What to see in Hangzhou: 10 best tourist spots in Hangzhou CHINAHORA

If you're planning a spontaneous trip, Hangzhou is one of those cities you fall in love with from the very first moment. Here you'll find both the poetic Hangzhou described by ancient poets and modern corners that are sweeping social media. You can enjoy freshly brewed Longjing tea, stroll across ancient bridges under the moon, or lose yourself in landscapes that seem straight out of a painting.

In this guide, you'll discover the 10 must-see places in Hangzhou, with food recommendations, in-depth 2-day itineraries, local tips, and more. Bookmark it now!

10 must-see places in Hangzhou

West Lake

The soul of Hangzhou, a World Heritage Site and a poem made into a landscape

To speak of Hangzhou is to speak of West Lake. It's not just a lake; it's a living poem, a moving painting. Its most iconic landscapes are the formula "one lake, two dikes, and three islands," with changing scenes with each season: peach blossoms in spring, lotus in summer, moon over the lake in autumn, and snow on Broken Bridge in winter.

Entry: Free / Paid: Leifeng Pagoda (40 RMB), San Tan Yin Yue by boat (55 RMB)
The unmissable: Waterfront bike ride, night cruise, Westlake Museum

Lingyin Temple (灵隐寺)

Millenary Buddhist temple surrounded by peace and nature

Nestled among mist-shrouded mountains, Lingyin Temple is one of China's oldest and most sacred temples. Surrounded by rock-carved sculptures on Feilai Mountain, many dating from the Five Kingdoms to the Yuan Dynasty, it's a perfect place to find spiritual serenity.

Entry: 75 RMB (includes Feilai Temple) / Mandatory flower voucher: 30 RMB
Local council: Do not step on the threshold and use your left hand when lighting incense

Thousand Islands Lake (千岛湖)

An aquatic paradise with more than a thousand floating green islands

This enormous artificial lake is home to 1078 islands that resemble floating emeralds. The best viewing point is Meifeng Island, while Monkey Island is fun for families. In autumn, the southeastern areas are less touristy and perfect for photography.

Entry: High season 150 RMB / Low season 120 RMB (includes boat)
Do not missOrganic Fish Head Soup in the Old City

Xixi Wetland National Park (西溪湿地公园)

A green lung within the city with canals and bamboo

The Xixi Wetland is a natural gem where water, trees, and history coexist. A rowboat ride among willow trees and ancient bridges will make you feel like you're in a world apart. During dates like the Dragon Boat Festival, relive authentic local traditions.

Entry: 80 RMB / Rowing boat: 100 RMB/hour
Safety pin: Bird watching area and autumn landscape with silver reeds

Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal (京杭大运河杭州段)

A masterpiece of engineering that is alive and romantic at night.

A World Heritage Site, the Grand Canal connects Beijing to Hangzhou. You can visit the Umbrella and Fan Museum during the day, and at dusk, take a ferry across the canal from Wulin Pier. Lights, reflections, and history all in one trip!

Entry: Ferry only 3 RMB
Popular spots: Gongchen Bridge, Xiaohe Street, Silk Museum

National Silk Museum of China (中国丝绸博物馆)

The art of silk told stitch by stitch

This is the world's largest silk museum, where you can see everything from antiques to modern fashion. There are also interactive activities such as dyeing, weaving, and even raising silkworms in the spring.

Entry: Free (requires online reservation)
Ideal for: Cultural travelers, families with children, design lovers

Qiantang River Bridge (钱塘江大桥)

A symbol of modern history and pride of Chinese engineering

Designed by the famous engineer Mao Yisheng in 1937, the Qiantang Bridge was a key bridge during the anti-Japanese resistance. The best time to visit is during the Tide Festival (August according to the lunar calendar), when the water crashes forcefully beneath the bridge.

Entry: Free
Tip:: Check tide times in advance

Hangzhou Botanical Garden (杭州植物园)

An ideal natural refuge for relaxing and taking photos

Spanning over 240 hectares, this garden offers peaceful paths, plum and cherry orchards, and even golden ginkgo avenues in autumn. It's the perfect place to escape the crowds and reconnect with nature.

Entry: 10 RMB
Top spots: Yuyuan Fish Pond, Lingfeng Plum Forest

Hefang Street

A historic street with local flavor and irresistible snacks

Walking down Hefang Street is like stepping back in time. It boasts centuries-old shops, teahouses, a traditional pharmacy, and the tantalizing aroma of snacks like stinky tofu, rice cakes, and fried onions. It's a perfect place to immerse yourself in Hangzhou's everyday life.

Entry: Free
Must-try: “Cong Bao Hui” (crepes with spring onion), Hu Qing Yu Tang medicine shop

Royal Street of the Southern Song Dynasty (南宋御街)

A walk through history on Hangzhou's ancient imperial avenue

At 4 km long, this street was the main thoroughfare during the Southern Song Dynasty. By day, you can visit historical ruins, and at night, enjoy a light show with fountains, lanterns, and water reflections.

Attractions: Phoenix Temple Ruins, Song-style architecture, street with illuminated canals
Council: Ideal for night walks and instagrammable photos

5 restaurant recommendations in Hangzhou

Xin Bai Lu Restaurant (新白鹿餐厅)

Popular affordable Hangbang cuisine chain, famous for its baked ice cream dessert and salted egg yolk chicken wings.

Average price: 60 RMB per person

Address:

Main Branch: No.258, Yan'an Road, Shangcheng District
Branches: No. 10, West Lake Cultural Plaza, Xiacheng District
Branches: No. 66, Pinghai Road, Gongshu District

Fu Yuan Ju Restaurant (福缘居酒楼)

A local favorite for authentic dishes like crispy pork intestine and spicy chicken, offering exceptional value.

Average price: 80 RMB per person

Address:

Main Branch: No. 35, Hefang Street, Shangcheng District
Other branches: No. 47, Qinghefang Street, Shangcheng District

Lou Wai Lou (Chinese: 楼外楼)

Founded in 1848, this is the oldest restaurant in Hangzhou. Its West Lake fish in sweet and sour sauce and clay-wrapped chicken are signature dishes. Tables with lake views require reservations.

Average price: 150 RMB per person

Address:

Main Branch: No. 30, Gushan Road
Branches: No. 610, Hefang Street, Shangcheng District
Branches: No. 18, Nanshan Road, Xihu District

Gui Yu Shan Fang (桂语山房)

It combines a Zen atmosphere with haute cuisine, offering innovative dishes such as beef cooked in spring water and crab curry with Thai basil.

Average price: 400 RMB per person

Address:

Main Branch: No. 2-1, Manjuelong Road, Xihu District
Other branches: No. 88, Longjing Road, Xihu District

Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake – Jin Sha Restaurant (杭州西子湖四季酒店·金沙厅)

Black Pearl's Tres Diamantes Restaurant specializes in high-end Hangbang cuisine. Highlights include Longjing tea shrimp and Dongpo pork, prepared with refined traditional techniques.

Average price: 600 RMB per person

Address:

Main Branch: No. 5, Lingyin Road, Xihu District
Other branches: No. 3, Shuguang Road, Xihu District

Bonus: 2-Day Hangzhou Itinerary

Would you like to immerse yourself in the poetic landscapes and rich history of Hangzhou for two days? This itinerary will take you through the beauty of West Lake and the historic charm of the Grand Canal, savoring the fusion of culture and nature that characterizes southern China.

Day 1: Cultural Route around West Lake

Morning: Broken Bridge → Bai Dam → Autumn on the Quiet Lake → Zhejiang Provincial Museum (Gushan Headquarters)

Afternoon: Boat trip to Three Ponds Reflecting the Moon → Watching fish in the Flower Garden → Leifeng Tower with panoramic view

To become night: Hefang Street to try the traditional “cong bao hui” → Imperial Street of the Southern Song Dynasty illuminated at night

Day 2: Ecological exploration of the Grand Canal

Morning: Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal (Gongchen Bridge → Historic Quarter of West Bridge Street → Museum of Arts and Crafts)

NoonArtistic lunch at Xiahe Cultural Street on the canal bank
Afternoon: Boat trip through Xixi Wetlands → China National Silk Museum

Sunset: Watch the tide or the sunset on the Qiantang River Bridge

Conclusion

From the snow on Broken Bridge to the tidal Qiantang River, from ancient temples to home-style cuisine, Hangzhou offers not only scenery but also a delicate and beautiful way of life. It's a must-see destination for lovers of culture, history, nature, and, above all, soulful travel.

Pack your suitcase and let this guide be your map to discover Hangzhou!