How to Get Around Hangzhou: West Lake Cycling, Metro & Day Trips
The short answer: cycle around West Lake — it’s the classic Hangzhou experience — and use the metro for everything else. The 15 km lake loop is best done by bike, early in the morning when it’s quiet. Budget ¥2–8 per metro ride, ¥10–20 for a shared bike.
Cycling: The West Lake Way
Hangzhou is one of China’s most bike-friendly cities, and cycling the West Lake loop is the classic experience.
- The loop: 15 km around the lake, taking 1.5–2 hours with stops. Go early (before 8 AM) when the mist is on the water and the crowds haven’t arrived.
- Bike-sharing: Shared bikes (Alipay/WeChat Pay) are everywhere — scan and ride, about ¥1.5 per 30 minutes.
- Best stops: Su Causeway (苏堤), Bai Causeway (白堤), and the sunset from Baoshi Hill (宝石山).
The Metro: Clean & Efficient
Hangzhou’s metro is modern and English-signed.
- Lines you’ll use most: Line 1 (West Lake, Wulin Square, Xiaoshan Airport), Line 2 (West Lake, Longjing area), Line 19 (airport express).
- Payment: Scan a QR code with Alipay or WeChat Pay at the gates — no ticket needed.
- Fares: ¥2–8 per ride.
- Peak hours: 7:30–9:30 AM and 5:30–7:30 PM.
Airport Transfer: Xiaoshan Airport (HGH)
- Metro Lines 1 & 19: From Xiaoshan Airport to downtown in about 40 minutes — the best option.
- Taxi/Didi: 40–60 minutes depending on traffic, ¥80–120.
- Tip: Line 19 is the airport express — faster and more comfortable.
Day Trips: The Yangtze Delta Hub
Hangzhou is perfectly positioned for day trips:
- Shanghai (45 min by high-speed rail): The Bund, the skyline, the shopping.
- Suzhou (1 hour): Classical gardens and canals.
- Wuzhen / Xitang (1–1.5 hours): Ancient water towns.
- Qiandao Lake (2 hours): A stunning reservoir with thousands of islands.
Taxis & Didi
- Flag-fall: About ¥12.
- Didi: Works well — set your pickup point carefully.
- Tip: The metro is almost always faster in rush hour.
The Qianjiang New City Light Show (钱江新城灯光秀)
A spectacular light show on the Qianjiang New City skyline — runs at 19:30 and 20:30, and it’s free to watch from the City Balcony (城市阳台). A lovely evening activity after a West Lake day.
Common Pitfalls
- Cashless city: Hangzhou is Alipay’s home city — the whole city is cashless. Make sure your Alipay is set up.
- Summer heat: 35°C+ in summer — the metro is air-conditioned, and cycling is best in the early morning.
- Winter dampness: Winter is damp and cold — dress in layers.
FAQ
What is the best way to get around Hangzhou? Cycling around West Lake, and the metro for everything else.
How do I get from Xiaoshan Airport to the city? Metro Lines 1 and 19, about 40 minutes.
Is West Lake really free? Yes — the entire lake area is free. The 15 km loop is best by bike.
Can I do a day trip to Shanghai? Yes — 45 minutes by high-speed rail. Suzhou is about 1 hour.
Is the Qianjiang light show worth it? Yes — 19:30 and 20:30, free from the City Balcony.
Last updated: October 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to get around Hangzhou?
Cycling around West Lake is the classic experience — the 15 km loop is best done by bike. The metro covers the rest of the city.
How do I get from Xiaoshan Airport to the city?
Metro Lines 1 and 19 connect Xiaoshan Airport (HGH) to downtown in about 40 minutes.
Is West Lake really free?
Yes — the entire lake area is free to walk, cycle, and enjoy. The 15 km loop is best done by bike, early in the morning when it's quiet.
Can I do a day trip to Shanghai from Hangzhou?
Yes — high-speed rail reaches Shanghai in about 45 minutes. Suzhou is about 1 hour away.
Is the Qianjiang New City light show worth it?
Yes — it runs at 19:30 and 20:30, and it's free to watch from the City Balcony (城市阳台).