Hangzhou (杭州), one of China’s most beautiful cities, is famous for its stunning scenery, rich history, and peaceful atmosphere. From the iconic West Lake and traditional gardens to vibrant tea plantations and historic temples, Hangzhou offers the perfect blend of culture and nature. Whether you’re exploring ancient streets, enjoying local cuisine, or taking a boat ride across the lake, this charming city is an unforgettable destination just a short trip from Shanghai.
Where is Hangzhou?
Hangzhou is the capital of Zhejiang Province in eastern China, located about 180 km (110 miles) southwest of Shanghai.
This city is best known for West Lake, which appears on the 1 RMB banknote (2004 edition), and the “Matcha Lake”, which has gone viral across social media.
After visiting the city, I would say Hangzhou definitely has its own vibe. While it still has modern areas that are perfect for shopping, the city is also home to this serene lake in the middle of the city, which gives it a peaceful atmosphere you don’t really find in many other cities in China.
How to Get to Hangzhou from Shanghai
There are a few options to get to Hangzhou from Shanghai.
1. High-Speed Train (Best Option)
- The journey only takes 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Depart from: There are several departure station but the most common one is Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station.
- Ticket price: Start from 23 yuan
- Make sure to pre-book your tickets on Trip.com. I wouldn’t recommend buying them on-site because you’ll usually need to speak Mandarin, and the queues in China can be quite intense—it sometimes feels like you’re fighting for your spot.
- If you want to learn more about traveling on China’s high-speed trains as a foreigner, you can read my detailed guide in this blog.
2. Private Car
If you prefer to book a private car, the journey takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes for the 180 km drive. You can book private transport from Klook and get 5% off using code KLOOKXNESSA
Top Things to Do in Hangzhou
1. West Lake (Xi Hu) – 西湖
⭐️ Wow Factor: 8/10
The famous West Lake (Xi Hu) is the highlight of Hangzhou. There are many things you can do here, such as riding a sightseeing boat to see the pagodas that appear on the 1 RMB banknote. You can also bike around the lake or take a relaxing walk along Hubin Road, a large shopping area located right next to the lake.
2. Hefang Street – 河坊街
⭐️ Wow Factor: 7/10
Hefang Street is a pedestrian street known for shopping and street food. The street is much bigger than expected, and you’ll find plenty of cute cafés, restaurants, and local snack stalls hidden along the alleys. It’s a really fun place to explore and experience a more traditional side of Hangzhou.
3. Hubin Road – 湖滨路
⭐️ Wow Factor: 9/10
Hubin Road is the modern side of Hangzhou, with a large complex of malls and many shopping destinations. This area is also located very close to West Lake, making it one of the best areas to visit in the city for shopping, dining, and enjoying the lake views.
4. Jiuxi (Jiuxi Yanshu) – 九溪烟树
⭐️ Wow Factor: 5/10
This is a hidden gem that locals often recommend. The best time to visit is during cherry blossom season or autumn.
We visited during autumn after a recommendation from a friend from Hangzhou, and it was definitely one of the most beautiful autumn foliage spots I’ve ever seen.
5. Wulin Night Market – 武林夜市
⭐️ Wow Factor: 7/10
If you love food adventures, this is the place for you. Wulin Night Market is a large and lively night market filled with street food, snacks, and small vendors.
It actually reminded me a lot of the night markets in Taiwan, which made the experience even more fun.
6. Qingshan Lake / Matcha Lake – 青山湖
⭐️ Wow Factor: 10/10
Qingshan Lake is the famous “Matcha Lake” that has gone viral on social media. The scenery here looks surreal, especially when the trees turn color during autumn.
However, it’s quite far from the city center. We had to take Didi for about 1.5 hours to get there, and transportation options are somewhat limited. But if you’re someone who loves nature, this place is definitely worth visiting.
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Best Time to Visit Hangzhou
🌸 Spring (March–May)
Spring is one of the most beautiful seasons to visit Hangzhou. The weather is mild, flowers start blooming, and the scenery around West Lake becomes very green and vibrant. This is also when cherry blossoms and fresh greenery make the city look especially picturesque, making it perfect for walking, cycling around the lake, or taking a boat ride.
🍁 Autumn (September–November)
Autumn is another excellent time to visit Hangzhou. The weather is usually cooler with clearer skies, which makes it more comfortable for sightseeing. During this season, places like Jiuxi Garden (九溪烟树) and Qingshan Lake become covered with beautiful autumn foliage, and the colors are simply amazing.
This was the season when Linardo and I visited Hangzhou, so personally it became my favorite time to visit. It was also the first time we had ever seen autumn foliage, and it was incredibly beautiful and memorable.
❌ Avoid Major Chinese Holidays
If possible, try to avoid visiting during China’s major holiday periods, especially:
- Chinese New Year (春节 / Spring Festival) – dates vary (usually January or February)
- May 1–5 (Labor Day Holiday)
- October 1–7 (National Day Golden Week)
During these periods, millions of domestic tourists travel across China, which means popular attractions like West Lake and Hefang Street can become extremely crowded.
And when I say crowded, I really mean it — crowds in China during peak holidays can be very intense compared to high seasons in many other countries. Even during low season or weekdays, the crowds in China can still feel like high season in some other countries, so you can imagine what it’s like when it’s actually peak holiday season.
Hotels and transportation prices also tend to increase significantly during these holidays.
If you want a more relaxed travel experience, it’s best to visit outside these peak holiday periods.
Where to stay in Hanghzhou
- Hotel Indigo Hangzhou Uptown
This stylish boutique hotel blends modern design with inspiration from the ancient Song Dynasty, creating a unique cultural atmosphere throughout the property. It is located in the scenic area near West Lake, close to historic sites such as the Southern Song imperial city ruins and museums. The location is ideal for travelers who want a quieter stay while still being close to Hangzhou’s cultural attractions and nature. - DoubleTree by Hilton Hangzhou East
This modern upscale hotel is located in the Hangzhou Economic and Technological Development Zone, a major business district of the city. The hotel is just a short walk from Jinshahu Metro Station, making it easy to travel around Hangzhou. While it’s about a 40-minute drive from West Lake, the location is convenient for business travelers and visitors who prefer easy access to shopping areas, universities, and transportation links. - Grand Hyatt Hangzhou
One of the most iconic luxury hotels in Hangzhou, Grand Hyatt sits directly on the east shore of West Lake. The hotel offers spectacular lake views and is within walking distance of Hubin, a lively district filled with shopping malls, restaurants, and entertainment. Thanks to its prime location, it’s an excellent base for exploring Hangzhou’s most famous attractions while enjoying a luxury lakeside stay.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is one day enough for Hangzhou?
Yes, but the schedule will be quite packed, and you probably won’t have time to visit Matcha Lake (Qingshan Lake). If possible, I recommend staying 1–2 nights so you can fully enjoy your time in Hangzhou.
2. How long is the train from Shanghai to Hangzhou?
High-speed trains take around 45 minutes to 1 hour.
3. Is West Lake free?
Yes, the main West Lake scenic area is free. Some attractions like the boat ride inside require tickets.
4. Which Is Better: Suzhou or Hangzhou?
I would say both are nice, but they offer different experiences. Suzhou is famous for its water towns and classical gardens, as well as its beautiful canals and lakes.
Hangzhou, on the other hand, feels more modern and larger, but you still don’t lose the nature and calm atmosphere thanks to places like West Lake, Qingshan Lake and Jiuxi Garden.
If I had to summarize it simply:
- Suzhou: Water towns, traditional oriental charm, canals, and lakes
- Hangzhou: Modern city + lakes + nature vibes
5. Can I do Hangzhou as a day trip?
Yes, it’s one of the most popular day trips from Shanghai. But I will still recommend to stay a night or two here.
6. What is Hangzhou famous for?
Hangzhou is famous for West Lake, Qingshan Lake, and Hubin area.
7. Is Hangzhou expensive?
It is generally cheaper than Shanghai, especially for food and transport.
Check out our Hangzhou vlog here
Explore More Hidden Gems in China
If you’re planning a longer trip, check out our other China travel blogs featuring Zhangjiajie, Shanghai, and Guangzhou — each offering its own unique blend of nature and culture.
For detailed routes and insider travel tips, download our China Travel eBook, which includes itineraries, hidden attractions, and local experiences curated from our own journeys.
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