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Hangzhou Travel Guide Hub

Plan Hangzhou with guides to West Lake, Dragon Well tea, temples, and the classic Shanghai side-trip itinerary.

About 12 million1-2 daysBest: March-May, September-November
Start here

Full City Guide

Start with the complete city guide, itinerary, food, hotels, and first-time tips.

China High-Speed Rail

Shanghai to Hangzhou in 45-60 minutes.

First-Time China Itinerary

Where Hangzhou fits in your route.

Chinese Food Guide

Hangzhou's signature Dongpo pork and West Lake fish.

City Snapshot

West Lake, tea culture, scenic walks, Shanghai side trips

Suggested stay
1-2 days
Best months
March-May, September-November
Best base
West Lake area if budget allows
Hangzhou Travel Guide Hub
Save This Itinerary

Day 1

West Lake walk/bike → boat ride → Leifeng Pagoda → lake sunset

Day 2

Lingyin Temple → Longjing tea village → Hefang Street

Optional

Xixi Wetland for more nature

First-Time Must-Know
  • West Lake is an experience, not one attraction
  • Weekdays are better than weekends
  • Tea villages deserve slow time
  • Lake-view hotels change the trip
  • Pairs perfectly with Shanghai and Suzhou
Signature Foods
Dongpo porkLongjing shrimpWest Lake fishTea desserts
Read the full city guide

Top Attractions

Marco Polo called Hangzhou the finest city in the world — see if you agree.

West Lake

UNESCO site — bike the 15km lakeside path or take a boat cruise.

Lingyin Temple

1,600-year-old temple with cliff carvings — peaceful despite crowds.

Longjing Tea Villages

Hike through terraces where China's most famous green tea is grown.

Hefang Street

Restored old street with teahouses, medicine shops, and street food.

Tea Culture

Hangzhou is the birthplace of Dragon Well (Longjing) tea — the most celebrated green tea in China.

Chinese Food Guide

Tea ceremony experiences at Meijiawu or Longjing Village.

Chinese Food Guide

Buy authentic Longjing from local growers (avoid tourist traps).

Chinese Food Guide

Tea-flavored dishes: Longjing shrimp, tea-smoked duck.

Shanghai Side Trip

Hangzhou is the perfect 1-2 day escape from Shanghai.

Shanghai Travel Guide

Combine both cities in a 5-7 day Shanghai + Hangzhou itinerary.

How to Use Didi

Navigate Hangzhou's metro and bike-share systems.

Best eSIM for China

Stay connected while day-tripping from Shanghai.

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