Looking for a city with a lot of natural gems yet still has a strong culture too? We recommend you to visit Hangzhou, a charming city in Zhejiang Province, China. Well, not only for those reasons, Hangzhou is also a destination for tea lovers, because among all the things to do in Hangzhou, the most iconic one is when you visit the tea plantation and actually taste the best one.

So, whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, the city promises an unforgettable experience with a lot of great things to do in Hangzhou. Now, don’t wait any longer. Read the list of recommended things to do in Hangzhou before you book your flight and hotel there!

Let’s start our Hangzhou exploration by exploring the beauty of Xixi Wetland National Park! It’s a place for everyone in need of nature, with the lake in the middle, plenty of trees, sounds of the birds chirping, and the walking path to make it easier for you to stroll calmly.

Complete your experience by doing this thing to do in Hangzhou: riding the boat at the Xixi Wetland National Park. The view and the atmosphere when you ride the boat is indeed extraordinary. Plus, the boat rider’s usually tell a lot of stories about the place that will make your exploration more exciting.

Feilai Peak is located right in front of Lingyin Temple, so it’s a one stop nature yet cultural thing to do in Hangzhou. Lingyin Temple is one of the largest Buddhist temples in China, built in 326 AD.

Surrounded by the forest and the hill, you will meet the statue of Buddha Maitreya at the entrance. As majestic and tranquil as it is, the iconic thing about Lingyin Temple is its Arhat Hall that consists of 500 Arhat statues (arhat is somebody that has reached enlightenment).

So close to the temple is the famous Feilai Peak, the limestone mountain that has unique rock formations and numerous ancient Buddhist carvings and grottoes. Believe us, exploring Feilai Peak is going to make you stare in awe.

Join the Hangzhou City Private Day Tour that includes Feilai Peak and Lingyin Temple on the itinerary.

Need a more fresh and natural destination? Then, your next thing to do in Hangzhou is visiting the Hangzhou Botanical Garden. Wear comfortable shoes because this garden is massive. It is full of greenery, colorful plants, and it also has a lake, where you can rent a boat. It is highly recommended to visit the garden during spring.

You can also get the fresh air in Meijiawu Tea Village, your next nature-y thing to do in Hangzhou. Aside from enjoying the picturesque scenery of the tea plantation, there are numerous activities you can do to make your visit more exciting, like tea-picking, learn about the traditional process of tea production, and taste its greatness at one of the tea houses available.

When you’re here, you must try the Dragon Well Green Tea! Check out Hangzhou Half-Day Private Tour that not only visits Meijiawu Tea Village but also Feilai Peak, Lingyin Temple, West Lake, and China National Silk Museum.

Leifeng Pagoda is the iconic destination to visit when you’re in Hangzhou. It’s an octagon-shaped pagoda, five stories tall, and located just beside the beautiful West Lake.

Get inside the pagoda and go to the top to witness an even more breathtaking view of the surroundings. Admiring the wall that is full with ancient Chinese art is a mandatory thing to do in Hangzhou, just like standing at the side of the West Lake and admiring the view in silence. Let all those tranquil scenery lurk inside your core memory.

Join the Hangzhou Day Tour to West Lake, Lingyin Temple, Leifeng Pagoda, Longjing Tea Fields for a more convenient trip.

Another thing to do in Hangzhou with the family is visiting the zoo. Yup, zoos are always the answer for a family day out. Spare yourself around 2-3 hours to complete Hangzhou Zoo thoroughly. Here, you can take the children to see giant pandas, lions, tigers, bears, foxes, sea turtles, and more.

Treat yourself some snacks like ice cream and popcorn at the food stalls. Munch together with your family while enjoying the scenic view around as well.

Yes, another tea plantation, but it won’t get you bored at all! Both Longjing and Meijiawu Tea Village are famous for their dragon well tea, and both offer an extraordinary scenic view.

Longjing Tea Village is located near the West Lake area, and it is more accessible from the centre of Hangzhou. The tea produced here is considered the best due to the ideal growing condition. Check out this Hangzhou Tea Culture Experience Tour on Traveloka that includes Longjing Tea Village and more destinations in Hangzhou.

If you need a place to relax, Hangzhou has a lot of spots for it. Go to the Jinghang Grand Canal, located in Gongye District, and prepare yourself for the best stroll in the morning or afternoon. People come here not only to admire the view, but also experience a living piece of ancient engineering marvel, especially on the historical bridges.

But yes, it is indeed serene here. A must thing to do in Hangzhou with family here is take a boat tour. Various tea shops are available around and you can stop for a rest. Also, don’t forget to take a lot of pictures in front of the old Chinese buildings.

Despite not being exactly located in Hangzhou, visiting Wuzhen Water Town is still the mandatory thing to do in Hangzhou, especially for foreign tourists. It is reachable easily by car, and also bus and train combined. It is probably around 1,5 - 2 hours of journey.

Experience living in the ancient era, where you can enjoy the traditional architecture and the intricate network of canals. The ambience and the view here is charming, featuring the wooden buildings, stone bridges, and narrow waterways. If Venezuela is too far, maybe Wuzhen Water Town can be your top choice.

At night, the view will be even more wonderful with lights all over the place. Don’t forget to try cruising for the most of your experience.

Now, you must have started to like Hangzhou because of its numerous nature destinations, including Guo Garden. It is popular for its stunning traditional landscaping, combined with serene ponds, elegant pavilions and more.

It is historically significant as one of the few remaining private gardens from the Qing Dynasty. The design of the garden creates harmony with nature, reflecting the aesthetics of classical Chinese garden art. You can enjoy peaceful walks in the morning or afternoon (but please check the weather before you go).

Yuewang Temple is also known as Yue Fei Temple because it was built as a sanctuary dedicated to the revered Song Dynasty general Yue Fei. It is located in Xixia Mountain and inside the temple is the General Yue Fei Mausoleum.

Here, you can strongly feel the feeling of loyalty and patriotism, especially from General Yue Fei to the country. Its solemn halls and exquisite statues tell a story of valor and integrity. Let’s wander through the tranquil courtyards, admire the intricate carvings, and learn everything you need to know about one of China's greatest heroes.

Located in a very aesthetic building and full with greenery from its garden, visiting China National Silk Museum is indeed one of the fun things to do in Hangzhou with family, especially when you have older children. Together, you can learn the story about the history, culture, and craftsmanship of China’s silk production.

Situated near the beautiful West Lake, you can also join the Hangzhou Half-Day Private Tour to explore those destinations combined in less than a day.

Hefang Street is another gem and strolling in it is one of the things to do in Hangzhou. When you’re there, you’ll experience the vibrant charm of this ancient street, surrounded by the city’s rich history and culture. At the side of the streets are numerous traditional shops, teahouses, and street food vendors.

Aside from enjoying the different atmosphere that Hefang Street has to offer, you can also browse for some things to buy. Probably for souvenirs. You can explore a variety of unique boutiques selling silk, handicrafts, and local specialties.

Your moment of shopping will be more lively and unique being surrounded by those well-preserved architecture and historical landmarks. Don’t forget to take a lot of aesthetic pictures too, or even make a video, so you will always remember the charm of the sights and sounds of traditional Chinese culture in Hefang Street.

If you are into island holiday, you can do it in Hangzhou too. You can visit Qiang Dao, or as popular as Qian Dao Lake or Thousand Island Lake. It is actually an artificial lake, now full with numerous notable hotels and resorts to stay in.

It is located in Chun'an County, part of Hangzhou. This expansive man-made lake boasts crystal-clear waters, with over a thousand verdant islands, each offering its own unique scenery and charm. You can enjoy a variety of activities, including boat tours, hiking, and exploring the lush landscapes and hidden coves.

The lake's tranquil environment provides a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Maybe you can spend a night or two at the luxurious hotels and resorts available in Qiang Dao!

Want to cross the West Lake? You can join the Hangzhou Highlights Tour with a Boat Ride that will take you cruising by boat and enjoy the beautiful scenery around the lake. Not only that, you can explore the nearby attractions too, like Guo Garden, Meijiawu Tea Village, and Qinghefang Old Street.

You will be picked up at your hotel in Hangzhou or at the Hangzhou train station and off you go to West Lake. Relax, you’ll be picked up in the most comfortable vehicle, with air conditioning fully working so your trip would be so nice!

Of all the great things to do in Hangzhou, you can help yourself by choosing the nearest hotel to your desired destination of Hangzhou. Of course, helping yourself can start by booking your travel needs on Traveloka, because you’ll enjoy the best price and promo, including for flight booking and attraction tickets!