Hangzhou is not only about West Lake, are the lesser-known attractions in the city also worth visiting?

Having visited West Lake and Leifeng Pagoda years ago, I was unfamiliar with downtown Hangzhou. Taking advantage of a break on my trip from Shanghai to Huangshan, I spent three days in Hangzhou and did some research. I had some favorites, but also some disappointments:
① West Lake: The famous "Ten Scenic Spots of West Lake" are breathtakingly beautiful. This iconic and must-see attraction truly offers something to see at any time of year. I personally recommend visiting in the evening to stroll along the Su Causeway, where the willows sway gracefully in the sunset.
② Xixi Wetland: This natural wetland park is said to be ecologically diverse and rich in natural scenery. It has both free and paid areas. We went to the free area, which was mediocre, so I wouldn't recommend making a special trip.
③ Xiaohezhi Street: Built along the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, this historic district is full of ancient charm and has many cultural and creative shops. It's a great place to stroll through.
④ Gongchen Bridge: This area offers the scenery of a Jiangnan water town, and many precious historical buildings are preserved in the surrounding area. ⑤ Qinghefang Street + Southern Song Imperial Street: Cobblestone streets and Ming and Qing dynasty buildings, filled with snacks and souvenir shops, heavily commercialized, so don't make a special trip.
⑥ Water Bus Line 1: For ¥3, take a boat ride along the Grand Canal, from the high-rise Wulinmen Pier to the small bridges and flowing water of Gongchen Bridge. Experiencing the passage of time along the waterfront. The boats are enclosed, so it's recommended to sit by the windows for a better view.
⑦ Damanong Morning Market: Visit the local market; prices are quite affordable and they carry all the essentials.
⑧ Wulin Night Market: Seems to have both indoor and outdoor areas? When we went, there was only the indoor area. The food was average, nothing special to try, and the prices were a bit on the expensive side.
#Hangzhou

Post by Chengchichi | Sep 9, 2025