Top 8 Things to Do in Hangzhou: Explore History, Nature & Culture
As one of China’s Seven Ancient Capitals, Hangzhou blends profound history with breathtaking natural beauty—living up to the saying "Up above is paradise, down below are Suzhou and Hangzhou." From West Lake’s serene scenery to ancient water towns and high-tech experiences, these 8 activities capture the best of Hangzhou.
1 Wander in the West Lake Wonderland
West Lake, Hangzhou’s iconic landmark (printed on China’s 1-yuan note), shines in all weathers—sunny, rainy, or snowy. Explore it by walking, cycling (rental bikes available nearby), or taking a traditional boat cruise to soak in classic Chinese garden-style scenery.
CNN named West Lake one of the "12 Superb Sunset Spots Worldwide." The best sunset photo spots are Broken Bridge, Su Causeway, and Yanggong Causeway—all free to visit.
Transport: Metro Line 1/7 to West Lake Station (Exit C); bus No. 7, 51 to West Lake Hub.
Best Time: Early morning (7-9 AM, fewer crowds) or sunset (5-7 PM, spring/autumn).
2 Enjoy a Live Performance
Hangzhou’s top 3 live shows showcase its culture and scenery:
- Impression West Lake: Open-air night show on West Lake, telling a romantic love story with lights, music, and dance—book tickets 3 days in advance for good seats.
- Romance of the Song Dynasty: Held at Song Dynasty Town (a theme park), it revives Hangzhou’s glory as the Southern Song Dynasty capital.
- West Lake Night: Staged at Dongpo Theater (northwest of West Lake), a local favorite for its innovative storytelling.
Ticket Tip: Buy via official WeChat accounts (search show names) or travel platforms like Ctrip for discounts.
Show Time: Most start at 7:30 PM, duration ~1.5 hours.
3 Visit the Quaint Water Towns
Day trips to nearby water towns are a must—each has unique charm:
- Wuzhen: Well-developed with antique inns and shops, perfect for photography (best in spring/autumn; avoid midday summer heat).
- Xitang: Less commercial than Wuzhen, with quiet canals and narrow lanes—ideal for a relaxing stroll.
- Nanxun: The most original, with preserved historic mansions and tranquil ambiance—great for cultural lovers.
Travel Tip: Take high-speed train from Hangzhou East Station to Wuzhen (40 mins) or Xitang (50 mins); join a 1-day group tour for hassle-free transport.
4 Discover Old Hangzhou in Qinghefang Old Street
Qinghefang, a historic street east of West Lake (10-minute walk from the lake), is a window into old Hangzhou. It features well-preserved Ming/Qing Dynasty buildings, century-old shops (e.g., Zhang Xiaoquan Scissors, Hu Qing Yu Tang Pharmacy), and local snack stalls (try beggar’s chicken and osmanthus cakes).
Transport: Metro Line 7 to Qinghefang Station (Exit A).
Crowd Tip: Avoid weekends and national holidays (very crowded); visit weekday afternoons (2-5 PM) for a better experience.
5 Discover the New Face of Hangzhou Through Fresh Experiences
Hangzhou is a tech hub—experience its innovation:
- Mobile Payment: Use Alipay (bind international cards) to pay at shops, restaurants, and even street stalls—cash is rarely needed.
- Self-Service Supermarkets: Try Hema Fresh (Alibaba’s supermarket) for cashier-free shopping (scan items and pay via app).
- Alibaba Headquarters: Visit the Xixi Park campus (external areas open to public) to learn about China’s e-commerce giant—book a guided tour via Alibaba’s official website 1 week in advance.
Tech Tip: Download Alipay before arrival; use the "International Version" for English support.
6 Learn About Tea, Silk, and Chinese Medicine
Dive into Hangzhou’s traditional industries:
- Tea: Visit Meijiawu Tea Village (pick tea leaves March-April) or National Tea Museum (west of West Lake, free entry) to learn about Longjing tea (China’s top 10 teas).
- Silk: Explore National Silk Museum (world’s largest silk museum, free) to see silk-making processes and the Silk Road history.
- Chinese Medicine: Tour Hangzhou Chinese Medicine Museum (Qinghefang Street) to view ancient medical books and traditional architecture.
Museum Hours: 9:00 AM-5:00 PM (closed Mondays, last entry at 4:30 PM).
Tea Picking: Book a tea farm experience via local travel agencies (includes picking + tea-making + tasting).
7 Explore Hangzhou's Buddhist Heritage
Hangzhou’s 3 key Buddhist sites:
- Lingyin Temple: 1,800-year-old temple in a forest, home to rare Buddhist relics (ticket: 75 RMB, open 7:30 AM-5:00 PM).
- Peak Flown in From Afar: Next to Lingyin, with 470 ancient Buddha carvings in caves (free with Lingyin ticket).
- Six Harmonies Pagoda: 60-meter-tall pagoda by Qiantang River, built to suppress tidal bores (best to visit August-September for Qiantang Tide).
Tide Tip: Check Qiantang Tide forecast online (released monthly) for exact viewing times.
Temple Etiquette: Dress modestly (cover shoulders/knees); remove hats when entering main halls.
8 Relish Local Cuisine
Hangzhou is the heart of Zhejiang Cuisine—known for light flavors and delicate cooking. Must-try dishes:
- Sweet and Sour West Lake Fish
- Dongpo Pork (braised in Shaoxing wine)
- Fried Shrimps with Longjing Tea
- Aunt Song Fish Broth
Recommended Restaurants: Louwailou (historic, for classic dishes) or Dadong (affordable, popular with locals).
Food Street: Hefang Street (Qinghefang area) for local snacks like osmanthus cakes and stinky tofu.
Relevant SEO Keywords
English Keywords: Top 8 things to do in Hangzhou 2024、West Lake cruise guide、Wuzhen Hangzhou day trip、Qinghefang street food、Lingyin Temple ticket hours、Hangzhou Longjing tea picking、Hangzhou Alipay experience、Zhejiang cuisine restaurants
