China
Hangzhou
Hangzhou (Hángzhōu), capital of Zhejiang and southern terminus of the ancient Grand Canal, has been celebrated by Chinese poets for centuries as an earthly paradise. At its heart lies West Lake (Xī Hú), a UNESCO World Heritage landscape of willow-lined causeways, arched bridges, misty hills and lotus-filled coves. A dusk stroll here still feels like stepping into a Song-dynasty scroll.
Top Sights
West Lake is the star, and entry is free. Walk or cycle the Su Causeway, a 2.8 km dyke built by Song-dynasty poet Su Dongpo, and the shorter Bai Causeway, watching for the classic "Ten Scenes of West Lake".
Leifeng Pagoda silhouetted across West Lake at dusk
On the southern shore, the rebuilt Leifeng Pagoda offers sweeping sunset views and tells the romantic Legend of the White Snake. West of the lake, Lingyin Temple — one of China's oldest Buddhist temples, founded in 326 AD — sits beside the Feilai Feng grottoes, carved with hundreds of centuries-old Buddha figures.
The Mahavira Hall of Lingyin Temple framed by ancient trees
For a quieter half-day, escape to Xixi National Wetland Park or wander Longjing (Dragon Well) tea villages like Meijiawu, where the hills are terraced with China's most famous green tea.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are ideal, with mild 10–20°C temperatures. Late March brings cherry blossoms to the Su Causeway; autumn brings golden leaves and clearer lake views. Summer is hot but rewards you with blooming lotus. Avoid the May Day and early-October National Day holidays, when crowds peak.
Getting There & Around
Bullet trains from Shanghai take about 45–90 minutes, and Hangzhou East Station (Hangzhoudong) — one of China's busiest — has Metro Lines 1 and 4. Line 1 reaches Longxiangqiao near West Lake in about 20 minutes. By 2026 the metro had grown to around a dozen lines, and dockless bike-share is everywhere — the flat 15 km lakeside loop makes cycling the loveliest way to circle the lake.
Practical Tips
West Lake never closes and is free, but sites such as Lingyin Temple and Leifeng Pagoda charge admission, so carry a payment app or cash. Allow at least a full day for the lake and a second for the tea hills, temple and wetlands. Wear comfortable shoes. For local flavour, try Hangzhou classics such as West Lake vinegar fish, Dongpo pork and Longjing-shrimp, and take home freshly picked Longjing tea.
Highlights
- West Lake (Xī Hú) — a UNESCO World Heritage lake ringed by causeways, pagodas and gardens
- Su Causeway and Bai Causeway, with the classic Ten Scenes of West Lake
- Lingyin Temple — one of China's oldest Buddhist temples, beside the Feilai Feng carved grottoes
- Leifeng Pagoda, with sweeping sunset views and the Legend of the White Snake
- Longjing (Dragon Well) tea villages such as Meijiawu in the western hills
- Xixi National Wetland Park, a tranquil maze of waterways and reed beds
- Hefang Street and the southern end of the Beijing–Hangzhou Grand Canal
Travel Tips
Best time to visit
Spring (Mar–May) and autumn (Sep–Nov) bring mild weather and the prettiest lake scenery; avoid the early-October national holiday.
Getting around
Take Metro Line 1 to Longxiangqiao for West Lake, then use dockless bike-share; the flat lakeside paths are very walkable.
Tickets
West Lake itself is free, but Lingyin Temple, Leifeng Pagoda and other sites charge admission — keep a payment app handy.
Tea tasting
Visit a Longjing tea village such as Meijiawu for fresh-picked Dragon Well tea and tastings, best in spring.
Day trips
Hangzhou East Station puts Shanghai just 45–90 minutes away by high-speed train, ideal for a side trip.
