What’s beautiful about traveling to Hangzhou? Transportation tips for traveling in China

Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang Province, China, is dubbed the “paradise on earth” for its poetic beauty and long-standing cultural history. This city is considered an ideal destination for anyone who loves nature, history, culture, and Chinese cuisine. In recent years, Hangzhou’s attractions have consistently drawn Vietnamese travelers. Let’s discover what makes Hangzhou so beautiful and get all the essential information for traveling to Hangzhou, China!

1. Where is Hangzhou?

Hangzhou lies in the northern part of Zhejiang Province, about 180 km northwest of Shanghai. The city is surrounded by majestic mountains and winding waterways, creating a stunning natural landscape. The climate is mild, with four distinct seasons; spring and autumn are the most ideal times to visit.

Famous since ancient times for its sericulture, Hangzhou—once a key stop on the legendary Silk Road—still offers high-quality silk products in shops throughout the city.

Hangzhou cuisine is another highlight you must not miss. The city is renowned for Longjing tea—one of the finest teas in the world. Visitors can enjoy Longjing tea at lakeside tea houses or explore the lush tea terraces, learning about the traditional methods of cultivating and processing tea.

What’s beautiful about traveling to Hangzhou? Transportation tips for getting around China

Hangzhou is the ideal destination for anyone who loves to explore and experience the very best of China.

2. Travel tips for getting around Hangzhou, China

2.1 Getting to Hangzhou, China

Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to go from Vietnam to Hangzhou. Flight times range from 2 to 4 hours, with typical layovers in Shenzhen, Guangzhou, or Hong Kong depending on your departure city. Ticket prices vary by airline, booking time, and class, and generally range from ₫2 million to ₫10 million.

Currently, Vietjet does not operate direct flights to Hangzhou. Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport connects with over 100 domestic and 40 international airports. A common strategy is to book a flight into another major Chinese hub and then catch a connecting flight to Hangzhou. You can sometimes find fares from Vietnam to China starting at around ₫490,000. See detailed info HERE.

2.2 Getting around Hangzhou

Hangzhou is a modern city with a well-developed public transport network. You can easily get around using:

Buses
Metro
Taxis
Bicycles

In many scenic areas, you can also travel by train or boat, which lets you soak in the city’s beautiful views and enjoy its fresh, cool air.

For public transport, travelers should purchase a Hangzhou Metro Pass to save on fare costs.

3. What’s beautiful about Hangzhou?

Hangzhou, China, is dubbed the “paradise on earth” for its poetic scenery and blend of ancient culture and modern life. It’s one of China’s most popular tourist destinations, enchanting visitors with the following attractions:

3.1 West Lake

West Lake is Hangzhou’s signature landmark and has long been celebrated as one of the world’s most beautiful freshwater lakes. Covering over 6 km², it is ringed by lush green hills and historic villages.

You’ll also find many long-standing cultural and historical sites around the lake, such as:

Longjing Village (home of Dragon Well tea)
Southern Song Dynasty Imperial Street Village
Lingyin Temple
Leifeng Pagoda
Feilai Peak Temple

Each site boasts its own unique architectural style and historic significance, adding to West Lake’s timeless appeal.

Travelers can stroll along the lakeshore, row boats on the clear water, or hike up nearby hills for panoramic views of the city.

3.2 Longjing Tea Plantation

Longjing Tea Plantation is located southwest of Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China. Nicknamed “the land of dragon clouds,” it’s renowned for its rolling green tea terraces and for producing Longjing tea—one of the world’s finest varieties.

At the plantation, you can enjoy activities such as walking or taking electric carts through the lush tea fields, breathing in the fresh air, and admiring the stunning natural scenery. You can also tour the tea factory to learn about the traditional methods used to produce authentic Longjing tea.

Travelers should visit the Longjing Tea Plantation in spring or autumn to see the tea terraces at their most vibrant green.

3.3 Qinghefang Ancient Street

Qinghefang Ancient Street is another must-see for travel enthusiasts visiting Hangzhou. As one of China’s most famous historic streets, it boasts over 1,000 years of history. Here you’ll find well-preserved examples of traditional Chinese architecture—curved tile roofs, winding lanes, and charming shopfronts. Stroll along the street to browse artisan workshops, pick up souvenirs, and immerse yourself in the traditional culture of old-world Hangzhou.

3.4 Lingyin Temple

Nestled amid the majestic scenery of Five Clouds Mountain (Wuyun Shan), Lingyin Temple is Hangzhou’s most famous spiritual and tourist site. With a history spanning more than 1,600 years, it captivates visitors with its ancient, solemn architecture and tranquil atmosphere, offering deep cultural and religious significance.

The temple’s standout feature is the world’s largest bronze statue of Maitreya Buddha—20 meters tall and weighing 25 tons—perched atop the mountain and gazing out over the serene waters of West Lake. This awe-inspiring sight imparts a profound sense of peace and good fortune to all who visit.

Lingyin Temple is one of the most important Buddhist centers in China, home to many priceless Buddhist relics.

4. Which season is best to visit Hangzhou?

Hangzhou’s scenery is poetic and romantic all year, but the two best seasons to travel here are spring (March to May) and autumn (July to September).

4.1 Spring in Hangzhou

Spring in Hangzhou is fairly warm, with average temperatures from 15–20 °C. Skies are clear and rainfall is light, making it perfect for outdoor sightseeing. During spring, the Zhejiang capital is adorned with vibrant blossoms like cherry, peach, plum, and tulip flowers. Travelers can also join traditional festivals such as the Longjing Tea Festival, Cherry Blossom Festival, and Dragon Boat Festival.

4.2 Visiting Hangzhou in Autumn

Autumn in Hangzhou brings cool weather, with average temperatures between 20–25 °C. It’s an ideal time for hiking and enjoying the picturesque waterways, thanks to the fresh, crisp air. In autumn, the trees around Hangzhou turn brilliant shades of gold, creating a truly romantic backdrop that enchants every visitor.

No matter what season you visit Hangzhou, you’ll experience the city’s unique charm.

5. Savoring the Cuisine – Irresistible Hangzhou Dishes

Hangzhou, China, is renowned for its culinary delights and unique flavors. Here are some standout dishes you must try:

Dongpo Pork: Braised belly pork cooked with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and various spices. The meat is tender, rich, and deeply flavorful.
West Lake Fish: The most famous fish dish in Hangzhou, named after the iconic West Lake. It can be prepared steamed, braised, or pan-fried. Visitors love its delicious taste and high nutritional value.
Longjing Shrimp: Freshwater shrimp from Zhejiang Province stir-fried with Longjing tea leaves, resulting in a uniquely aromatic and delicious dish.

Other local specialties include glutinous rice cakes with meat filling, small steamed buns, rice paper–wrapped pork rolls, sweet rice dumplings in syrup, and crispy fried dough sticks.

Come to Hangzhou, China, to immerse yourself in its majestic natural beauty, explore its rich historical and cultural heritage, indulge in its diverse cuisine, and enjoy a variety of recreational activities. For unforgettable memories in this “paradise on earth,” book your flight to China today to secure the best fares starting from just ₫490,000.

Special Offer, Vietjet offers Vietnamese travelers unbelievable deals—international flights for just 0₫ every Friday. Find detailed information on China routes HERE.

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