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Hangzhou is more than just West Lake. It is a city where ancient temples sit beside modern skylines, where tea terraces roll over misty hills, and where night markets fill the air with the smell of street food. Whether you have one day or one week, here are the top things to do in Hangzhou.
Iconic Hangzhou Experiences
1. Take a Boat Cruise on West Lake
No trip to Hangzhou is complete without drifting across West Lake. Choose from large public boats, small wooden boats with a boatman, or romantic night cruises.
2. Visit Lingyin Temple
One of China’s largest and wealthiest Buddhist temples, set in a green valley filled with rock carvings.
3. Walk the Su Causeway at Sunrise
The Su Causeway is one of the Ten Scenes of West Lake. Early morning is the best time to avoid crowds.
4. Taste Longjing Tea at the Source
Visit Longjing Village or Meijiawu, walk through tea terraces, and taste fresh green tea at a local farm.
5. Watch Sunset at Leifeng Pagoda
The pagoda offers panoramic views of West Lake, especially at sunset.
6. Explore Xixi Wetland by Boat
A peaceful maze of waterways, villages and wetlands that feels worlds away from the city.
7. Stroll Along Hefang Street
A historic pedestrian street with traditional shops, tea houses and street snacks.
8. Hike in the Bamboo Forests of Yunqi
Yunqi Bamboo-lined Path offers a cool, quiet escape just south of West Lake.
9. See the Grand Canal
Walk along the historic Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, visit the Gongchen Bridge, and explore the old wharves.
10. Experience a Tea Ceremony
Learn the proper way to brew Longjing tea in a traditional tea house.
Cultural & Historical Activities
11. Climb Six Harmonies Pagoda
This ancient pagoda offers views of the Qiantang River and the surrounding countryside.
12. Visit the China National Silk Museum
Learn about Hangzhou’s role in China’s silk trade for thousands of years.
13. Explore the China National Tea Museum
Discover the history, culture and craftsmanship of Chinese tea.
14. Watch a Night Show
Impression West Lake is a famous outdoor performance on the lake, directed by Zhang Yimou.
15. Visit a Traditional Chinese Garden
Hangzhou has two outstanding Qing-dynasty villa gardens. Guozhuang (¥10) on West Lake is the only intact private villa garden on the lake, with borrowed views of Su Causeway. Gaozhuang (free) hides inside Xixi Wetland — nearly empty, with wetland-water reflections and a history of Emperor Kangxi's six visits. See our garden comparison guide to choose.
Outdoor & Active Experiences
16. Cycle Around West Lake
Rent a public bike and ride around the lake, especially in the early morning.
17. Hike Jiuxi (Nine Creeks)
A forest trail with streams, tea fields and bamboo, perfect on a hot day.
18. Watch the Qiantang River Tide
If you visit around the Mid-Autumn Festival, the tidal bore is a dramatic natural spectacle.
Food & Nightlife
19. Eat Your Way Through a Night Market
Try local snacks like cong bao hui, stinky tofu, grilled skewers and mung bean cakes.
20. Enjoy Fine Dining with a Lake View
Hangzhou has a growing number of high-end restaurants serving modern interpretations of classic Hangzhou cuisine.
Best Things to Do by Interest
| Traveler Type | Top Picks |
|---|---|
| First-timer | West Lake cruise, Lingyin Temple, Hefang Street |
| Nature lover | Xixi Wetland, Jiuxi hike, Longjing tea terraces |
| Foodie | Street food tour, tea tasting, Dongpo pork |
| Photographer | Sunrise Su Causeway, Leifeng Pagoda sunset, Yunqi bamboo |
| Family | Hangzhou Zoo, West Lake boat, Xixi Wetland |
| Budget traveler | Free lakeside walks, public parks, night markets |
How Many Days Do You Need?
- 1 day: West Lake, Lingyin Temple, Hefang Street.
- 2 days: Add Longjing tea village and Xixi Wetland.
- 3 days: Add a day trip to Wuzhen or Moganshan.
- 5 days: Explore deeper into temples, museums, hiking and nearby cities.
Map of Top Attractions
A rough geographic cluster:
- West Lake area: Boat cruises, Leifeng Pagoda, Su Causeway, Hefang Street.
- Northwest hills: Lingyin Temple, Longjing Village, Yunqi, Jiuxi.
- North of city: Xixi Wetland, Grand Canal.
- Qiantang River area: Six Harmonies Pagoda, tide watching.
FAQ
What is the number one thing to do in Hangzhou?
A boat cruise on West Lake. It is the city’s defining experience.
Is Hangzhou good for nightlife?
It is more relaxed than Shanghai, but Nanshan Road, Hefang Street and several rooftop bars offer pleasant evenings.
Can I see Hangzhou in one day?
Yes, but you will only cover West Lake and Lingyin Temple. Two to three days is ideal.