Hangzhou

Top 5 Attractions

West Lake

The West Lake Scenic Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011, is renowned as one of China’s most iconic landscapes, blending natural beauty with centuries of cultural heritage. Encircling a serene freshwater lake in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, this 59-square-kilometer area has inspired poets, painters, and emperors for millennia. Its harmonious fusion of pagodas, causeways, gardens, and temples against misty mountains and tranquil waters embodies the Chinese aesthetic of "mountain-water harmony."

Lingyin Temple

Lingyin Temple, one of the most renowned Buddhist temples in China, is nestled amidst the lush greenery of Feilai Peak in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. Established in the 4th century AD during the Eastern Jin Dynasty, it has a history spanning over 1,600 years, making it a significant site for Buddhist worship and cultural heritage. The temple's serene atmosphere, ancient architecture, and rich history attract countless pilgrims and tourists annually.

Qiandao Lake Scenic Area

Nestled in Zhejiang Province, Qiandao Lake (Thousand Island Lake) is a UNESCO-listed biosphere reserve renowned for its emerald waters, mist-shrouded peaks, and rich cultural heritage. Spanning 580 km² with 1,078 islands, it blends breathtaking landscapes with historical sites, outdoor adventures, and eco-friendly tourism. Here’s your guide to experiencing this paradise.

Xixi National Wetland Park

Xixi National Wetland Park, a UNESCO-recognized ecological treasure, spans 11.5 square kilometers of lush marshes, winding waterways, and cultural heritage in Hangzhou, China. Established in 2005 as China’s first national wetland park, it blends natural beauty with 2,000 years of human history, offering visitors a tranquil retreat from urban life.

Songcheng

Songcheng, a renowned theme park and cultural destination in China, stands as a vibrant testament to the nation’s rich heritage and modern creativity. Established in 1996 and located in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, it has evolved into a global hub for immersive cultural experiences, blending traditional Chinese folklore, history, and art with innovative performances. Covering an expansive area, Songcheng offers a unique fusion of cultural education and entertainment, attracting millions of visitors annually.

Natural Scenery

Hangzhou’s natural scenery, epitomized by West Lake’s mist-shrouded pavilions, willow-lined banks, and serene lotus gardens, along with the Lingyin Temple’s lush forested peaks and Xixi Wetland’s labyrinthine waterways, blends poetic landscapes with biodiversity. These sites offer a harmonious fusion of tranquil waters, verdant hills, and cultural charm, creating a picturesque retreat.

Qiandao Lake Scenic Area

Xixi National Wetland Park

West Lake

Historical Sites

Hangzhou’s historical sites, such as the Lingyin Temple’s ancient Buddhist carvings, the Six Harmonies Pagoda’s Song Dynasty grandeur, and the Grand Canal’s timeless waterway heritage, blend architectural splendor with millennia-old cultural tales. These landmarks reflect the city’s role as a historic hub of trade, spirituality, and imperial legacy.

Songcheng

Lingyin Temple

Modern Attractions

Hangzhou’s modern attractions, such as the futuristic Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center, the vibrant Qianjiang New City skyline with its glittering towers, and the interactive Xixi Art Village blending contemporary art with wetland scenery, showcase a dynamic fusion of innovation, urban sophistication, and cultural creativity. These sites highlight the city’s embrace of cutting-edge design while honoring its natural and artistic roots.

Songcheng

Hangzhou Travel Destination Guide

What Our Clients Say?

Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews

Daniel Dorothea

Canada

Reviewed on April 29,2025

Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!

Destination(s): Shanghai

Date of Experience: May 08,2024

Elvis Eva

Canada

Reviewed on June 20,2025

As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories. Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.

Destination(s): Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai

Date of Experience: June 02,2025

Simon

America

Reviewed on May 29,2025

Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic! Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale. For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return. A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025

Destination(s): Zhangjiajie

Date of Experience: May 08,2025

FAQ

What cultural relics must be seen at Lingyin Temple?

The temple houses the Feilai Peak grottoes (1,600+ Buddhist carvings) and the 1,400-year-old "Yunlin Buddhist Texts" engraved on stone. The 33m-tall Maitreya statue is China’s largest wooden Buddha.

What is the connection between "The Legend of the White Snake" and Hangzhou?

The tale’s key scenes—Leifeng Pagoda, Broken Bridge, and Jingci Temple—are all in Hangzhou. The story was immortalized in the 2021 dance drama "White Snake" at the Wulin Square Theater.

What events occur during the West Lake Lotus Festival?

Held July–August, it includes boat tours through lotus fields, poetry recitals at Curved Yard and Lotus Pool, and nightly light shows projecting lotus motifs onto the water.

What unique stores are on Hefang Street?

The "Zhang Xiaoquan Scissors" shop sells hand-forged kitchen tools, while "Wangxingji Fans" offers silk and sandalwood fans. The "Southern Song Kiln" pottery studio allows visitors to glaze their own pieces.

What free attractions does Hangzhou offer?

The West Lake Scenic Area, Zhejiang Museum of Natural History, and Xixi Wetland Park’s outdoor trails are all free. The "Hangzhou Citizen Card" app provides free admission to 15 sites.

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