Introduction to Hangzhou
Located in the northeastern part of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou has a history of over 2,200 years since it was established as a county during the Qin Dynasty. It served as the capital for both the Wu-Yue Kingdom during the Five Dynasties and the Southern Song Dynasty. Often referred to as “Heaven on Earth,” this city boasts a diverse range of landscapes including mountains, springs, lakes, bridges, pagodas, and temples, which contribute to its colorful scenery.
The West Lake area is an administrative district in Hangzhou that houses more than half of the city’s scenic spots. Staying nearby provides a beautiful view and easy access to explore West Lake. Wulin Square, located in the city center, is a bustling hub with many large department stores concentrated in the area. Meanwhile, Qinghefang Historical Block is a must-visit for those wanting to experience Hangzhou’s rich cultural heritage, showcasing the city’s historical charm.
Personal Impression:
Hangzhou is a city where nature and urban life coexist beautifully. The mountains bring tranquility, the waters are enchanting, and the people are lovely. I adore Hangzhou for its elegance and grace, where every corner feels poetic and picturesque. The locals embody the spirit of Jiangnan—gentle and welcoming. Their smiles disarm you, allowing you to let your guard down and truly enjoy the charm of this magnificent city.
Special Recommendations
Take a stroll along North Mountain Road (Dreamy North Street) to enjoy the charming French sycamores, quaint alleys, and old villas. The vibrant red maple leaves near Lingyin Temple and the ginkgo trees around Willow Singing are also perfect spots to pause and appreciate nature. If you’re looking for a hidden gem, head to the Yanggong Dike area, where you can explore Maojiabu, Turtle Pool, and Yuhuwan to discover a secluded side of West Lake.
The Mantou Mountain community offers a mix of old houses, railroads, and a lively local atmosphere. For those who appreciate culture, consider visiting the historic residences of famous figures, such as Qiushui Villa, Hu Xueyan’s former home, the residences of Gai Jiaotian and Du Jincheng, and the former home of Yu Qian. These sites allow you to soak in the rich history of the area.
Additionally, the old campuses of Zhejiang University—Zhijiang, Xixi, Yuquan, and Huajiachi—are all beautifully scenic, so if you have time, don’t miss the chance to take a look. For a truly artistic experience, hop on one of the remaining green trains at Nanxingqiao Railway Station (heading to Qiaozhi) for a nostalgic journey.
Visitors to Hangzhou often don’t miss West Lake and Xixi Wetland, with West Lake being the main attraction. Beyond these, various parks surround the city like uncut gems. The three famous plum blossom viewing spots—Gushan (Solitary Hill), Lingfeng, and Chaoshan—make winter in Hangzhou vibrant and colorful, especially Gushan, where the presence of the Xiling Seal Society adds a rich cultural ambiance amid the lush green mountains and clear waters.
Taizi Bay Park, with its year-round flower exhibitions, has become a popular spot for locals to unwind. If you have enough time, the surrounding areas, including Tianmu Mountain, Qiandao Lake, and Dongming Mountain Forest Park, are definitely worth exploring.
Ten Scenic Spots of West Lake
West Lake in Hangzhou is composed of a mountain (Gushan), two pagodas (Leifeng Pagoda and Baochu Pagoda), three causeways (Sudi, Baidi, and Yanggong Causeway), three islands (Ruangong Island, Huxin Pavilion, and Xiaoyingzhou), and five lakes (Lihu, Wailu, Yuehu, Xili Lake, and Xiaonan Lake).
The beauty of West Lake is not limited to spring; in summer, the lotus blooms stretch across the sky, while autumn nights are illuminated by the moonlight reflecting on the Three Ponds. In winter, the red plums stand out against the snowy landscape. No matter when you visit, you’ll experience its unique charm.
Old Ten Scenic Spots of West Lake:
- Quyuan Wind Lotus
- Pinghu Autumn Moon
- Broken Bridge and Residual Snow
- Willow Wave and Oriole
- Leifeng Evening Glow
- Nanping Evening Bell
- Huagang Watching Fish
- Su Causeway Spring Dawn
- Double Peaks Inserting Clouds
- Three Ponds Mirroring the Moon
New “Ten Scenic Spots of West Lake”:
- Yunqi Bamboo Path
- Manlong Guiyu (Osmanthus Rain on Manlong)
- Tiger Running Dream Spring
- Longjing Tea Inquiry
- Jiuxi Smoke Trees
- Wushan Sky Wind
- Ruandong Ringing Green
- Huanglong (Huanglong Spitting Green)
- Yuhuang Flying Clouds
- Baoshi Flowing Rosy Clouds
Accommodation Recommendations
In a bustling metropolis like Hangzhou, you’ll find hotels and inns catering to every budget. There are luxurious club-level hotels and high-end accommodations (four and five-star hotels), typically priced between 500 to 2000 RMB. For those on a tighter budget, there are mid-range (three-star) and economy hotels, usually ranging from 150 to 230 RMB. Three-star hotels tend to be about 20% more expensive than the economy options. Backpackers will love the hostels, where dorm beds generally cost around 50 RMB.
Overall, when looking for a place to stay in Hangzhou, consider areas around West Lake or the city center near Wulin Square and Hubin shopping district. Staying near West Lake Avenue is ideal, as it provides convenient access to transportation and attractions.
Food Recommendations
Hangzhou cuisine is known for its quality and affordability, captivating the taste buds of many in Jiangnan. As part of the eight major Chinese culinary styles, Zhejiang cuisine is characterized by its refreshing and distinctive flavors. The ingredients are fresh, the preparation is meticulous, and there’s a wide variety of dishes that emphasize nutrition and a balance of flavors, blending salty and mild tastes. The famous Song Dynasty poet Su Dongpo once praised Hangzhou, saying, “No feast in the world is as grand as those in Hangzhou,” which led to the saying “smell the fragrance and dismount.”
Some iconic dishes include Dongpo pork from Tianxiang Tower and West Lake vinegar fish from Lou Wai Lou, both renowned at home and abroad. There are also countless delicious snacks, such as Wushan flaky pastry, Jinhua sweet cakes, shrimp and eel noodles from Hangzhou Kuiyuan Restaurant, and the delightful double dumplings from Zhiwei Guan, along with Ding Lianfang’s steamed buns.
Traditional Signature Dishes:
- Dongpo Pork
- Longjing Shrimp
- Beggar’s Chicken
- Hangzhou Sauce Duck
- West Lake Water Shield Soup
- West Lake Vinegar Fish
- Song Sister Fish Soup
- Fish Head with Tofu
- Honey Glazed Pork
- Fried Crispy Chicken
- Red Braised Chicken Rolls
- White Bird and Phoenix
- Chestnuts and Mushrooms
- Oil-Braised Spring Bamboo Shoots
New Hangzhou Cuisine:
- Eight Flavors of Hangzhou
- West Lake Crab Buns
- Stewed Chicken with Tree Flowers
- Salt and Pepper Pigeon
- Dried Bamboo Shoot Duck Pot
- Fragrant Leaf Baked Crab
- Salted Egg Yolk Blue Crab
- Abalone with Wild Duck
- Chicken Broth Cod
- Baisha Red Crab
- Crystal Shrimp with Hibiscus
- Hand-Pulled Chicken
- Qiantang Shredded Pork
- Wulin Stewed Duck
- Paper-Wrapped Shark Fin
Famous Local Snacks:
- Zhiwei Soup Dumplings
- Scallion Pancakes
- Cat Ear Noodles
- Shrimp and Eel Noodles
- Pian’er Chuan Noodles
Best Time to Visit
Experiencing Hangzhou is delightful regardless of the season or weather. The West Lake is like a magician, transforming its beauty through spring, summer, autumn, and winter, rain or shine.
- Spring (April to June): With gentle breezes and captivating waters, spring is the perfect time to stroll along Su Causeway, enjoying the blooming flowers.
- Summer (July to September): Although the weather can be hot, it’s the season when the lotus flowers bloom exuberantly under the scorching sun.
- Autumn (October to December): The crisp air brings a delightful fragrance of osmanthus flowers, attracting many visitors. Around the Mid-Autumn Festival, locals are busy enjoying the tidal waves of the Qiantang River during the day and moon-gazing by the lake at night.
- Winter (January to March): The winters see the blooming of wintersweet flowers. Don’t miss the three famous plum blossom viewing spots: Gushan, Lingfeng, and Chaoshan. The iconic Broken Bridge also presents a stunning sight during this time.
Clothing Suggestions
When it comes to temperature, January, April, July, and October mark the transitions of the four seasons in Hangzhou. Keep in mind that January is the coldest month and tends to be damp and chilly, so it’s advisable to dress warmly. From mid-April to September, it’s the rainy season, so make sure to pack a raincoat!
