered hills, it houses many Buddhist relics and carvings, offering a serene and shaded environment.

In the evening, you can visit Hubin Yintai (in77), a shopping mall located near West Lake, featuring a variety of stores. For those who enjoy night markets, Wulin Night Market (武林夜市) or Hefang Street (河坊街), a historic pedestrian street, are great options to explore.
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...that Starbucks could be a destination not just for coffee?
Every corner here feels like a mini-gallery: stained glass, marble, lighting, textures.
The centerpiece is a massive silk installation crafted using the traditional Hangzhou weaving technique, Hanluo.
The building combines historical elements with modern design, making it a place people visit not only for coffee but also for the ambiance, stunning photos, and the feeling of being in a 'museum inside Starbucks.'

What to see:
▪️ A large hanging silk composition
▪️ Arches, marble details, and warm lighting perfect for photos
▪️ The 'museum inside Starbucks' atmosphere

Best times to visit:
▪️ Before 11:00 AM — fewer people.
▪️ After 5:00 PM — soft lighting, ideal for photography.
▪️ Weekends — more tourists.

📍 Starbucks Reserve (Hangzhou Hefang Street Intangible Cultural Heritage Concept Store)
Address: 70 Zhongshan Middle Road, Qingbo Street
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#Wensan Future Technology Experience Center #Meet Six Little Dragons Life Exhibition Hall 181025 (2) The focus of the first day is to visit the Meet Six Little Dragons Life Exhibition Hall, but I can't book it, and primary school students and groups can participate, really disappointed 😥😓! Only book Wen San Future Technology Experience Center, but only the night of the 18th and the night of the 25th can choose, 25th I have left Hangzhou, so had to visit Hangzhou the first night to visit immediately!
You have to make an appointment to visit, fortunately than I was able to make an appointment, I saw that the beginning of October can no longer book, it turns out that there are designated times per week that are free, other times have to be charged.
Because it is so popular, even if you successfully enter to visit, you still have to compete with children and parents to take pictures 📸📸😅! Luckily there were still a couple of singles similar to me who came to check in and ask questions!
Of course, there is also a robot and robot dog show session, as well as products for sale of the Six Little Dragons and an introduction to their history.
Although the mechanical beauty at the door is a bit fake, I think it’s already good!
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Elong Hotel is beloved by travelers for its comfortable ambiance and attentive service ❤️. Conveniently located near famous attractions such as West Lake and Lingyin Temple, it is surrounded by bustling commercial areas with excellent amenities 🚊.

The rooms are spacious and bright, equipped with smart devices and high-quality amenities. Guests can enjoy relaxing city views from the windows.

The hotel offers comprehensive facilities, including a gym 🏋️, self-service laundry, and a sumptuous breakfast catering to both Chinese and Western tastes 🍳.

The front desk staff are friendly and meticulous, always ready to assist guests with their needs, providing a sense of security and comfort.

Whether for family vacations or business trips, Elong Hotel combines warmth, convenience, and quality to create an unforgettable stay for travelers 🧳.

FAQs About Travel to Hangzhou

  • What’s the best time to visit Hangzhou?

    The best time is in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild, and the natural scenery is at its most beautiful.
  • How do I get around Hangzhou?

    The metro system is easy to use, and taxis or ride-hailing apps like Didi are also convenient. You can also rent bikes or take a boat ride on West Lake.
  • What are the must-try foods in Hangzhou?

    Don’t miss dishes like Dongpo Pork, West Lake Fish in Vinegar Sauce, and Longjing Shrimp. Try them at local restaurants or food stalls.
  • Can I visit Hangzhou on a day trip from Shanghai?

    Yes, Hangzhou is about 1-1.5 hours by train from Shanghai, making it perfect for a day trip or a weekend getaway.
  • How many days should I spend in Hangzhou?

    2-3 days is ideal to explore the main attractions like West Lake, Lingyin Temple, and the tea fields.
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Travel to Hangzhou