Positioned at the southern end of the Heritage-listed Grand Canal, Hangzhou is renowned for its natural beauty and cultural heritage. It boasts an attractive subtropical climate, with a collection of traditional gardens and ancient temples.
Things to do in Hangzhou
Spend a day exploring the West Lake Scenic Area to discover its historical and cultural sites, including the photogenic Broken Bridge and the five-storey Leifeng Pagoda. Jump aboard a boat to tour the lake’s many islands, with the candle-lit pagoda of Lesser Yingzhou Isle particularly special at night.
Wander the landscaped paths and flower beds of Guo’s Villa, one of Hangzhou’s most famous traditional Chinese gardens. Juxtaposing yin and yang, the garden features a charming teahouse and numerous water features that embody the Chinese wisdom of Tao.
Visit Lingyin Temple, the “Temple of the Soul's Retreat”, one of China’s oldest and most important Buddhist sites. It lies in a narrow valley between North Peak and the Buddhist stone statues, which are carved into the cliffs at Fei Lai Feng.
Soak up the views of Hangzhou from Baochu Pagoda, which teeters atop Precious Stone Hill. This soaring, tower-like pagoda dates back to 963 AD and is accessed via a scenic hiking trail along the mountainous northern shores of West Lake.
Getting around Hangzhou
Hangzhou International Airport is around 35 minutes’ drive east of Hangzhou. There are high-speed rail connections to major cities across China, along with an extensive bus and subway network accessing all corners of the city.