Hangzhou · China
Hangzhou Tours & Things to Do
Discover the best Hangzhou tours and things to do in one of China’s most beautiful cities: glide across the serene West Lake by boat, explore the ancient Lingyin Buddhist temple, sip world-famous Longjing green tea on the plantation hillsides, drift through the tranquil Xixi wetlands, and step back in time on the historic Hefang old street. Compare top-rated experiences and plan the perfect trip.
294 experiences Free cancellation Top-rated tours Instant booking
Sunset tours in Hangzhou
Departures that are under way when the sun sets in the coming weeks — start times checked against the local sunset.
Good for families in Hangzhou
Children can join from a young age and pay less than adults — taken from each operator’s price list.
Browse
Explore Hangzhou by interest
Whatever brings you to Hangzhou — world-class museums, the river, or a long lunch — start with the experiences travellers love most.
What to see
Top attractions in Hangzhou
The landmarks that define the city — and the tickets and tours that get you in, often skipping the line.
West Lake
Poetic scenery.
40 toursView tours
Leifeng Pagoda
Lakeside pagoda.
20 toursView tours
Lingyin Temple
Ancient temple.
30 toursView tours
Longjing Tea
Dragon Well.
20 toursView tours
Xixi Wetland
Canals & reeds.
20 toursView tours
Hefang Street
Old street.
20 toursView tours
Grand Canal
Historic waterway.
15 toursView tours
Impression Show
Night spectacle.
15 toursView tours
City awayWest Lake
Poetic scenery.
from €25View trips
City awayLingyin Temple
Ancient temple.
from €30View trips
30 min awayLongjing Village
Tea terraces.
from €35View trips
30 min awayXixi Wetland
Canals & reeds.
from €35View trips
City awayGrand Canal
Historic waterway.
from €30View trips
City awayHefang Street
Old street.
from €25View trips
Practical guide
Know before you go
Short, straight answers to the questions every Hangzhou visitor asks before booking.
Spring (Mar–May)
Mild and blooming, with lovely lake scenery — the best time.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Hot and humid, with lush green landscapes.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Cool, clear and beautiful — ideal for the lake.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Cold and quiet, sometimes with atmospheric snow on the lake.
For tea
Spring is picking season on the Longjing hills.
Best overall
Spring and autumn are ideal.
One day
West Lake and Lingyin Temple.
Two days
Add tea plantations and Xixi wetland.
Three days
Add the Grand Canal and food tours.
For tea
The Longjing tea hills.
For nature
West Lake and Xixi wetland.
With kids
Boat rides and the old street.
Lake boats
Cruise boats cross West Lake to its islands.
Metro
A modern metro links the centre and West Lake.
On foot & bike
The lakeside causeways are lovely on foot or by bike.
Tours
Guided tours combine the lake, temple and tea hills.
Where to stay
Stay near West Lake for the best of Hangzhou.
Chinese yuan
China uses the yuan; mobile payment is widespread.
Cruise West Lake
A boat cruise is the classic way to see the lake.
Visit a tea village
Tour the Longjing hills and taste fresh Dragon Well tea.
Go early to Lingyin
Arrive early at Lingyin Temple to beat the crowds.
See the night show
The Impression West Lake show is a stunning spectacle.
Try local dishes
Don’t miss Dongpo pork and West Lake fish.
Spring & autumn
Visit in spring or autumn for the finest scenery.
Private tours
Private day tours fill up — book ahead.
West Lake cruises
Boat cruises are busy in peak season — reserve early.
Night show
The Impression West Lake show sells out — book ahead.
Tea tours
Longjing tea tours have limited spots — reserve early.
Xixi wetland
Wetland boat tours book out in peak times — book ahead.
Spring & holidays
Spring and Chinese holidays are busiest — book everything ahead.
West Lake tour
Around €25–50 for a West Lake cruise and walk.
City day tour
About €60–120 for a private full-day city tour.
Tea tour
Roughly €35–70 for a Longjing tea plantation tour.
Xixi wetland
Around €30–60 for a Xixi wetland boat tour.
Night show
From about €40 for the Impression West Lake show.
How to save
Join group tours and combine the lake with the temple.
When to visit
Hangzhou through the seasons
What's best, how busy it gets, and one booking tip for each time of year.
Spring (Mar–May)
Mar–May
- Best for
- Blossom & tea.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Best.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Jun–Aug
- Best for
- Lush scenery.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Humid.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Sep–Nov
- Best for
- Clear lake views.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Ideal.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Dec–Feb
- Best for
- Quiet & snow.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Cold.
People also ask
Hangzhou travel FAQ
What are the best tours in Hangzhou?
The highest-rated experiences are a West Lake cruise, Lingyin Temple, a Longjing tea plantation tour, and a Xixi wetland tour.
What should I book in advance in Hangzhou?
Reserve private tours, West Lake cruises and the night show ahead, especially in spring and Chinese holidays.
How many days do I need in Hangzhou?
One day covers West Lake and Lingyin Temple, and two let you add tea, wetlands and food.
Is Hangzhou worth visiting?
Yes — Hangzhou is one of China’s most beautiful cities, famed for the poetic West Lake, ancient temples and its celebrated green tea.
When is the best time to visit Hangzhou?
Spring and autumn offer the loveliest weather and lake scenery, with spring the tea-picking season.
Can you visit tea plantations in Hangzhou?
Yes — the Longjing tea hills above West Lake are a top tour.
Is Hangzhou good for families?
Yes — gentle boat rides on the lake and wetlands and the lively old street make it a great family destination.
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