🌿 Top Free Things To Do in Hangzhou

Hangzhou isn’t just about tea fields and luxury cruises on West Lake — it’s also packed with free attractions where you can soak in history, culture, and local life without spending a cent.

✨ 1. West Lake (西湖)
No trip to Hangzhou is complete without strolling by the West Lake. The lake itself is free — walk along Su Causeway or Bai Causeway, admire Leifeng Pagoda from the outside, and catch the reflections of the Three Pools Mirroring the Moon.

✨ 2. Gongchen Bridge & Qiaoxi Historic District (拱宸桥 & 桥西历史文化街区)
At the end of the Grand Canal, this old warehouse district preserves Qing-era houses and modern creative spaces. Don’t miss the evening lantern-lit views of Gongchen Bridge.

✨ 3. Free Museums Cluster
All within walking distance in the Qiaoxi district:
• 🪭 China Fan Museum (中国扇博物馆)
• ☂️ China Umbrella Museum (中国伞博物馆)
• ⚔️ China Knife, Scissors & Sword Museum (中国刀剪剑博物馆)
All free entry, with interactive exhibits.

✨ 4. Hefang Street & Southern Song Imperial Street (河坊街 & 南宋御街)
Bustling pedestrian zones where you can browse shops, snack on free samples, and admire preserved façades.

🚇 Getting Around:
Metro Line 1 and Line 5 cover most of these free attractions. For a special touch, hop on the ¥3 water bus along the Grand Canal for cheap sightseeing.

#mytraveldiary #hangzhou #chinatravel #freethingstodo #backpackertips