Marco Polo's favourite city, where serene lakes meet ancient temples and legendary tea plantations
Hangzhou has been celebrated as one of China's most beautiful cities for over a thousand years. Famous for its legendary West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the city offers a rare combination of natural splendour and refined cultural heritage that has inspired poets, painters, and emperors alike.
Once the capital of the Southern Song Dynasty, Hangzhou is steeped in history. Stroll along the willow-lined banks of West Lake, discover the serenity of Lingyin Temple hidden in forested hills, and walk through the endless rows of Longjing tea bushes that produce one of China's most prized green teas.
Whether you are seeking tranquil landscapes, ancient Buddhist heritage, or the delicate flavours of Hangzhou cuisine — from Dongpo pork to West Lake fish in sweet vinegar — this city promises an unforgettable journey into the poetic heart of China.
Plan Your Hangzhou Trip
Discover the best attractions, culture, and cuisine the lake city has to offer
Cruise or cycle around the legendary freshwater lake that has inspired poets for centuries, framed by pagodas, gardens, and distant misty hills.
Visit the Temple of the Soul's Retreat, one of China's wealthiest and most famous Buddhist monasteries, nestled among soaring limestone peaks and ancient grottoes.
Wander through the terraced hills of Dragon Well, where China's most celebrated green tea is grown, and enjoy a traditional tea tasting in a local farm.
Explore the first national wetland park in China, a tranquil maze of waterways, reed beds, and traditional villages that offers a peaceful escape from the city.
Admire the iconic five-storey tower on Sunset Hill, offering panoramic views of West Lake and immortalised in the legendary tale of the White Snake.
Experience the refined art of tea preparation in the very city where tea culture flourished, learning about brewing techniques that have been perfected over centuries.
Discover Hangzhou's legacy as the historic centre of Chinese silk production, visiting museums and workshops to see how luxurious silk is woven from cocoon to fabric.
Step back to the era when Hangzhou was the imperial capital, exploring museums and historic sites that preserve the art, literature, and philosophy of this golden age.
Walk through the bamboo groves of Yunqi and experience the deep cultural connection between Hangzhou and bamboo, used in art, cuisine, and daily life for millennia.
Savour the legendary Hangzhou braised pork belly, named after the celebrated Song Dynasty poet Su Shi, known for its melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich caramelised glaze.
Taste the most iconic Hangzhou dish — fresh West Lake grass carp cooked with a delicate sweet-and-sour glaze, celebrated for its crisp texture and subtle balance of flavours.
Enjoy a uniquely Hangzhou delicacy of tender river shrimp stir-fried with fragrant Longjing tea leaves, creating a light, aromatic dish that is as refined as the city itself.
Bite into delicate steamed soup dumplings filled with savoury pork and a hot, flavourful broth — a beloved local staple that showcases the finesse of Hangzhou cuisine.
Curated holiday packages that include the best of Hangzhou
Hangzhou, Suzhou, Huangshan, Shanghai & more
Discover Hangzhou's West Lake, the classical gardens of Suzhou, the dramatic peaks of Huangshan, and the vibrant Bund in Shanghai
Includes Return International Flights, High-Speed Rail, Internal Flights & Cruise
Beijing, Xi'an, Hangzhou, Shanghai & more
The ultimate China journey — the Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors, the serenity of West Lake, and the magic of Shanghai
Includes Return International Flights, High-Speed Rail, Internal Flights & Cruise
Hangzhou, Suzhou, Beijing, Shanghai & more
Immerse yourself in China's cultural treasures — tea plantations, imperial palaces, classical gardens, and ancient water towns
Includes Return International Flights, High-Speed Rail & Internal Flights

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