Hangzhou Travel Guide: West Lake, Day Trips
By China On Arrival Editorial Desk · Checked and updated 2026-09-23 · Research basis: First-hand visit — photographed on location by the site owner
At a glance
"Paradise on earth" since the Song dynasty: a free, walkable West Lake ringed by pagodas and causeways, Longjing tea terraces in the hills and the Lingyin Temple grottoes - the most relaxed first-timer city after Shanghai.
Suggested stay: 2-3 days · Airports: HGH (Xiaoshan International) · Train hubs: Hangzhou East (main high-speed hub) / Hangzhou Station (old town) / Hangzhou West (Xixi side) / Hangzhou South (Xiaoshan side)
What is Hangzhou known for?
- West Lake
- Lingyin Temple
- Xixi Wetland
What do you eat in Hangzhou?
Dongpo pork · West Lake fish in vinegar · Longjing shrimp. Dongpo pork and Longjing shrimp within sight of the lake.
How do you arrive in Hangzhou?
HGH (Xiaoshan International) handle the international arrivals; Hangzhou East (main high-speed hub) is the high-speed rail entry point.
Tips from our own trips to Hangzhou
- Don’t drive to West Lake — odd/even plate restrictions plus impossible parking. Metro Line 1 to Longxiangqiao is the drop point for the lake’s east side.
- Lingyin Temple is two tickets: Feilai Peak first, then the temple’s incense ticket. Buy both or you find out at the gate.
- Rain is Hangzhou’s limited edition — light rain genuinely beats blue skies at the lake. Bring an umbrella, not a cancellation.
- Autumn (Sep–Nov) is the all-rounder: osmanthus across the city, Jiuxi maples turning, kindest temperatures.
- Arriving on a late train? Sleep near Hangzhou East. The lakeside Longxiangqiao/Fengqi Road belt is central but noisier and pricier.
- Taxis start at ¥13; Y-prefix tourist buses loop the lake sights; Grand Canal water buses are ¥3.
From the site owner's own runs through Hangzhou — photographed on location, updated 2026-09-23.
Where should you stay in Hangzhou?
Hubin / Wulin is the default first-timer base — first-timers — step out to West Lake, Line 1 under your feet. Before paying, check the property's guest policy and, for smaller hotels, confirm the front desk can register a foreign passport — licensing rules still exclude some budget properties. Hotel-by-hotel picks: where to stay in Hangzhou →
| Area | Best for | The honest note |
|---|---|---|
| Hubin / Wulin | first-timers — step out to West Lake, Line 1 under your feet | east-shore core; nightlife and malls in walking reach |
| Huanglong / West Lake NW | temple and tea days — quieter than Hubin | Line 3; the Lingyin bus hub; friendlier prices |
| Qianjiang New City | modern luxury, river views | the new skyline; 30+ min by metro from the lake |
Area picks are editor research, verified 2026-09-23 — not sponsored placements. Book through the links below to support this site.
How do you get in from the airport?
HGH: Metro Line 19 to Hangzhou East, 35 min (about ¥5 (about $0.70)); Line 1 runs straight to Longxiangqiao by the lake, 50-65 min. Airport bus ¥20 (about $3). Taxis ¥150-200 (about $22-30), 40-90 min. Four rail stations sit up to 25 km apart - check your ticket says East, Chengzhan, West or South.
Plan your trip around these questions
- 🔍 The 3-day route that never doubles back
- 🔍 Do you even need a visa?
- 🔍 Which Hangzhou station your train leaves from
- 🔍 Which hotels can foreigners book
- 🔍 Paying without a Chinese bank card
- 🔍 Landing with data: eSIM setup
Explore the Hangzhou guides below, organised around the questions travelers ask before booking.
Which cities pair with Hangzhou?
Frequently asked questions about Hangzhou
- When is West Lake least crowded?
Weekday mornings. Metro Line 1 to Longxiangqiao drops you on the lake’s east side. - How do Lingyin Temple tickets work?
Two tickets: Feilai Peak first, then the temple’s incense ticket at the door. Buy both or you find out at the gate. - Can Hangzhou be a day trip from Shanghai?
Yes — high-speed rail takes 45–60 minutes each way, though an overnight shows you the lake at dawn. - Does rain ruin West Lake?
The opposite — light rain creates the classic misty-lake look the poems are about. - Where should I stay in Hangzhou?
Near Hangzhou East station for late arrivals; the Longxiangqiao/Fengqi Road belt for lake-side bustle at higher prices. - What is the best season for Hangzhou?
Autumn (September–November): osmanthus across the city, Jiuxi maples turning, and the kindest temperatures.