Zhejiang
Eastern China's garden province, home to West Lake (one of China's most beautiful landscapes), the tea-growing hills of Longjing, and the canal 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 — a UNESCO cultural landscape with 1,000 years of poetry inscribed on every bridge and pavilion. For Longjing (Dragon Well) green tea, drunk by emperors and still grown on the hillsides above the lake. For Wuzhen or Xitang, the most romantic water towns in China.
Getting there
Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport (HGH). HSR from Shanghai: 45 minutes. From Beijing: 4.5 hours.
Getting around
Hangzhou has a modern metro. The 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)
- Grand Canal(2,014)
Day by day
2 — West Lake Weekend
Day 1: West Lake (boat ride, Su Causeway, Lingyin Temple, Longjing tea plantation). Day 2: Hefang Ancient Street + China Tea Museum.
4 — Hangzhou + Wuzhen
Add 2 days in Wuzhen water town (stay overnight in a canal-side inn for the evening lantern views).
Famous for
- West Lake (Hangzhou)
- Longjing tea
- water towns (Wuzhen, Xitang)
- Buddhist 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. 2-3 days is better for a relaxed pace and a water town visit.
How do I see West Lake?
Walk the Su Causeway (3 km) or Bai Causeway (1 km), rent a bike, or take a boat to the islands (¥55, includes 3 islands). Sunset is the most beautiful time. Allow 3-4 hours minimum.
What is Longjing tea?
China's most famous green tea, grown only on the hillsides above West Lake in Hangzhou. Dragon Well tea has a flat, smooth leaf and a chestnut-sweet flavor. The 8 best teas come from specific villages — visit the plantation and taste.
What is Wuzhen like?
A 1,300-year-old water town with stone bridges, canal-side houses, and lantern-lit nights. The West Scenic Area is the most developed (ticketed, manicured). The East Scenic Area retains more local life. Stay overnight for the evening atmosphere.
Is Xitang worth visiting?
Yes — it's less crowded than Wuzhen and more "lived in." The famous covered corridors and 100+ ancient bridges make it atmospheric. It was used in the Mission Impossible III movie. 1-2 days is enough.
What is the best time for West Lake?
Spring (March-April) for cherry blossoms and fresh tea. Autumn (October-November) for fall colors and Mid-Autumn Festival. Avoid Chinese national holidays — West Lake is one of China's most crowded tourist sites during Golden Week.