10 Best Things to Do When You're Visiting Hangzhou

When I first arrived in Hangzhou, I honestly thought it might just be another scenic Chinese city—but I was wrong. Malaysians who love nature, food, and slow travel will feel instantly at home here, but also pleasantly surprised. The moment I caught my first glimpse of West Lake shrouded in morning mist, I felt like I had stepped into a living Chinese painting. Compared to the fast-paced buzz of Kuala Lumpur, Hangzhou moves with a poetic calm—think leafy tea plantations, ancient temples, and peaceful walks by the water. The Hangzhou weather in spring and autumn is especially cool and crisp, making it the perfect time to explore outdoors without breaking a sweat.

Beyond sightseeing, there’s plenty for us Malaysians to enjoy—spa retreats in hillside resorts, food-hunting for iconic dishes like Dongpo Pork or Longjing Shrimp, and boutique shopping along artsy alleys or lakeside malls. Dining and transport are wallet-friendly, too, so you can indulge a little without the guilt. If you're wondering where to stay in Hangzhou, options range from charming lakeside inns to luxurious hot spring hotels nestled in bamboo forests. So, ready to escape the city and embrace a slower, scenic side of China? Let’s dive into what to do in Hangzhou.

1. Drift Across West Lake on a Traditional Boat

My first morning in Hangzhou began with a gentle ride across West Lake in a wooden boat, steered by an old man humming a local tune. The mist hovered low over the water, hiding the distant pagodas and making the willow trees along the shore look like they were floating. It was peaceful, dreamy, and completely unforgettable.

📖 About West Lake

A UNESCO World Heritage site, West Lake is the heart of Hangzhou, surrounded by pagodas, gardens, and lush tea hills.

📅 Best time to visit

Morning for misty views or sunset for golden-hour photos.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Is It Family-Friendly?

Yes! Calm waters and easy access make it great for all ages.

💡 Pro Tips

✔️ Try the hand-rowed boats for a more authentic experience

✔️ Visit in spring or autumn for the best scenery

2. Explore Lingyin Temple’s Spiritual Calm

Walking into Lingyin Temple, I felt an instant sense of peace. The scent of incense hung in the air as monks chanted softly, and mist drifted through ancient pine trees. Inside, towering golden Buddha statues radiated calm. Outside, stone carvings of laughing Buddhas peeked from cliffs covered in moss.

📖 About Lingyin Temple

One of the most important Buddhist temples in China, founded in 328 AD and nestled in a forested valley.

📅 Best time to visit

Weekday mornings for fewer crowds and quieter surroundings.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Is It Family-Friendly?

Yes, especially for families with older kids.

💡 Pro Tips

✔️ Don’t miss the Feilai Peak grottoes before entering the temple

✔️ Wear walking shoes—there’s a bit of climbing involved

3. Stroll Through the Ancient Hefang Street

I spent an afternoon exploring Hefang Street, snacking on Hangzhou pastries and watching sugar artists create candy dragons right before my eyes. The old buildings with wooden eaves, the Chinese medicine shops with jars of herbs, the calligraphy shops—it’s like a step back in time.

📖 About Hefang Street

A historic shopping street that blends culture, food, and souvenirs in a lively, old-world setting.

📅 Best time to visit

Late afternoon for shopping, early evening for snacks and night lights

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Is It Family-Friendly?

Absolutely! Lots of snacks, trinkets, and photo ops.

💡 Pro Tips

✔️ Try the walnut cake, dragon-whisker candy, and beggar’s chicken

✔️ Bring cash for small vendors

4. Hike Through the Misty Tea Fields of Longjing Village

Climbing up the tea-covered hills of Longjing Village, the scent of fresh tea leaves mixed with the mountain air was pure magic. I saw locals picking leaves by hand, then tasted Longjing tea brewed right at a farmhouse overlooking the hills.

📖 What Makes It Special?

This is where the famous Dragon Well tea is grown—a serene place to hike, learn, and sip tea.

📅 Best time to visit

March to May for tea picking season

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Is It Family-Friendly?

Yes, but bring comfy shoes for uneven paths

💡 Pro Tips

✔️ Buy tea directly from the farmers—it’s fresher and cheaper

✔️ Visit early morning for a quieter hike

5. Catch the Dazzling ‘Impression West Lake’ Show

As night fell, I sat by West Lake and watched the water transform into a floating stage. Dancers in flowing silk appeared to walk on water, their movements synced with hauntingly beautiful music and lights. Directed by Zhang Yimou, this show blends Hangzhou’s legends with mind-blowing visual effects—like watching a dream unfold on the lake.

📖 What Makes It Special?

A one-of-a-kind outdoor performance staged directly on West Lake, telling Hangzhou’s folk stories through dance, lights, and music.

📅 Best time to go

Evening shows usually start at 7:30 PM or 8:00 PM

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Is It Family-Friendly?

Yes! The spectacle captivates kids and adults alike.

💡 Pro Tips

✔️ Dress warm—it can get chilly by the lake at night

✔️ Book early—popular seats sell out fast

✔️ Sit near the center for the best panoramic view

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6. Indulge in Hangzhou Cuisine at Lou Wai Lou

Dining at Lou Wai Lou felt like being part of a legacy. This century-old restaurant sits right by West Lake, offering not just scenic views but legendary local dishes. I tried the iconic “Beggar’s Chicken”—slow-cooked in lotus leaves and clay until the meat falls apart tender—and “West Lake Vinegar Fish,” perfectly balanced between sweet and sour.

📖 What Makes This Place Special?

Lou Wai Lou is one of Hangzhou’s oldest and most famous restaurants, serving traditional Hangzhou cuisine since 1848.

📅 Best time to eat

Lunch or early dinner for the best table views

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Is It Family-Friendly?

Yes! Spacious seating and kid-friendly dishes

💡 Pro Tips

✔️ Try the Dongpo Pork and Osmanthus Lotus Root

✔️ Ask for a window seat—sunset views here are amazing

✔️ It’s popular with tour groups, so weekdays are less crowded

7. Shop and Chill at Hubin Pedestrian Street

📖 About Hubin Street

Hangzhou’s premier shopping zone, blending modern retail with a scenic lakefront walk

📅 Best time to visit

Late afternoon till evening

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Is It Family-Friendly?

Yes, and there are plenty of clean facilities and resting spots

💡 Pro Tips

✔️ Great for picking up local silk, tea, and cosmetics

✔️ Head to Lakeside IN77 for trendy cafés and brands

✔️ Catch the light show at nearby West Lake Music Fountain

8. Wind Down with Rooftop Cocktails at Midtown Brewery

After a long day of temple visits and lakeside walks, I found myself at Midtown Brewery—a stylish rooftop bar with sweeping city views, cold local brews, and cozy outdoor seating. The vibe was chill, the crowd a mix of travelers and locals, and the music just the right level of upbeat. I tried their Hangzhou-style pale ale and watched the city lights blink to life.

📖 What Makes This Spot Unique?

Hangzhou isn’t known for wild nightlife, but Midtown Brewery offers craft beer, cocktails, and rooftop vibes perfect for unwinding

📅 Best time to go

Evening, especially just before sunset

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Is It Family-Friendly?

Not really—this one’s for grownups

💡 Pro Tips

✔️ Try the seasonal beer flights

✔️ Pair your drinks with their crispy squid or Sichuan chicken bites

✔️ Make a reservation for weekends—it gets packed

9. Discover Romance at the Broken Bridge (Especially in Winter)

The first time I stood on the Broken Bridge in winter, West Lake was dusted with snow, and couples walked hand-in-hand beneath red lanterns. It’s said that lovers reuniting here is a good omen—and even without a fairytale ending, the views were pure poetry. Whether you're a romantic or not, it’s one of those Hangzhou must-sees.

📖 What Makes It Special?

The Broken Bridge is a symbol of Chinese folklore, especially the legend of the White Snake—a romantic story rooted in Hangzhou’s history

📅 Best time to visit

Early morning or sunset; winter if you want that dreamy, misty feel

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Is It Family-Friendly?

Yes, easy access and wide paths

💡 Pro Tips

✔️ Visit during Lunar New Year for decorations

✔️ Bring your camera—great spot for moody landscape shots

✔️ Nearby cafés are perfect for a warm drink afterward

10. Soak in a Private Hot Spring at Yunman Hot Spring Resort

After a day of sightseeing, I treated myself to a soak at Yunman Hot Spring, tucked away in the hills outside the city. The water was mineral-rich, warm, and surrounded by bamboo groves. Some pools even had floating rose petals or herbal infusions. It was the ultimate recharge moment—quiet, secluded, and deeply relaxing.

📖 What Makes It Special?

A luxury hot spring experience in the outskirts of Hangzhou, perfect for winding down in nature

📅 Best time to visit

Evening or cool weather days

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Is It Family-Friendly?

Yes, but better for older kids and adults

💡 Pro Tips

✔️ Book a private tub if you want extra privacy

✔️ Bring your own towel to avoid extra charges

✔️ Don’t rush—spend 2–3 hours to enjoy the full experience

Explore Hangzhou Now!

Hangzhou really has a way of staying with you—the kind of city that lingers in your mind long after you’ve left. Maybe it’s the gentle ripples on West Lake at sunrise, the way tea fields roll into the misty hills, or the comforting balance of calm and culture that’s hard to find elsewhere. Sure, the crowds can get thick during peak seasons and some spots are popular with tour groups, but honestly, that’s a small trade-off for everything this city offers.

There’s just something magical about Hangzhou’s rhythm—the slow-steeped tea, the poetry in its streets, and the moments of stillness that sneak up on you. If you’re browsing flights to Hangzhou, it’s worth keeping an eye out—there are often great off-season fares. And with so many charming hotels in Hangzhou, from lakeside inns to mountain-view retreats, finding your perfect stay is part of the fun. Now’s a great time to plan—there are amazing discounts on flights and hotels in Hangzhou right now. Hope you get to experience it for yourself soon—safe travels, my friend!

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