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Things to Do in Hangzhou

Top attractions, best neighborhoods to wander, and the food you shouldn't skip in Hangzhou, China — 2026 traveler picks.

Top places to see

Landmark

West Lake (Xihu, UNESCO)

60 min from HGH

UNESCO-listed — one of China's most beautiful lakes. Iconic Su Causeway + Broken Bridge + Leifeng Pagoda. Free public access. 3-4 hours minimum. Rent bike.

Landmark

Lingyin Temple (Temple of Soul's Retreat)

65 min from HGH

Historic 4th-century Buddhist temple with rock-carved Feilai Feng (Flying Peak). CNY 45 entry. 2 hours.

Landmark

Longjing tea village + tea plantations

65 min from HGH

Longjing (Dragon Well) tea — one of China's finest teas grown here. Village visits + tastings CNY 100-200. Half-day.

Landmark

Song Dynasty Town (theme park)

65 min from HGH

Chinese-style theme park recreating Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD) capital. CNY 320 entry. 3-4 hours. Family favourite.

Book tours + skip-the-line tickets

Compare tours + attractions in Hangzhou across GetYourGuide, Tiqets and Trip.com — free cancellation on most, and prices match direct booking.

Things to do in Hangzhou

Lock in a few experiences before you go — the good ones sell out.

Tours, tickets & day trips

Our pick

GetYourGuide has the deepest catalogue for Hangzhou and free cancellation on most experiences — book now, decide later.

Browse HangzhouJust need timed-entry attraction tickets? Try Tiqets.Want a private driver-guide? Trip.com Private Tours in Hangzhou.

Eat here first

West Lake vinegar fish (xihu cuyu — Hangzhou classic). Beggar's chicken (jiaohuaji). Dongpo pork. Longjing tea shrimp (long jing xiaren). Osmanthus and sweet potato cakes. Longjing green tea.

Local tip

HGH is 27km E of Hangzhou centre. Metro Line 19 + 7 connect airport to city — direct in 50-70 min for CNY 6-12 (opened 2022). DiDi CNY 90-160 faster. Hangzhou is legendary as "paradise on earth" per Marco Polo + Chinese poets. West Lake is the ultimate reason to visit + can be done in 3-4 hours. For 12+ hour layovers: West Lake + Lingyin Temple + tea village combo. Autumn (Sep-Nov) most beautiful with red maples + osmanthus fragrance.

Where to stay

Hotels across Hangzhou — filter by neighborhood + budget on the map below.

Where to stay in Hangzhou →Hangzhou layover guide →HGH arrival transport →