Things to do in Hangzhou

Best Things to do in Hangzhou

Planning a trip and wondering about the top things to do in Hangzhou? From historic landmarks to modern experiences, the city offers something for every traveller, making it a perfect getaway in 2026.

With over 263 activities in Hangzhou, there is plenty to explore. Visit some of the most popular tourist attractions in , including iconic sites, vibrant neighbourhoods and cultural hubs. Whether you’re exploring bustling markets, sampling local delicacies or relaxing at scenic spots, every corner has something new to discover.

With experiences starting at INR 1857, it’s never been easier to plan your perfect trip. Make the most of your visit to Hangzhou in January and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Things to Do in Hangzhou for Remarkable Trip to this Ancient Wonderland

About Hangzhou

Step into an old wonderland in Hangzhou, known to be one of the seven ancient capitals of China. It is believed that Hangzhou was one of the favourite cities of Marco Polo. And there are plenty of reasons to believe that! After all, Hangzhou is dotted with sacred pagodas, ancient shrines, majestic buildings, verdant landscapes, and dense forests that will truly make you feel alive.

There is no dearth of incredible sights within the city. The crystal-clear West Lake, the architectural marvel of Lingyin Temple, the laidback atmosphere of Meijiawu Tea Village, the awe-inspiring structure of Six Harmonies Pagoda, and more such tourist hotspots will take your breath away.

Get ready for an adventure of a lifetime in Hangzhou, as you take in the surrounding beauty, relish the culinary delights, and discover a culture that has preserved itself for centuries.

Here’s How to Make the Most of Your Hangzhou Trip

Unique Experiences

Longjing Tea Culture Experience

A short ride from the lake takes you into the hills of Longjing. The terraces spread out in neat rows, green and quiet, with only the sound of leaves being picked. People here still pluck them by hand, filling their baskets slowly. You can sit down with a cup soon after. It is simple, but the experience stays with you long after you leave.

• Where: Longjing Village, near West Lake
• Pricing: From INR 4,700 per group
• Timing: Slots available from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM; lasts 2 to 4 hours
• When to Visit: Spring and autumn, when the leaves are young and the fields are at their greenest

Impression West Lake Show – Enduring Memories of Hangzhou

When night comes, West Lake feels like another place. Lanterns light up, music begins, and the lake itself turns into a stage. Dancers step across the water as if they are floating, their movements caught in ripples of colour and light. Sitting there, you forget the city behind you and feel like you’ve stepped inside one of its old legends. Watching it by the water is one of those things to do in Hangzhou at night you will not forget.

• Where: West Lake, Beishan Road
• Pricing: From INR 15,300 per person
• Timing: Starts at 6:30 PM, lasts 1.5 to 2 hours
• When to Visit: March to December, with autumn evenings being the most magical

Half-Day West Lake and Tea Plantation Tour

A few hours in Hangzhou can feel like a full day. The boat moves gently across West Lake, the water calm, with old pagodas and gardens slipping past in the distance. After that, the road takes you into the tea fields. The smell of fresh leaves hangs in the air, and the terraces rise up the hillside in soft green lines. Walking there, tasting the tea in the same place it is grown, gives you a quiet sense of what the city is about.

• Where: Pickup from central Hangzhou
• Pricing: From INR 13,300 per person
• Timing: Slots available from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM; lasts 4 hours
• When to Visit: All year round, though spring and autumn feel clearer and lighter

Top Attractions

West Lake

West Lake is the heart of Hangzhou. You can walk along the shaded paths, sit under a willow tree, or take a small boat and let the water carry you. In the mornings, the mist makes the lake look like a painting. By evening, the sky turns soft gold as the sun dips behind the hills. Each visit feels a little different, and that’s why people keep coming back.

• Where: West Lake, central Hangzhou
• Pricing: Free entry, boat rides extra
• Timing: Open all day and night
• When to Visit: Spring and autumn are beautiful, but the lake has its charm in every season

Lingyin Temple

Lingyin Temple sits quietly among the hills. You walk past the smell of incense, hear the slow rhythm of chants, and without realising it, your own pace slows down. The Buddha carvings at Feilai Feng nearby add to the feeling that this place has been holding stories for centuries.

• Where: Lingyin Road, Hangzhou
• Pricing: Around INR 800 per person
• Timing: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• When to Visit: Early morning, when the temple feels calmer and less crowded

Leifeng Pagoda

Leifeng Pagoda rises on the south bank of West Lake. In the afternoon light, its golden outline shines above the trees. When you climb to the top, the view stretches across the lake, the gardens, and the hills beyond. The pagoda has many legends attached to it, but even without them, the view itself makes the climb worth it.

• Where: South bank of West Lake, Hangzhou
• Pricing: Around INR 400 per person
• Timing: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• When to Visit: Late afternoon, when the sun casts a warm glow on the water

Sightseeing Tours

Half-Day Hangzhou Highlights Tour with West Lake Cruise and Lingyin Temple

If it’s your first time in the city, this tour gives you a little bit of everything. You start with a quiet boat ride on West Lake, then step into the calm of Lingyin Temple before heading out to the Longjing tea fields. Four hours pass quickly, but you come away with a sense of why Hangzhou has been loved for so long.

• Where: Anywhere in downtown Hangzhou hotel, Hangzhou railway or east railway station
• Pricing: From INR 13,500 per person
• Timing: Slots available from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, lasts about 6 to 8 hours
• When to Visit: Spring and autumn are ideal, when the weather is gentle and skies are clear

Half-Day Hangzhou Nine Creeks Hiking Tour with Tea Plantation Experience

This tour is slower, more personal. You have half the day to move at your own pace, choosing where to stop and how long to linger. Enjoy the 90-minute easy hike at Nine Creeks and discover breathtaking scenery. Having a guide and car makes it easy, so you can simply focus on enjoying the city.

• Where: Pickup from various points across the city
• Pricing: From INR 12,700 per person
• Timing: Starts at 9:30 AM, lasts 4 to 5 hours
• When to Visit: All year round, though spring and autumn show the city at its best

Day Trips

Wuzhen Water Town Day Tour from Hangzhou

A visit to Wuzhen is like slipping back in time. Wooden homes lean over narrow canals, stone bridges arch gracefully, and little boats move slowly across the water. As you wander through the quiet lanes, you come across old workshops and stalls that still carry on with simple, traditional crafts. The whole place feels unhurried, almost dreamlike, and it shows you a very different side of life outside the city.

• Where: Pickup from hotels in downtown Hangzhou
• Pricing: From INR 21,600 per person (approx.)
• Timing: Starts at 9:00 AM, lasts about 8 hours
• When to Visit: All year, though spring and autumn paint the town in softer colours

Day Tour to Discover the Secrets of Hangzhou's Tea Culture

This full-day tour feels like a complete story of Hangzhou. You drift across West Lake on a boat, step inside Lingyin Temple where incense hangs in the air, and look up at the carvings at Flying Peak. Later, you walk through Longjing village, taste the tea that made the city famous, and hear local growers share their craft. By the end of the day, you feel you have seen both the spirit and the flavour of Hangzhou.

• Where: Pickup from Hangzhou
• Pricing: From INR 14,500 per person (approx.)
• Timing: Slots available from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM; lasts about 6 hours
• When to Visit: All year round, though spring and autumn are the most comfortable

Boat Tours

Meijiawu Tea Village And West Lake From Shanghai

A ride on West Lake stays with you. The boat moves slowly across the still water, and you see pagodas, gardens, and willow trees from a new angle. When the cruise ends, the trip continues into Meijiawu Tea Village where the air smells of fresh tea leaves. It is an easy, unhurried way to experience both the calm of the lake and the quiet beauty of the tea fields.

• Where: Downtown Hangzhou
• Pricing: From INR 42,000 per person
• Timing: Starts at 8:00 AM, lasts about 10 to 11 hours
• When to Visit: Spring and autumn, when the lake is clear and the tea terraces are green

Private Flexible Day Tour with West Lake Cruise

Enjoy a private Hangzhou city sightseeing tour, allowing you to spend some quality time amid the beauty of the city. Then, head to West Lake, a UNESCO heritage site, where you can enjoy a laidback cruise.

• Where: Downtown Hangzhou
• Pricing: From INR 13,500 per person
• Timing: Slots available from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, lasts 6 to 8 hours
• When to Visit: All year round, with each season showing a different face of the lake

Getting Around

Traveller Tips

• Hangzhou’s weather has a mind of its own. The mornings by West Lake can be cool and misty, but by the afternoon, you might be looking for shade. Carrying a light jacket or jumper makes it easier to adjust.
• If you are planning to watch the Impression show on the lake or take one of the day trips, it is better to book early. Seats fill up quickly, especially when the city is busy with visitors.
• Keep a little cash with you. Most places are fine with cards, but a teahouse hidden in the hills or a small stall in the market may only take coins and notes.
• People here like calm and quiet. A soft smile or a simple “hello” is enough, and there is no need to do more.