The upcoming Hangzhou is stunning to the extreme

November in Hangzhou is the perfect time to enjoy the autumn colors, including maple leaves and ginkgo, and to experience the city's autumn charm. Here is a travel guide for Hangzhou in November:

Recommended Attractions

- West Lake Scenic Area[__LINK_ICON]: November is the best time to visit West Lake. The French plane trees along Su Causeway and Bai Causeway turn golden, ginkgo leaves cover the courtyard of Lingyin Temple, and the withered lotus at Quyuan Fenghe blends with the mist, creating a poetic scene. Additionally, the red maple at Broken Bridge is vibrant and contrasts beautifully with the distant Baochu Pagoda. The main West Lake scenic area is free, but some spots charge admission, such as Feilai Peak at Lingyin Temple (45 RMB) and Leifeng Pagoda (40 RMB).
- Jiuxi Eighteen Streams[__LINK_ICON]: Arrive before 8 a.m. to see the misty Jiuxi with trees reflected in the water like an ink painting, with red leaves mirrored in the streams—an absolutely stunning view. The air here is fresh and filled with the scent of plants.
- Xixi Wetland[__LINK_ICON]: In November, Xixi Wetland offers the beautiful "autumn reeds and flying snow" scenery. Take a rowboat through the reed beds, where golden reeds sway in the wind and sunlight sparkles on the water, creating a very pleasant experience.
- Manjuelong[__LINK_ICON]: Although the osmanthus flowers have mostly fallen, Manjuelong in November has another kind of beauty. Walk up the stone path flanked by translucent yellow ginkgo trees, occasionally catching the lingering scent of osmanthus. Climb to Guiren Pavilion for a panoramic view of Hangzhou’s autumn scenery.

Food Recommendations

- Hangzhou Cuisine[__LINK_ICON]: Recommended classic dishes include West Lake Vinegar Fish and Longjing Shrimp, which can be enjoyed at restaurants near Huagang Guanyu.
- Street Snacks[__LINK_ICON]: At Hefang Street, try Grandma Sun’s scallion pancakes, freshly baked and pressed, spread with sweet bean sauce for a delicious flavor; at Wushan Square, try Dingsheng Cake, a warm treat with glutinous rice fragrance mixed with sweet red bean paste.
- Autumn Special Drinks[__LINK_ICON]: Most tea shops in scenic areas offer "Osmanthus Latte." It’s recommended to try the version with "Longjing milk cap" to taste the essence of Hangzhou’s autumn in one sip.

Transportation Guide[__LINK_ICON]

- External Transport: Take the high-speed train to Hangzhou East Station or Hangzhou Station. Hangzhou East Station has more metro lines, making it more convenient to reach West Lake and other attractions.
- City Transport: Use the metro for travel; simply scan the QR code with Alipay. You can also take the West Lake sightseeing bus, which costs 40 RMB per person and stops on demand along the route.

Accommodation Recommendations

- Near Longxiangqiao Metro Station: The preferred area, within walking distance to West Lake and the Lakeside business district, convenient for dining, shopping, and entertainment.
- Near Huanglong Metro Station: Offers good value, close to West Lake and Lingyin Temple, with shopping centers like Intime and Hangzhou Tower nearby.

Notes[__LINK_ICON]

- In November, Hangzhou’s temperature ranges from 10-20°C. It is recommended to wear a thin sweater plus a trench coat or light jacket, paired with jeans and white sneakers. For those wanting to take ancient-style photos, bringing a hanfu is a good idea.
- There is a large temperature difference between morning and evening by West Lake, so carry a light jacket to avoid catching a cold.
- Do not trust roadside "black guides" or "low-price boat tours." The scenic area has official boat services that are safer and more reliable.