Hangzhou — Travel Guide for Foreign Visitors
Airport transfers, signature food and top things to do — everything a visitor needs in Hangzhou.
The 'Paradise on Earth' of West Lake and digital China — a top Yangtze-Delta stop.
🍜 Signature dishes in Hangzhou
- 西湖醋鱼West Lake Vinegar Fish
- 龙井虾仁Longjing Shrimp
- 东坡肉Dongpo Pork
- 片儿川Pian Er Chuan Noodles
- 叫化鸡Beggar's Chicken
- 猫耳朵Cat's Ear Noodles
- 定胜糕Ding Sheng Cake
- 干炸响铃Dry-fried Bell
- 宋嫂鱼羹Song Sao Fish Soup
- 龙井茶Longjing Tea
🎟️ Top things to do
- West Lake
Iconic lake & gardens
- Wuzhen Water Town
Canal town, 1h by HSR
- Hangzhou cuisine
Dongpo pork & Longjing tea
- Lingyin Temple
Entry tickets for Feilai Peak & Lingyin.
- Hefang St
Old pedestrian street
- Xixi Wetland
Entry ticket; bookable online.
- Wuzhen day trip
Water town, 1h by HSR
- Grand Canal
Beijing-Hangzhou canal
- Qiandao Lake
Forest lake, 1.5h by HSR
- Shanghai day trip
1h by high-speed rail
- Hefang Street
Free, no booking.
- Leifeng Pagoda
Entry ticket to climb.
👥 Visitor tips
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from the airport to downtown Hangzhou?
Take the metro or a taxi from HGH (Xiaoshan) airport. The metro is the cheapest option; taxis are convenient for luggage and groups.
Do I need a visa to visit Hangzhou on a layover?
Many nationalities can use China's 240-hour visa-free transit policy in Hangzhou. Check your eligibility in the visa checker tool before travelling.
Is a layover in Hangzhou visa free, and how long can I stay?
Inside the airport's international transit area you can wait up to 24 hours without a visa. To leave the airport, nationals of 57 countries can use the 240-hour visa-free transit (up to 10 days, counted from 00:00 the day after entry) and many others have 30-day visa-free entry. Full answers: see the visa & layover FAQ. Visa Q&A →
Other cities
Data provided by PivotCN · airport (HGH (Xiaoshan)) · verify with official sources before travel.