12 Top Attractions & Things to Do in Hangzhou

Pronounced "Hangchow," Hangzhou is the capital city of the province of Zhejiang and lies at the southernmost end of China's famous Grand Canal. This spectacular UNESCO World Heritage site is the world's longest canal, stretching some 1,776 kilometers and connecting the city to Beijing. Thanks to the canal and the city's location at the foot of a picturesque mountain range, Hangzhou is also one of the country's most popular tourist destinations and makes a great jumping-off point for travelers seeking a taste of Eastern China's rich cultural heritage.

Considered more tranquil than many of China's other big cities, the downtown core is built up around the beautiful West Lake with its many old shrines and temples, romantic bridges, and pagodas, all of them popular to see at night when they're lit up. Hangzhou was famously described by Marco Polo as the most beautiful city in the world.

Hangzhou is also known as the Silk City for its long tradition of manufacturing the material, a tradition that lives on in its many silk mills and markets. Today, the city is also popular for its famous Dragon Well tea (lóngjing chá), hand-picked twice a year and celebrated, like its silk production, in a variety of splendid attractions.

Explore more with our comprehensive list of places to visit and fun things to do in Hangzhou.

See the Famous Bridges of West Lake

The focal point of a visit to Hangzhou is beautiful West Lake (Xī Hú), around which much of the oldest part of the city is centered. Surrounded by hills and historic temples, this large lake covers an area of nearly six square kilometers and is divided into five sections by the Su and Baidi Causeways. These sections consist of the Outer Lake (Wai Hu), the North Inner Lake (Beili Hu), the West Inner Lake (Xili Hu), the South Lake (Xiaonan Hu), and Lake Yue (Yue Hu).

The nearly three-kilometer-long Su Causeway was built in 1089 and is itself one of West Lake's most important attractions. Linking the lake's north and south banks, it's tremendously popular for a stroll, particularly in spring when its flowerbeds and peach trees are in bloom. It's an especially pleasing sight when viewed while taking a boat ride across the lake.

It's also home to many fine old bridges, most notably the Broken Bridge (Duanqiao) linking the Baidi Causeway with the shore. Other highlights are the Pavilion of the Autumn Moon (Pinghu Qiuyue) from 1699, and the Pavilion of the Cranes built around 1300 in honor of poet Lin Hejing, who died in 1028 and whose grave lies nearby.

Also worth visiting are the Isle of the Hill of Solitude (Gushan) with its fine views and museums; Little Paradise Island with its four mini-lakes linked by the zigzagging Bridge of the Nine Arches and famous for its lotus blossoms, water lilies, pavilions, and terraces; and the Bay of Flowers (Huagang), a 50-acre park dating back to the 12th century.

Another interesting attraction here is the West Lake Museum with its many exhibits related to this important body of water and its influence on the city (admission is free). Also, be sure to catch one of the fun West Lake musical fountain performances, held each evening at 7pm.

Addreess: Location, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou

Visit the Home of the General: Yue Fei Temple

If you're only able to visit one of the many fine architectural structures on West Lake, make sure its Yue Fei Temple (Yuewang Temple). Located at the northern end of the Su Causeway, this splendid old temple was built in 1221 in honor of the much-revered General Yue Fei. Despite having successfully repelled several Tartar raids, he was falsely accused of high treason and, along with his son, was hung in 1142. Later, he was cleared of the charges and reburied on the site of the temple built in his name.

Highlights of a visit include a statue of Yue Fei in the Temple Hall, the ceiling of which is richly decorated with cranes, a symbol of immortality. The temple also contains 86 stone plaques on which Emperor Gaozong and his wife engraved classical texts by Confucius, while the most valuable treasure is a stone celestial globe dating from the time of the Five Dynasties (907-960).

Also worth a visit is the nearby 500-acre Hangzhou Botanical Gardens. Established in 1956, it's home to over 4,000 species of plants, a splendid herb garden, and numerous different kinds of bamboo.

Address: 80 Beishan Road, Xihu, Hangzhou

Pretty Pagodas: Liuhe, Leifeng, and Baochu

Just eight kilometers south of Hangzhou on the north bank of the Qiantang River, the exquisite 60-meter-high Liuhe Pagoda - also known as the Pagoda of the Six Harmonies - is well worth making the short commute to visit. Tracing its roots back as far as AD 970 to the former pagoda, believed to have stood 150 meters tall and to have served as a lighthouse, the present structure was built in 1899 with the original ancient brick core retained and covered in wood cladding. Also of interest are the many replicas of other pagodas from across China.

A climb to the top of the building, accessible via a staircase, is well worth the effort. You'll be rewarded with superb views over the Qiantang River and its 1,322-meter road-and-rail bridge, built in 1937. Also worth a visit is the city's Leifeng Pagoda (Léi Feng Ta), a splendid five-story octagonal tower overlooking West Lake, which dates from AD 975, and the ancient stone Baochu Pagoda, perched atop Precious Stone Hill.

Location: Xihu, Hangzhou

Lingyin Temple and The Peak that Flew from Afar

Another of Hangzhou's many splendid historic sites is the Lingyin Temple (Língyin Sì), the Temple of the Soul's Retreat. Dating from 326 BC, it's one of the most famous Buddhist monasteries in China. Highlights of a visit include the Hall of the Celestial Kings with its many fine 12th-century sculptures, including those of the Four Celestial Kings, and the 34-meter-high Sumptuous Hall of the Great Hero (Daxiong Baodian), famous among pilgrims for its 20-meter-tall gilded statue of Buddha made of 24 pieces of camphor wood.

Also notable here is The Peak That Flew from Afar (Feilai Feng). This attractive mountain is riddled with numerous caves and niches, the latter containing 380 Buddha statues dating from the 10th century. Among them, the three oldest examples date from AD 951 and are found in the east wall of the Qinglin Cave. To the north of the Temple of the Soul's Retreat is the North Peak (Beigao Feng) with its superb views of West Lake and the surrounding scenery.

Address: Zhejiang, Hangzhou, Xihu

Official site: http://en.lingyinsi.org

Longjing Tea and the Dragon Well

Hangzhou is famous the world over for its locally grown Longjing tea (lóngjing chá), named after the small village just three kilometers southwest of West Lake where it's grown. The picturesque village of Longjing - literally translated as "Dragon Well" - sits amid some of China's most beautiful countryside and is easily accessible from Hangzhou.

A highlight of a visit to the village and its many plantations is the chance to sample its traditional teas at source, the unique flavor of which is credited as coming from the ancient spring that provides water for the village's well, the Dragon Well. Tours take in one of the tea factories in which the fresh tea leaves are refined, processed, and packed.

Also worth a visit is the superb China National Tea Museum (Zhōngguó Cháyè Bówùguǎn). Highlights of a visit include seeing numerous exhibitions related to the production of tea, as well as the history behind the many ceremonies surrounding its consumption. Be sure to visit the remarkable viewing platform for its spectacular views - an even better experience with the addition of a tea-tasting experience.

Address: 88 Longjing Rd, Xihu, Hangzhou, Zhejiang

Wander Qinghefang Ancient Street

Be sure to allocate at least a few hours in your Hangzhou itinerary to wander the city's splendid historic district, centering on Qinghefang Ancient Street (qing hé fang gu jie). An easy walk from West Lake, this always bustling and relatively unspoiled area provides a glimpse into what city life in China must have been like in the old days.

In addition to its many traditional restaurants and teahouses, the area is a hotbed of creative culture, with countless street artists demonstrating ancient writing skills and art techniques. There are also numerous interesting boutique stores and market stalls selling everything from silk products to tea (Longjing, of course).

Be sure to take a peek into some of the many unchanged side alleys leading off Qinghefang. If you do, you'll be rewarded with a fascinating look at how Chinese tradesmen and craftsmen have lived through the centuries.

Location: Hefang Street, Hangzhou

The Chinese National Silk Museum

Hangzhou's famous silk is celebrated across the city in its many markets and stores, as well as its cultural and arts facilities. However, the best place to learn more about this ancient industry's impact on the city is the superb Chinese National Silk Museum.

Located just a short hike from West Lake, this world-class facility - the largest of its kind in the world - offers a number of fascinating displays on the history of the country's most important textile through the centuries. Exhibits cover everything from its manufacture to the many products made from it. Highlights are the numerous silk relics, including works of art and clothing, as well as exhibits on silk's importance as an item of trade and the famous Silk Road.

Address: 73-1 Yuhuangshan Rd, Xihu, Hangzhou, Zhejiang

Official site: www.chinasilkmuseum.com/index_en.aspx

Hike Magnificent Mount Mogan

One of the best excursions from Hangzhou (and one that's easily accessible by public transit and tour buses) is to Mount Mogan (Mògànshan). This impressive 719-meter-tall mountain is located about 50 kilometers northwest of the city, and takes its name from a legendary couple who lived here in the 5th-century BC; both were gifted blacksmiths who devoted their lives to making two incomparably beautiful swords for the emperor.

Today, the mountain is highly regarded for its outstanding natural beauty and has long been a favorite retreat for the country's social elite (even Chiang Kai-shek had a place here). In addition to sightseeing, other popular activities include hiking and biking with many stopovers at quaint local inns or smaller hotels set up in some of the older villas built in the early 20th century. A good jumping-off point is the small town of Moganshan, home to many traditional restaurants and contemporary lodging options.

Location: Deqing County, Zhejiang

Tour the Canals of Wuzhèn Water Village

An hour's commute northeast of Hangzhou is Wuzhèn, one of China's most famous "water villages." Like a much smaller version of Venice, Wuzhèn is crisscrossed with waterways both wide and narrow, each bustling with long boats steered by locals punting along the water with large poles and carrying everything from vegetables and livestock to tourists.

This popular tourist destination is split into six unique districts, each focusing on a particular facet of the area's rich culture. These include areas dedicated to crafts and workshops, traditional housing, food and drink, arts and entertainment, as well as a shopping district.

Exploring the town is easy thanks to a variety of well-marked routes leading to whatever particular area most interests you. It's easy to spend hours wandering its many paths and bridges and exploring its many points of interest (be sure to partake in a boat ride). The town's most popular crossings are the Tongji and the Renji Bridges, famous because either can be viewed through the other's arch.

Location: Tongxiang, Zhejiang

Running Tiger Spring

Also known by the romantic name of "Dreaming of the Tiger Spring," Running Tiger Spring (Hupáomèngquán) is located just five kilometers south of West Lake and is one of China's best-known springs. Legend has it that the spring was discovered by a monk around AD 819 who, during a time of drought, dreamed he would be led to a source of water by two tigers.

To celebrate the discovery, a number of fine statues of tigers have been built overlooking the springs and its curative mineral waters, which flow at an impressive 80 gallons per second. It's also famous for enhancing the flavor of locally grown Longjing tea, served in a nearby teahouse and across the region. Note that the surface tension of the water is unusually high and can be tested by placing a small coin on the surface and watching it float.

Address: 39 Hupao Road, Xihu, Hangzhou, Zhejiang

Things to Do in Hangzhou with Children

Along with its many more serious attractions - it's famous for its numerous fine pagodas and temples - Hangzhou also offers a variety of fun kid-centric points of interest. Few youngsters would want to miss the opportunity to visit Hello Kitty Park, a theme park located an hour away in Anji, focused exclusively on one of Japan's most famous animated characters. It's the first of its kind to open outside of Japan (and the biggest so far). Here, you can enjoy exploring six areas, each with its own uniquely themed kids rides, character meet and greets, and, of course, merchandise.

The Hangzhou Zoo (Hángzhōu Dòngwùyuán) is another attraction that's sure to please kids. Located just a short distance from West Lake, the 50-acre site is home to more than 2,000 creatures representing some 200 species. While the highlight, of course, are the zoo's adorable giant pandas, you'll enjoy the opportunity to see other native animals, including South China tigers, golden monkeys, red-crowned cranes, and Asian elephants.

Finally, consider taking the kids to the National Wetland Museum of China. Located near the Xixi National Wetland Park, you'll be able to experience numerous displays related to the area's unique environment, as well as wetland areas from other regions around the globe.

Other notable features you'll discover as you wander the sprawling site are displays of historic dragon boats, a traditional fishing village, rare lotus flowers, and plenty of bird-watching. There's also an on-site restaurant.

Address: Tianmushan Road, Xihu, Hangzhou

Take a Scenic Drive to Qiandao Lake

If you have access to a car or aren't averse to taking a tour bus, try to add Qiandao Lake (Qiāndǎo Hú) to your travel itinerary. Located 80 kilometers southwest of Hangzhou, this manmade lake is one of the most picturesque settings in an already lovely location.

Popular among locals and tourists alike, the lake serves as a great place for hiking and water-based activities such as swimming and pleasure boat rides. It also has a stellar reputation for such adventures as diving, which is especially good around the famous Submerged city of Shi Cheng.

Location: Chun'an County, Zhejiang Province

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Shanghai: Just a two-hour drive northeast of Hangzhou is the mega-city of Shanghai. But don't be put off by its immense size. The largest city in the country offers plenty of fun things to do, including some unique points of interest that, once you're here, seem as far removed from a bustling modern metropolis as could be imagined.

City Hopping: Just an easy two-hour internal flight from Hangzhou and you can be exploring the sites of Beijing, the nation's capital and a must-visit for its many magnificent historic attractions. Top things to do here include the famous Imperial Palace and the Forbidden City, Tian'anmen Square, and Beihai Park, popular for its connection to the city's ancient imperial gardens.

A two-and-a-half-hour flight due west will get you to the historic city of Chengdu, best known as the home of the country's panda research, rescue, and breeding operations.

China Vacation Ideas: Other great destinations in China that are rich in attractions and should be included in your travel itinerary to this fascinating country are Dunhuang and Jiayuguan. These cities are tucked away in the remote northwestern corner of the country, but you'll be rewarded for your efforts with a unique opportunity to explore part of what was once the famous Silk Road, including the remarkable Mogao cave dwellings and the westernmost section of the Great Wall (the latter is a special treat as few tourists travel here).

Also worth including in your itinerary is Hong Kong, where you can explore traditional markets or discover fine beaches and cityscapes.