10 Best Things to Do in Hangzhou

Looking for what to do in Hangzhou? Long admired as one of China’s most beautiful cities, Hangzhou blends shimmering lakes, misty mountains, ancient temples and elegant tea fields with a modern skyline shaped by innovation and design. Once praised by Marco Polo as “the finest and most splendid city in the world,” Hangzhou remains a poetic destination where classical Chinese scenery meets contemporary life.

West Lake lies at the heart of the city, surrounded by stone bridges, willow-lined pathways and historical pavilions that have inspired artists and poets for centuries. Venture farther and you’ll find lush tea plantations, serene wetlands, bustling old streets and waterways connecting Hangzhou to the Grand Canal. Here are the 10 best things to do in Hangzhou, crafted to help you explore the city in depth.

1. Wander the Scenic Paths of West Lake

West Lake is Hangzhou’s crown jewel — a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its romantic landscapes and classical Chinese gardens. Walking or cycling along its shoreline reveals willow trees dipping into calm waters, lotus ponds in summer, gentle arch bridges and pavilions framed by distant hills.

Popular highlights include the Su Causeway, which offers long scenic strolls; the Broken Bridge, known for its misty winter beauty; and the Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, whose pagodas reflect beautifully at night. The lake changes character with every season, making it a place you can revisit multiple times and still discover something new.

2. Visit Lingyin Temple, One of China’s Most Important Buddhist Sites

Founded over 1,600 years ago, Lingyin Temple sits in a quiet valley surrounded by forested peaks. Its name means “Temple of the Soul’s Retreat,” perfectly capturing its tranquil setting. The temple halls house towering Buddha statues, incense-filled courtyards and ornate carvings, all contributing to a deeply atmospheric spiritual experience.

Just outside the temple, the Feilai Feng grottoes feature hundreds of Buddha carvings etched into limestone cliffs, some dating back nearly a thousand years. Wandering these pathways between forest, caves and temples is one of Hangzhou’s most meaningful cultural experiences.

3. Explore the Longjing Tea Fields in Meijiawu or Longjing Village

Hangzhou is the birthplace of Longjing (Dragon Well) tea, one of China’s most celebrated green teas. Rolling tea fields cover the hillsides around Meijiawu and Longjing Village, where farmers hand-pick leaves each spring and visitors can stroll narrow paths between the neatly terraced rows.

Stop at traditional tea houses to sample fresh brews, learn about roasting techniques and enjoy hillside views that feel far removed from city life. Visiting early in the morning offers the most peaceful atmosphere, with soft light drifting across the tea-covered slopes.

4. Walk the Ancient Streets of Hefang Street and Wushan Square

Hefang Street, located near Wushan Square, is Hangzhou’s most atmospheric old street — a lively stretch filled with traditional shops, herbal pharmacies, craft stalls, snack vendors and restored wooden façades. This area once thrived during the Song dynasty, and its layout still reflects centuries of commercial life.

Try local specialties like walnut pastries, sesame candies or beggar’s chicken, and browse small ateliers selling fans, calligraphy brushes and handmade crafts. Lanterns, cobblestones and period architecture give the street an old-world charm, especially at dusk.

5. Explore Xixi National Wetland Park

Xixi Wetland is a vast, peaceful nature reserve just a short ride from central Hangzhou. Wooden boardwalks, waterways, lotus ponds and quiet villages are scattered throughout the park, creating a tranquil escape from urban noise. Small boats take visitors through sections of the wetland, gliding past reed beds and old houses.

Watch for egrets, waterfowl and seasonal flowers, or stop at traditional pavilions for scenic viewpoints. Xixi feels like countryside inside the city — a place for slow walking, photography and restful afternoons.

6. Visit the China National Silk Museum and Learn Hangzhou’s Silk History

Hangzhou has been a major centre of silk production for over a thousand years. The China National Silk Museum, located near West Lake, is the largest silk museum in the world and offers a detailed look at the history of sericulture, weaving and silk craftsmanship.

Exhibits showcase ancient garments, production tools, dyeing techniques and contemporary silk fashion. Interactive displays and delicate textiles highlight the artistry that made Hangzhou an important stop along the ancient Silk Road.

7. Walk or Cycle Along the Grand Canal

The Grand Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the world’s longest artificial waterway and has connected Hangzhou with northern China for over 1,300 years. Along its banks in Hangzhou, historic warehouses, stone bridges and tree-lined paths create a pleasant riverside environment.

Take a canal cruise or explore on foot, stopping at museums, small temples and local markets. The Gongchen Bridge area is particularly scenic, offering restored buildings, cafés and views of boats gliding beneath its stone arches.

8. Ride the Ropeway Up to Jingshan or Explore Tea-Filled Countryside

North of the city, the rolling hills around Jingshan are covered with tea plantations, bamboo forests and small farming villages. Taking a ropeway or hiking trail up the hills offers views of layered countryside and deep green valleys.

Local temples, tea houses and scenic viewpoints dot the region, making it ideal for travellers who want a taste of rural Hangzhou. The fresh mountain air, quiet pathways and tea-scented breezes offer a soothing contrast to the busy city centre.

9. Experience Hangzhou’s Food Scene: From Local Snacks to Fine Cuisine

Hangzhou cuisine is known for its subtle, elegant flavours and emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Signature dishes include West Lake vinegar fish, Dongpo pork, Longjing tea shrimp, bamboo shoots, steamed buns and fragrant soups.

Head to traditional restaurants along Qinghefang Street or explore modern eateries around the lake and downtown. Tea houses, bakeries and small snack stalls offer endless opportunities to sample local treats — often with beautiful lake or garden views.

10. See the Impression West Lake Show or Evening Lights

For a memorable evening, watch the Impression West Lake show — an outdoor performance created by director Zhang Yimou, where dancers and lights appear to float magically across the surface of the lake. Set against Hangzhou’s natural scenery, the show blends music, choreography and water effects into an unforgettable spectacle.

Alternatively, walk the lakefront at night to enjoy illuminated bridges, soft lanterns, and reflections of pavilions shimmering on the water. The evening ambiance around West Lake is one of Hangzhou’s most enchanting experiences.