Things to do in Hangzhou

More about Hangzhou

About Hangzhou

Come to a city that is considered to be one of the most popular tourist destinations nestled in eastern China known for its beautiful scenery, rich in history and unique cultures. 

Have you ever heard about the famous UNESCO World Heritage Site of West Lake in China, the largest and most serene Yinglin Temple or the historical Leifeng Pagoda? 

All of those famous places are housed in the wonderful city of Hangzhou. Not stopping there, Hangzhou is also a major economic centre that is known for its production of silk, tea and pharmaceutical products, allowing visitors to experience the highest quality goods right at home production. 

If you happen to visit Hangzhou, then savouring their cuisine is a must, which includes mouth-watering foods like Dongpo Pork, and West Lake Fish which surely satisfies both your palette and stomach. Don’t be afraid to ask the locals about the most popular spot for sightseeing, or their recommended restaurants and foods because Hangzhou is known for its hospitable people who are always ready to welcome visitors. 

Top Things to Do in Hangzhou

1. Cruising through the famous ‘Ten Scenes of West Lake’ 

One of the top tourist attractions in Hangzhou that you must not miss during your trip to the area is the West Lake. this specific UNESCO World Heritage Site is located right in the heart of Hangzhou which is known for its serene expanse of water surrounded by stunning hills, temples and serene gardens. 

But among all of these, the lake is particularly known for its ‘Ten Scenes of West Lakes’ including the Su Causeway perfect for strolling and enjoying the scenery, Broken Bridge with a romantic legend, the Flower Harbor filled with beautiful flowers, Pavilion of the three mirroring Moon, and many others that you can access through cruising through the lake.

If you would like to stroll along a bamboo-lined pathway in the Yunqi, then consider booking this particular tour that will surely leave you with unforgettable memories. 

2. Bike around the serene West Lake 

Cruising is not the only way to get around in West Lake, there is still another option of biking through the area where you get to freely stop by and hop into the areas and spare most of your time at the place that you are interested in the most. 

There are several scenic routes that you can pass through including the Southern Shore which offers stunning views of Leifeng Pagoda and the West Lake Longjing Tea plantation, the Northern Shore which allows you to explore the lively Su Causeway and the serene Flower Harbour or the Eastern Shore where visitors get to discover the romantic Broken Bridge and the peaceful viewing of the fishes at Flower Pond. 

3. Visit the Colored Port View Fish Garden

Don’t miss the beautiful fish garden in Huangzhou, known for its freely swimming Koi fish in various colours and shapes including the Kohaku, Tancho, and Showa in the area. The garden itself features a series of interconnected ponds with a unique theme and design, making it a perfect location for your photo session to be uploaded to your social media. 

4. Explore the famous ancient Buddhist monasteries of Lingyin Temple

Take your time exploring the oldest Buddhist temple in Hangzhou, the Lingyin Temple which is famous for its beautiful architecture and its rich history. The temple is believed to have been established back in 328 CE and from then on has been rebuilt several times over the centuries. 

Here, you will find numerous Buddhist statues including the statues of Bodhidharma, a collection of ancient Buddhist scriptures, and a number of paintings and calligraphy works. 

5. Get to Know Fei Leifeng Pagoda

You might have already heard about the famous pagoda in Hangzhou, the Fei Leifeng pagoda which is located on the shore of West Lake and one of the most popular places to visit in the city. 

The pagoda was originally built in the 10th century, but it was once destroyed by a fire in the 11th century, but it was rebuilt in the 20th century. Now, it has become one of the top tourist destinations in the area. The pagoda is 5 stories tall and is made from wood and brick, decorated with unique carvings and paintings offering the breathtaking sight of the West Lake. 

6. Head to the famous Longjing Tea Plantation

As has been mentioned above, Hangzhou is renowned for producing some of the finest green tea in the world, and the Longjing Tea Plantation are especially famous for its high-quality Longjing tea, particularly the West Lake Longjing variety.

Take your time to immerse yourself in the serene scenes of nature and participate in their tea plantation tours where visitors would get to learn about the tea-making process and sample different varieties. 

7. Stroll around the Qing Hefang Street

Looking for a place where you can indulge yourself in the authentic culture of China? 

Visit Qing Hefang Street which is filled with a number of traditional architecture, charming hops, and a lively atmosphere. Begin your journey with a line of old-fashioned houses and shops that have been preserved and restored, followed by a tranquil walk through the street with a thousand street foods, local snacks and dishes that are waiting to be savoured. 

If you would like to enjoy all of the activities mentioned before along with Qing Hefang Street you might want to book a fun and exciting Tour with Traveloka. 

8. Leap through the time at Guo’s Garden

Nature beauty enthusiast. Spare your time and relieve yourself in the beautiful garden of Guo’s garden which was built in the 18th century and is the perfect example of traditional Chinese garden design complete with its unique landscaping, ancient trees and peaceful atmosphere. 

From a magnificent rockery with towering tones and winding paths, several pavilions and gazebos as well as a number of water features including ponds, streams, and waterfalls can be found in the area.

9. Sail on a scenic boat along The Grand Canal

Another amazing thing that you need to experience in Hangzhou is sailing through the longest man-made waterway in the whole world which stretches over 1,700 kilometres across eastern China. It connects the famous Yellow River in the north and the Yangtze River in the south, passing through several major cities like Beijing, Tianjin, Hangzhou, and Suzhou. 

10. Relaxing at the stunning Wuzhen Water Town

Imagine yourself being able to have a serene walk through the waterway city with a bustling market and citizens go one way and another, Wuzhen Water Town would allow you to experience all of that, complete with well-preserved canals, traditional architecture, and rich cultural heritage offering you a glimpse into China’s past. 

As has been said before, the most unique thing about the town is how the residents use the well-preserved canals as their main transportation, along with a scenic backdrop as you sail through the waterway. 

11. Have a walk around the streets of Dongzha

Another street that allows you to explore the authentic culture of China within Hangzhou, the Streets of Dongzha is known for its narrow, winding streets and well-preserved traditional architecture including the Guanghua Temple and Chengtian Temple. Not only that, the street also houses numerous traditional Chinese houses and shops selling souvenirs, delightful snacks and street foods authentic to the area. 

12. Hop on Hongyuantai dye-house 

Let’s move on to talking about participating in various workshops in Hangzhou, including Honyuantai dye-house, known for its traditional indigo dyeing techniques that have been passed down from generation to generation. The dye house generally produces a variety of indigo-dyed textiles, including clothing, home decor, and art objects. 

Participate in the workshop they offered and try for yourself as well as see first-hand how they dye their own textiles. 

13. Get to know the process of Liquor Brewing at Sanbai Liquor Workshop

Another workshop worth mentioning is the liquor brewing at Sanbai Liquor Workshop which is accessible through the Wuzhen Jinghang Grand Canal Tour in Traveloka along with Hongyuantai dye-house, streets of Dongzha and Wuzhen Water Town. 

Hangzhou is particularly famous for its Huangshan Sanbai variety, a high-quality spirit known for its smooth taste and fragrant aroma, and by attending this workshop, visitors would be able to taste on there precious liquor while getting to know the procedure of liquor making in the professional environments. 

14. Make your day through a visit to Xixi Wetland National Park

Xixi Wetland National Park is well known for its diverse ecosystem, beautiful natural beauty, and rich biodiversity. It is a beloved tourist attraction, especially for nature lovers, birdwatchers, and for those seeking a peaceful escape from the city. 

The park is a must-visit place for those who enjoy nature and outdoor activities, as well as want to see for themself various animals living their free life in a lush forest, lakes, and marshes along with a stunning number of plants, creating a stunning backdrop of greens. 

15. Travel around the former Residence of Mao Dun, Lizhi Academy, and Hanlin Mansion

Hop into these three historical sites, which have stood for a very long time. Starting from the former residence of Mao Dun that once belonged to the famous Chinese writer Mao Dun, followed by Lizhi Academy, a famous ancient academy founded in 11th-century housing many historical buildings and artefacts, as well as the Hanlin Mansion which was once home to a Hanlin scholar offers a glimpse into the lives of China’s elite class. 

Best Restaurants in Hangzhou

If you come to Hangzhou, you should not miss getting a taste of their authentic cuisines that surely will satisfy both your palate and stomach with their unrivalled delicacies. Here is a list of the best Restaurants that you need to add to your list if you plan to visit Hangzhou. 

1. Jie Xiang Lou

The exceptional restaurant is known for serving traditional Hangzhou cuisine, which this restaurant is particularly famous for its Dongpo Pork, a dish that is considered a signature dish of the restaurant. 

Dongpo Pork is one of the must-not-missed foods authentic to Hangzhou. It is slowly cooked in a sweet and savoury sauce until the meat becomes tender and flavourful and served with steamed rice or noodles. If you would like to taste other than Dongpo Pork, you should consider trying out their Beggar’s Chicken, West Lake Fish and Hangzhou Xiao Long Bao to your lists. 

2. Grandma’s Home

Welcome to the popular Chinese restaurant chain that was first founded in Hangzhou, in 1998, and since then has expanded to multiple locations across China and even the United States. 

Granma’s House features a wide variety of menus, including fish-boiled lettuce, the iconic West Lake fish soup, Dongpo Pork, and other light meals like dim sum or the savoury pecking duck. 

3. Green Tea Restaurant

A peaceful surrounded by the lush greenery of the tea garden and trees, as the name says, Green Tea Restaurant is the perfect restaurant for those of you who want to take a step back away from the crowded city centre and savour amazing foods from a beef temptation that is one of the speciality dishes of the restaurant to Seafood Curry crispy rice rolls. 

4. Bao Zhong Bao Shi Fu

Bao Zhong Bao Shi Fu is a popular restaurant chain in China that specializes in baozi, which is a type of steamed bun that is typically filled with meat or vegetables nestled in the middle of Hangzhou.  Some of the most popular toppings include Pork Belly, Pork and Cabbage, Beef and Onion, Chicken and mushrooms as well as vegetables. But that’s not all Bao Zhong Bao Shi Fu has, because the restaurant also provides noodles, dumplings and soup catering to all preferences. 

5. Wu Zi Mian Guan

The Michelin restaurant of Hangzhou, the Wu Zi Mian Guan is a famous noodle restaurant chain in the city known for its delicious and affordable noodles. The restaurant specializes in various types of noodles, including beef noodles, pork noodles, and vegetarian noodles which is also known for its homemade chilli oil, which adds another unique feature to their noodles. 

Best Hotel Recommendations in Hangzhou

Now, let’s talk about the best accommodations/hotels that you can consider on booking through Traveloka, from a luxurious hotel with luxurious amenities and facilities to a more budget hotel that will save your wallet. 

1. Courtyard by Marriott Hangzhou Wulin

A luxurious hotel under the prestigious Marriott Hotel located in the heart of Hangzhou, close to various popular places like Hangzhou Tower Shopping Mall. West Lake, Baopu Taoist temple and many others. The rooms provided are clean with an excellent and welcoming service coming from the professional staff that will cater to all your needs and requests.

2. Grand Hyatt Hangzhou

The 5-star hotel is at your service, Grand Hyatt Hangzhou is another luxurious hotel known all around the world, offering a wide range of services and facilities like airport transfer, restaurants that serve high-quality delicacies, Spoa, Indoor Pool, Health club, Sauna, Bar, Fitness Centre and many others that you can visit and explore during your stay. 

3. DoubleTree by Hilton Hangzhou East

Have an enjoyable stay at DoubleTree by Hilton Hangzhou East with numerous amenities that are ready to make the utmost of your stay. Starting from a refreshing pool to a relaxing and rejuvenating spa are available to experience on this exceptional hotel. The rooms are all very clean with all your necessities are provided by the hotel. 

4. JI Hotel

A more budget-oriented hotel, Ji Hotel is for those of you who are budget-conscious but still want to experience a comfortable stay with welcoming services and decent amenities like a massive and clean room, as well as facilities like a fitness centre. The location is also pretty good where it nestled pretty close to Xixi Wetland Park and Cai Shenmiao. 

5. Holiday Inn Express Hangzhou Binjiang, an IHG Hotel

Another budget hotel that will save your wallet, Holiday Inn Express Hangzhou is a 3-star hotel located near the Hangzhou Binjiang Park with a wide variety of amenities, including wi-fi, and restaurant servings local to international cuisines. The rooms are also known for being clean and spacious with in-room facilities like flat-screen TVs, air conditioning and a minibar to make your stay more enjoyable. 

Travel Tips to Hangzhou

Here are several lists that you should keep in mind before visiting Hangzhou first-hand. 

• Plan your visit, do your research and plan your visit beforehand on the best season and weather that you feel that would be the best for you. 
• Don’t miss the West Lake, where you can take a boat ride or bicycle along its shores and indulge in the breathtaking scenery. 
• Experience Local Culture, get to know Hangzhou’s culture by visiting various historical sites like Leifeng Pagoda and the Lingyin Temple. 
• Savour Hangzhou Cuisine, don’t miss your opportunity to savour the delicate and flavourful Hangzhou cuisine. 
• Wander through the Old town and street, exploring the charming town and streets filled with numerous shops, street foods, and tea houses with historical buildings nestled within within the area.
• Hike in the Mountain, As you might have realised, Hangzhou is a city known for its stunning lush greenery, including its mountain that offers hiking trails with breathtaking views.
• Visit the Tea Plantation, Hangzhou is also known for its tea production, and so visiting a tea plantation is an activity worth considering where you get to learn about the process and take a sample of the finest tea. 
• Take a Day Trip, Not limited to the area, you can also consider having a day trip to the nearby attractions like the iconic Grand Canal or the Xitang Water Village for a long day trip. 
• Bargain at the Market, If you happen to visit the local market, then be ready to bargain with the vendor to purchase the souvenirs you need at the best price. 
• Learn Some Basic Chinese, Knowing basic Chinese phrases can enhance your travel experience and make interactions with locals easier. 

Best time to visit Hangzhou

The best time to visit Hangzhou would depend on what you are looking for. But in general, the best time to visit would be during the Spring falls from March to May or Autumn from September to November when the weather is pleasant and the scenery is at its best.

During the Spring, the West Lake is in full bloom with cherry blossoms, peach blossoms, and other flowers which makes it the perfect time to enjoy outdoor activities such as boating, hiking, and cycling. 

During Autumn, the weather is cool and crisp and the leaves of the trees change colour, creating a magical atmosphere making it a great time to enjoy local festivals and cultural events. 

From exploring the West Lake to visiting various temples and streets filled with shops and restaurants that serve authentic Hangzhou Cuisine, here is the list of things to do in Hangzhou that might want to add to your itinerary. If you would like to book accommodation, services, or flight tickets to Hangzhou soon, Traveloka is more than happy to help you in booking those tickets. Besides giving the best price, Traveloka also often gives numerous combos, discounts, and promotions! So don’t miss yours!