Zhejiang (Extended)
Eastern province with the UNESCO West Lake cultural landscape, Longjing tea hills, and the romantic water towns of Wuzhen and Xitang.
provinces2026-10-27
At a glance
- Region
- east
- Capital
- Hangzhou
- Population
- 65.8 million
- Area
- 105,500 km²
- Best season
- March–May and September–November
- Pinyin
- Zhèjiāng
- Country
- CN
- Signature cuisine
- Dongpo Pork, Longjing Shrimp
Why visit
For West Lake — UNESCO cultural landscape with 1,000 years of poetry inscribed on every bridge and pavilion. For Longjing (Dragon Well) green tea. For Wuzhen or Xitang, the most romantic water towns.
Getting there
Hangzhou Xiaoshan (HGH) airport. HSR from Shanghai: 45 min. From Beijing: 4.5h.
Getting around
Hangzhou has a modern metro. West Lake area is best explored by bike or on foot. Water towns are accessible by tourist bus.
Key cities
UNESCO sites
- West Lake Cultural Landscape(2,011)
- The Grand Canal(2,014)
Day by day
2 — West Lake Weekend
Day 1: West Lake (boat ride, Su Causeway, Lingyin Temple). Day 2: Longjing tea plantation + Hefang Ancient Street.
4 — Hangzhou + Wuzhen
Day 1-2 Hangzhou, Day 3-4 Wuzhen overnight stay.
Famous for
- West Lake (UNESCO)
- Longjing tea
- Wuzhen water town
- Buddhist mountain temples
FAQs
Is Hangzhou worth a day trip from Shanghai?
Yes — 45 min by HSR. One day covers West Lake, Lingyin Temple, and Longjing tea.
When is West Lake best?
March-April (cherry blossoms) and October-November (autumn colors). Avoid Chinese national holidays.
Wuzhen or Xitang?
Wuzhen is more developed, with bigger crowds. Xitang is more atmospheric and lived-in. Both are excellent.