Hangzhou
Famous for West Lake and tea plantations, a jewel of the Jiangnan region.
City Introduction
Hangzhou was the capital of the Southern Song dynasty and Marco Polo's 'finest and noblest city'. West Lake has inspired poets for over a thousand years.
地理位置
At the southern end of the Grand Canal in the Yangtze River Delta, 170 km southwest of Shanghai.
行政级别
Capital of Zhejiang Province (省会).
最佳时节
Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November).
四季气候
Spring mild and misty; summer hot and humid; autumn crisp with osmanthus; winter cool and damp.
画中游 · Famous Attractions
West Lake
A UNESCO site and the soul of Hangzhou, celebrated by poets.
Lingyin Temple
One of China's most famous Buddhist monasteries.
Longjing Tea Villages
The home of Dragon Well tea, China's most famous green tea.
Xixi National Wetland Park
A rare urban wetland of waterways and villages.
Grand Canal
The world's longest artificial river, with Hangzhou as its southern terminus.
Famous Food
Dongpo Pork
Braised pork belly named after the Song poet Su Shi.
West Lake Fish in Vinegar
A famous dish of sweet-and-sour grass carp.
Longjing Shrimp
Fresh river shrimp stir-fried with Longjing tea leaves.
Pian Er Chuan
A hearty noodle soup with pickled vegetables and pork.
Hefang Street for snacks, and around West Lake for upscale dining with a view.
Getting Around
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan International (HGH) — about 45 minutes by metro.
- Hangzhou East (major high-speed hub)
- Hangzhou Railway Station (near West Lake)
- Hangzhou West
- Line 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 16, 19 (airport)
- Line 1: Longxiangqiao (West Lake), Chengzhan (Railway Station); Line 3: Xixi Wetland; Line 19: Airport; Line 7: Wushan Square
- Modern, clean, connects airport and stations efficiently.
其他通途
- Bus — extensive around the lake.
- Taxi / Didi — convenient.
- Boat — scenic across West Lake or Grand Canal.
- Bike share — very popular around West Lake.
Suggested Itineraries
Travel Tips
Booking
Most attractions don't require advance booking except special exhibitions.
Crowds
West Lake packed on weekends. Early mornings before 8 AM are magical.
Payment
Hangzhou is the home of Alipay. Mobile pay is everywhere.
Language
Hangzhou dialect soft and distinct. Service staff speak Mandarin and some English.
Weather
Spring brings misty, poetic scenes. Autumn crisp with osmanthus.
Common Pitfalls
Don't buy 'Longjing tea' from random street vendors. Purchase from reputable tea houses.