east · Zhejiang (Zhèjiāng)
Zhejiang Travel Guide
Zhejiang is the other half of "Jiangnan" — south of the Yangtze. Its capital Hangzhou was described by Marco Polo as "the finest and most splendid city in the world." The province has the country's most concentrated landscape of tea fields, ancient water towns, and Buddhist mountain temples.
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TL;DR
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.
Quick facts
| Capital | Hangzhou |
|---|---|
| Population | 65.8 million |
| Area | 105,500 km² |
| Best season | March–May and September–November |
| Famous for | West Lake (Hangzhou), Longjing tea, water towns (Wuzhen, Xitang), Buddhist temples |
| UNESCO sites | 2 sites |
Why visit Zhejiang
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.
Key cities
UNESCO World Heritage sites in Zhejiang
- West Lake Cultural Landscape (inscribed 2011)
- Grand Canal (inscribed 2014)
Getting there & around
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.
Suggested itineraries
2 days — 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 days — Hangzhou + Wuzhen
Add 2 days in Wuzhen water town (stay overnight in a canal-side inn for the evening lantern views).
Local cuisine
Dongpo Pork (Dōngpō ròu)
Braised pork belly, named after the Song Dynasty poet Su Dongpo
Longjing Shrimp (Lóngjǐng xiā)
Tea-flavored shrimp, a Hangzhou specialty
Frequently asked questions
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.