Hangzhou travel guide — where to stay, what to do, and where to eat in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Hangzhou.
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- Free artificial sand beach (approx 8,000 sq m) with imported sand and palm trees
- Shallow lake-water paddling area
- Lakeside walking and cycling paths
- Nearby restaurants and cafes around the park
Jinsha Lake Beach Park
Editor’s tip. Visit on a weekday morning to avoid the crowds that build up on weekend afternoons and holidays
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- Artificial mountain-spring sand beach for wading and water play
- Sand-sliding activity area
- Barbecue and picnic facilities
- Ecological walking trails around the valley
Baoshou Mountain Scenic Area Beach
Editor’s tip. Arrive by private car or DiDi, since public transit does not serve the scenic area directly
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- Designated swimming coves with some of the cleanest freshwater in China
- Lakeside resorts and guesthouses with private beach access
- Boat cruises and island-hopping tours
- Watersports rental (kayaks, pedal boats) at select resort beaches
Qiandao Lake Swimming Area
Editor’s tip. Book a lakeside resort with private beach access in advance during the June-to-September peak swimming season
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- Genuine coastal sand beach, roughly 1,750 m (~1.1 miles) long, on the East China Sea
- Supervised swimming zone during the permitted season
- Beachfront guesthouses and seafood restaurants
- Sun loungers and umbrella rental in peak season
One Thousand Step Beach, Putuoshan
Editor’s tip. Plan an overnight stay on Putuoshan, since the bus-and-ferry journey from Hangzhou takes most of a day each way
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.
Common questions
Quick answers to the questions we get asked most about Hangzhou’s coast.
Is Jinsha Lake Beach Park a natural beach?
No, the sand is artificial and imported, laid along the shore of Jinsha Lake to create a beach-like recreation area rather than a natural coastline.
From the Jinsha Lake Beach Park editorial.
Is the water safe for swimming?
The shallow lake water near the sand is generally used for wading and paddling rather than swimming laps, and there is no lifeguard on duty, so supervision is up to visitors.
From the Jinsha Lake Beach Park editorial.
Is this a natural beach or an artificial one?
The sand and pool area is artificial, built around a natural mountain spring and stream in the Baoshou Mountain valley.
From the Baoshou Mountain Scenic Area Beach editorial.
Can visitors swim here?
The water is shallow and mainly used for wading and children's play rather than swimming, and there is no lifeguard on duty.
From the Baoshou Mountain Scenic Area Beach editorial.
Is Qiandao Lake water clean enough for swimming?
Yes, the lake is known for some of the cleanest freshwater in China, with clear water in the designated swimming coves.
From the Qiandao Lake Swimming Area editorial.
Do visitors need to stay at a resort to swim?
Most reliable swimming access is through lakeside resorts and guesthouses with private beach frontage, though some public access points exist.
From the Qiandao Lake Swimming Area editorial.
Is swimming allowed year-round?
No, supervised swimming is permitted roughly May through August and only until 6pm; outside that window the beach is open for walking but not swimming.
From the One Thousand Step Beach, Putuoshan editorial.
How do visitors reach Putuoshan from Hangzhou?
A direct bus runs from Hangzhou East Railway Station Bus Center to Zhoushan (Zhujiajian), about 3 to 4 hours, followed by a local bus or taxi to Wugongzhi Wharf and a 20-to-30-minute ferry to Putuoshan.
From the One Thousand Step Beach, Putuoshan editorial.