The Chinese say, "Above there is heaven, below there are Suzhou and Hangzhou." Hangzhou earns its reputation as paradise on earth with the dreamy West Lake, rolling green tea hills, and a rare sense of calm. It's the perfect place to slow down after the big cities. Here's what to know before you go.
What to see in Hangzhou
- West Lake: the heart of Hangzhou, with Leifeng Pagoda, willow-lined causeways, and gliding boats.
- Lingyin Temple: an ancient, atmospheric temple set among forested hills, with Buddhas carved into the rock.
- Wuzhen: a canal town of waterways, wooden houses, and stone bridges — magical at night.
- Longjing tea hills: terraced green slopes that produce China's most famous green tea.
- The Grand Canal: an ancient man-made waterway and World Heritage site.
Cultural experiences worth trying
- Enjoy a Longjing tea tasting in the tea village, learning how the leaves are picked and pan-fired.
- Take a boat ride on West Lake at sunset.
- Watch the "Impression West Lake" outdoor show staged on the water.
- Wander Hefang Street for crafts and Hangzhou silk.
What to eat in Hangzhou
Hangzhou cuisine is refined and delicate:
- West Lake vinegar fish: fresh fish in a sweet-and-sour vinegar sauce.
- Dongpo pork: meltingly tender braised pork belly.
- Longjing shrimp: shelled shrimp stir-fried with green tea leaves.
- Beggar's chicken: whole chicken baked in a clay shell.
- Longjing green tea: an essential sip while you're here.
Getting around Hangzhou
A high-speed train links Hangzhou to Shanghai in about an hour, making the two easy to combine. Within the city, the metro and buses cover plenty of ground, but around West Lake, walking, cycling, or taking a boat is the best way to soak in the scenery. For the tea hills or Wuzhen (about ninety minutes away), a private car gives you more freedom.
A French- or Vietnamese-speaking guide makes booking trains, visiting the tea villages, and understanding the cultural stories far easier.
When to visit Hangzhou
The finest times are spring (March–May), when the new tea and blossoms appear, and early autumn (September–October), when it's cool. Avoid the muggy midsummer and the busy national holidays.
How many days do you need?
About 2–3 days: a full day for West Lake and Lingyin, a day for the Longjing tea hills, and, if time allows, a day trip to Wuzhen.
A few practical tips
- Rise early to walk West Lake while mist still hangs over the water — beautiful and quiet.
- Buy Longjing tea in the village itself to be sure of its quality.
Hangzhou is a place to go slow, breathe deep, and savour the gentle beauty of the Jiangnan region.