Marco Polo called Hangzhou 'the most beautiful and magnificent city in the world,' and modern visitors still agree. The legendary West Lake, surrounded by misty hills, pagodas, and willow trees, creates one of China's most romantic landscapes. Add world-famous Longjing tea, historic temples, and Alibaba's tech influence, and you have a city of timeless beauty and modern innovation.
March to May (spring) for tea harvest and beautiful flowers, or September to November (autumn) for comfortable weather and fall colors. Summer is hot and humid; winter is cold but less crowded.
Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH) serves the city. High-speed trains from Shanghai take only 1 hour, making it an easy day trip or extension.
Rent a bike to explore West Lake - it's the best way to see it
Visit Longjing Tea Village and buy tea directly from farmers
Take a boat on West Lake in late afternoon for beautiful light
Try Hangzhou's famous Dongpo Pork and West Lake fish
Discover restaurants, attractions, and events in Hangzhou with QilinGO.