Hangzhou

杭州
West Lake, Green Tea, and China's Silicon Valley

Marco Polo called it 'the finest city in the world.' Today it's both: ancient West Lake beauty and Alibaba's tech headquarters. Two Chinas in one city.

Duration
2-3 days
Best Time
March-May (tea season), September-November
From Yiyang
High-speed train via Changsha

What to See & Do

West Lake

UNESCO World Heritage site. Rent a boat, walk the Su and Bai causeways, visit the pagodas. Every angle is a classical Chinese painting. Best at sunrise or in light rain.

Longjing Tea Village

Visit the plantations where China's most famous green tea is grown. Pick leaves, watch processing, taste fresh Longjing tea with a lake view. March-April is harvest season.

Lingyin Temple

One of China's largest Buddhist temples, set against a cliff face with hundreds of carved Buddhist figures. 1,700 years old. Genuinely peaceful.

Old Hangzhou Walking Tour

Hefang Street, Qinghefang, traditional medicine shops, silk markets, and the best xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) outside Shanghai.

What to Eat

🍜 Dongpo pork ($5) · West Lake fish in vinegar ($8) · Longjing shrimp ($10) · Xiaolongbao ($3) · Beggar's chicken ($12, order ahead)

Prices are approximate. ChinaWithEase clients receive a curated restaurant list with our top local picks for every meal.

Include Hangzhou in Your Trip

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