Best Things To Do in Hangzhou, China

Are you looking for what to do in Hangzhou?

PLACES TO SEE

  • West Lake scenic area: The huge natural bounty that features all the major attraction of Hangzhou like Prince Bay Park, Fei Lai Feng, Lingyin temple, Yue Fei Mausoleum, Six Harmonies Pagoda, Ping Hu Qiu Yue.
  • Hangzhou Songcheng: The real-life museum that depicts the local culture and lifestyle of Song dynasty residents.
  • Museums: China national silk museum, Traditional Chinese medicine museum, Southern Song Dynasty Official Kiln Museum.
  • Xixi National Wetland Park
  • Grand Canal: The largest canal in the world dating back to 2000 years and a UNESCO world heritage site.

WHERE TO BE

  • Roam, shop and eat at the Qinghefang Ancient Street.
  • Go on thrilling rides in Hangzhou Paradise Park.
  • Relax in the botanical gardens.
  • Go on a trip to Thousand Isltes Lake.

Below we have a list of things to do in Hangzhou and the places where you want to spend the best moments of your trip. At the same time, the city offers you the best neighborhoods to explore and new foods to try.

This list should help you in deciding and prioritizing what you should plan on your Hangzhou getaway. Find a mix of must-see tourist spots, underrated local hangouts, and maybe even a few new experiences you can try out.

Make the most of your trip to Hangzhou with confidence.

Tourist Attractions in Hangzhou

Here is the list of things to do in Hangzhou and tourist attractions in city.

  1. West Lake Scenic Area

    Outdoors, Observatory, Scenic Drive, Lake

    Developed as a scenic area since the 9th century, this huge area has been the epitome of natural beauty in Hangzhou and attracts thousands of visitors every year. The largest part of this scenic area is known as the outer lake and the other components include the North Inner Lake, Yuehu Lake, West Inner Lake and Lesser South Lake. Nestled in the backdrop of hilly peaks on three sides, west lake...Read more
  2. Xixi National Wetland Park

    Outdoors, Park, Educational Site, Leisure

    A rare urban wetland- Xixi National wetland park is located at the western part of Hangzhou and is known for its ecological abundance. Alluring landscape, profound culture and mind-blowing natural beauty make it an adorable sight to visit. Attractions within the wetland park: Three causeways: Causeway Fu, Causeway Lu, Causeway Shou Ten sights: Water Mirroring Red Persimmons, Exhibition of Drag...Read more
  3. Lingyin Temple

    Religious Site, Temple, Outdoors, Historical Site

    Also known as Temple of Souls’ Retreat; this beautiful temple is located in the long narrow valley between the Peak flown from afar (Fei Lai Feng) and the north peak in the West Lake scenic area. One of the most notable Buddhist temples in China, it is listed for protection as a key provincial historical and cultural site and is reputed as the centre for research of Chinese Buddhist cultu...Read more
  4. Ping Hu Qiu Yue

    Scenic Drive, Lake

    Considered as one of the major scenic spots of the West Lake scenic area, this park is located at the west end of the white embankment with the solitary hill at its backdrop.  Spread over the area of 1600 square metres, the park flaunts its beautiful structures like the Quadrangular Hall, Octagon Pavilion, Lake and Sky Viewing Tower. Arranged in an alluring order, the structure look majest...Read more
  5. Hangzhou Songcheng

    Outdoors, Scenic Drive

    Located southwest to the West Lake scenic area, Songcheng is nestled in the Wuyun Mountain in the north and Qingtang River in south. You can get the glimpse of the folk culture of the Song Dynasty residents, in this Song Dynasty park- a real life museum which is divided into several sections like Riverside Scene at the Pure Moon Festival, the Nine Dragon Column Complex Area, Immortal Mountain A...Read more
  6. Prince Bay Park

    Garden, Park, Landmark, Observatory

    This is a traditional Chinese landscaped garden which is a part of the West Lake scenic. This park flaunts the elegant and timeless style of landscaping where natural beauty is combined with manmade creativity. Attracting huge crowds, this park is an alluring sight with blooming flowers and pretty apple and cherry trees. Spread over 197 acres, this is a popular place to spend lazy afternoons. A...Read more
  7. Qing Hefang Ancient Street

    Outdoors, Restaurant, Market, Streets

    A part of the larger Hefang street- Qing Hefang ancient street is located at the foot of the Wu Shan hill in Hangzhou. Spread over a massive area of 13 hectares, this is the only well-preserved part of the ancient Hangzhou and is a epitome of history and culture of Hangzhou. This street has been a popular business hub since ancient times and is buzzing with shops, restaurants and traditional te...Read more
  8. Hangzhou Paradise Park

    Park, Theme Park

    The Hangzhou Paradise Park is a one-stop entertainment zone. The theme park captures almost all areas of fantasies we heard as children and recreates them for fun. The total area of the park is around 200000 square meters and is divided into four blocks. The Carnival Recreation Area is home to most of the rides and theme setups. The water park is one of the largest portions of the park and has ...Read more
  9. Thousand Islets Lake

    Lake

    Located at around 150 kilometres from Hangzhou as well as Huangshan, Thousands Islets Lake is a popular tourists’ resort in China. Deriving its name from the 1078 islets that dot it, it is the largest Forest Park in china and receives around four million visitors every year. Crystal clear waters, verdant forests, unique flora and fauna, daunting peaks, exotic rock formations and distinct ...Read more
  10. Fei Lai Feng

    Temple, Cave, Statue, Peak

    Standing next to the Temple of Soul’s retreat (Lingyin temple), this nature’s bounty is a must-visit in Hangzhou. This 700 feet tall peak is surrounded by tales and legends and is a pure limestone mountain unlike the other sandstone mountains in the West Lake scenic area. Huge stone formations in different shapes like a flying dragon, a running elephant, a crouching tiger, and a fle...Read more
  11. Yue Fei Mausoleum

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    Yue Fei Mausoleum

    Historical Site, Tomb

    This is a tomb built in the memory of national hero of China- General Yue Fei and the original structure dates back to 12th century. The tomb has been demolished and renovated several times and the structure that stands today belongs to the Qin dynasty period in the early 18th century. The historic general Yu Fei has an inspiring life story and the tomb is a well-deserved memento for his valour...Read more
  12. Botanical Garden

    Botanical Garden

    Spread over 568 acres, the Hangzhou botanical garden is located at the foot of the Jade spring hill in the northwest of West Lake. In operation since 1965, this botanical garden is like the green treat to visitor’s eyes. Built in the Chinese style of architecture, the pavilions and kiosks are adorned by verdant trees; colourful flowers and pure air make it a pleasing place to be. Broadly ...Read more
  13. Jinghang Grand Canal

    Outdoors, Landmark, River, Observatory

    Longest man-made waterway and the greatest in ancient China, The Jinghang Grand Canal stretches for around 1764 kilometres in length and is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site. 27 sections and 58 historical sites lining the Grand Canal add to its grandeur. The Grand Canal begins from Hangzhou and runs till Beijing connecting different river systems and is the lifeline of the country providin...Read more
  14. China National Silk Museum

    Museum, Educational Site, Specialty Museum

    Claimed as being the biggest of the kind in the world, China National Silk Museum is dedicated to traditional Chinese Silk culture. It is located at the southern bank of the west lake in Hangzhou city. Spread over eight exhibition halls, this museum displays the 5000-year old history of Chinese Silk culture. The collectibles and relics are divided into: The Preface Hall, Relics Hall, Folk-custo...Read more
  15. Traditional Chinese Medicine Museum

    Museum, Educational Site, Specialty Museum

    Located in the ancient structure HU Qing Yu Tang, the museum is dedicated to the traditional Chinese medicine. a Chinese pharmacy which began business in 1874, the museum today displays the treasure of Chinese medical science.  The museum is spread over five parts: the Exhibition Hall, the Medicine Preparation Hall, the Chinese Health Care Clinic, the Restaurant of Medicinal Diet and the S...Read more