Destination
Hangzhou杭州
West Lake, tea plantations, and old canal towns — the most refined classical Chinese city.
Best time
Mar–May (osmanthus in late Sep is also magical)
Recommended
1–2 days
Tags
nature · tea · classical
Updated
7/11/2026
Why visit
Hangzhou is a 1-hour bullet train ride from Shanghai, perfect as a 1-2 day extension. West Lake is a poet's landscape; Longjing tea villages on the hillside are walkable.
What to see
Top attractions
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Useful Chinese address cards
Tap "Copy 中文" and hand your phone to a taxi driver or hotel front desk.
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West Lake (Su Causeway)
西湖·苏堤
浙江省杭州市西湖区龙井路1号
Walk or bike the causeway around sunrise for photos.
