Hangzhou is renowned for its beautiful natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage. The must-see activities include taking a boat ride on West Lake, exploring the ancient temples like Lingyin Temple, walking along the Longjing Tea plantations, visiting the China National Tea Museum, and enjoying the peaceful ambiance of Xixi Wetlands. A trip to the ancient pagodas, such as Leifeng Pagoda, and experiencing local tea ceremonies are also highly recommended.

"Impression West Lake" is located in the Yuehu waters in the northwest corner of West Lake. It is a large-scale urban landscape live performance led by the Hangzhou Municipal Government and jointly funded by the Hangzhou Municipal Park and Cultural Bureau, Zhejiang Radio and Television Group and Zhejiang private enterprise Kaisi Group with a total investment of 100 million yuan.
A diamond-shaped stage of more than 3,000 square meters was built on the surface of Yue Lake . Through the perfect combination of sound, light, and water technology, more than 260 professional actors performed on the natural landscape. In the north of Yue Lake, there are liftable audience seats that can accommodate 1,700 people. This not only does not destroy the beautiful scenery during the day, but also provides the audience with a comfortable stand with a wide field of view during the performance. Through very advanced and luxurious stage design, sound, light, shadow, fog, and people are combined to create a truly world-class urban landscape live performance.
It takes the world-famous Ten Scenic Spots of West Lake, namely Su Causeway, Spring Dawn, Quyuan and Windy Lotus, as the performance background, the surface of West Lake as the stage, and the thousand-year cultural heritage of West Lake as the elements, integrating the urban landscape of West Lake into one, forming the most luxurious urban landscape natural theater in the world, creating a precedent for the world's urban landscape live performances, successfully interpreting the harmonious relationship between man and nature, and truly embodying the state of harmony between man and nature.
Real mountains, real waters, and real scenery evoke real life. Set against the backdrop of West Lake's captivating beauty and millennia-old culture, professional actors recreate the uniquely idyllic folkways of the Jiangnan region across hundreds of thousands of square meters of the West Lake Scenic Area, transporting you into a world of flowing waters, fishermen's songs, legendary love stories, and a dreamlike paradise.
Suitable for all seasons
Recommended playing time: about 1 hour
Starting from 360 yuan
First game 7:45 PM - 8:35 PM
Game 2 21 : 15-22 : 05
(Whether there will be a second show will be subject to the information announced on the day)
Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang Province, is historically significant for being a major cultural, economic, and political center in ancient China. Its most famous landmark, West Lake, has been a muse for poets, artists, and scholars for centuries and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Hangzhou was the capital of the Southern Song Dynasty and is also renowned for its role in the global tea trade, especially Longjing tea.
Hangzhou is located in the eastern part of China, in Zhejiang Province. It can be easily accessed via Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport, high-speed trains, and buses. The city has an efficient public transportation system, including metro, buses, and taxis. You can also explore the city by walking in popular areas like West Lake and Hefang Street.
Hangzhou's tourist attractions generally operate from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best times to visit are in the spring (April-May) and autumn (September-November) when the weather is pleasant, and the landscapes are at their most beautiful. Avoid national holidays (like Chinese New Year or Golden Week) when the city can be very crowded.
The entrance fees for major attractions like West Lake and temples are generally low, with some attractions offering free entry. Specific sites like Lingyin Temple or Leifeng Pagoda charge an entrance fee, usually ranging from 30-50 RMB. Tickets can be purchased on-site or online through official tourism platforms.
For popular attractions like West Lake or Lingyin Temple, booking tickets in advance is recommended during peak tourist seasons. It's advisable to book at least 1-2 days in advance for better availability, especially during holidays.
To fully explore Hangzhou, including its main attractions like West Lake, tea plantations, and ancient temples, a visit of 3 to 4 days is ideal. This allows you to explore both the cultural sites and natural landscapes without feeling rushed.
The must-see highlights in Hangzhou include West Lake, Lingyin Temple, Longjing Tea plantations, Xixi Wetlands, and Leifeng Pagoda. Each location offers unique experiences of Hangzhou's natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Guided tours are available at major attractions, and audio guides are offered in multiple languages, including English. It's recommended to check availability in advance, especially during busy tourist seasons.
The best photography spots include the West Lake (especially the Three Pools Mirroring the Moon), Leifeng Pagoda at sunset, the tea fields in Longjing, and the serene landscapes in Xixi Wetlands. These locations provide stunning views, perfect for capturing Hangzhou's natural beauty.
Start with West Lake in the morning to enjoy a boat ride and the surrounding gardens. Visit Lingyin Temple in the afternoon and end the day at Leifeng Pagoda for sunset. On the next day, head to Longjing tea plantations and explore Xixi Wetlands for a peaceful retreat.
West Lake offers a night cruise that allows you to enjoy the illuminated views of the lake. Additionally, there are occasional light shows, such as the "Impression West Lake" performance, which is a popular cultural event showcasing the beauty of the area.
Hangzhou can be crowded during national holidays, weekends, and summer. The least crowded times to visit are weekdays outside of holiday seasons, especially in the early morning or late afternoon when most tourists are not around.
Most major tourist sites in Hangzhou provide toilets, rest areas, and food stalls. West Lake has numerous cafés and restaurants along its shore, offering local dishes. Small shops are available for souvenirs, particularly in the areas around temples and tea plantations.
Yes, Hangzhou’s major attractions are generally accessible for elderly, children, and disabled visitors. West Lake has wheelchair-friendly paths, and most temples and pagodas offer ramps and elevators for easy access.
Mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely accepted, and credit cards are commonly used in most places. It’s advisable to carry some cash for small purchases in local markets or less touristy areas.
There are numerous restaurants and cafés around West Lake, serving Hangzhou’s famous dishes like Longjing tea, West Lake fish, and dumplings. Many restaurants offer both local and international cuisine, ranging from casual eateries to high-end dining.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available in many restaurants, particularly in vegetarian Buddhist temples and eco-friendly cafés. Halal food options can also be found in some specialized restaurants catering to the Muslim community in Hangzhou.
There are many hotels around West Lake and in the city center. From luxury hotels to budget options, you’ll find a wide range of accommodations, including international chains and traditional Chinese-style inns.
Nearby attractions include the China National Tea Museum, Xixi Wetlands, and Leifeng Pagoda. These can easily be combined into a day trip if you’re exploring Hangzhou’s cultural and natural sites.
Yes, souvenir shops can be found near most major attractions. Common souvenirs include Longjing tea, silk products, handicrafts, and traditional Chinese art pieces such as paintings and calligraphy.
After visiting Hangzhou, you can continue your trip by high-speed train to other cities like Shanghai, Suzhou, or Nanjing. Taxis and buses are also available for local travel within Hangzhou or to nearby cities.