On this page
About Zhejiang
Zhejiang stretches along China's central-eastern coast, bordered by Jiangsu and Shanghai to the north, Anhui and Jiangxi to the west, and Fujian to the south, with the East China Sea forming its eastern edge. Its capital, Hangzhou, sits on the UNESCO-listed West Lake and once served as the terminus of the Grand Canal and the capital of the Southern Song Dynasty. Beyond Hangzhou, the province is dotted with well-preserved canal towns such as Wuzhen, Xitang, and Nanxun, the cool mountain retreat of Moganshan, the sacred Buddhist island of Putuo Shan, and the vast, island-studded Qiandao Lake. Zhejiang is also one of China's economic powerhouses, home to Ningbo's deep-water port and Yiwu's global small-commodities market, giving visitors a mix of imperial history, garden cities, and fast-moving modern commerce.
- Capital
- Hangzhou
- Largest city
- Hangzhou
- Population
- ~65.9 million
- Languages
- Mandarin Chinese, Wu Chinese (local dialects)
- Currency
- Chinese Yuan
- Time zone
- China Standard Time (UTC+8)
Explore Zhejiang by topic
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in Zhejiang
The 20 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Lingyin Temple
Xixi National Wetland Park
Wuzhen Water Town
Xitang Ancient Water Town
Nanxun Ancient Town
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day Zhejiang Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Zhejiang, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Zhejiang
- Days 1-2Zhejiang city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Zhejiang
- Days 1-3Zhejiang comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Zhejiang, departure
Where to stay in Zhejiang
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget ¥350 (approx $52)
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range ¥900 (approx $134)
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury ¥2,700+ (approx $402+)
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake
Check rates on Booking.comAmanfayun
Check rates on Booking.comBanyan Tree Hangzhou
Check rates on Booking.comShangri-La Hotel Hangzhou
Check rates on Booking.comWhere to eat in Zhejiang
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Louwailou Restaurant (Gushan)
Waipo Jia (Grandma's Kitchen), Hubin
Zhiweiguan Restaurant (Renhe Road)
Xin Xin Restaurant (Beishan Street)
Tianwaitian Restaurant (Nanshan Road)
Kuiyuanguan Noodle Restaurant (Jiefang Road)
Getting around Zhejiang
Zhejiang is one of China's best-connected provinces, built around Hangzhou East Railway Station and a dense high-speed rail grid that reaches Shanghai in under an hour and Beijing or Guangzhou in a few hours. Hangzhou's expanding metro, DiDi ride-hailing, and local and intercity buses cover the cities and canal towns, while ferries link the mainland to the Zhoushan archipelago and its beaches. Self-drive rental is impractical for most international visitors; trains and ride-hailing cover almost every itinerary.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in CNY, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | ¥150 (approx $22) | ¥450 (approx $67) | ¥1,700 (approx $253) |
| Food (per day) | ¥100 (approx $15) | ¥250 (approx $37) | ¥600 (approx $89) |
| Transportation | ¥70 (approx $10) | ¥120 (approx $18) | ¥250 (approx $37) |
| Activities | ¥30 (approx $4) | ¥80 (approx $12) | ¥150 (approx $22) |
| Daily total | ¥350 (approx $52) | ¥900 (approx $134) | ¥2,700+ (approx $402+) |
Best time to visit Zhejiang
Essential travel tips
- Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay with an international card before arrival, since most vendors no longer accept cash
- Buy high-speed rail tickets in advance through the 12306 app or Trip.com during holiday periods
- Visit West Lake at sunrise to avoid the biggest tour groups
- Try Longjing (Dragon Well) tea tasting at a plantation near Hangzhou's Meijiawu village
Safety information
Zhejiang is a very safe province with low rates of violent crime; the main risks for visitors are petty theft in crowded tourist areas and a handful of well-documented scams rather than physical danger
Near West Lake in Hangzhou, friendly English-speaking strangers sometimes invite tourists to a 'tea ceremony' at a private teahouse; the visit ends with a bill of several hundred to several thousand yuan. Politely decline unsolicited invitations and only visit licensed teahouses chosen independently
China's national security laws are broadly worded and enforcement can be arbitrary, particularly around photography of official buildings, military sites, or border areas; avoid photographing anything that looks government or security related
Carry a passport at all times, as police can request identification, and hotels are required to register foreign guests
Mobile payment (Alipay or WeChat Pay) dominates daily transactions; carrying some cash as backup is wise since a minority of small vendors no longer accept cards or foreign cash
Typhoon season affects Zhejiang's coastal areas, including Zhoushan and Putuoshan, from roughly July through September; check forecasts before island or coastal travel and expect possible ferry cancellations
Air quality in Hangzhou and other cities can be poor on still winter days; travelers with respiratory conditions should check daily air quality index readings
Internet access is restricted under China's firewall; many foreign sites, apps, and messaging services are blocked, so arrange a VPN before arrival if needed for communication or navigation apps
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit Zhejiang?
It depends on nationality. Citizens of around 50 countries, including most of the EU, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, can enter mainland China visa-free for up to 30 days under China's extended unilateral visa-free policy. Travelers from many other countries can use the 240-hour visa-free transit if entering through an eligible port and continuing to a third country or region. Everyone else needs to arrange a Chinese visa in advance, so check current requirements for your nationality before traveling.
What is the best way to get around Zhejiang?
High-speed rail is the easiest way to move between Zhejiang's cities, connecting Hangzhou, Ningbo, Wenzhou, Shaoxing, and Jiaxing in under two hours. Within Hangzhou, the metro covers the city center and airport, while ferries connect the mainland to the Zhoushan islands and Putuo Shan. Ride-hailing through the Didi app is widely available and affordable for shorter trips.
What food is Zhejiang famous for?
Zhejiang, and Hangzhou in particular, is known for delicate, slightly sweet cuisine built around fresh lake and river ingredients. Signature dishes include West Lake fish in vinegar sauce, Dongpo pork, longjing shrimp stir-fried with Dragon Well tea leaves, and beggar's chicken baked in clay. The province is also one of China's premier tea-growing regions, famous for Longjing green tea.
What are the top attractions in Zhejiang?
The top attractions in Zhejiang include West Lake in Hangzhou, the canal water towns of Wuzhen, Xitang, and Nanxun, the sacred Buddhist mountain of Putuo Shan, Qiandao Lake with its thousand islands, and the cool mountain retreat of Moganshan. Each offers a distinct experience, from imperial gardens and canal life to island temples and forested peaks.
Explore Zhejiang by city
The cities below have their own guides — hotels, attractions and where to eat, in depth.
Ānwén
Explore Ānwén with our travel guide: top hotels, attractions, restaurants and things to do in Ānwén.
Chóngfú
Explore Chóngfú with our travel guide: top hotels, attractions, restaurants and things to do in Chóngfú.
Cixi
Explore Cixi with our travel guide: top hotels, attractions, restaurants and things to do in Cixi.
Deqing
Explore Deqing with our travel guide: top hotels, attractions, restaurants and things to do in Deqing.
Dongyang
Explore Dongyang with our travel guide: top hotels, attractions, restaurants and things to do in Dongyang.
Fenghua
Explore Fenghua with our travel guide: top hotels, attractions, restaurants and things to do in Fenghua.
Fuyang
Explore Fuyang with our travel guide: top hotels, attractions, restaurants and things to do in Fuyang.
Guli
Explore Guli with our travel guide: top hotels, attractions, restaurants and things to do in Guli.
Haining
Explore Haining with our travel guide: top hotels, attractions, restaurants and things to do in Haining.
Hangzhou
Hangzhou travel guide — where to stay, what to do, and where to eat in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
Huzhou
Explore Huzhou with our travel guide: top hotels, attractions, restaurants and things to do in Huzhou.
Jiaxing
Explore Jiaxing with our travel guide: top hotels, attractions, restaurants and things to do in Jiaxing.
Jinhua
Explore Jinhua with our travel guide: top hotels, attractions, restaurants and things to do in Jinhua.
Jinxiang
Explore Jinxiang with our travel guide: top hotels, attractions, restaurants and things to do in Jinxiang.
Kunyang
Explore Kunyang with our travel guide: top hotels, attractions, restaurants and things to do in Kunyang.
Lanxi
Explore Lanxi with our travel guide: top hotels, attractions, restaurants and things to do in Lanxi.
Lianghu
Explore Lianghu with our travel guide: top hotels, attractions, restaurants and things to do in Lianghu.
Linping
Explore Linping with our travel guide: top hotels, attractions, restaurants and things to do in Linping.
Lishui
Explore Lishui with our travel guide: top hotels, attractions, restaurants and things to do in Lishui.
Ningbo
Explore Ningbo with our travel guide: top hotels, attractions, restaurants and things to do in Ningbo.
Ninghai
Explore Ninghai with our travel guide: top hotels, attractions, restaurants and things to do in Ninghai.
Puyang
Explore Puyang with our travel guide: top hotels, attractions, restaurants and things to do in Puyang.
Quzhou
Explore Quzhou with our travel guide: top hotels, attractions, restaurants and things to do in Quzhou.
Rui’an
Explore Rui’an with our travel guide: top hotels, attractions, restaurants and things to do in Rui’an.
Shangyu
Explore Shangyu with our travel guide: top hotels, attractions, restaurants and things to do in Shangyu.
Shaoxing
Explore Shaoxing with our travel guide: top hotels, attractions, restaurants and things to do in Shaoxing.
Shenjiamen
Explore Shenjiamen with our travel guide: top hotels, attractions, restaurants and things to do in Shenjiamen.
Taizhou
Explore Taizhou with our travel guide: top hotels, attractions, restaurants and things to do in Taizhou.
Wenling
Explore Wenling with our travel guide: top hotels, attractions, restaurants and things to do in Wenling.
Wenzhou
Explore Wenzhou with our travel guide: top hotels, attractions, restaurants and things to do in Wenzhou.
Wuzhen
Explore Wuzhen with our travel guide: top hotels, attractions, restaurants and things to do in Wuzhen.
Xianju
Explore Xianju with our travel guide: top hotels, attractions, restaurants and things to do in Xianju.
Xiaoshan
Explore Xiaoshan with our travel guide: top hotels, attractions, restaurants and things to do in Xiaoshan.
Xingqiao
Explore Xingqiao with our travel guide: top hotels, attractions, restaurants and things to do in Xingqiao.
Yiwu
Explore Yiwu with our travel guide: top hotels, attractions, restaurants and things to do in Yiwu.
Yuyao
Explore Yuyao with our travel guide: top hotels, attractions, restaurants and things to do in Yuyao.
Zhaobaoshan
Explore Zhaobaoshan with our travel guide: top hotels, attractions, restaurants and things to do in Zhaobaoshan.
Zhicheng
Explore Zhicheng with our travel guide: top hotels, attractions, restaurants and things to do in Zhicheng.
Zhoushan
Explore Zhoushan with our travel guide: top hotels, attractions, restaurants and things to do in Zhoushan.
Zhuji
Explore Zhuji with our travel guide: top hotels, attractions, restaurants and things to do in Zhuji.