Location

Hangzhou, the capital of China’s Zhejiang Province, lies in the Yangtze River Delta, about 110 miles (180 km) southwest of Shanghai. Known as “Heaven on Earth” for its timeless beauty, the city is framed by hills, rivers, and the iconic West Lake. Its mild, humid climate makes it a year-round destination, while its location near major cities like Shanghai (1 hour by high-speed train) and Ningbo (2 hours) positions it as a key stop in eastern China.

Getting There

Hangzhou is easily accessible:

  • By Air: Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH) connects to over 100 cities globally, including Paris, Tokyo, and Singapore. Direct shuttles to downtown take 40 minutes.
  • By Train: High-speed trains reach Shanghai in 45 minutes, Beijing in 4.5 hours, and Suzhou in 1.5 hours. Hangzhou East Railway Station is a major hub with metro links.
  • Local Transport: The metro system (12 lines as of 2024) covers key areas. Rent bikes via apps like HelloBike for short trips—many paths follow scenic routes like West Lake. Taxis are affordable but avoid rush hours (7–9 AM, 5–7 PM).

Natural Beauty

Hangzhou’s landscapes blend water, mountains, and greenery:

  • West Lake (Xī Hú): A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the city’s heart. Walk, bike, or take a boat ride to explore its willow-lined causeways, lotus ponds, and pagodas like Leifeng Tower. Sunset views here are legendary.
  • Xixi National Wetland Park: A peaceful maze of rivers, marshes, and traditional water villages 30 minutes from downtown. Take a gondola ride to spot herons and ancient stone bridges.
  • Longjing Tea Plantations: Hike through terraced tea fields in the hills west of West Lake. Learn how China’s most famous green tea, Dragon Well (Lóngjǐng), is grown and processed.

Culture & History

Hangzhou’s 2,200-year history is alive in its art and traditions:

  • Lingyin Temple: One of China’s oldest Buddhist temples, founded in 326 CE. Marvel at its carved stone statues and the nearby Feilai Peak grottoes.
  • Song Dynasty Town (Song Cheng): A themed park recreating Hangzhou’s golden age as China’s 12th-century capital. Watch live performances like The Romance of the Song Dynasty for a splash of history and drama.
  • Silk Culture: Visit the China National Silk Museum to see ancient looms and learn how Hangzhou became the “Silk Capital” of the world. Don’t miss the Silk Market for handcrafted scarves and qipaos (traditional dresses).
  • Traditional Crafts: Try fan-painting at Wangxingji Fan Shop, a 140-year-old workshop, or watch artisans make bamboo umbrellas in Xiaohe Old Street.

Modern Conveniences

Traveler-friendly amenities abound:

  • Accommodation: Stay in lakeside luxury (e.g., Amanfayun, Four Seasons) or budget-friendly hostels near Hefang Street. Many hotels offer tea-tasting sessions.
  • Dining: Hangzhou cuisine is fresh and slightly sweet. Must-tries include Dongpo Pork (braised belly meat), West Lake Fish in Vinegar Gravy, and Beggar’s Chicken. For street food, head to Wushan Night Market.
  • Shopping: Inlux Plaza and Hubin Walkway cater to luxury shoppers, while Qinghefang Ancient Street sells local snacks, silk, and handmade crafts.
  • Language: Most signs in tourist areas are bilingual. Younger locals often speak basic English.

Local Experiences

Dive into Hangzhou’s relaxed vibe:

  • Boat Ride on West Lake: Hire a rowboat or join a group tour to visit islets like Three Pools Mirroring the Moon.
  • Tea Tasting: Visit a Longjing Village teahouse to sip fresh Dragon Well tea paired with local snacks like osmanthus cakes.
  • Cycling the Grand Canal: Rent a bike to explore the ancient waterway’s historic bridges and warehouses, now turned into cafes and galleries.

Beyond Hangzhou

Use the city as a base for regional adventures:

  • Water Towns: Day-trip to Wuzhen or Nanxun (1–2 hours by car) for canals, stone bridges, and Ming-era houses.
  • Qiandao Lake: A stunning “Thousand Island Lake” 3 hours away, perfect for kayaking, hiking, or relaxing in lakeside resorts.
  • Mount Putuo: A sacred Buddhist island 4 hours by car and ferry, dotted with temples and sandy beaches.
  • Business Travel: Attend the Alibaba Cloud Summit or mix work with leisure at Hangzhou’s tech parks near the Future Sci-Tech City.