Best things to do in Hangzhou

Hangzhou Unmissables

Hangzhou centers on the UNESCO-listed West Lake, featuring landmarks like the Leifeng and Baochu pagodas. The city’s spiritual heritage is anchored by the ancient Lingyin Temple, while the Su Causeway and Broken Bridge offer classic views of the lake's islands. Explore Dragon Well Tea Village for Longjing tea production or the China Silk Museum for textile history. Historic Hefang Street showcases Ming and Qing dynasty architecture, while the Grand Canal marks the southern terminus of the world’s longest artificial waterway.

Hangzhou Unmissables — Map

Louisa Salazar / CC BY-SA 3.0

A

West Lake

West Lake is a freshwater lake in Hangzhou, China. It is divided into five sections by three causeways.

B

Tickets for Lingyin Temple

Lingyin Temple is a Buddhist temple of the Chan sect located north-west of Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.

kanegen / CC BY 2.0

C

Leifeng Pagoda

Leifeng Pagoda is a five story tall tower with eight sides, located on Sunset Hill south of the West Lake in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.

TIY / Public domain

D

Dawn on the Su Causeway in Spring

The causeway provides some of the most beautiful views of the lake and its surroundings - take a walk and see it yourself.

Peter Dowley / CC BY 2.0

E

Three Ponds Mirroring the Moon

A magical spot. There are three old pagodas here and on a full moon, candles are lit inside them, creating an astonishing effect on the…

HorsefaCe / CC BY-SA 3.0

F

Broken Bridge

The bridge is named for the effect snow and winter sun have on it. Closely related to a romantic legend about Madam White Snake.

Vanvelthem Cédric / CC BY-SA 4.0

G

Hefang Street

A picturesque pedestrian street filled with shops selling Chinese crafts, teahouses and more. Makes for an atmospheric night walk.

本人 / Public domain

H

Qinghefang Ancient Street

Admire beautiful ancient houses built during the Ming and Qing Dynasty.

Siyuwj / CC BY-SA 4.0

I

Liuhe Pagoda

Liuhe Pagoda, literally Six Harmonies Pagoda, is a multi-story Chinese pagoda in southern Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, China.

J

Dragon Well Tea Village

Longjing, literally "dragon well", is a name applied to a number of locations and products from the southwestern region of the city of…

coniferconifer / CC BY 2.0

K

Sweet Osmanthus Rain at Manjuelong Village

Scenic spot.

Sh1019 / CC-BY-SA-3.0

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Dreaming of the Tiger Spring

Hupao or Dreaming of the Tiger Spring is a spring and park in southwestern Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, China.

Chrisguilbeau / Cc-by-sa-3.0

M

Baochu Pagoda

Baochu Pagoda is a pagoda in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, China. Known as one of the landmarks of the West Lake, it is located just north…

Tomtom08 / CC-BY-SA-3.0

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Grand Canal

The final part of the longest artificial canal in the world. Walk along and explore the sights on its banks.

Huandy618 / CC BY-SA 4.0

O

China Silk Museum

A fascinating (and free) museum describing and demonstrating how exactly silk is made. Well worth the visit.

Other Lists

Hangzhou Museums & Galleries Hangzhou Landmarks and Heritage Hangzhou Parks and West Lake