Destination Travel Guide
Welcome to Hangzhou!
Welcome to Hangzhou, the poetic capital celebrated by Marco Polo as the “finest and most splendid city in the world.”
Famous for the legendary West Lake and its lush green hills, Hangzhou offers a serene escape where nature and culture have intertwined for centuries.As a crown jewel in any Hangzhou travel guide, this city is not just about scenery; it is the spiritual home of Chinese tea culture and the headquarters of modern tech giant Alibaba.
But at China Explorer Tour, we believe the true magic lies in the quiet details often missed by the crowds. Our curated China travel packages take you beyond the standard snapshots to hike through hidden bamboo forests, sip dragon well tea with local farmers in the hills, and experience the meditative atmosphere of ancient temples. Whether you are a nature lover or a history buff, we help you discover why this city is revered as “Heaven on Earth” on your China vacation.
Top Attractions in Hangzhou: Must-Visit Sights
No Hangzhou travel guide is complete without experiencing the timeless beauty of West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage site that has inspired poets and painters for millennia. You must walk or cycle along the willow-lined Su Causeway, or take a boat to see the “Three Pools Mirroring the Moon.” Your China tour itinerary should also include the majestic Lingyin Temple (Temple of the Soul’s Retreat), one of the wealthiest and most significant Buddhist monasteries in China, nestled in a forest of ancient grottos. For a panoramic view of the lake and city, climb the Leifeng Pagoda, famous for its legends of the White Snake. To understand the local heritage, a visit to the Longjing (Dragon Well) Tea Plantations is essential, where terraced tea fields offer a stunning green backdrop for your China adventure.
Most popular China tour package
If you want a mix of comfort, local insight, and a well-planned day, China Explorer Tour offers tailored tours with friendly guides.
Tailored China Tours for Global Travelers
Our diverse team brings rich experiences from both sides of the East/West, and they can understand precisely what international visitors want in a China tour.
Real Local Experiences in China
Our best China tours go beyond sightseeing and make you like a local to explore hidden treasures, taste authentic flavours, and participate in daily activities.
Curated Social Connections
We design various types of tours to China carefully, which are tailored to meet the diverse needs of families, couples, friends, and solo travellers.
Transparent Pricing
We promise to provide high-quality China tours plan with no hidden costs. And you'll enjoy worry-free travel with clear pricing and great value for money.
What to Eat in Hangzhou - Food Lover’s Guide
Zhejiang cuisine, one of the eight great culinary traditions of China, known for its freshness, lightness, and delicate presentation. A culinary-focused China travel package here is a feast of history and flavor. You simply must try the melt-in-your-mouth Dongpo Pork, a braised pork belly dish named after a famous poet, and the unique Beggar’s Chicken, which is baked in clay and lotus leaves. Don’t miss the elegant Longjing Shrimp, cooked with fresh tea leaves, or the sweet and sour West Lake Vinegar Fish. At China Explorer Tour, we guide you away from the tourist traps to authentic local restaurants—sometimes hidden in the tea villages—ensuring your Hangzhou trip is a true taste of Jiangnan refinement.
Where to live in Hangzhou - Hotel and Area
Choosing where to stay in Hangzhou is a choice between city convenience and countryside serenity, a key distinction in our Hangzhou travel guide. For first-time visitors who want to be near the action, the Hubin Area (East side of West Lake) is ideal, placing you steps from the metro, luxury malls, and the lake’s edge. However, for a more relaxing and immersive China vacation, we highly recommend staying in the Tea Villages (West side of West Lake) like Manjuelong or nearby Lingyin. Here, you can find stunning boutique hotels and luxury resorts (like Amanfayun) nestled among trees and tea fields. At China Explorer Tour, we help you select the perfect sanctuary for your China travel package, ensuring you wake up to birdsong or bustling city life, exactly as you prefer.
How to Get Around Hangzhou: Transportation Tips
Navigating Hangzhou is a pleasure, as it is one of China’s most bike-friendly cities. As highlighted in our Hangzhou travel guide, the absolute best way to explore the lakeshore is by renting a bicycle; the city has an extensive public bike system and dedicated lanes. The Hangzhou Metro is modern and expands to most key areas, including the train station and Lingyin Temple area. Taxis and “Didi” are readily available, though traffic around the lake can be heavy on weekends. Hangzhou is also a key hub; the high-speed train from Shanghai takes only 45 minutes, making it an easy addition to any China tour. When you travel with us, we optimize your logistics to avoid the weekend jams, ensuring a smooth and relaxing journey.
Best things to do in Hangzhou
The best things to do in Hangzhou involve engaging with its “Slow Life” aesthetic. Beyond the usual sightseeing, your China trip should include a Hand-Rowed Boat Ride on West Lake, which allows you to drift into the quieter, lotus-filled corners that large cruise boats can’t reach. If you visit in spring (March-April), joining a Tea Picking Experience in the Longjing hills is a bucket-list activity where you can roast your own leaves. We also recommend watching the spectacular “Enduring Memories of Hangzhou” (Impression West Lake), a night show directed by Zhang Yimou that takes place directly on the water. At China Explorer Tour, we can also arrange a hike through the Yunqi Bamboo Path, a “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” style forest that offers pure tranquility on your Hangzhou vacation.
What and Where to Shop in Hangzhou
Shopping in Hangzhou is synonymous with its two most famous exports: Tea and Silk. As a highlight of your China travel package, this is the authentic place to buy premium Longjing (Dragon Well) Tea, but be sure to buy from reputable farmers or certified shops to ensure quality. You should also visit the China Silk City or high-end boutiques to buy exquisite silk scarves and robes, as Hangzhou has been the center of silk production for centuries. For traditional souvenirs like Hangzhou fans and scissors, wander through the historic Hefang Street. As your Hangzhou travel guide, we recommend avoiding the overpriced hawkers and guide you to trusted local artisans where the craftsmanship is guaranteed.
Essential Hangzhou and China Travel Tips
Here are must-know tips to make your China trip smoother
FAQ's
Find answers to your questions before joining a tour so that you can find out exactly what you want to know. If you have more question please feel free to reach us via contact form.
We recommend 2 full days. One day for West Lake and its islands, and a second day for the Lingyin Temple and the Tea Plantations. It is much more than just a day trip.
Spring (March-May) is the peak season for the peach blossoms and tea harvest. Autumn (September-November) is also stunning, famous for the sweet scent of osmanthus flowers. Summer can be very hot.
Yes, it is very easy. The high-speed train takes 45-60 minutes. However, because there is so much to see, we recommend staying overnight to experience the misty morning on the lake, which is the most beautiful time.
As a tech hub and international tourist city, English levels are decent in hotels and major sites, but less common in local taxi drivers or small restaurants. Having a guide or a translation app is helpful for a smoother China adventure.
Beijing
Chengdu
Chongqing
Guangzhou
Guizhou
Harbin
Hubei
Shanghai
Shaoxing
Tibet
Western Sichuan
Wutai Mountain
Xi'an
Xinjiang
Yangshuo
Yunnan
Zhangjiajie
