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Hangzhou is a dream destination with its picturesque natural landscapes. Discover the must-visit tourist spots in Hangzhou that you shouldn't miss!
Nestled amidst stunning natural scenery, Hangzhou is a historic city with over 2000 years of history, having served as the capital of several dynasties, particularly the Wuyue and Southern Song. Known as 'Heaven on Earth,' it is renowned for its harmonious blend of mountains, rivers, lakes, bridges, temples, and pagodas. The charm of Hangzhou lies not only in its natural beauty but also in its rich culture and unforgettable cuisine.
Follow this article and explore the famous tourist attractions in Hangzhou with Mytour Vietnam!
1. West Lake Scenic Area in Hangzhou - China
- Address: No. 1 Longjing Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou City
One of the most captivating destinations in Hangzhou is West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spanning 6.39 square kilometers with a perimeter of approximately 15 kilometers, the lake is divided into five sections by three causeways.
Surrounding the lake are temples, pagodas, pavilions, gardens, and artificial islands, creating a breathtaking space that perfectly blends nature and culture. This place has inspired countless poets and artists, including Su Dongpo, who likened the lake's beauty to Xi Shi, one of China's four legendary beauties.
Each season, the lake transforms with its unique charm: spring brings blooming peach blossoms, summer showcases lotus flowers, autumn features moonlit waters, and winter blankets Broken Bridge in snow. The 'Ten Scenes of West Lake' are renowned for their diverse and enchanting beauty.
You can choose to cycle along the winding stone-paved paths like Bai Causeway, Su Causeway, or Yang Causeway, take a boat ride to explore Solitary Hill or Lesser Paradise Island, or leisurely stroll to admire the stunning scenery of West Lake.
2. Leifeng Pagoda in Hangzhou - China
- Address: 15 Nanshan, West Lake, Hangzhou
Stretching along the romantic shores of West Lake, Leifeng Pagoda stands out with its historical and architectural beauty. Built in 977 during the Northern Song Dynasty, it was originally known as Huangfei Pagoda before being renamed Leifeng. The pagoda is famous for its grandeur, particularly the scene of 'Leifeng Pagoda at Sunset,' considered one of the ten most beautiful views of West Lake.
Leifeng Pagoda has endured many ups and downs, suffering destruction and complete collapse in 1924. However, after excavation and restoration, a modern structure was built, reviving the pagoda's former glory. The current pagoda stands 72 meters tall and features two elevators that take visitors to the top for panoramic views of West Lake and Hangzhou.
Inside, you’ll find precious artifacts such as gold-plated bronze Buddha statues, bronze mirrors, ancient coins, and Buddhist relics. Additionally, the pagoda is tied to the touching love story of Bai She and the scholar, a cherished part of Chinese culture.
3. Six Harmonies Pagoda in Hangzhou - China
- Address: No. 16, Zhijiang Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou
A timeless treasure located by the Qiantang River, Six Harmonies Pagoda captivates visitors with its majestic beauty and ancient history. Built in 970 AD, the pagoda has 13 stories, stands nearly 60 meters tall, and is situated on Yuelun Mountain, standing out amidst Hangzhou’s serene natural landscape.
Inside, the seven floors of the pagoda are connected by a spiral staircase, adorned with over 200 intricate carvings. Throughout the pagoda, poems praising the beauty of the structure and the Qiantang River add a poetic ambiance. From the top, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the Qiantang River and the modern cityscape of Hangzhou, creating a breathtaking natural vista.
September is the ideal time to visit the pagoda, when the Qiantang River tides are at their strongest, offering a spectacular sight. The entrance fee is 20 RMB per person, with an additional 10 RMB for climbing the pagoda.
4. Hefang Ancient Street in Hangzhou - China
- Address: Hefang Street, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou
A must-visit for shopping enthusiasts in Hangzhou is Hefang Street. This area carries the glorious historical legacy of the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279), when Hangzhou was a flourishing capital. Back then, Hefang Street was a bustling commercial hub, filled with shops, eateries, tea houses, and entertainment venues.
Today, the ancient charm is preserved, allowing visitors to experience the atmosphere of a bygone era. Local specialties such as dragon beard candy, stinky tofu, beggar’s chicken, and West Lake sour fish continue to delight food lovers. Don’t miss the chance to admire traditional arts like paper cutting, clay sculptures, and sugar blowing – cultural treasures passed down through generations.
Additionally, Hefang Street is an ideal place to shop for exquisite handmade crafts such as Jiangnan silk, tea sets, paper fans, and oil-paper umbrellas. In the evening, the street comes alive with vibrant food stalls and souvenir shops illuminated by dazzling lights, perfect for photography enthusiasts.
5. Wuzhen Water Town Near Hangzhou
- Address: Wuzhen, Tongxiang, Jiaxing, Zhejiang
Located about 80km from Hangzhou and Suzhou, Wuzhen is one of the six most famous ancient towns in the lower Yangtze River region, with a history spanning over 6000 years. Stepping into Wuzhen feels like entering an ink-wash painting, where gray-tiled houses, pristine white walls, and ancient stone bridges blend harmoniously with the tranquil river.
The ancient town is divided into four areas: Dongzha, Nanzha, Xizha, and Beizha. Dongzha retains its traditional charm, while Xizha buzzes with shops and eateries, featuring the iconic "bridge within a bridge" combining the ancient Tongji and Renji bridges. In Dongzha, the Ancient Bed Museum showcases intricate craftsmanship, and the Yangtze River Folk Custom Museum recreates the daily life of the locals.
Beyond cultural exploration, try local delicacies like river fish, Qing Tuan cakes, braised lamb, and fragrant tea at traditional tea houses. To reach Wuzhen, you can take a bus from Hangzhou, Suzhou, or Shanghai. Entrance fees range from 110 to 190 RMB, depending on the area.
6. Nostalgic Xitang Ancient Street in Hangzhou
- Address: Jiashan County, Jiaxing, Zhejiang
Xitang Ancient Town - a picturesque and lively scene of the Jiangnan region, captivates visitors with its timeless beauty and rare tranquility. Xitang is a renowned ancient town nominated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
With a history of over 1,000 years, Xitang retains its original charm with narrow stone-paved alleys, black-tiled roofs, and white walls. The town features a covered corridor stretching over 1km, providing shelter from sun and rain for locals and tourists alike. The scenery becomes even more poetic with ancient stone bridges arching over winding canals.
When visiting Xitang, you’ll immerse yourself in local culture by exploring the West Garden, the Lu Family Cemetery with its ancient ginkgo tree, and numerous historic houses. Museums like the Wine Culture Museum and the Button Museum offer fascinating experiences. Notably, Shipi Lane, the narrowest and longest stone alley here, is perfect for soaking in the slow-paced, serene lifestyle or capturing vintage-style photos.
7. Lingyin Temple in Hangzhou
- Address: No. 1 Fayun Alley, Lingyin Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou
Nestled amidst lush greenery in Hangzhou, Lingyin Temple is a Buddhist masterpiece that has stood for nearly 1700 years. Towering ancient trees, multi-tiered pagodas, and Buddhist caves create a harmonious blend of architecture and nature.
The temple is renowned for its architectural marvels, including the Hall of Heavenly Kings, the Grand Hall housing a large sandalwood statue of Sakyamuni Buddha, the Medicine Buddha Hall, and the Jigong Hall. During major festivals like Laba Congee Day, Water and Land Dharma Assembly, or charity alms-giving ceremonies, the temple comes alive with vibrant Buddhist cultural traditions.
Nearby, Feilai Peak with its intricate carvings is another highlight. From April to October, the weather is ideal for visiting and enjoying delicious vegetarian cuisine at the temple’s restaurant.
8. Feilai Mountain in Hangzhou
- Address: South Lingxi Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou
Feilai Mountain, a limestone peak standing 168 meters tall, is located northwest of West Lake, in front of Lingyin Temple, offering a stunning and deeply spiritual Buddhist landscape. Since 1982, Feilai Peak has been recognized as a nationally significant cultural heritage site.
The site is renowned for its fascinating cave system and ancient Buddhist statues. Over 470 statues, carved from the Five Dynasties to the Yuan Dynasty, include the largest and oldest Maitreya statue in China. Caves like Longhong (featuring a Guanyin statue), Shenxu (with its "heavenly path"), and Cangliu (with the soothing sound of flowing water) are steeped in mystical tales.
Lingjie Pagoda, the only remaining relic from the Ming Dynasty in Hangzhou, along with small shrines commemorating the national hero Yue Fei, are also worth exploring. March to May, when flowers are in full bloom, is the ideal time to visit.
9. Xixi National Wetland Park - Hangzhou
- Address: Tianmushan Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou
As China’s first national wetland park, Xixi captivates visitors with its serene beauty of winding streams, lush vegetation, and vibrant flowers. The park spans approximately 10 square kilometers and is divided into three zones. The eastern zone is the main attraction, featuring highlights like Hazy Fisher Village, Anchorage Thatching Cottage, and Xixi Plum Villa.
Three prominent trails - Fu Di, Lu Di, and Shou Di - guide you through the park’s diverse beauty. Don’t miss stopping by a riverside tea house to enjoy tea and learn about local culture. The park is open 24/7, but shops close around 10:00 PM. The entrance fee is 80 CNY per person. To reach the park, taxis or private cars are ideal. Inside, visitors can explore by electric boat, rowboat, or electric bike.
10. Longjing Tea Village - Hangzhou
- Address: Southwest of West Lake, Hangzhou, Zhejiang
Longjing Tea Village, with its lush green tea fields stretching endlessly, is the perfect place to enjoy fresh air and admire the neatly aligned tea rows resembling an ink-wash painting. Here, Longjing tea, known as the 'Green Queen' of Chinese tea, boasts a history of over 1200 years.
March and April are the best times to join locals in tea harvesting and learn about traditional tea processing. Don’t forget to visit Hugongmiao Temple, where you’ll find ancient tea trees over 250 years old, once harvested by Emperor Qianlong.
Savor Longjing tea at traditional tea houses or stroll along the Shililangdang trail to enjoy panoramic views of the stunning tea hills. Longjing Tea Village is not just a tourist spot but also a place to explore culture, history, and the natural beauty of Hangzhou.
11. China National Tea Museum - Hangzhou
- Address: No. 88, Longjing Road, Shuangfeng Village, Xihu District, Hangzhou
If you’re a tea and culture enthusiast, the China National Tea Museum is a must-visit. Nestled amidst the lush tea hills of Shuangfeng Village in Hangzhou, the museum offers a serene environment perfect for exploring China’s ancient tea culture.
Here, hundreds of famous tea varieties and a collection of exquisite tea sets from different eras are displayed, providing deep insights into the evolution of tea culture. Participate in tea ceremony classes and tea tastings to experience the sophistication of traditional tea brewing.
Additionally, the museum organizes activities like spring tea picking and tea processing workshops, giving you a closer look at tea production. Admission is free, but there’s a fee for guided tours in English and other languages.
12. Hu Xueyan’s Former Residence in Hangzhou
- Address: 18 Yuanbao Street, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou
Built in 1872, Hu Xueyan’s Former Residence is a blend of traditional architecture and Western influences, reflecting the wealth and influence of its owner.
Spanning 5,815 square meters, the house is adorned with luxurious interiors made of rosewood, sandalwood, and other rare woods. The meticulous design includes reception areas, bedrooms for his wives, and the stunning Zhiyuan Garden. The garden features a lake, arched bridges, and the largest artificial cave in China.
Not just a historical relic, this site also serves as a museum showcasing exquisite artworks and crafts, including calligraphy by famous artists. Here, you can admire the architectural brilliance and learn about the tumultuous life of Hu Xueyan and the rich culture of Hangzhou.
13. Grand Canal - Hangzhou
- Address: North Huancheng Road, Gongshu District, Hangzhou
The Grand Canal, an ancient engineering marvel stretching over 1,700 kilometers, connects Beijing to Hangzhou and is regarded as the world’s longest artificial waterway. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it played a vital role in trade and stands as a symbol of Chinese ingenuity and labor.
The Grand Canal links several major river systems, facilitating the transport of goods and food from the south to the north. Today, a boat journey along a section of this canal offers a fascinating experience.
The picturesque scenery of ancient towns, historic houses, and stone bridges will captivate you. The trip also provides an opportunity to savor local cuisine and explore the region’s unique culture. To reach the Grand Canal, you can take a bus or subway and join short or long boat tours.
A trip to Hangzhou feels like stepping into a paradise. The endless green tea hills, the majestic Lingyin Temple, the poetic West Lake with its famous views, and the bustling Qinghefang Ancient Street all contribute to the area’s breathtaking beauty. Hangzhou also charms visitors with its rich cultural heritage, ancient architecture, and the gentle warmth of its locals.
For a confident self-guided trip to Hangzhou, don’t forget to visit Mytour Blog for detailed travel guides: 20 Famous Chinese Scenic Spots You Shouldn’t Miss, 7-Day 6-Night China Itinerary in Detail, Travel Tips for Harbin, the Ice City in China, Jiangnan Travel Guide for Independent Travelers Updated, China Entry Procedures Latest Update 2024,...
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