Hangzhou Travel Guide: Your Complete Guide to Heaven on Earth

Hangzhou: A City of Charm and Opportunity

Hangzhou is a city I've visited many times. In 2025 alone, I went there four times for business trips. In total, I’ve visited Hangzhou more than 10 times, whether for tourism, business, or layovers. I even lived there for two months while working, so I am very familiar with the city.

The beauty of Hangzhou lies not only in the misty rain over West Lake but also in the vibrant atmosphere of its alleyways. The aroma of tea from Longjing Village, the cultural heritage of Liangzhu, and the twilight along the Grand Canal are all captivating. During my business trips, I always make time to revisit these familiar streets and alleys, as if meeting old friends. This city blends modern efficiency with classical charm, making work more than just a chore, but also a poetic experience that makes you feel a sense of belonging.

Geographical Location and Advantage

Hangzhou's geographical location is quite advantageous in eastern China, especially in the southern part of the region. Situated at the heart of the Yangtze River Delta, it boasts convenient transportation and efficient connections with Shanghai and Nanjing. To the east lies the East China Sea, to the west are the Huangshan Mountains of Anhui, to the south are the Wuyi Mountains of Fujian, and to the north is Jiangsu; its location is strategically significant.

The high-speed rail network along the coast is also highly developed, making it easy to travel to another city within 500 km in a day, greatly improving travel efficiency.

My First Trip to Hangzhou

My first trip to Hangzhou was for work. After I graduated in 2011, I moved there the following year. I lived in the Xihu District because my workplace was nearby. The office was very close to the Alipay building. Alipay, one of China’s earliest online payment tools, was based there. After work, I would often stroll through Xixi Wetland Park. At that time, Hangzhou’s internet scene was already thriving, with a surge in entrepreneurship. The e-commerce, payment, and logistics chains were gradually being perfected, and Hangzhou was becoming a hub for innovation. In fact, Hangzhou is now the capital of live streaming and one of the birthplace cities for e-commerce live streaming sales.

Hangzhou’s Famous Sights

Hangzhou’s most famous attraction is West Lake. Each of the ten scenic spots around the lake has its own unique charm: in spring, there's Willow Waves and Orioles Singing; in summer, Lotus in the Breeze at Quyuan Garden; in autumn, Autumn Moon over the Calm Lake; and in winter, Snow on the Broken Bridge. As Su Shi famously wrote, “If you want to compare West Lake to Xi Shi, it’s beautiful whether lightly or heavily adorned.” Walking around the lake, every step feels like walking through a living poem.

Another iconic attraction is the Qiantang River tidal bore. Every year, around the 18th day of the eighth lunar month, the tidal bore arrives on schedule with a deafening roar and magnificent momentum, attracting countless tourists to watch. I’ve seen it many times, especially in the Qibao area, where the tide surges like a thousand galloping horses, sweeping across the riverbank in an instant. It’s truly breathtaking.

West Lake Broken Bridge, photographed in December 2012

Cultural Heritage of Hangzhou

Hangzhou, once the capital of the Southern Song Dynasty, boasts a rich cultural heritage accumulated over nine centuries. Bai Causeway and Su Causeway intertwine with the poetry of scholars and poets, while the pines and cypresses of Yue Fei Temple still proclaim the ambition to “reclaim our lost land.” The bells of Lingyin Temple, echoing through the ages, resonate with the Zen spirit of the cliff carvings on Feilai Peak. Walking along the stone-paved streets of the Southern Song Imperial Street, you can almost hear the bustling footsteps of ancient Hangzhou.

Su Dongpo, a famous poet, also left behind immortal contributions to Hangzhou. He oversaw the dredging of West Lake, built the long causeway, planted willows and peach trees, and facilitated travel for the people. This causeway, later named Su Causeway, remains one of the ten scenic views of West Lake to this day. Su Dongpo’s work in promoting water conservancy, providing disaster relief, and expressing his love for the lake and mountains through poetry is still celebrated today.

Hangzhou: A Water Town with a Modern Vibe

Hangzhou is a typical water town in the Jiangnan region. Although Hangzhou is a fast-paced city, I personally believe that a slower pace of life is actually more suitable for living there. Strolling along the West Lake, by the willow-lined embankment before the morning mist dissipates, or by the lakeside after sunset, always brings a sense of tranquility. A cup of Longjing tea and a small boat are enough to make the hours slip away.

When visiting Hangzhou, you can either stay for three to five days or rent a place in the suburbs and stay for a month or even a year. There's no need to constantly visit the city center. The city center can be crowded and lacks the relaxed charm of the suburbs. Living in the outskirts allows you to explore parks or visit Moganshan Mountain. It’s a truly pleasant experience.

Hangzhou: Modernity Meets Tradition

Overall, Hangzhou is a wonderful city. It’s modern, civilized, and clean, with a vibrant commercial atmosphere. By the way, Hangzhou also hosted the Asian Games, which improved the city's infrastructure and further enhanced its international influence.

Today, Hangzhou retains the gentle charm of an ancient Jiangnan city while pulsating with the cutting-edge energy of the digital age. The aroma of tea fills the air in Longjing Village at dawn, while the lights of Qianjiang New City blaze in the evening. Tradition and modernity coexist harmoniously here. Urban greenways connect mountains, rivers, and cultural sites, and the subway network extends into the countryside. Cycling along Xianghu Lake or strolling through the Liangzhu Ruins offers a chance to experience the serene beauty of life.

This city is not only ideal for dreamers to strive for but also for those seeking peace and tranquility to reside in.

Conclusion

If you're visiting China for business or reside in the eastern coastal region, Hangzhou is undoubtedly an ideal tourist destination. It offers stunning natural scenery, as well as great job opportunities.

Finally, I wish everyone a wonderful trip to Hangzhou, whether you’re visiting for leisure or working here.