Hangzhou

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Why visit Hangzhou?

Hangzhou functions as the refined heartbeat of Zhejiang province, anchored by the UNESCO-listed West Lake. Start your morning walking the mist-covered Su Causeway, where ancient willow trees frame views of the Three Pools Mirroring the Moon. For a deeper dive into the region's tea heritage, hike through the terraced slopes of Meijiawu Village to sample premium Longjing green tea harvested from the surrounding hills. The city’s landscape is defined by the silhouette of the Leifeng Pagoda and the expansive, lush greenery of the Botanical Garden, offering a tranquil counterpoint to the rapid development of the nearby Qiantang River business district.

Culinary exploration is essential here, specifically the delicate flavors of Jiangnan cuisine. Secure a table at a local tavern to order Dongpo pork, a slow-braised belly dish that melts instantly, or the iconic West Lake fish in vinegar gravy, which showcases the freshness of the local freshwater catch. Wander through the historic alleyways of Hefang Street to browse traditional apothecary jars and silk boutiques before heading to the Lingyin Temple, a sprawling complex home to the Feilai Feng grottoes. Whether you are circling the lake by bicycle or exploring the dense, fern-covered trails of the surrounding hills, Hangzhou rewards those who prioritize patience and sensory detail.

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Everything for your Hangzhou trip

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Local partners in Hangzhou: Club del Sole · ICON Collection · Baglioni · COMO · UNA Italian Hospitality

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Popular experiences in Hangzhou

The things travellers book most here. You pay the same price as booking direct.

Food & drink toursCooking classesDay tripsSkip-the-line ticketsWalking toursEvening & night toursTickets & events

Top tours & activities in Hangzhou

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Rent a car in Hangzhou

Compare rental cars from local and international companies, with free cancellation on most bookings.

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When to go to Hangzhou

The best months for Hangzhou are March, April, May, September and October. Highs then sit around 23°C, and a week here is reasonably priced.

Jan
10°
low 1°
10 wet days
Feb
12°
low 3°
12 wet days
Mar
17°
low 8°
13 wet days
Apr
22°
low 13°
12 wet days
May
26°
low 18°
14 wet days
Jun
29°
low 22°
19 wet days
Jul
33°
low 26°
17 wet days
Aug
34°
low 26°
15 wet days
Sep
29°
low 22°
14 wet days
Oct
23°
low 15°
8 wet days
Nov
18°
low 10°
10 wet days
Dec
11°
low 3°
7 wet days
Highlighted = best monthsNumber = average daytime highBar = how wet the month is

Temperatures and wet days are measured, not estimated: ERA5 reanalysis for 2021-2023, at Hangzhou, Zhejiang. Source: Open-Meteo.

Planning Hangzhou

Best time to visit HangzhouMonth by month, measuredWhere to stay in HangzhouWhich area suits youHow many days you needWhat fits in a short or long stay

Hangzhou: practical tips

Getting in, getting around and what a day costs — checked by our editors.

Arriving by air

The primary international hubs are Rome Fiumicino FCO and Milan Malpensa MXP. Venice Marco Polo VCE also receives significant long-haul traffic. From FCO, an express train reaches the city center in about thirty minutes. From MXP, rail services connect to central Milan in roughly fifty minutes. Regional airports across the country handle European connections, often requiring local ground transfers via bus or regional rail to reach final destinations.

Getting around

High-speed trains effectively connect major cities like Turin, Milan, Florence, Rome, and Naples. Regional trains serve smaller towns, though they are slower. Buses are common for mountain regions and some coastal areas. Ferries operate extensively along the coasts and to islands. Car hire is recommended for rural exploration in regions like Tuscany or Puglia, but driving in city centers is discouraged due to restricted traffic zones.

Where to base yourself

  • Rome — history enthusiasts and travelers interested in ancient ruins and world-class museum collections.
  • Tuscany — those seeking rolling landscapes, vineyard tours, and a slower pace of rural life.
  • Venice — tourists wishing to experience unique canal-based urban layouts and historical maritime architecture.
  • Amalfi Coast — visitors drawn to dramatic cliffside vistas and coastal scenery along the Mediterranean sea.

Full guide to where to stay in Hangzhou →

What a day costs

Budget€50–100
Mid-range€110–250
Comfort€260+

Per person per day, excluding flights. A rough guide, not a quote.

Money and tipping

The currency is the Euro EUR. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in cities, though carrying some cash is advisable for smaller shops, markets, and rural areas. Tipping is not mandatory or expected as a percentage of the bill. It is polite to leave a small amount of spare change at cafes or round up the bill at restaurants if service was exceptional.

More questions about Hangzhou

How many days do you need in Hangzhou?

Most travelers require at least ten to fourteen days to see the core highlights of Rome, Florence, and Venice without feeling rushed. Extending the trip to three weeks allows for deeper exploration of regional areas like the Amalfi Coast, Sicily, or the northern lake districts. Hangzhou is geographically dense, and meaningful travel involves balancing sightseeing with time to experience local culture.

Is Hangzhou safe for tourists?

Hangzhou is generally very safe for international tourists. The most common issues are petty crimes like pickpocketing in crowded tourist zones, busy train stations, and on public transportation. It is wise to keep personal belongings secure and remain vigilant in areas with high foot traffic. Violent crime is rare, and emergency services are available nationwide to assist travelers who encounter any difficulties.

Is English widely spoken in Hangzhou?

English is spoken fluently by most staff in hotels, tourist attractions, and restaurants within major cities. While younger generations often have a good command of English, you may encounter language barriers in smaller, more remote villages or with older residents. Learning a few basic Italian phrases is highly appreciated by locals and can significantly enhance your interactions when navigating transport or dining.

Can you drink the tap water in Hangzhou?

The tap water in Hangzhou is generally safe and of high quality across the country. Many cities feature public fountains, known as nasoni in Rome, which provide free, clean, and often cold drinking water. Travelers are encouraged to carry a reusable water bottle, as the public water supply is both reliable and perfectly suitable for daily consumption throughout your stay.

Which places should first-time visitors see in Hangzhou?

First-time visitors typically focus on the golden triangle of Rome, Florence, and Venice. Rome offers incomparable historical depth, Florence is the center of Renaissance art and architecture, and Venice provides a unique maritime atmosphere. Adding a few days in the southern coastal regions or the northern lakes helps provide a broader perspective on the diverse landscapes and cultural traditions found within the country.

Hangzhou — common questions

When is the best time to visit Hangzhou?

The best months for Hangzhou are April, May, June, September and October. Highs then range from 19°C to 30°C, crowds are high at peak, and a week here is expensive.

What is the weather like in Hangzhou?

July is the warmest month, with daytime highs around 34°C. January is the coolest, around 12°C by day and 4°C at night. November is the wettest, with about 16 wet days. Figures are measured averages, not estimates.

What is Hangzhou known for?

Hangzhou is best known for history, culture, food, architecture and mountains. The things people come for: Brunelleschi's dome, Venice canals, Amalfi Coast, Naples pizza, Tuscan hills.

Who is Hangzhou best suited to?

Hangzhou works particularly well for couples, families, first-time visitors and honeymooners. That is based on what there is to do there, not on who books it most.

What can you book in advance in Hangzhou?

The experiences that sell out first are food tours, cooking classes, day trips, skip-the-line tickets, walking tours and night tours. You can check availability and prices on our booking partners below — you pay the same as booking direct.

Food toursCooking classesDay tripsSkip-the-line ticketsWalking toursNight tours

Do I need a visa for Hangzhou?

That depends on your passport and how long you are staying, so there is no single answer. TonyPlan has a visa and entry checker — put in your nationality and it tells you what applies to you.

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Get the Hangzhou guide as a PDF

Why to go, the best months with real measured temperatures, which area to stay in, and what flights cost right now — in one file you can read on the plane. Free.

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