Hangzhou at a Glance
East of China’s Yangtze River lies Hangzhou, a city where tradition meets modern vitality. Once the capital of the Southern Song Dynasty (1127–1279), Hangzhou was a political and cultural hub that influenced centuries of Chinese history. It was here that silk and tea production flourished, fueling international trade routes and shaping the reputation of China’s “Silk Road on the Sea.”
Even Marco Polo, when he visited in the 13th century, described Hangzhou as “the most splendid city in the world.” Centuries later, the Chinese still call it “the most beautiful city in China” (人间天堂—Heaven on Earth). Today, Hangzhou is the capital of Zhejiang Province and a tech-forward city known as the headquarters of Alibaba, yet it continues to charm visitors with its poetic landscapes and deep cultural roots.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Hangzhou?
Hangzhou is a year-round destination, but two seasons stand out:
Spring (March-May): Mild weather, blooming flowers, and the famous West Lake lotus blossoms. Perfect for photography and long strolls.
Autumn (September–November): Crisp air and golden leaves around the lake create the city’s most romantic scenery.
Summer can be hot and humid, while winter is quieter but brings its own charm with misty views over the lake. If you want fewer crowds, avoid major holidays like Chinese New Year, May Day, and Golden Week in October.
Hangzhou Cuisine: A Taste of Elegance
Hangzhou is one of the eight great schools of Chinese cuisine, known for its light, fresh, and slightly sweet flavors. Some dishes you must try include:
West Lake Vinegar Fish (西湖醋鱼): A sweet-and-sour dish with tender freshwater fish, representing the lake’s elegance.
Longjing Shrimp (龙井虾仁): Fresh shrimp stir-fried with fragrant Dragon Well tea leaves.
Dongpo Pork (东坡肉): A rich, braised pork belly dish named after the poet Su Dongpo.
Beggars’ Chicken (叫花鸡): Chicken wrapped in lotus leaves and clay, slow-baked for hours until tender.
Snacks: Try the Victory Cake (定胜糕), a soft rice cake with red bean filling, or Wushan Crisp Cake (吴山酥饼), once said to be an emperor’s favorite treat.
Food lovers will find Hangzhou a paradise of flavor, especially when paired with its world-famous Longjing green tea.
Two-Day Itinerary in Hangzhou
Day 1: West Lake, Leifeng Pagoda, and Hefang Street
West Lake (西湖)
West Lake has been celebrated in Chinese culture for more than a thousand years, appearing in over 1,000 poems and paintings. In 2011, it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The lake is divided by man-made causeways built during the Tang and Song dynasties. Marco Polo, who visited Hangzhou in the 13th century, called it “the most splendid city in the world.”
Leifeng Pagoda (雷峰塔)
Originally built in 975 AD during the Five Dynasties period, Leifeng Pagoda became famous through the “Legend of the White Snake,” one of China’s Four Great Folktales. The tower collapsed in 1924 but was reconstructed in 2002 with modern reinforcement. Visitors can now climb the new structure to see both the original ruins and panoramic views of West Lake.
Hefang Street (河坊街)
Hefang Street has been a commercial hub since the Southern Song Dynasty. It is home to Hu Qing Yu Tang, a traditional Chinese pharmacy founded in 1874 that still operates today as both a shop and a museum of Chinese medicine. The street is also lined with restored Ming- and Qing-era buildings that showcase Hangzhou’s trading history.
Day 2: Tea Fields, Lingyin Temple, and Feilai Peak
Longjing Tea Fields (龙井茶田)
Hangzhou is the birthplace of Longjing (Dragon Well) tea, which was granted imperial status by Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty in the 18th century. The tea is still hand-picked and pan-roasted today. A visit to the tea villages allows travelers to see the production process and learn why Longjing is considered one of China’s top ten teas.
Lingyin Temple (灵隐寺)
Founded in 326 AD, Lingyin Temple is one of the oldest and largest Buddhist temples in China. It houses the 33.6-meter-high statue of the Buddha in its main hall, one of the tallest wooden Buddhist statues in the country. The temple has been destroyed and rebuilt more than ten times across dynasties, reflecting its importance in Chinese religious history.
Feilai Peak (飞来峰)
Feilai Peak stands opposite Lingyin Temple and contains over 300 Buddhist grotto carvings dating from the 10th to 14th centuries. The carvings include depictions of Buddhas, arhats, and guardians, making it one of the most significant collections of stone Buddhist art in southern China. The site is a valuable record of how Buddhism spread and evolved during the Song and Yuan dynasties.
Why not pair with Shanghai?
Shanghai and Hangzhou are only one hour apart, but they represent two very different sides of China: one modern and global, the other historic and cultural. Instead of visiting them separately, combining them into one trip saves time and gives you a more complete experience.
