Hangzhou is a historic city in Zhejiang Province, in eastern China. It is best known for the scenic West Lake, for its traditional gardens, and for its long association with silk production. Chinese poets have often called it a paradise on earth, and many visitors come to see why.
What to see
- West Lake, the scenic centre of the city, which visitors often explore on foot or by boat along its shores.
- Traditional gardens around the lake, offering quiet paths and carefully arranged views.
- Silk heritage, a reminder of the trade and craft that have shaped the city for generations.
Planning a visit
Hangzhou suits a slower pace. Most people base themselves near the lake, where walking routes, gardens and tea-house stops are close together, and then spend time in the city's older districts. Because the lake is the heart of the visit, it is worth setting aside at least a full day to move between its shores at an unhurried pace.
The city's name also appears in Chinese as 杭州. Whether you come for its landscapes, its gardens or its history, Hangzhou offers a gentle and reflective introduction to the Zhejiang region.
