Hangzhou Tours &
Things to Do
Discover the best Hangzhou tours and things to do in one of China’s most beautiful cities: glide across the serene West Lake by boat, explore the ancient Lingyin Buddhist temple, sip world-famous Longjing green tea on the plantation hillsides, drift through the tranquil Xixi wetlands, and step back in time on the historic Hefang old street. Compare top-rated experiences and plan the perfect trip.
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Explore Hangzhou by interest
Whatever brings you to Hangzhou — world-class museums, the river, or a long lunch — start with the experiences travellers love most.
Top attractions in Hangzhou
The landmarks that define the city — and the tickets and tours that get you in, often skipping the line.
West Lake
Poetic scenery.
Leifeng Pagoda
Lakeside pagoda.
Lingyin Temple
Ancient temple.
Longjing Tea
Dragon Well.
Xixi Wetland
Canals & reeds.
Hefang Street
Old street.
Grand Canal
Historic waterway.
Impression Show
Night spectacle.
City awayWest Lake
Poetic scenery.
City awayLingyin Temple
Ancient temple.
30 min awayLongjing Village
Tea terraces.
30 min awayXixi Wetland
Canals & reeds.
City awayGrand Canal
Historic waterway.
City awayHefang Street
Old street.
Know before you go
Short, straight answers to the questions every Hangzhou visitor asks before booking.
Spring (Mar–May)
Mild and blooming, with lovely lake scenery — the best time.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Hot and humid, with lush green landscapes.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Cool, clear and beautiful — ideal for the lake.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Cold and quiet, sometimes with atmospheric snow on the lake.
For tea
Spring is picking season on the Longjing hills.
Best overall
Spring and autumn are ideal.
One day
West Lake and Lingyin Temple.
Two days
Add tea plantations and Xixi wetland.
Three days
Add the Grand Canal and food tours.
For tea
The Longjing tea hills.
For nature
West Lake and Xixi wetland.
With kids
Boat rides and the old street.
Lake boats
Cruise boats cross West Lake to its islands.
Metro
A modern metro links the centre and West Lake.
On foot & bike
The lakeside causeways are lovely on foot or by bike.
Tours
Guided tours combine the lake, temple and tea hills.
Where to stay
Stay near West Lake for the best of Hangzhou.
Chinese yuan
China uses the yuan; mobile payment is widespread.
Cruise West Lake
A boat cruise is the classic way to see the lake.
Visit a tea village
Tour the Longjing hills and taste fresh Dragon Well tea.
Go early to Lingyin
Arrive early at Lingyin Temple to beat the crowds.
See the night show
The Impression West Lake show is a stunning spectacle.
Try local dishes
Don’t miss Dongpo pork and West Lake fish.
Spring & autumn
Visit in spring or autumn for the finest scenery.
Private tours
Private day tours fill up — book ahead.
West Lake cruises
Boat cruises are busy in peak season — reserve early.
Night show
The Impression West Lake show sells out — book ahead.
Tea tours
Longjing tea tours have limited spots — reserve early.
Xixi wetland
Wetland boat tours book out in peak times — book ahead.
Spring & holidays
Spring and Chinese holidays are busiest — book everything ahead.
West Lake tour
Around €25–50 for a West Lake cruise and walk.
City day tour
About €60–120 for a private full-day city tour.
Tea tour
Roughly €35–70 for a Longjing tea plantation tour.
Xixi wetland
Around €30–60 for a Xixi wetland boat tour.
Night show
From about €40 for the Impression West Lake show.
How to save
Join group tours and combine the lake with the temple.
Hangzhou through the seasons
What's best, how busy it gets, and one booking tip for each time of year.
- Best for
- Blossom & tea.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Best.
- Best for
- Lush scenery.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Humid.
- Best for
- Clear lake views.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Ideal.
- Best for
- Quiet & snow.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Cold.