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Hangzhou: Weather, Transportations, and Attractions

Written by Matteo Updated Apr. 8, 2025

Located on the central-eastern coast of China, Hangzhou is the capital city of Zhejiang province. It is among the 7 most ancient cities in the country and continues to pride itself on a compliment that never expires: when the great Italian explorer Marco Polo visited in the 13th century, he declared Hangzhou the "most beautiful and elegant city in the world."

The natural beauty of Hangzhou is unmatched even within China, making it one of the most popular destinations for domestic and international travelers. The West Lake and the cultural relics that populate the area such as reflecting pools, decadent temples, and classical Chinese gardens make it the star highlight of Hangzhou.

Dating back more than 2,200 years, the city is almost as old as human civilization itself. It was the capital of the Wu and Yue states in the 10th century for 5 dynasties. It wasn’t until the Tang Dynasty that Hangzhou flourished, coming to a peak in the Song Dynasty when it became the capital of a united China. Throughout the more recent Ming and Qing Dynasties, the city experienced rapid commercial growth and expansion.

As a tourist site, Hangzhou is most beloved for the beauty resulting from the immense West Lake. There are also numerous historical sites nearby, accompanied by the influence of silk and tea culture. Altogether, Hangzhou and the West Lake offer visitors a very complete natural and historical experience in China.

Weather

The weather in Hangzhou is typically warm or mild throughout the year. There is a lot of sunshine and also rain. 4 seasons are enjoyed here, as well as 2 rainy seasons: one in late June until early July, and the other in August and September. Summers are hot and humid while autumns are cool and clear and are considered to be the best time to visit Hangzhou.

Under the subtropical and monsoon conditions, Hangzhou has four distinct seasons with a mild and humid climate and plentiful sunshine and rainfall. The average temperature is 16.2℃ around the year, 28.6℃ in summer, and 3.8℃ in winter. The number of frost-free days is between 230 and 260. The average annual rainfall is 1,435 mm and the average relative humidity is 76%.

How to Get to Hangzhou

If you are traveling to Hangzhou from other cities in China, a high-speed train is the most recommended transportation. They are punctual, and they are not easily affected by the weather. You only need to arrive at the railway station 1 hour in advance, and the waiting time is also short.

Train

High-speed trains are among the best ways to between Hangzhou and Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu, and beyond. Connections in these larger cities may be necessary. The most frequent are between Hangzhou and Shanghai; take the CRH train (train numbers starting with G) for about 50 minutes.

From Suzhou, the train journey is about 1.5 hours on the high-speed G / bullet train. There are 16 trains daily between the 2-1.5 cities with some arriving into Hangzhou Railway Station and the rest into Hangzhou South Railway Station.

From Shanghai, trains depart from Shanghai Hongqiao Station and Shanghai South Station. The journey to Hangzhou is about 1 hour.

From Nanjing, take a train from Nanjing South Station or simply Nanjing Station to Hangzhou or Hangzhou South Station. Depending on the type of train, the journey can take 2.5-3 hours or 6-7 hours

Flight

Hangzhou attracts 126 airlines that offer flights to 13 International destinations, 44 Chinese cities, and two regions. There are daily flights to major cities and bigger tourist cities in China. the airport also offers flights to and from Hong Kong and Singapore. Aviation buses are available to pick passengers from the city center to the airport for CNY20. Travelers can also take a taxi there for around CNY100.

Transportation in Hangzhou City

In Hangzhou, paying for public transportation with a QR code is convenient. You just need to download the Alipay app on your phone and add a bank card, and you can easily make the payment.

By Subway

Hangzhou has already opened 12 subway. The operating hours are from 6:00 to 0:08 the next day. By taking the subway, you can reach many famous scenic spots.

By Taxi

Taxis are also widely available and allow for convenient and quick trips around the city. Look for cabs in green color, marked with 'Taxi'. Meters in the cabs are required by law, and few, if any, of the drivers speak English. Best to be able to point out your destination on a map or have the addresses written in Chinese to avoid confusion. A subway system is also being planned for the city, with the first line scheduled for completion in 2012.

Public Bus

Within the city, buses are your best bet. Public transportation is convenient and frequent. The bus network is extensive and well-scheduled, with routes reaching all corners of the city. All stops are well-marked and fares are cheap. Special lines running to neighboring rural areas are priced depending on the bus condition and distance. There are various bus lines to take in the city:

Intercity Bus

4 long-distance bus stations serve the nearby cities and beyond. Many buses also travel to and from Suzhou, including Shanghai, Hangzhou, Wuxi, Zhouzhuang, and Tongli.

East Bus Station

South Bus Station

West Bus Station

North Bus Station

Taxi

Travel by taxi is easily managed, although more costly than getting around by bus. Look for green-colored cabs with the word "Taxi". Meters are required by law. As well, few drivers speak a language besides Chinese so it is best to have your destination written in Chinese or present a map to get to where you need to go.

Boat

A West Lake cruise is one of the most popular activities in Hangzhou. Also, the city’s waterfront is dotted with countless waterbuses and ferries. Take a ferry down the Grand Canal to admire Canal Culture Square and Xiaohe Street for a glimpse into ancient China.

To get to the islands on West Lake, you can choose the touristier Dragon or smaller pleasure boats (¥45 and ¥35). There are also medium-sized power boats (¥25), or for ¥160 you can hire a driver to paddle you around for about an hour. The boats are available in Hubin #X (1, 3, 6) parks and other marked areas all over the lake.

Bike

For a large city, Hangzhou is surprisingly friendly towards bicyclists. There is a well-maintained system for bicycles that allows visitors and citizens to get around with ease. Ride around the West Lake for some calming views.

There are also various stations where you can rent a city bike. Each station will be able to assist you with a map with suggested paths, nearby stations, and top sights to access by bike. Bring a photo ID, such as a passport, to use this service. They are free for the first hour with a small fee applied to subsequent time segments.

Top Attractions

Hailed for centuries as" the paradise on earth", Hangzhou offers visitors some sights either of the superlative natural beauty, rich cultural, and historical significance, or a combination of both.

The West Lake

The West Lake has been the symbol of Hangzhou City for years, with enhanced and magnificent scenery and over 100 attractions. Among them, the most classic is the Ten Scenes at the West Lake.

Lingyin Temple

Linyin Temple is one of the ten most famous Buddhist temples in China and has a history of over 1,600 years. Linyin Temple contains numerous pagodas and Buddhist grottoes and features a large number of religious rock carvings, the most famous of which is the Feilai Feng.

Six Harmonies Pagoda

The Six Harmonies Pagoda is a masterpiece of ancient Chinese architecture that presents the long and splendid history of China and also the arts of Chinese calligraphy and seal-cutting. There are various sorts of stone tablets and stone statues, both inside and outside of the pagoda, left over from the past times.

Qinghefang Pedestrian Street

Qinghefang Street is one of the oldest streets and is the best-preserved ancient street in Hangzhou City. It has a long history that can be traced back to the Sui and Tang Dynasties. The street became prosperous in the Ming and Qing Dynasties and most buildings in the street constructed during the Ming and Qing dynasties were well preserved.

Shopping

You might have come to Hangzhou for the views, but you just might stay for the shopping opportunities! The local markets are lively places to feel and taste the local flavor.

Hangzhou China Silk Town on Tiyuchang Road has hundreds of stalls selling varieties of products made from one of the country’s most famous exports: silk. From ties to pajamas to handcrafts to fine decorative tapestries, there is something for everyone in the silk market.

Another popular place is the night market near Wushan. It is most exciting in the nighttime with hundreds of shops and stalls offering everything you can imagine: Chairman Mao memorabilia, jewelry, toys, artisanal goods, home products, clothes, and much more. Bargaining is part of the culture in Hangzhou’s markets so don’t be afraid to put your negotiating strategies to use!

Qinghefang Old Street is more traditional shopping area where you can find typical goods in the style of ancient China. Here you can find some beautiful souvenirs to take home as well as delicious snacks and delicacies. Enjoy a drink at one of the many teahouses, and be sure to admire the talents of those working in the bonsai shops, artist studios, and caricature stalls.

Of course, in quickly commercializing China, the city has a plethora of shopping malls, clothing stores, and boutiques of all levels. A contemporary shopping center called MIXC in the Central Business District offers designer brands and imported foods, IMAX theaters, and an indoor ice-skating rink.

Accommodation

As a major city, Hangzhou has accommodations that run the entire gamut of categories. If you are on a budget, hostels and youth houses offer clean and affordable alternatives to larger hotels. There are also mid-level hotels that offer great service and quality at a value rate.

If you like to travel in luxury, then you will have a large range of 5-star hotels and resorts to choose from. The Four Seasons West Lake is a classic choice right next to Hangzhou’s most popular site and is just minutes from the most exciting parts of the city.

Budget accommodations we recommend include West Lake Youth House and Hangzhou International Youth Hostel. For economic locations, we recommend Shenanbei Boutique Hotel, Hangzhou Overseas Chinese Hotel, and SSAW Hotel Hubin. Luxury options include the New Century Grand Hotel, Lakeview Hotel, and Victoria Regal Hotel Zhejiang.

Dining

If nothing else, the Chinese love to eat and Hangzhou is one of the premier places to do so in the country. The local tendencies lean more on pork and seafood unlike other regions in China. Street foods and snacks offer a unique alternative to dining in a restaurant, where you can observe the local culture while enjoying some fine food.

If you find that you do not particularly care for Hangzhou food, do not worry, there are countless eateries where you can find food from other areas of China and international cuisines as well. International chains such as McDonald’s, Pizza Hut, and KFC are readily found in most districts.

Of course, with traveling to new and exciting places comes the taste of the real culture, literally! Whether you are looking for a formal dining experience or a quick, local street snack, Hangzhou is sure to have exactly what you are in the mood for.

Hangzhou cuisine consists of several dishes that have been passed from generation to generation for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. Dishes such as the West Lake Fish, Braised Dongpo Pork, Fried Shrimp with Longjing Tea Leaves, and Beggar's Chicken are important links to the past for residents and tourists alike.

West Lake Fish in Sweet and Sour Sauce is a delectable treat for those unfamiliar with the local Hangzhou cuisine. The freshwater fish, usually grass carp from the nearby waters, is poached and smothered with a sweet and pungent sauce, traditionally made with sugar and vinegar.

A different seafood dish is also popular in the city. Fried Shrimps with local Longjing Tea Leaves is said to have originated in the Imperial Palace. The dish is fragrant with mixtures of fresh Longjing tea leaves and shellfish. It results in a unique, very palatable combination that has been one of Hangzhou’s best dishes for hundreds of years.

Another local favorite is Dongpo Pork. The meat is pan-fried to perfection, and then slowly braised in Chinese fermented wine. This juicy cut of pork is thick, usually around 2 square inches, consisting of half fat and half lean meat.

The ratio gives the pork its flavor and tenderness. While fried, it is not a greasy meal, but rather savory with hints of wine. Legend dictates that Su Dongpo is the creator of this meal. The story is told that he decided one afternoon to make stewed pork when out of the blue an old friend came to his house challenging him in a game of chess. Su Dongpo forgot all about the pork during the game

Western Dining in Hangzhou

Provence, a place full of purple lavender and bright sunshine. Hangzhou Provence Restaurant, though it is not as "poetic" as the city, it also has a different kind of delightful atmosphere, for lovers of romantic dating. It has produced Most of the French meals, has been improved, and tastes pretty good. Prices are similar to general French restaurants.

Recommended Hangzhou Tours

Here is an ideal itinerary for 3 days in the city if that is all you have! Please don't hesitate to contact us if our pre-designed tours do not meet your needs.

Day 1: Arrive in Hangzhou, and visit Six Harmonies Pagoda.

Day 2: Visit West Lake, the Museum of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Lingyin Temple.

Day 3: Leisure morning, depart Hangzhou in the afternoon or evening.

Things to do in Hangzhou

In Hangzhou, you should try some local experiences and delicacies, which will make your trip more enjoyable. Here are some things you can try.

1. Experience the Romance of the Song Dynasty

As travelers to Hangzhou, experiencing the beauty and uniqueness of Chinese performing arts during the ‘Romance of the Song Dynasty’ culture show is a must. The show lasts 3 hours, people can sit at the table enjoying a delicious dinner and watching the show.

The show will take you thousands of years back to explore the ancient culture and history of Hangzhou. For a better understanding of the show, you can either read brochure introductions yourself or hire a friendly tour guide to explain the history and culture. Either way will explain its premise and answer any questions you may have. You will be fascinated by vibrant costumes, spectacular laser lights, a variety of excellent stages, and magnificent acting and dancing.

2. Taste West Lake Vinegar Fish

West Lake Vinegar Fish is a traditional delicacy of Hangzhou with a sweet and sour flavor. It is said that the fish was originally cooked by Song's sister-in-law. She wanted to inspire Song with the essence of true life through the sweet-sour flavor. Nowadays, you can find the West Lake Vinegar Fish dish at every Hangzhou restaurant. We have no way of knowing if the Vinegar Fish we eat today tastes the same as the fish Sister Song served her brother-in-law, but we like to think so.

3. Dongpo Pork

There is a very touching legend on Dongpo pork: in the Yuanyou Period in the Song Dynasty, as a local official in Hangzhou, Su Dongpo launched tens of thousands of workers to dredge the West Lake, build dikes, and irrigate fields for the benefit of the people.

During the Spring Festival this year, people brought him much pork and wine called Shaojiu. Su thought that he should share with the workers, so he told his family to cook the pork and send it to the workers. Unexpectedly, your family mistakenly cooked wine and meat together, as a result, the pork was extraordinarily delicious.

As Su Dongpo was a nice official and widely eulogized, the pork that was cooked in this way was called “Dongpo Pork “by the local people. From then on, “DongpoPork“has become a famous traditional dish in Hangzhou. This dish is highly recommended if you visit Hangzhou.

4. Dragon Well Shrimp Kernel

Another highly recommended Hangzhou dish is "Dragon Well Shrimp Kernel" with Hangzhou's traditional flavored and specially prepared white and delicate shrimp kernels, green and fragrant lotus leaves, pleasing color, and unique taste, and cooked with fresh tea newly grown around Chinese Tomb-sweeping Day.

5. Grand Canal

Just like the Great Wall, the Grand Canal is widely recognized as one of the four greatest ancient construction projects in the world. It is a masterpiece of the Chinese people and a group of water conservancy experts in their efforts to utilize and change nature. China’s Grand Canal is the earliest and longest man-made waterway in the world.

Tracing back 2400 years to the Spring and Autumn Period, Fu Chan, King of Wu Kingdom, ordered the canalization from Jiang Do to Mo Kou. The subsequent digging work continued until the artificial Grand Canal running from Hangzhou to Beijing came into being in 1293 A.D.

With a total length of 1782 kilometers, the canal, linking Qian Tang River, Chang Jiang River, Huai He River, Yellow River, and Hai He River, flows past Beijing City, Tianjin City, Hebei Province, Shandong Province, Jiangsu Province, and Zhejiang Province. It is 21 times longer than the Panama Canal, and surpasses the Suez Canal by 10 times, with 2000 years earlier than the above-said two canals.

Since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, the canal has been used primarily to transport vast amounts of bulk goods such as bricks, gravel, sand, diesel, and coal. The Jianbishiplocks on the Yangtze are currently handling some 75,000,000 tons each year, and the Li Canal is forecast to reach 100,000,000 tons in the next few years.

When you visit Hangzhou, take a short stroll along the bank to see how busy the canal.

6. Walk in the Nanshan Road Arts and Leisure Street

Nanshan Road was opened to the public on October 1, 2002. It features its casual style with a harmonious integration of natural scenery, culture, and business. The interaction between cafes, pubs, tea houses, art galleries, restaurants, and entertainment centers sets the stage for the overall prosperity of the whole road.

Nanshan Road takes on a fashionable, exquisite, and casual look in the evening lights especially with about 10 cafes, more than 10 pubs, and 6 tea houses in European, primitive, or modern styles, which are the most eye-catching, well-decorated, elegant, and most exciting places. Every night from 10:00 PM, the road reaches its peak time. All the people here are intoxicated with the leisure, casual and light atmosphere.

7. Experience the Tea Culture

Hangzhou is one of China's leading tea-producing areas. Longjing Tea, named after the local village whose name means "Dragon Well," is considered China's finest green tea.

Records of tea production in Hangzhou date back as early as the Wei and Jin Dynasties, 1500 years ago.

Dragon Well tea is well known for its four special features: green color, fragrant aroma, sweet taste, and smooth, even appearance. The West Lake green tea has four varieties: Lion, Dragon, Cloud, and Tiger. Among them, Lion and Dragon Well Tea are the best.

If you visit a local tea village in Hangzhou in the middle of April, you will taste the best Longjing tea at that time, as it has a better flavor than other picking seasons.

In the meantime, as a visitor, you can learn the tea-making process; it is a really enjoyable experience at the local tea village.

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