West Lake, Longjing tea & silk
Hangzhou
Hángzhōu · West Lake & tea hills
A city so lovely a Chinese proverb ranks it with paradise. Hangzhou wraps a shimmering lake in willow causeways, temples and tea terraces — the refined heart of Jiangnan, an hour from Shanghai.
Top sightsSights
West Lake
A UNESCO landscape of causeways, arched bridges and pagodas — stroll, cycle or take a boat at dusk.
Lingyin Temple
One of China's great Buddhist temples, set among grottoes of carved cliff Buddhas.
Longjing Tea Village
Terraced hills where China's most famous green tea is grown — sip it fresh at the source.
Leifeng Pagoda
A golden-roofed tower with sweeping sunset views over the lake.
Grand Canal
The southern end of the world's longest canal, lined with old stone bridges and night cruises.
What to eatFood
Dongpo pork
Melting braised pork belly named for the poet Su Dongpo.
West Lake fish
Freshwater fish in a sweet-and-sour vinegar glaze.
Longjing shrimp
Delicate river shrimp stir-fried with fresh tea leaves.
Good to know
- Only 1 hour from Shanghai by high-speed rail.
- Circle West Lake by rental bike to reach the quieter western shore.
- Spring tea season and autumn osmanthus are the loveliest times.
Getting there
Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH) and high-speed rail to Shanghai (1h) and Suzhou (1.5h).
Next city
Chongqing