Hangzhou 杭州
West Lake scenery, tea hills, Buddhist heritage, and Grand Canal history.
Why visit
Hangzhou combines poetic West Lake views with tea-growing hills, Lingyin Temple, old commerce, the Grand Canal, and a confident modern city.
How to plan your time
Use one full day for West Lake and Lingyin Temple. Add Meijiawu tea country, the Grand Canal, Xixi Wetland, or a water town on the second or third day.
Good route pairings
High-speed rail makes Shanghai and Suzhou easy partners. Huangshan is a rewarding next stop for mountain scenery.
How to Get There
Hangzhou has an international airport and frequent high-speed rail. Shanghai to Hangzhou is an easy rail connection for international arrivals.
Don't Miss
- West Lake
- Lingyin Temple
- Longjing tea villages
Must-See Attractions
West Lake
UNESCO cultural landscape with causeways, gardens, and temples.
Tip: Walk one section and use a boat or shuttle to avoid fatigue.
Lingyin Temple
Major Buddhist site backed by wooded hills and grottoes.
Tip: Arrive early for a calmer visit.
Longjing tea villages
Terraced tea fields and tasting experiences.
Tip: Visit during spring harvest for the fullest experience.
Where to Eat
Dongpo pork
Slow-braised pork with a rich glossy sauce.
Longjing shrimp
Tender shrimp scented with green tea.
Where to Stay
West Lake east shore
Walkable lake access and dining.
West Lake west / tea hills
Green scenery and boutique stays.
Tips & Practical Information
Getting around
Use metro or rail inside major cities and a private car for outlying heritage or nature sites. Keep station names and addresses saved in Chinese.
Book ahead
Reserve headline attractions and intercity trains early, especially for weekends, school holidays, and the May and October holiday periods.
Avoid the traps
Avoid overloading arrival and departure days. Allow time for security checks, station transfers, weather changes, and the walking level of your group.
What to pack
Bring comfortable walking shoes, a portable battery, a light rain layer, and clothing suited to the season and local elevation.