Discover Hangzhou

Where poetry and landscape merge in eternal beauty

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About Hangzhou

The Lake of Poets

Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang Province, has been celebrated by poets and emperors for over a thousand years. Marco Polo described it as "the finest and most splendid city in the world," and its West Lake remains one of China's most iconic cultural landscapes.

The city's soul is West Lake, a freshwater lake surrounded by hills, pagodas, and gardens. Its beauty has inspired countless poems, paintings, and legends. The lake's ten scenic views, each with its own story, have been depicted by artists since the Song Dynasty.

Beyond its natural beauty, Hangzhou is a city of silk, tea, and technology. It's the home of Longjing (Dragon Well) tea, one of China's most prized green teas, and Alibaba, the e-commerce giant. Ancient temples and modern skyscrapers coexist in harmony.

West Lake

7th Century Capital

West Lake

UNESCO World Heritage site of poetic beauty

Longjing Tea

China's most celebrated green tea

Silk Heritage

Historic center of Chinese silk production

Tech Hub

Home to Alibaba and innovation ecosystem

Top Attractions

West Lake

The crown jewel of Hangzhou, this UNESCO World Heritage site features ten classic scenic views including the Broken Bridge, Su Causeway, and Three Ponds Mirroring the Moon. Boating here is like floating through a Chinese landscape painting.

Open: All day

Lingyin Temple

One of China's most significant Buddhist temples, founded in 328 AD. The temple complex includes ancient halls, serene gardens, and the famous Flying Peak with hundreds of stone Buddha carvings dating from the 10th to 14th centuries.

Open: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Six Harmonies Pagoda

A majestic octagonal pagoda overlooking the Qiantang River, originally built in 970 AD to suppress the river's tidal bore. The 60-meter tower offers panoramic views and houses intricate brick carvings of its interior walls.

Open: 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM

Hefang Street

A vibrant historic pedestrian street lined with traditional shops, teahouses, and medicine halls. Here you can watch craftsmen make silk umbrellas, taste local snacks, and experience the atmosphere of old Hangzhou.

Open: 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Longjing Tea Village

The birthplace of Dragon Well tea, nestled in terraced hillsides west of West Lake. Visit during spring harvest to see farmers picking tea leaves and experience the authentic process of producing China's premier green tea.

Open: All day

Xixi Wetland

A vast urban wetland park of ponds, reeds, and traditional villages. Navigate by boat through waterways where migratory birds nest, ancient pavilions stand, and seasonal festivals celebrate plum blossoms and dragon boats.

Open: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
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Hangzhou Cuisine

Elegant Southern Flavors

Hangzhou cuisine, part of the Zhejiang culinary tradition, emphasizes freshness, lightness, and refined presentation. Dishes are often steamed or braised, preserving natural flavors while showcasing the chef's artistry.

Many Hangzhou dishes carry stories from West Lake legends. Dongpo Pork commemorates the poet Su Dongpo, while Beggar's Chicken recalls a clever thief who wrapped a stolen chicken in mud. Eating here is tasting history.

The city's tea culture deeply influences its cuisine. Longjing tea appears in dishes like Tea-Smoked Chicken and Shrimp with Dragon Well Tea, creating subtle, aromatic flavors that reflect Hangzhou's refined aesthetic.

Hangzhou Cuisine

Eat in Hangzhou

Famous Dishes

Dongpo Pork

Dongpo Pork

Slow-braised pork belly named after poet Su Dongpo, featuring layers of succulent meat in rich soy-based sauce, red-brown and glistening.

West Lake Fish

West Lake Vinegar Fish

Fresh grass carp from West Lake, quickly poached and served with a sweet-sour vinegar glaze that balances delicate fish flavor.

Beggar's Chicken

Beggar's Chicken

Chicken wrapped in lotus leaves and clay, slow-baked to trap aromas of herbs and mushrooms, creating intensely flavorful meat.

Longjing Shrimp

Longjing Shrimp

Plump river shrimp quick-fried with Dragon Well tea leaves, creating translucent jade-colored delicacy with subtle tea fragrance.

Food Streets

Hefang Street

The most famous food street in Hangzhou, offering traditional snacks like lotus root cake, sweet rice cakes, and Beggar's Chicken. Historic medicine halls and teahouses add cultural flavor.

Hefang Street, Shangcheng District

Winlong Lane

A hidden gem for authentic Hangzhou flavors, where traditional restaurants serve dishes unchanged for generations. Famous for its Dongpo Pork and classic breakfast shops.

Winlong Lane, near West Lake

Shengli River Food Street

A riverside dining destination offering both Hangzhou classics and international cuisine, popular for evening strolls and outdoor dining with canal views.

Shengli River, Gongshu District
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