The 12 BEST Things to do in Hangzhou China

Hangzhou is one of China’s ancient capitals and an important tourist destination for Chinese culture and history. It is one of the most beautiful cities, with great attractions and many things to do. It is one of the most fascinating places to visit while in China, and here is a brief summary of what you can do while you are here.

#1: Visit West Lake

This is the most popular place in Hangzhou. Regardless of the weather or season, West Lake is always outstandingly beautiful. This is a place where you can boat, bike, or even walk. The classic Chinese-style gardens are a sight to behold. The landscape is iconic and definitely worthy of your time. This lake has global recognition for having some of the most superb sunsets in the world. You can walk here as you like and enjoy the scenery, with great opportunities to photograph sunsets.

#2: See a Live Performance

Three live shows are conducted in Hangzhou:

1. Impression West Lake: This open-air night show takes place on West Lake and combines dance, lights, and music.
2. The Romance of the Song Dynasty: This is all about the culture and history of Hangzhou and takes place at the theme park in Song Dynasty Town.
3. West Lake Night: This happens at a theater near West Lake.

#3: Do Some Water Towns Shopping

While you are here, you should definitely visit the water towns. They are quaint and well developed with bars and shops, and the accommodation is antique-furnished. The scenery is not only historic but also charming, and the region is great for photographers. Autumn and spring are especially the best times for traveling; summers can be hot, especially around noon. The towns have ancient buildings, bridges, canals, and narrow lanes.

#4: Walk the Old Hangzhou Street

Qinghefang Old Street is the best place to get a taste of the ancient city, this is where the history of Hangzhou lies. You can go sightseeing, eat, and shop in this area. The old buildings are well preserved and you get the chance to explore interesting stores and pick up souvenirs. This area is crowded in peak season.

#5: Hangzhou’s New Face

Nowadays, the city is emerging in terms of technology, which has carried Hangzhou to new horizons and shaped people’s daily lives. It is worth experiencing such changes. You can go shopping at self-service supermarkets to get a feel for how technology is making shopping so convenient, and take part in the city’s mobile payment and online-shopping culture.

#6: Educate Yourself About Chinese Tea

Longjing tea originates from Hangzhou. It is one of the best teas available in China, and tea culture is one of the most important aspects of the city, which is a great region for tea production. You can visit the plantations and learn about the tea-making process. Chinese tea culture has been around for centuries, and you can learn more about it at the National Tea Museum on the west shore of West Lake.

#7: Chinese Medicine and Silk Museums

If medicine and silk interest you, take time to visit two museums in the area. The first is the Hangzhou Silk Museum, the largest silk museum in the world, where you learn about silk’s history and development. The second is the Chinese Medicine Museum, an architectural complex built in an ancient style, holding very important books on Chinese medicine. This museum is unique as a national-level Chinese medicine museum.

#8: Explore the Buddhist Heritage

For a long time, the area of Hangzhou has been influenced by Buddhism, and some amazing sites here are Buddhist in nature.

#9: Enjoy Local Cuisine

You can find some of the most delightful regional cuisine here. The flavors are light, and they use delicate methods for cooking.

#10: Visit Baochu Pagoda

This is a great place to get the best view of the city. When the sky is clear, you can get some of the most stunning views of the lake and the city. By combining natural and urban settings, you get an adventurous feeling. Rock climbing should be on your list here if you’re willing, for great views.

#11: Visit Leifeng Pagoda

This is located on the southern side of West Lake. It was built around 1,000 years ago but collapsed in 1924. From the top, you can get the most beautiful sunset view. A new structure was built, including a lift that can take people to the very top, while steps take you to the bottom to view the remains of the original pagoda.

#12: See the Carved Temple of Buddha

You’ll need a taxi or a bus to get to the Lingyin Temple, and you’ll need to pay an entrance fee. You can walk around and view depictions of Buddha all around, stone-carved in different sizes and shapes, with English descriptions for each one. This is one of the best places to visit in Hangzhou. In the temple you’ll witness tourists and locals praying and lighting incense. It is one of the oldest temples in China, a great place to feel tranquil and spiritual, a unique experience you cannot get anywhere else.

Conclusion

There are countless things you can explore in Hangzhou. You just need to take time and enjoy the opportunities in this city, since it is one of the most important cities in China. There is so much culture, history, and tradition to learn and embrace here.