Hangzhou travel guide — where to stay, what to do, and where to eat in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
Top attractions
The most popular and significant attractions in Hangzhou.
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1
Leifeng Pagoda
Tip: Buy tickets on-site or through the official site to skip the paper-ticket line · Ride the elevator up and walk down through the observation floors to avoid queuing twice · Visit within an hour of the 8:00 AM opening to beat tour-group crowds · No dedicated audio guide is offered on-site; signage is in Chinese and English · Photography is permitted throughout, including on the observation floors
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2
Broken Bridge (Duan Qiao)
Tip: Visit at sunrise or sunset for the best light on the lake and least foot traffic · Combine the stop with a walk along the full Bai Causeway to Solitary Hill · Expect heavy crowds during Chinese New Year and Golden Week · No ticket or reservation is needed; the bridge is open to the public at all hours
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3
Su Causeway
Tip: Visit in March or April for the peach and plum blossoms along the path · Rent a bicycle at either end to cover the full 2.8 kilometers faster · Walk early on weekday mornings to avoid the heaviest foot traffic · The causeway is unticketed and open around the clock
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4
Lingyin Temple
Tip: Book the free real-name entry reservation online at least one day ahead · Arrive shortly after 7:30 AM opening to avoid tour-group crowds · Dress modestly and keep voices low inside the active worship halls · Combine the visit with the adjacent Feilai Feng Grottoes on the same path · Incense is sold on-site for those who wish to make an offering
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5
Feilai Feng Grottoes
Tip: Book the same real-name reservation used for Lingyin Temple at least one day ahead · Visit in the morning before tour groups heading to Lingyin Temple arrive · Wear non-slip shoes; some streamside paths are damp and uneven · Combine the visit with Lingyin Temple since both share one entrance
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6
Six Harmonies Pagoda (Liuhe Pagoda)
Tip: Pay the separate small fee to climb the pagoda interior for river views · Visit in late afternoon for the clearest light over the Qiantang River · Check the tidal bore schedule if visiting during the mid-autumn period, when crowds surge · Wear flat shoes for the narrow wooden interior staircase
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7
Xixi National Wetland Park
Tip: Buy the combined boat-and-entry ticket if planning to see more than one zone · Visit on a weekday morning to avoid the heaviest domestic tourist crowds · Allow at least 3 to 4 hours to combine walking and a boat route · Bring cash or a mobile payment app for small vendors inside the park · Wear comfortable shoes for the boardwalk sections, which can be uneven
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8
Hefang Street (Qinghefang Ancient Street)
Tip: Visit in the early evening when lanterns and shopfronts light up · Try snacks from street vendors rather than the more touristy restaurants · Duck into side alleys off the main street for quieter shopping · Bargaining is common in smaller souvenir shops but not in fixed-price stores · Weekday afternoons are less crowded than weekends and holidays
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9
Yue Fei Temple
Tip: Visit on a weekday morning for a quieter walk through the tomb grounds · Read the English-language signage at the entrance for background on Yue Fei's story · Allow time to read the steles and inscriptions, which add historical context · Combine the visit with a walk along the nearby north shore of West Lake
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10
China National Silk Museum
Tip: Visit on a weekday afternoon for the quietest galleries · Free admission; no advance booking required for individual visitors · Allow extra time for the research and conservation wing if interested in textile history · Combine the visit with a walk around the mulberry-planted grounds
Attractions by category
Explore by your interests.
Landmarks
Religious_sites
Museums
Nature_parks
Historic_streets_and_theme_parks
Practical information
What you need to know before you go.
- Best Time To Visit Sites
- Weekday mornings shortly after opening avoid the largest tour groups at Lingyin Temple, Songcheng Park, and Xixi Wetland Park
- Reservations
- Lingyin Temple and Feilai Feng require a free real-name reservation made one day ahead via the scenic-area system; most other sites are walk-in
- Security
- Bag X-ray security screening is standard at Lingyin Temple, Songcheng Park, and every metro station entrance — carrying a passport is necessary
- Combined Tickets
- Xixi National Wetland Park sells a combined ticket with electric-boat access; Songcheng Park's evening show is typically bought as a combo ticket with general entry
- Accessibility
- West Lake's causeways and Hefang Street are flat and stroller/wheelchair-friendly; Feng Huang Mountain and the Longjing tea-hill paths involve uneven, sometimes steep terrain
Tips for visiting attractions
Make the most of your sightseeing time.
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and harsh midday light.
Book tickets online in advance for major attractions to skip long queues and sometimes save money.
Many cities offer multi-attraction passes that include public transport. Calculate whether they save you money based on your itinerary.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a reservation to visit Lingyin Temple?
Yes — a free real-name reservation must be made one day ahead through the Lingyin Feilai Peak scenic-area system; walk-up entry without a reservation is not guaranteed.
Is West Lake free to visit?
Yes, West Lake itself and its causeways (Su Causeway, Bai Causeway) and Broken Bridge are free and open 24 hours; only specific attractions around the lake, such as Leifeng Pagoda, charge admission.
How much time should I budget for Songcheng Park?
Plan 4-5 hours to see the themed park and stay for the evening 'Romance of the Song Dynasty' show, which is the park's headline draw.
What is the best time of day to photograph Leifeng Pagoda?
Sunset, when the pagoda and lake catch the evening light, is the most popular and rewarding time to visit.
Are Hangzhou's major attractions crowded during Golden Week?
Yes — the 1-7 October National Day Golden Week is the single busiest week of the year, with hours-long queues at Lingyin Temple and Songcheng Park.