How to Plan a Hangzhou Tour
There is an old saying that Up above there is heaven; down below there are Suzhou and Hangzhou. Hangzhou is located in the core of the Yangtze River delta, and is reputed as the economic, political, and financial center in Zhejiang province, as well as the important e-commerce center in China, Alibaba headquarters just settled there.
Choose Your Favorite Time to Go
Hangzhou is situated in the subtropical zone, with distinctive four seasons and abundant rainfall, the average temperature is 17.8℃ (64.04℉), hot and humid in the summertime, while dry and chilly in the winter time, spring and autumn are the best times for travel.
Every March and April is the most beautiful time in Hangzhou, the blossom full of the city that makes a present mood of traveling. The weather is quite comfortable at between 9-15 ℃ (48.2-59℉), considered the best months for travel. June to August is the rainy season with drizzling rain in June and July, August is used for attack by typhoons.
Spring March-May
The average temperature is 7-15 ℃ (44.6-59℉), cool and dry.
- Day time: 15℃, suggested to wear a jacket, casual wear
- Night time: 7℃, suggested to wear sweater, jacket, casual wear
Spring is one of the best seasons to travel to Hangzhou, with the flower blooms, you can see different colors in the park, like the peonies exhibition in The Six Harmony Pagoda in April, peach and sakura blossoms in West Lake Scenic Spots, and 230 species of plum blossom in the Xixi Wetland Park.
Summer Jun-August
The average temperature is 21-30 ℃ (44.6-59℉), hot and humid.
- Day time: 30℃, suggested to wear a T-shirt, casual wear, shirt
- Night time: 21℃, suggested to wear a T-shirt, casual wear, shirt
Summer is the rainy season in Hangzhou, so preparing an umbrella or raincoat is necessary. While it would be crowded in the scenic spot as the school summer holiday and most travel as a family. Enjoy the lotus blossom and a piece of tranquil in the west lake is worthwhile.
Autumn September-November
The average temperature is 20-28 ℃（44.6-59℉）, Cool and watch the Qiantang River tide.
- Day time: 28℃ suggested wearing a T-shirt, casual wear, long-sleeve blouse.
- Night time: 20℃ suggested wearing a T-shirt, casual wear, long-sleeve blouse.
Autumn is another good time for travel to Hangzhou, the weather is comfortable and the scenery is diverse. Things to do in autumn are appreciated chrysanthemum blossoms in Hangzhou Botanic Garden, wait for a beautiful sunset in West Lake, and maple trees, and ginkgo trees in Xiling Bridge.
Winter December-February
The average temperature is 4-12℃（44.6-59℉）, Cold and Dry.
- Day time: 12℃, suggested to wear a sweater, down jacket, cotton-padded clothes.
- Night time: 4℃, suggested to wear a sweater, down jacket, cotton-padded clothes.
West Lake is suitable for all seasons even in winter, you can enjoy a peaceful moment in the park cause is less crowded and the peak season has gone, Extending the tour to water towns near Hangzhou is a great choice to see the authentic life of people who live alongside the tunnel.
Top Things to Do in Hangzhou
The West Lake
West Lake, as we have mentioned many times above, the core of Hangzhou, is considered as a must-see site. There are many legends about this lake hence the name of each site has a story to tell. You need at least 3 hours to explore the ten Best Views of West Lake - Three Pools Mirroring the Moon. The occasional pagoda and Chinese-style arched bridges.
Cycling around is the best way to explore the park, you can rent a Shared Bike at the entrance or anywhere in the park, and return anywhere you like, it is quite a new and convenient way to see the Lake as most tourists do.
Recommended Tour: 1-Day West Lake Walking Tour
Lingyin Temple
A hidden treasure of Hangzhou occupies an area of 87,000 sq.m, and different surprises await you in each step up.
Located in front of the temple proper, Feilai Feng (Flying Peak) is an outstanding Buddhist grotto site, more than 500 images of Buddhist carvings in different postures are interesting and awesome. You need a few hours to explore this place and to the top of the temple can see the incredible view of Hangzhou.
Qinghefang Pedestrian Street
A historical street of Hangzhou and now a good place for shopping for souvenirs and tasting the local food, while it is commercial, it is also an insight into the tradition. Some people say it is similar to Yuyuan Market in Shanghai, but you still can see the traditional business as Chinese medicine pharmacies and tea houses are running in their traditional way as centuries ago.
Meijiawu Tea Plantation
A great place to learn the tea culture includes nursing, growing, harvesting, baking, brewing, and drinking. Linking around the large-scale tea plantation on the mountain and enjoying the peaceful moments are great fun.
How to Get to Hangzhou
By Flights: Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport is the only airport in Hangzhou, with three flight terminals set up the lines of 94 China domestic flights and 31 international flights.
- Hangzhou-Beijing: 2 1/2 hours
- Hangzhou-Guilin: 2 hours
- Hangzhou-Xi’an: 2 1/2 hours
- Hangzhou-Guangzhou: 2 1/2 hours
- Hangzhou-Chengdu: 3 hours
- Hangzhou-Chongqing: 2 1/2 hours
By Trains: Hangzhou Railway Station and Hangzhou East Railway Station are two common stations for high-speed trains and bullet trains stop over. Now Hangzhou has built up a one-hour transportation network within eastern China cities, and more high-speed trains extend to northern China.
- Hangzhou-Shanghai: 1 1/2 hours
- Hangzhou-Suzhou: 1 1/2 hours
- Hangzhou-Nanjing: 2 hours
- Hangzhou-Wuhan: 5 1/2 hours
- Hangzhou-Guilin: 8 hours
Suggested Itinerary for a Two-Day Tour
Day 1:
Arrive in Hangzhou, take a visit to the west lake, time needed: three hours, travel routes: Baidi- Duanqiao Bridge - Seating on the boat you can see Leifeng tower and then visit the big island of this lake, see the Ten Best Views of West Lake - Three Pools Mirroring the Moon. Then to the Lingyin Temple, the biggest Buddhist temple in Hangzhou, The temple is linked to the Fling Peak. Stepping inside this pagoda, the Buddha statue carving in the rock feels adorable.
Suggested restaurant today
Lily hotel
Provides a panoramic view of the lake, and provides Hangzhou dishes.
Address: No.156 Shuguang Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou.
Louwailou Restaurant
This is a popular local restaurant that has more than over 150 years of history and specializes in Hangzhou cuisine it is well known for West Lake vinegar fish and Braised Dongpo Pork.
Address: No. 30 Gushan Road
Day 2:
Meijiawu Tea Village: see the famous Hangzhou green tea production village, the green tea brushes over the mountain, and a chance to see the harvest, the procedure to make green tea, and the tea ceremony.
Suggested restaurant today:
Zhi Wei Guan Restaurant
Claims of a history of 100 years of serving local dishes, and snacks with a fusion of traditional & modern recipes.
Address: No. 83 Renhe Road, Hangzhou (Head Office) and No.71-73 Gaoyin Alley (Branch Store)
Zhang Sheng Ji Restaurant
Authentic flavor, Duck casserole, and West Lake vinegar fish are their must-try dishes.
Address: No. 77 Jiangling Road, Jianggan District, Hangzhou