Hangzhou Travel Guide
The city of West Lake — misty pagodas, tea plantations, and the headquarters of Alibaba. China's most romantic city.
Hangzhou, with its misty West Lake and rolling tea hills, has been China’s most romantic city for a thousand years.
Highlights
- West Lake — boat rides, causeways, and sunset views
- Longjing Tea Village — watch tea picking and roasting
- Lingyin Temple — one of China’s great Buddhist temples
- Grand Canal — UNESCO heritage, evening cruises
- Alibaba HQ — the tech giant’s campus (view from outside)
Getting Around
The metro covers the main sights. West Lake is best explored on foot, by bike, or by boat. Longjing village is a short bus or Didi ride from the lake.
Where to Stay
- West Lake area — the classic choice
- Wulin Square — shopping and dining
- Heming Road — boutique hotels
Food
Dongpo pork, West Lake vinegar fish, and Longjing shrimp. Hangzhou cuisine is refined and delicate — a contrast to Sichuan’s fire.
Hangzhou Guides
What to Eat in Hangzhou: West Lake Dishes, Noodles & Longjing Tea
The essential Hangzhou food guide — West Lake vinegar fish, Dongpo pork, pian'erchuan noodles, xiaolongbao, and Longjing tea.
2026-10-10How to Get Around Hangzhou: West Lake Cycling, Metro & Day Trips
The complete Hangzhou transport guide — West Lake cycling, the metro, Xiaoshan Airport, and day trips to Shanghai and beyond.
2026-10-10Hangzhou Travel Guide 2026: Itineraries, Transport & Insider Tips
The complete Hangzhou travel guide — West Lake, Longjing tea, Lingyin Temple, and insider tips from locals.
2026-10-10Book Your Trip
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