Hangzhou travel guide — where to stay, what to do, and where to eat in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
Top attractions
The most popular and significant attractions in Hangzhou.
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1
Leifeng Pagoda
Rebuilt pagoda on West Lake's south shore tied to the Legend of the White Snake, with an escalator up through the excavated original foundation.
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2
Broken Bridge (Duan Qiao)
Unticketed causeway on West Lake's north shore, the legendary meeting point in the Legend of the White Snake.
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3
Su Causeway
Willow- and peach-lined causeway across the west side of West Lake, popular for walking and cycling.
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4
Lingyin Temple
One of China's largest and wealthiest Chan (Zen) Buddhist temples, founded in 328 AD; requires a real-name reservation one day ahead.
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5
Feilai Feng Grottoes
Stream-side limestone grottoes carved with Buddhist statuary on the approach path to Lingyin Temple.
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6
Xixi National Wetland Park
Reed-lined wetland canals toured by electric boat or on foot, home to herons and other waterbirds.
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7
Hefang Street (Qinghefang Ancient Street)
Restored Southern Song-dynasty pedestrian street with silk parasol makers, the Zhang Xiaoquan scissors shop, and the Hu Qingyu Tang apothecary museum.
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8
China National Silk Museum
The world's largest silk museum, covering Hangzhou's centuries as a center of silk weaving, with live loom demonstrations.
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9
Longjing Tea Village
Terraced hillside tea plantations that produce Longjing (Dragon Well) green tea, with pickers working the fields by hand each spring.
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10
Baochu Pagoda (Baoshi Hill)
Unticketed hillside pagoda above West Lake's north shore, best visited for sunset views over the lake.
Attractions by category
Explore by your interests.
Landmarks
Religious_sites
Museums
Nature_parks
Historic_streets_and_theme_parks
Practical information
What you need to know before you go.
- Best Time To Visit Sites
- Weekday mornings shortly after opening avoid the largest tour groups at Lingyin Temple, Songcheng Park, and Xixi Wetland Park
- Reservations
- Lingyin Temple and Feilai Feng require a free real-name reservation made one day ahead via the scenic-area system; most other sites are walk-in
- Security
- Bag X-ray security screening is standard at Lingyin Temple, Songcheng Park, and every metro station entrance — carrying a passport is necessary
- Combined Tickets
- Xixi National Wetland Park sells a combined ticket with electric-boat access; Songcheng Park's evening show is typically bought as a combo ticket with general entry
- Accessibility
- West Lake's causeways and Hefang Street are flat and stroller/wheelchair-friendly; Feng Huang Mountain and the Longjing tea-hill paths involve uneven, sometimes steep terrain
Tips for visiting attractions
Make the most of your sightseeing time.
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and harsh midday light.
Book tickets online in advance for major attractions to skip long queues and sometimes save money.
Many cities offer multi-attraction passes that include public transport. Calculate whether they save you money based on your itinerary.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a reservation to visit Lingyin Temple?
Yes — a free real-name reservation must be made one day ahead through the Lingyin Feilai Peak scenic-area system; walk-up entry without a reservation is not guaranteed.
Is West Lake free to visit?
Yes, West Lake itself and its causeways (Su Causeway, Bai Causeway) and Broken Bridge are free and open 24 hours; only specific attractions around the lake, such as Leifeng Pagoda, charge admission.
How much time should I budget for Songcheng Park?
Plan 4-5 hours to see the themed park and stay for the evening 'Romance of the Song Dynasty' show, which is the park's headline draw.
What is the best time of day to photograph Leifeng Pagoda?
Sunset, when the pagoda and lake catch the evening light, is the most popular and rewarding time to visit.
Are Hangzhou's major attractions crowded during Golden Week?
Yes — the 1-7 October National Day Golden Week is the single busiest week of the year, with hours-long queues at Lingyin Temple and Songcheng Park.