Why Hangzhou Is the Most Beautiful City in China

Are you wondering where to go in Hangzhou? There is an old saying about Hangzhou “Above is Heaven, Below are Suzhou and Hangzhou”. It goes that Hangzhou is the God’s country on earth. It is easy to understand why Hangzhou and its surroundings were known for centuries as "the land of milk and honey". Known as one of the most beautiful cities in China, Hangzhou attracts numerous tourists annually both from home and abroad for its historic relics and natural beauty. The city has a reputation for both great natural beauty and cultural and historical importance.

Hangzhou is one of the country's most popular tourist destinations and makes a great jumping-off point for travelers seeking a taste of Eastern China's rich cultural heritage. Hangzhou is the capital city of the province with numerous natural landscpae, hostorical and cultural scenic areas in & around the city. The Hangzhou's West Lake is the one of the most famous places that attracts thousands of domestic and western travelers come here for the charming scenery; Many people ask how many days should be planned for a Hangzhou tour, you should stay here at least 2 days for a pleasent and interesting tour. When you come to Hangzhou, do not miss the West Lake Scenic Area includes Leifeng Pagoda, Fish Viewing at Flower Pond, Lingyin Temple, Dragon Well Green Tea Plantation, Hefang Historical Street; If you have plenty time in Hangzhou, extend your trip to visit the Xixi National Wetland, Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal Scenic Area or Water Towns nearby Hangzhou.

The belows are the renowned tourist attractions in and around Hangzhou:

Attractions
West Lake
West Lake is a timeless jewel nestled in the heart of Hangzhou, where nature and culture blend seamlessly into a breathtaking tapestry. Renowned for its serene waters, classical gardens, and poetic landscapes, it has inspired countless poets, painters, and scholars throughout Chinese history. As you glide across the lake by boat or stroll along its charming causeways, you’ll encounter ancient temples, elegant pavilions, and weeping willows that dance with the breeze. Each season paints West Lake with a different palette—from spring’s cherry blossoms to autumn’s fiery maples—making it a living masterpiece that invites visitors to experience the soul of traditional Chinese beauty and philosophy.

The Ten Scenes of West Lake are a collection of iconic spots around the lake, each celebrated for its unique beauty and cultural significance. These scenes, such as “Spring Dawn at Su Causeway,” “Broken Bridge Reflecting the Snow,” and “Leifeng Pagoda in the Sunset,” capture the changing moods of West Lake through the seasons and times of day. They have been immortalized in classical poetry and paintings, symbolizing the harmony between nature and human artistry. Exploring these ten sights offers a deep dive into the lake’s rich heritage and the timeless stories that have shaped Hangzhou’s identity.

Lingyin Temple
Lingyin Temple, one of China’s most renowned Buddhist sanctuaries, nestles quietly amid the lush hills of Hangzhou, offering a serene escape steeped in spiritual history. Founded over 1,600 years ago, it is famed for its grand architecture, ancient statues, and intricate carvings that reflect centuries of devotion and artistry. Walking through its tranquil courtyards, visitors can feel the gentle echo of monks’ chants and the calming fragrance of incense, transporting them to a world of peace and contemplation. Surrounded by towering ancient trees and scenic grottoes filled with Buddhist carvings, Lingyin Temple is not only a place of worship but also a living museum of Chinese culture and religious heritage.

Feilai Peak
Feilai Peak, or “Flying Peak,” rises dramatically near Lingyin Temple, captivating visitors with its striking limestone formations and ancient Buddhist carvings. Legend has it that the peak mysteriously “flew” here from India, adding a mythical allure to its natural grandeur. The peak is dotted with hundreds of grottoes and caves, home to intricate stone sculptures dating back over a thousand years, showcasing exquisite artistry from the Tang and Song dynasties. As you wander among these silent sentinels, surrounded by lush greenery and the whispers of history, Feilai Peak offers not only breathtaking views but also a profound connection to China’s spiritual and cultural past.

Leifeng Pagoda
Leifeng Pagoda stands gracefully on the southern shore of West Lake, its elegant silhouette a symbol of Hangzhou’s rich history and folklore. Originally built in 975 AD, the pagoda has witnessed centuries of tales, including the famous Legend of the White Snake, which weaves romance and mysticism into its walls. Although the original structure collapsed in the early 20th century, the modern reconstruction preserves its architectural beauty and offers panoramic views of the shimmering lake and surrounding landscapes. Visiting Leifeng Pagoda is like stepping into a living storybook, where history, legend, and stunning scenery come together to enchant every traveler.

Hefang Street
Hefang Street is a vibrant, historic thoroughfare that captures the essence of old Hangzhou with its bustling markets, traditional architecture, and lively atmosphere. Strolling along this centuries-old pedestrian street, visitors are immersed in a sensory feast of sights, sounds, and smells—from the aroma of freshly brewed tea and sizzling street snacks to the colorful displays of handcrafted souvenirs and herbal medicines. Hefang Street not only offers a glimpse into the city’s rich commercial heritage but also preserves the spirit of ancient China, where merchants and artisans once gathered to trade goods and stories. It’s the perfect place to experience Hangzhou’s cultural soul and savor authentic local flavors.

Grand Canal (Jing-Hang)
The Grand Canal, known as Jing-Hang Grand Canal, is a marvel of ancient engineering and a lifeline that has shaped Hangzhou’s history for over a millennium. Stretching thousands of kilometers from Beijing to Hangzhou, this UNESCO World Heritage site is the longest and oldest man-made waterway in the world. Sailing along its tranquil waters, you can witness the vibrant trade and cultural exchange that flourished here, connecting northern and southern China. Lined with charming ancient towns, historic docks, and bustling markets, the canal reflects the enduring spirit of Chinese ingenuity and commerce, inviting visitors to explore a living testament to the country’s rich heritage.

Liuhe Pagoda
Liuhe Pagoda, also known as the Six Harmonies Pagoda, majestically rises on the banks of the Qiantang River, embodying centuries of Chinese architectural brilliance and spiritual significance. Built during the Northern Song Dynasty, this multi-storied octagonal tower was designed not only as a Buddhist monument but also as a symbol to calm the turbulent river tides. Visitors climbing its winding staircases are rewarded with panoramic views of the river, lush landscapes, and the city beyond, while admiring intricate woodwork and stone carvings that showcase exquisite craftsmanship. Liuhe Pagoda stands as a timeless beacon of harmony between nature, spirituality, and human artistry.

Xiang Lake
Xiang Lake is a serene and picturesque escape located on the outskirts of Hangzhou, where tranquil waters meet lush greenery and poetic landscapes. Revered as a cradle of southern Chinese culture, the lake is steeped in legends and historical tales, including stories of ancient scholars and poets who found inspiration along its peaceful shores. Visitors can explore scenic walking paths, charming pavilions, and vibrant lotus gardens that bloom in the summer, creating a timeless setting that invites reflection and relaxation. Xiang Lake beautifully embodies the harmony of nature and culture, offering a peaceful retreat infused with the spirit of traditional Jiangnan elegance.

Yunqi Bamboo Path
Yunqi Bamboo Path is a hidden gem nestled in the verdant hills near Hangzhou, where winding trails meander through towering bamboo groves that whisper ancient secrets with every breeze. This tranquil pathway offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the serene beauty of nature, away from the city's bustle, while soaking in the poetic atmosphere that has inspired countless Chinese poets and artists over the centuries. The rustling bamboo, clear streams, and rustic pavilions combine to create a timeless setting that embodies the elegant simplicity and harmony so cherished in traditional Chinese culture. Walking along Yunqi Bamboo Path feels like stepping into a living ink painting where every step invites calm and reflection.

Hangzhou Songcheng
Hangzhou Songcheng is a spectacular cultural theme park that brings ancient Chinese history and folklore to life through dazzling performances, immersive architecture, and vibrant festivals. Set against a backdrop inspired by the Southern Song Dynasty, the park offers visitors a chance to step back in time and experience the grandeur of imperial China—from bustling marketplaces and traditional crafts to spectacular live shows featuring martial arts, music, and dance. Each corner of Songcheng is meticulously designed to celebrate Hangzhou’s rich heritage, making it not only a fun destination but also a vivid journey into the heart of Chinese culture and storytelling.

Xixi National Wetland Park
Xixi National Wetland Park is a rare and enchanting urban wetland nestled on the outskirts of Hangzhou, offering a lush sanctuary where nature and culture intertwine. Known as “the green lungs of the city,” Xixi is home to winding waterways, vibrant birdlife, and traditional villages that reveal the harmonious coexistence of humans and nature throughout history. Visitors can explore tranquil boardwalks, ancient bridges, and serene ponds framed by blooming lotus flowers, while learning about the rich ecological and cultural heritage that has shaped this unique landscape. Xixi invites travelers to slow down, breathe deeply, and experience the timeless beauty and peaceful rhythms of the Jiangnan water town tradition.

Longjing Tea Fields
Longjing Tea Fields stretch gracefully along the gentle hills near Hangzhou where rows of vibrant green tea bushes create a stunning patchwork that has inspired poets and painters for centuries. Renowned as the birthplace of China’s famous Dragon Well tea these fields offer more than just breathtaking scenery they are a living symbol of tradition craftsmanship and the art of tea cultivation passed down through generations. Visitors can wander among the fragrant terraces watch skilled farmers hand-pick delicate leaves and savor freshly brewed Longjing tea while soaking in the serene atmosphere that perfectly blends nature and culture.

Hu Xueyan’s Former Residence
Hu Xueyan’s Former Residence is a beautifully preserved mansion nestled in Hangzhou that offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of one of China’s most influential businessmen and philanthropists of the Qing Dynasty. This grand estate showcases exquisite traditional architecture, intricate wood carvings, and elegant gardens that reflect Hu’s wealth and refined taste. Walking through its halls, visitors can explore the rich history of Hu’s entrepreneurial spirit and his contributions to Chinese commerce and society. The residence stands as a cultural treasure that vividly captures the elegance and sophistication of a bygone era.

Performances
Hangzhou X Show
Hangzhou X Show is a dazzling theatrical spectacle that combines stunning visual effects, graceful choreography, and powerful storytelling to bring Hangzhou’s rich cultural heritage to life. The performance features breathtaking scenes such as the delicate dance of lotus flowers blooming on West Lake, thrilling martial arts displays inspired by ancient legends, and poetic reenactments of famous local tales. Set on a grand stage with innovative lighting and multimedia technology, the show blends traditional Chinese art forms with modern creativity, captivating audiences with vibrant costumes, dramatic scenes, and mesmerizing music. This unforgettable experience offers a vivid journey through the legends, history, and natural beauty of Hangzhou, leaving viewers inspired and deeply connected to the city’s timeless spirit.

Impression West Lake
Impression West Lake is a breathtaking outdoor performance set against the stunning natural backdrop of Hangzhou’s iconic West Lake. Directed by the acclaimed Zhang Yimou, the show uses the lake itself as a grand stage, blending water, light, music, and dance to create a mesmerizing spectacle that celebrates the region’s rich history and romantic legends. Featuring hundreds of performers in colorful costumes, graceful boat dances, and poetic storytelling, Impression West Lake immerses the audience in the timeless beauty and cultural spirit of Hangzhou, making it a must-see experience that captures the heart and soul of this enchanting city.

Tonight at Xixi
This live cultural performance at Hangzhou’s Xixi National Wetland Park is a stunning blend of history, technology, and immersive storytelling. Invested in by Zhejiang Dafeng Industrial Co. with 150 million yuan and debuting in May 2021, the show has been continuously upgraded to incorporate rich Song Dynasty cultural elements and cutting-edge tech. It tells the poignant tale of Hong Hao, a Southern Song envoy detained in the Jin Kingdom for 15 years, and his wife Shen who steadfastly manages their home in his absence. Using a dual narrative approach with Hong Hao’s perspective in the north and Shen’s in the south, the performance combines immersive staging, holographic sound, and a rotating audience platform to evoke timeless themes of love and patriotism. The real landscapes of Xixi Wetland’s flower seas and Hong’s residence serve as authentic backdrops while interactive garden tours and a traditional cultural market add to the experience. Lasting about 60 minutes and starting around 7 PM daily, this show is a key highlight in the Hangzhou Asian Games cultural program and a vivid celebration of Song Dynasty heritage.

Elegant Xiang Lake
"Xianghu Elegance" is a large-scale digital lake-view performance created by Sha Xiaolan, the chief director of the Hangzhou Asian Games opening and closing ceremonies, and her team. As China’s first cultural heritage transformation project linked to the Asian Games, the show follows the digital character "The Tide Rider" as its narrative thread, weaving together the history of the Cross-Lake Bridge culture, Liangzhu civilization, the Wu-Yue rivalry, Song dynasty culture, and modern civilization development. The performance integrates advanced technologies such as digitally controlled laser fountains, holographic imaging, and drone formations to create an immersive "technology plus culture" experience amid the natural scenery of Xiang Lake. In 2025, a new storyline featuring Spring and Autumn Wu-Yue culture will be added, establishing a cultural tourism model of daytime park visits, evening markets, and night performances, with regular shows running through mid-November. From the perspective of the digital torchbearer "The Tide Rider," the show presents historical scenes including the Cross-Lake Bridge canoe, Liangzhu jade cong, the Qiantang River of Wu and Yue, and Tang and Song dynasty marketplaces. The 2025 program also introduces the intangible cultural heritage performance "Xiang Ji Dance" of Xi Shi and the legendary "King Qian Shooting the Tide," artistically reenacting the dance of the egret spirit and the love story of Fan Li and Xi Shi.

Dreaming Shangtang
"Dreaming of Shangtang" is a grand water-based live performance centered on the rich culture of Song dynasty poetry. Drawing inspiration from the stories of nine renowned poets spanning from the Five Dynasties to the Southern Song period, this 60-minute show unfolds across eight chapters and ten stunning scenes, masterfully crafted and performed by a leading Chinese arts troupe. The production features an innovative “moving and immersive” viewing experience, seamlessly blending drama, cinema, water screens, light and shadow effects, and artistic installations. Audiences are treated to a breathtaking visual feast where live actors interact with water projections, creating the magical sensation of sitting in a boat that drifts through a living painting.

Thousand Islands Lake Spirit of Water
"Spirit of Qiandao Lake" is a spectacular live performance located at the Qiandao Lake Town Theater in Chun’an County, Hangzhou. Directed by Zou Youkai, famed for his work on the CCTV Spring Festival Gala, and created with the collaboration of the 2008 Beijing Olympics stage design team, this show is a dazzling celebration of Qiandao Lake’s water culture with a hefty investment of 50 million yuan. The production uses cutting-edge technology including holographic imaging, a massive 3D screen, and a panoramic water stage combined with aerial water curtains, creating an immersive visual wonder. Divided into five to seven acts such as “Ancient Rivers” and “Spirit of the Mountains,” the show weaves martial arts, acrobatics, and traditional Chinese music performed by 150 artists to tell the stories of Qiandao Lake’s history and the underwater ancient city. During the busy season from April to October, a stunning 10-minute fireworks display lights up the lake on weekends and holidays, viewable from boats, adding extra magic to the experience. Conveniently accessible by public transport and close to the Qiandao Lake Resort and main tourist docks, the theater also serves as a vibrant cultural hub for locals and visitors alike.

Museums
China National Silk Museum

China National Tea Museum

Liangzhu Museum

Zhejiang Provincial Museum

Hangzhou Museum

Zhejiang Natural History Museum

Zhejiang Art Museum

Hangzhou Southern Song Kiln Museum

Amusement Parks
Hangzhou Paradise

Hangzhou Wildlife Park

Hangzhou Changqiao Polar Ocean Park