hangzhou west lake night, leifeng pagoda lights, west lake bridge park

Hangzhou

Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang province, pairs the classical beauty of West Lake with ancient temples, tea hills and a modern tech-driven economy.

Country
China
Population
12.6 million
Area
16,850 km²
Time zone
CST (UTC+8)
Language
Mandarin
Nearby airport
Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport

Passengers

Luggage

About Zhejiang

Hangzhou is the capital of Zhejiang province and one of China's most celebrated historic cities, best known for the scenic West Lake, which has inspired poets and painters for centuries. The city lies on the lower Qiantang River at the southern end of the Grand Canal, about 175 kilometres southwest of Shanghai.

Its history includes serving as the capital of the Wuyue Kingdom and the Southern Song dynasty, and landmarks such as Lingyin Temple, Leifeng Pagoda and the preserved Hefang Street reflect that long heritage. Modern Hangzhou pairs this cultural legacy with contemporary architecture and one of China's strongest technology sectors.

The city is the home of Alibaba and a major centre for e-commerce, internet services and digital innovation, making it an important destination for business travel. Visitors can also explore the Longjing tea villages, museums around West Lake, and districts such as Hubin, Wulin and the Xixi National Wetland Park area.

Hangzhou's food culture is distinctive, with dishes such as West Lake vinegar fish, Dongpo pork and Longjing shrimp, and tea culture plays a central role in daily life. Shopping, nightlife and a full calendar of exhibitions and events give the city broad appeal for both leisure and business travellers.

Golden-hour view over West Lake in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, with willow-lined causeway, wooden boats, a lakeside pagoda and misty hills

Zhejiang Travel Guide

Best Time to Visit

Spring from March to May and autumn from September to November offer mild weather and are ideal for walking around West Lake and exploring tea villages. Summer is hot and humid, while winter is cooler and generally less crowded, with a quieter seasonal atmosphere.

How to Get Around

Hangzhou has a growing metro network, along with buses, public bicycles, taxis and ride-hailing services. Many central sights around West Lake are easy to explore on foot or by bike, while the metro is useful for longer journeys across the city.

Where to Stay

The areas around West Lake and Hubin are convenient for sightseeing, shopping and dining, while Wulin Square suits travellers who want a central commercial location. Qianjiang New City offers modern business hotels, and the Xixi wetland area provides a quieter setting.

Food & Drink

Local specialities include West Lake vinegar fish, Dongpo pork, Longjing shrimp and the city's famous Longjing green tea. Tea houses, street-food areas such as Hefang Street and restaurants around West Lake offer a wide range of traditional and contemporary dining.

Ground Transportation Services in Zhejiang

Airport Transfers

Travel between Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport and hotels, business districts, West Lake and other destinations across Hangzhou.

Hourly Chauffeur

Book a private chauffeur by the hour for business meetings, events, tea village visits and flexible sightseeing around Hangzhou.

Car Rental

Rent a car in Hangzhou for independent travel around the city and convenient journeys to nearby destinations such as Wuzhen, Qiandao Lake or Shanghai.

Bus & Group Transfers

Arrange minibuses or charter buses for groups, corporate travel, events, airport transfers and tours in Hangzhou and the surrounding area.

Frequently Asked Questions