Best Things to Do in Hangzhou in 2 Days

I visited Hangzhou with a friend as part of a bigger trip to Shanghai.

Shanghai is an amazing city, and we could have easily spent the entire trip there, but ultimately it’s still a huge city.

And with huge cities come huge crowds, traffic, busy streets, and that hectic city pace. So, we decided to break it up with a couple of nearby cities.

After looking at our options, we settled on Hangzhou and Suzhou, both of which offered a very different pace from Shanghai without requiring a complicated journey to get there.

Hangzhou seemed to have the combination we were looking for: plenty of beautiful scenery and historic places to explore, and also lots of greenery.

Hangzhou at a glance

Hangzhou is in eastern China, about 170 kilometers southwest of Shanghai, making it an easy addition to a Shanghai trip. High-speed trains connect the two cities in roughly an hour.

Hangzhou is best known for West Lake — a scenic landscape of water, gardens, causeways, temples and pagodas.

It’s also famous for Longjing tea, traditional Chinese culture, and historic streets. It was the capital of the Southern Song dynasty from 1127 to 1279, when it became a major center of trade, culture, and the arts.

Overall, Hangzhou is a good choice if you like scenery, nature, history, traditional culture and a slower pace of sightseeing.

Best time to visit Hangzhou

Spring and fall are generally the most comfortable times to visit Hangzhou, particularly from around March to May and September to November.

Summer can be hot, humid and rainy, while winter is much colder and damp.

Hangzhou has a subtropical monsoon climate with distinct seasons and significant rainfall, particularly in spring and early summer.

If you’re specifically interested in West Lake Longjing tea, spring is especially interesting because the annual harvest takes place around March and April.

How to get to Hangzhou

Hangzhou is easy to combine with other cities on a wider China trip. It’s extremely well connected by high-speed rail.

If you’re traveling around eastern China like we were, you can easily combine Hangzhou with Shanghai, Suzhou or other cities in the region.

Hangzhou has four major railway stations:

• Hangzhou (杭州)
• Hangzhou East (Hangzhoudong 杭州东站)
• Hangzhou West (Hangzhouxi 杭州西站)
• Hangzhou South (Hangzhounan 杭州南站).

When booking your train, pay attention to the station name, as they’re all in different parts of the city, and ending up at the wrong one can turn into an unexpected cross-city adventure.

For a first-time visitor staying around West Lake, Hangzhou and Hangzhou East are the most convenient.

The city is also served by Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH), which is connected to the city by Hangzhou Metro. As of 2026, Metro Lines 1, 7 and 19 serve the airport.

How to get around in Hangzhou

Hangzhou has an extensive public transportation network, including metro, buses and taxis.

For us, walking worked well around West Lake and the historic areas, while for longer distances, we took the metro (or Didi if we were feeling lazy).

For transport payments, we used WeChat Pay and Alipay. Still, I’d keep some loose change as a backup.

It can be incredibly annoying when a queue starts building up behind you while you’re trying to get on a bus and your internet suddenly decides to play hide-and-seek.

Alternatively, you can join a private tour that takes you to some of Hangzhou’s main highlights, which can be a convenient option if you prefer to have transportation and sightseeing arranged for you.

Check out my China Survival Guide for more tips on getting around, making payments, and staying connected.

Top things to do in Hangzhou

1. Walk around the shores of West Lake

West Lake, or Xihu, is Hangzhou’s main attraction and the place most visitors come to see first.

The lake and its surrounding cultural landscape were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011.

What makes West Lake special isn’t just the water, but the way the landscape has been designed around it, with causeways, islands, gardens, temples, pagodas, pavilions and hills.

The lake covers about 6.4 square kilometers and has roughly 15 kilometers of shoreline, so there’s quite a lot of walking involved.

We spent a good chunk of our first day wandering along the lakeside paths, crossing historic causeways, and stopping at scenic viewpoints.

2. Go on a lake cruise

When your feet have had enough of West Lake, get on a boat.

Depending on the route, boats can take you around the lake or out toward some of its islands and scenic spots.

One of the most famous sights is Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, where three small stone pagodas stand in the water.

The scene is so iconic that it even appears on the back of China’s one-yuan banknote.

3. Climb up Leifeng Pagoda for the view

Leifeng Pagoda is one of the most recognizable landmarks around West Lake, and it’s worth visiting for both the history and the view.

The original pagoda was built in 977 during the Wuyue period but eventually collapsed. The structure standing here today is a modern reconstruction built on the original site.

The interesting part is underneath it. The remains of the original pagoda were preserved and are visible through a glass floor, allowing visitors to see the archaeological remains.

Once you’re at the top, you’ll get panoramic views over West Lake and the surrounding hills.

If you can time your visit around sunset, even better. Leifeng Pagoda in the Evening Glow is one of the traditional Ten Scenes of West Lake.

The pagoda is also connected to the famous Chinese legend of Madame White Snake, which gives the site an extra bit of cultural context.

4. Wander through Qinghefang Ancient Street

When you’re ready for food, shopping and a completely different atmosphere, head to Qinghefang Ancient Street, also known as Hefang Street.

This historic area has been a commercial center of Hangzhou for centuries and was already an important marketplace during the Song Dynasty, when Hangzhou served as China’s capital.

Today, the pedestrianized area is lined with traditional-style buildings, restaurants, snack stalls, tea shops, souvenir stores and long-established businesses.

It’s touristy, but it’s also one of the easiest places to experience a bit of old Hangzhou while getting your stomach filled.

5. Escape the city at Xixi National Wetland Park

For a change of scenery, spend a day at Xixi National Wetland Park.

The park covers around 10 square kilometers and contains waterways, ponds, greenery and traditional water-town landscapes.

We spent our entire second day here, walking around, enjoying the greenery and letting the day unfold at its own pace.

You can also take a boat through the wetlands, and there are restaurants inside the park, so you don’t have to leave just because you’re hungry.

6. See ancient Buddhist art at Lingyin Temple

If you have an extra day, Lingyin Temple is worth adding to your Hangzhou itinerary.

Founded in AD 326, it’s one of China’s most historic Buddhist temples and sits among the forested hills near Feilai Peak, known for its Buddhist carvings and grotto sculptures.

The temple has been rebuilt and restored many times, so what you see today reflects centuries of religious and architectural history.

7. Explore the tea fields around Longjing Village

Hangzhou is famous for Longjing tea, so tea lovers should consider visiting Longjing Village in the hills southwest of West Lake.

The surrounding countryside is covered with tea plantations and is particularly beautiful during the spring harvest.

You can walk through the tea fields, visit local tea houses or join a tour with a local tea farmer to try your hand at roasting, whisking, and tasting freshly made tea.

💡 West Lake Longjing refers specifically to tea produced in designated areas around West Lake, so not every tea labeled “Longjing” is the real deal.

8. Cruise along the Grand Canal

For a different side of Hangzhou, explore the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, the southern end of the world’s longest artificial waterway.

The canal played a major role in transporting people and goods between northern and southern China and helped Hangzhou develop into an important commercial center.

Today, you can explore the historic canal area, see old neighborhoods and bridges, and take a boat ride depending on the section and season.

9. Go on a day trip to Qiandao Lake

If you have an extra day, consider taking a trip to Qiandao Lake (Thousand Island Lake), about 150 km from Hangzhou.

The huge reservoir is famous for its clear water and hundreds of forest-covered islands. You can take a boat around the lake or head up Tianyu Mountain nearby for panoramic views from above.

It’s a good option if you want to swap Hangzhou’s city sightseeing for a day of lakes and mountains.

What to eat in Hangzhou

Hangzhou has its own regional cuisine, characterized by relatively delicate flavors with a tendency toward sweet and savory combinations.

Longjing shrimp

Longjing shrimp combines two Hangzhou specialties: fresh shrimp and Longjing tea. The shrimp is stir-fried with the tea leaves, giving the dish a subtle tea aroma.

Since Longjing tea is one of Hangzhou’s most famous products, this felt like a particularly appropriate dish to try here.

West Lake vinegar fish

West Lake vinegar fish is traditionally made with freshwater fish and served with a sweet-and-sour vinegar sauce.

It’s one of Hangzhou’s most famous local dishes, although don’t expect it to taste quite like the typical Chinese sweet-and-sour dish you might find elsewhere.

Beggar’s chicken

Beggar’s chicken is a whole chicken traditionally wrapped in lotus leaves and baked in clay or mud.

Why beggar’s chicken though? According to legend, a starving beggar came up with the method because he had no proper cooking equipment, eventually creating a dish that supposedly impressed the emperor.

Whether the story is true or not, the result is a tender, flavorful chicken with a quirky name.

Pian’erchuan noodles

Pian’erchuan is a traditional Hangzhou noodle dish made with noodles, sliced meat, bamboo shoots and pickled mustard greens in a savory broth.

Sprout bao hui

Sprout bao hui is a traditional Hangzhou snack made with bean sprouts wrapped in a thin dough and pan-fried until crisp.

Crispy fried tofu

Crispy fried tofu is exactly what it sounds like: tofu fried until golden and crisp on the outside while staying soft inside.

It’s a simple snack or side dish that’s easy to find around Hangzhou’s traditional food streets.

Longjing tea

Longjing tea, also known as Dragon Well tea, is Hangzhou’s most famous tea. This delicate green tea is grown around West Lake and is known for its fresh, slightly nutty flavor.

If you’re visiting Hangzhou, drinking some Longjing tea is pretty much mandatory.

West Lake lotus root powder

West Lake lotus root powder is a traditional Hangzhou dessert made from dried lotus root starch.

When mixed with hot water, it turns into a smooth, slightly sweet paste that’s often served with toppings such as nuts, dried fruit or osmanthus.

Dongpo pork

Dongpo pork is a rich, slow-braised pork dish named after the Song dynasty poet Su Dongpo, who was closely associated with Hangzhou.

The pork is cooked until very tender and served with a savory, slightly sweet sauce.

How many days do you need in Hangzhou?

I think two days in Hangzhou is enough for a first visit.

With two days, we could comfortably fit in West Lake, Leifeng Pagoda, Xixi National Wetland Park, and Qinghefang Ancient Street.

But Eastern China was the last leg of a longer trip around China for me, so I was happy to take things at a slower pace.

If you have more time, or simply move faster than we did, you can add Lingyin Temple and the surrounding Feilai Peak area, explore Hangzhou’s Longjing tea villages, see part of the Grand Canal, or even venture farther outside central Hangzhou to places such as Qiandao Lake.

Suggested Hangzhou itineraries

1-day Hangzhou itinerary

2-day Hangzhou itinerary

Where to stay in Hangzhou

For a first trip, I suggest staying somewhere with convenient access to West Lake and the metro.

The area around West Lake is convenient for sightseeing and transportation. If you’re more interested in restaurants, shopping and city life, staying around the central districts can also work well.

Here are a few top-rated accommodation options in Hangzhou:

Budget

• Hangzhou Desti Youth Hostel
• Pod Select Hotel
• Ashy Hotel (Xihu Lakeside Branch)

Mid-range

• Holiday Inn Hangzhou West Lake by IHG
• Zhongshan West Lake Hotel Hangzhou
• Lakeview Hotel Hangzhou

Luxury

• Grand Hyatt Hangzhou
• Midtown Shangri-La Hangzhou
• Grand Hotel

FAQs about Hangzhou

Is Hangzhou expensive?

Hangzhou can be done on a fairly reasonable budget, particularly if you use public transportation, eat at local restaurants and focus on the city’s free attractions.

West Lake itself is free, although individual attractions and activities such as Leifeng Pagoda and boat rides cost extra.

Eating can also be inexpensive if you stick to street food, while restaurants in the busiest tourist areas can obviously cost more.

Accommodation is where your budget can vary the most, but you can find cheap options even in prime locations like West Lake.

Is Hangzhou suitable for solo travelers?

Absolutely.

Hangzhou’s main attractions are easy to explore independently, and many of the city’s most enjoyable experiences, such as walking around West Lake, visiting historic streets and exploring Xixi Wetland, don’t require a tour.

That said, having a translation app and the Chinese names of your hotel and destinations saved on your phone will make independent travel considerably easier.

Is Hangzhou good for first-time visitors to China?

Yes, if you’re on a longer trip around China and want to slow things down for a couple of days, or if you specifically prefer quieter destinations with plenty of nature and room to wander.

If you’re already pressed for time and determined to check off China’s biggest highlights, though, Hangzhou may not be the best use of your limited time.

There are more famous cities and bucket-list attractions that you may want to prioritize first.

Can you visit Hangzhou as a day trip from Shanghai?

Yes, it’s doable. Hangzhou and Shanghai are connected by frequent high-speed trains, making a day trip technically possible.

However, I wouldn’t recommend it if you can spare at least one night.

West Lake alone deserves more time than a rushed few hours, and staying overnight means you can experience Hangzhou in the evening rather than spending half the day watching the clock for your return train.

Is Hangzhou wheelchair accessible?

Accessibility varies considerably between attractions.

Modern transportation and newer facilities are generally more accessible, but historic sites, gardens, older streets and some scenic paths can involve steps, uneven surfaces or other obstacles.

Is Hangzhou a good destination for a rainy day?

It can be. West Lake is still atmospheric in light rain, and Hangzhou has plenty of indoor options including museums, tea houses, restaurants and shopping areas.

However, if your main reason for visiting is walking around West Lake or exploring Xixi National Wetland Park, heavy rain can make the experience considerably less enjoyable.

Is Hangzhou worth visiting if you’re not interested in history?

Definitely. History is a huge part of Hangzhou, but you don’t need to be particularly interested in ancient dynasties to enjoy the city.

West Lake, Xixi Wetland, the tea-growing areas and Hangzhou’s food scene are enough to fill a trip.

What should I buy in Hangzhou?

Longjing tea is the obvious souvenir, particularly if you enjoy Chinese tea. Hangzhou is also known for silk, traditional crafts and local food products.

If you’re buying tea, pay attention to where it comes from and be wary of sellers making extravagant claims about authenticity or quality.

West Lake Longjing is a specific protected product, not simply another name for all green tea produced around Hangzhou.

Additional tips for visiting Hangzhou

👉 Don’t underestimate West Lake and Xixi Wetland Park. They’re larger than they might look on the map, and you’ll be doing plenty of walking. I’d allocate at least half a day for each one of them.

👉 Avoid driving around West Lake if you can. Traffic restrictions can apply around the scenic area, especially on weekends and public holidays. Public transportation, taxis and walking are generally easier.

👉 Go early if you want a quieter West Lake. It’s one of Hangzhou’s most popular attractions, so expect crowds around the main scenic spots, particularly during spring, fall and Chinese public holidays.

👉 Be careful when buying “Longjing” tea. Not every tea labeled Longjing is authentic West Lake Longjing. If you’re planning to bring some home, buy from a reputable tea shop or producer rather than the first souvenir shop you see.

Final thoughts

Is Hangzhou worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you enjoy cities where the main attractions aren’t all museums or giant buildings.

Hangzhou has a nice mix of nature, history and modern city life. West Lake is the obvious star, but the city doesn’t stop being interesting once you’ve taken the obligatory lake photos.

You can visit ancient temples, explore traditional streets, drink Longjing tea where it is grown, cruise through waterways, wander around wetlands or visit the Grand Canal.

For me, Hangzhou was a much-anticipated break at the end of my packed month-long China itinerary.