Hangzhou goes far beyond the picturesque West Lake. From ancient shrines like Lingyin Temple to vibrant street food at Wulin Night Market and historic relics along Hefang Street, there is plenty to explore. Direct high-speed rail links make an extended 3-day or 5-day getaway effortless.
Here is our curated guide to 12 top Hangzhou attractions—packed with practical entry rules, travel tips, and suggested itineraries.
At a Glance: 12 Top Hangzhou Attractions
If you want to save yourself the hassle of comparing attraction tickets one by one, you can directly check out Hangzhou day tours. Tickets for some attractions and performances can be booked in advance, ensuring everything is well arranged before your departure.
Attraction | District | Admission Fee | Suggested Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
West Lake & Ten Scenes of West Lake | Xihu District | Free (Boat ticket to the island around RMB 55–70) | Half day to 1 day |
Lingyin Temple & Feilai Peak | Xihu District | Free (Online reservation required) | 2 to 3 hours |
Hefang Street & Qinghefang | Shangcheng District | Free | 1 to 2 hours |
Wulin Night Market | Xiacheng District | Free | 1 hour |
Xixi National Wetland Park | Xihu District | RMB 80 | Half day |
Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal (Hangzhou Section) | Gongshu District | Free (Night canal boat trip around RMB 100–120; 1-Day Canal Pass 80 RMB) | 1 to 2 hours |
Leifeng Pagoda | Nanshan Road, Xihu District | RMB 40 | 1 hour |
Liuhe Pagoda (Six Harmonies Pagoda) | Zhijiang Road, Xihu District | RMB 20 (Additional fee to climb the pagoda) | 1 hour |
Longjing Village & Tea Plantations | Xihu District | Free (Tea tasting fees separate) | 2 to 3 hours |
Enduring Memories of Hangzhou (Impression West Lake) | Xihu District | From RMB 360 / Bookable via Klook | 1.5 hours |
Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City Park | Yuhang District | From RMB 60 / Bookable via Klook | 3 to 4 hours |
Hangzhou Future Tech & Robotics Half-Day Tour | Yuhang District / Future SCI-TECH City | Bookable via Klook | 3 to 4 hours / Half day |
1. West Lake & Ten Scenes
As Hangzhou's crown jewel, West Lake is a free UNESCO World Heritage site best explored on foot or by boat. Key highlights include Broken Bridge, Su Causeway, and Three Pools Mirroring the Moon.
Built by famous poet Su Shi in the Song Dynasty, Su Causeway remains the heart of the landscape. Visiting early in the morning lets you enjoy the peaceful views before the crowds arrive.
While strolling the lakeside is completely free, taking a ferry to the central island costs RMB 55–70 per person depending on boat style.
Address: Xihu District (Hubin / Longxiangqiao Area)
Transport: Metro Line 1 to Longxiangqiao Station (Exit C)
Hours: 24/7 (Boat ferries operate approx. 08:00–17:00)
Admission: Free entry; island boat tickets RMB 55–70
Suggested Duration: Half day to 1 day
Pro Tip: Hop-on electric buggies circle the lake (RMB 40 full loop or RMB 10 per section), making them a convenient choice if you get tired.
2. Lingyin Temple & Feilai Peak
Founded in 326 AD, Lingyin Temple is one of China's most renowned ancient Buddhist sanctuaries, surrounded by over 300 stone grotto carvings along Feilai Peak.
Admission to the scenic area is free, but you must reserve a ticket 1 to 7 days in advance via official mini-programs. Same-day entry without a booking is not permitted.
Address: 1 Fayun Alley, Xihu District
Transport: Direct shuttle bus from Metro Longxiangqiao Station (approx. RMB 5)
Hours: 07:30–17:30 (Last entry 17:00)
Admission: Free (Mandatory online reservation at least 1 day prior)
Suggested Duration: 2 to 3 hours
Pro Tip: Slots fill up fast on weekends—set a reminder to book your entry time as soon as windows open.
3. Hefang Street & Qinghefang
Step back in time along Hefang Street, a beautifully restored Southern Song Dynasty pedestrian avenue packed with traditional pharmacies, handicraft shops, and local snack stalls.
Try local street foods like Congbao Hui (scallion rolls) and Dingsheng cakes while exploring century-old heritage brands.
Address: 180 Hefang Street, Shangcheng District
Transport: Metro Line 1 to Ding'an Road or Line 7 to Wushan Square
Hours: Street open 24/7; shops generally 09:00–22:00
Admission Fee: Free
Suggested Duration: 1 to 2 hours
4. Wulin Night Market
Featuring over 240 stalls, Wulin Night Market is a bustling destination for local street eats, artisan crafts, and quirky souvenirs.
Stalls open from 13:00 to 22:00 daily (and all day on weekends), making it ideal for an afternoon stroll or late-night bite.
Address: Longyou Road Pedestrian Street, Xiacheng District
Transport: Metro Line 1 or 2 to Fengqi Road Station
Hours: 13:00–22:00 (All day on weekends & holidays)
Admission Fee: Free
Suggested Duration: 1 hour
5. Xixi National Wetland Park
Escape city noise at Xixi Wetland, an urban nature reserve of tranquil waterways and historic water villages. The best way to explore is by electric boat (RMB 60/person) or private scull boat (RMB 100/hr).
Address: 518 Tianmushan Road, Xihu District
Transport: Taxi or bus to Zhoujiacun / Jiangcun Entrance
Hours: 07:00–18:30 (Ticket sales close at 17:30)
Admission: RMB 80 (Boat fees extra)
Suggested Duration: Half day
6. Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal
Discover historic riverside neighbourhoods along the Grand Canal near Gongchen Bridge. Taking an evening cruise offers fantastic night skyline views along the waterway.
Night cruise tickets from Wulinmen Pier cost RMB 100–120. Alternatively, grab a 1-Day Canal Pass (RMB 80) for unlimited hop-on/hop-off boat travel across key stops.
Address: Wulinmen Pier Area, Gongshu District
Transport: Metro Line 2 to Wulin Square Station
Opening Hours: Canal banks open 24/7; night boat and 1-Day Pass schedules vary by season
Admission: Riverside walkways free; Night Cruise RMB 100–120; 1-Day Pass RMB 80
Suggested Duration: 1 to 2 hours
7. Leifeng Pagoda
Famed in China's White Snake legend, this iconic lakeside pagoda was modernly rebuilt over ancient ruins. Ascend via interior elevators for sweeping panoramic views of West Lake.
Address: 15 Nanshan Road, Xihu District
Transport: Bus or taxi directly to Jingci Temple / Leifeng Pagoda
Hours: 08:00–17:30 (Seasonal variations apply)
Admission: RMB 40
Suggested Duration: 1 hour
8. Longjing Tea Village
Nestled in lush hills, Longjing Village is the birthplace of world-renowned Dragon Well green tea. Visit in early spring to watch local farmers harvest Pre-Qingming tea leaves.
You can sample authentic freshly brewed tea directly at local farmers' teahouses along the terraced hillside.
Address: Longjing Village, Xihu District
Transport: Bus 27 or Y3 to China Tea Museum, then a short walk
Opening Hours: Village open 24/7 (Teahouse business hours vary)
Admission: Free village access (Tea tasting fees separate)
9. Enduring Memories of Hangzhou
Directed by Zhang Yimou, this famous live show uses West Lake itself as a natural stage, blending music, dance, and lights across the water surface.
Address: 84 Beishan Street, Xihu District (Opposite Yue Fei Temple)
Transport: Bus 7 or 27 to Yuemiao Station
Showtimes: Nightly shows around 19:30
Admission Fee: Advance booking recommended Suggested Duration: 1.5 hours (Performance lasts about 50–60 minutes; arriving 30 minutes early is advised)
10. Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City
Discover 5,000 years of ancient Chinese civilization at this UNESCO World Heritage site, featuring ancient palace foundations, tombs, and picturesque surrounding greenery.
Address: Pingyao Town, Yuhang District
Transport: Metro Line 2 to Liangzhu Station, then taxi/shuttle bus
Hours: 09:00–17:00 (Last entry 16:00)
Admission Fee: Park entry and shuttle bus tickets, advance booking recommended
Suggested Duration: 3 to 4 hours
Pro Tip: The park is huge—taking the internal shuttle bus between exhibits is highly recommended.
11. Future Tech & AI Exploration
Experience Hangzhou's high-tech side at Future SCI-TECH City, home to cutting-edge AI developments, robotics exhibits, and modern tech innovation hubs.
Address: Future SCI-TECH City, Yuhang District
Transport: Metro Line 5 to Chuangjing Road Station
Admission Fee: Advance booking recommended
Suggested Duration: 3 to 4 hours
Editor's Tip: Ideal for travelers interested in tech, AI, and robotics, as well as family trips.
Suggested Hangzhou Itineraries
Choose between a fast-paced 3-day highlights trip or a relaxed 5-day deep dive:
If visiting for 3 days, split West Lake and Lingyin Temple across different days to avoid rushing. With 5 days, you can comfortably add Xixi Wetland and canal boat cruises.
Duration | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
3-Day | Liangzhu Archaeological Park, West Lake tour & Leifeng Pagoda | Lingyin Temple & Feilai Peak, Longjing Village | Hefang Street & Songcheng Romance show | — | — |
5-Day | West Lake tour & Leifeng Pagoda | Lingyin Temple & Feilai Peak, Longjing Village | Hefang Street & Wulin Night Market | Liangzhu Archaeological Park, Xixi Wetland & "Impression West Lake" show | Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, Hefang Street & Songcheng Romance show |
Travel Essentials: Transport & Payments
Direct flights fly straight into Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH), where Metro Line 19 gets you to downtown in just 30–40 minutes.
Hangzhou is virtually cashless, so setting up mobile payments before departure is essential for a seamless trip. Major digital wallets like Alipay and WeChat Pay allow international travelers to link foreign credit or debit cards (including Visa, Mastercard, JCB, and Discover) without needing a mainland Chinese bank account.
A small amount of RMB cash is strongly advised as a convenient backup for emergencies or occasional connectivity issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Hangzhou's absolute must-see spots?
West Lake and Lingyin Temple form the core of any visit. Add Hefang Street or a live evening show if time permits.
Is West Lake free to enter?
Yes, the West Lake scenic area is open and free. Tickets are only required for specific items like island ferries or pagoda entry.
What are the Ten Scenes of West Lake?
The classic Ten Scenes designated during the Southern Song Dynasty are Dawn on the Su Causeway in Spring, Breeze-Ruffled Lotus at Courtyard, Autumn Moon over Calm Lake, Remnant Snow on Broken Bridge, Viewing Fish at Flower Harbor, Orioles Singing in Willows, Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, Twin Peaks Piercing Clouds, Leifeng Pagoda in Sunset, and Evening Bell Ringing at Nanping Hill.
Is entry to Lingyin Temple free?
Yes, admission is free, but you must reserve entry online at least 1 day in advance via official mini-programs.
How many days should I spend in Hangzhou?
3 days covers key highlights, while 5 days allows a comfortable pace to include wetlands, canals, and museums.
What are the opening hours for Wulin Night Market?
Official operating hours are 13:00 to 22:00, and it operates all day on weekends and public holidays.
Should I prepare Alipay or WeChat Pay for traveling in Hangzhou?
Preparing both Alipay and WeChat Pay is recommended. Hangzhou is almost entirely cashless, and most merchants accept either or both. Before departure, link an international card via AlipayHK or WeChat Pay HK to avoid setting it up upon arrival.
When is the best time to visit?
Spring (March–May) for blossoms and fresh tea, or Autumn (September–November) for sweet osmanthus and pleasant weather.
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