Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang Province and Song Dynasty capital, is known as 'Heaven on Earth', with its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. It was described by Marco Polo as "the finest and most splendid city in the world". Hangzhou is the political, economic, cultural, educational, transportation, and financial center of Zhejiang Province. The 2022 Asian Games was held in Hangzhou.

Where Hangzhou Is Located

Hangzhou is on the east coast of China, south of the Yangtze River Delta and about 170 kilometers (105 miles) south of Shanghai. By bullet train, Hangzhou is about 1 hour from Shanghai and 1.5 hours from Suzhou.

The Features of Hangzhou

▪ Hangzhou is one of the Seven Ancient Capital Cities, with a history of about 2,500 years. Take a cruise to explore the World Heritage Site - the Grand Canal.
▪ Hangzhou boasts enchanting natural scenery. West Lake, the symbol of Hangzhou, is considered to be one of the most beautiful sights in China.
▪ Hangzhou offers a variety of traditional cultures, such as tea, traditional Chinese medicine, and Chinese silk.
▪ Hangzhou has a highly developed transportation network. It is almost the only city in China following 'pedestrian first' laws.

Hangzhou Is a Leisurely City

Hangzhou is a special city. It is developing at a high speed, while the lifestyle in Hangzhou is leisurely. Compared to Shanghai, the pace of life there is slow.
When traveling in Hangzhou, you can have a stroll by West Lake, take a boat cruise, feed the goldfish in the lake, and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Then have a delicious afternoon tea by the lake and chat with your guide, learning about the story and history of Hangzhou.
If you want to feel the classical charm of Hangzhou, you can pay a visit to some water towns. There are old buildings, boats, rivers, ancient bridges, and wells. Everything there is peaceful and beautiful.
If you want to know more about the tea culture of Hangzhou, you can go to Meijiawu Tea Plantation for an idyllic tour. Pick tea leaves with a local tea farmer, watch a Chinese tea ceremony, and learn about Chinese tea culture.

5 Highlights of Hangzhou

Hangzhou is a perfect combination of history and modernity, nature and culture. When you visit Hangzhou, don't miss the following highlights.

1. West Lake - the Legend of Hangzhou
West Lake is a symbol of Hangzhou. It is famous for its stunning scenery and various historical sites. It was selected as one of the "12 superb sunset spots around the world" by CNN.
West Lake is gorgeous all year round. The spring flowers, the summer lotuses, the autumn moon, and the winter snow all make it very charming.



2. Water Towns Near Hangzhou
Wuzhen and Nanxun are the two most popular water towns near Hangzhou.
Wuzhen is one of the top six water towns in China. Taking a gondola along the ancient canal should not be missed and the nighttime scenery in Wuzhen is impressive.
Nanxun is not as famous as Wuzhen. It is thanks to this that Nanxun is the most original and picturesque town, filled with a tranquil ambiance.


3. The Grand Canal - World Heritage Site
The Grand Canal was dug out in 486 BC and has a history of more than 2,500 years. It runs from Beijing in the north to Hangzhou in the south, stretching for 1,747 kilometers.
It played a great role in the economic and cultural development, and with exchanges between the north and south of China. It was a great project created by the ancient Chinese and is now one of the symbols of Chinese culture.


4. Dragon Well Tea
Hangzhou's unique Dragon Well tea (Longjing Tea) plays an important role among the varieties of Chinese green tea. It is produced mostly by hand, and is honored as China's Famous Tea due to its high quality.

5. Hangzhou Silk
Hangzhou is regarded as the cradle of the Chinese silk culture and production. With a history of over 2,500 years, Hangzhou silk is renowned for its gentle texture, gorgeous colors, and wide varieties.

Convenient Transportation Network

Hangzhou is easily accessible by high-speed trains and flights from main cities, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Suzhou, Xi'an, Chengdu, and Hong Kong.
From Hangzhou, the direct bus is the most convenient way to get to nearby water towns. A private tour with a private vehicle is the best hassle-free option to avoid the traffic congestion and help you maximize your time.
See more on Hangzhou transportation.

Emergency Phone Numbers

▪ 110 for police
▪ 112 for traffic police (emergency only)
▪ 119 for fire services
▪ 120 for medical assistance or an ambulance
If you encounter a really complex situation, call 110 first.