Top Attractions
Must-Visit
- West Lake — UNESCO World Heritage scenic lake
- Lingyin Temple — One of China's largest Buddhist temples
- Longjing Tea Fields — Where China's most famous green tea is grown
Hidden Gems
- Wuzhen Water Town — Ancient canal town with traditional architecture
- Putuo Island — Sacred Buddhist island
Getting There
- By Air: Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport (HGH)
- By Train: High-speed rail from Shanghai (1h), Nanjing (2h)
- Local Transport: Metro in Hangzhou, buses to water towns
Must-Try Food
- Dongpo Pork — Braised pork belly, Hangzhou specialty
- Beggar's Chicken — Clay-baked chicken
- Longjing Shrimp — Shrimp stir-fried with Longjing tea leaves
Culture & Tips
- Hangzhou was the capital of Southern Song Dynasty
- Longjing tea is best bought directly from tea farmers
- West Lake is most beautiful at sunrise