From West Lake's poetic scenery to the bustle of food streets, Hangzhou has endless joys waiting for you. Below are 100 must-do experiences—whether you're wandering ancient lanes or savoring local snacks, check them off one by one with your favorite people!
On a sunny afternoon, stroll along West Lake's Lakeside Road—feel the breeze and enjoy spring's greenery.
Best time: March-May (spring)
Hike Baoshi Mountain: Climb from Huanglong Cave to Yue Lao Temple (for love blessings) and see spring bamboo shoots.
Nearby: Huanglong Sports Center Metro Station
Explore Beishan Road's historic villas—home to Hangzhou's "old residents" and a century of stories.
Admire brick houses and glass mansions on Nanshan Road; enjoy the night light show ("Welcome to Hangzhou").
Get off at Wansongling Station (Bus 4/K4) and visit Zhejiang Art Museum for world-class exhibitions.
Check exhibition schedule online in advance
Eat authentic Hangzhou snacks at the foot of Wushan Mountain: Xinfeng Snacks, Zhou Ping Zongzi, Cong Bao Hui.
Area: Gulou, South Zhongshan Road
Pass Southern Song Imperial Street and visit Huimin Street (Middle Zhongshan Road) for exotic halal food.
Explore the lesser-known Wuliu Lane Historic District—once a Southern Song imperial garden, now a quiet scenic spot.
Take Bus 194 across Yanggong Causeway—pass 6 bridges and feel the "rollercoaster" light weightlessness.
Visit Fenghuang Yuyuan Creative Park—check out creative studios (a must for literary fans).
Wander Mantoushan Community near the imperial city—experience old Hangzhou's daily life vibe.
Tour Hu Xueyan's Former Residence—a Qing Dynasty tycoon's mansion, now a popular spot for costume photos.
Ticket: ~RMB 20
Enjoy lotus flowers at Broken Bridge in summer and snow scenery there in winter.
Watch the grand "Songcheng Eternal Love" performance—feel the charm of ancient Song Dynasty.
Book tickets in advance for peak seasons
Admire tulips in Taiziwan Park in spring—windmills on the lawn feel like the Netherlands.
Best time: Late March-Early April
Visit China Academy of Art—its campus is a work of art itself.
Explore Zhejiang University Zhijiang Campus—built along Qiantang River, a romantic spot for fans of "Why Choose You".
Visit Liangzhu Ancient City Ruins (2019 World Heritage Site)—explore Neolithic civilization secrets.
Take Metro Line 16 to Liangzhu Station
Go skiing at Damingshan (Lin'an)—a favorite spot for Hangzhou outdoor lovers.
Best time: December-February (winter)
After skiing, relax in Tuankou Hot Spring (Lin'an)—soak away tiredness.
See plum blossoms at Chaoshan Mountain—red, white, and rare green plums are all available.
Best time: January-February
Visit Zhejiang Museum on weekends—view over 100,000 precious historical relics.
Free entry (need ID reservation)
Check in at China National Silk Museum (Bus 12 terminal)—take photos at the spiral staircase and spot "emoji" on dragon robes.
Visit China National Tea Museum—taste bright Longjing tea in a rustic thatched house.
Walk across Xiling Bridge and visit Seal Carving Museum—learn seal cutting to engrave your names on a stone.
Visit Hangzhou Arts and Crafts Museum (Umbrella/Scissors-Knife/Fan Museums) on a sunny day—admire traditional Chinese craftsmanship.
Explore Hangbang Cuisine Museum—understand why Emperor Qianlong loved Jiangnan food.
Wander Tangqi Ancient Town—its preserved duck is a must-have for Hangzhou's New Year Eve dinner.
Taste fresh spring Longjing tea in Longjing Village—praised by Emperor Qianlong.
Best time: Late March-Early April (new tea season)
Explore Xixi Wetland—find the filming location of "If You Are the One" and feel the charm of "Xixi, Stay Awhile".
Experience Hangzhou's history along the Grand Canal—take a ferry at Wulin Wharf.
Visit Shiqiao Flower Market—find the most diverse flowers in Hangzhou.
Watch a Meng Jinghui play at Fengchao Theater.
Book tickets via official WeChat account
Climb Beigao Peak—enjoy Hangzhou surrounded by sea of clouds.
Start early to avoid crowds
Pick honey pears in Luniao Town (Honey Pear Hometown) with friends.
Best time: August-September
Drive to Meicheng Town (Jiande) to explore the transformation of the thousand-year-old town.
Watch the fountain show at Wulin Square from Yan'an Road Overpass.
Showtime: 19:00-19:30 (weekdays); 19:00/20:00 (weekends)
Enjoy dinner and midnight snacks at the open-air tables on the north side of Shengli River Food Street (5 PM onwards).
Visit Maojiabu—West Lake's quiet gem with flying waterbirds and wild plants.
Ride the classic Ferris wheel and carousel at Hangzhou Children's Palace—relive childhood.
Take a wooden boat in Xixi Wetland—experience ancient life and culture.
Hike Jiuxi Smoke Tree—choose a fine day to enjoy its breathtaking scenery.
Wear comfortable sports shoes
Watch the stunning light show at Qianjiang New Town City Balcony.
Best view: 19:30-20:00 (Friday-Sunday)
Take a night cruise on Fuchun River—feel the poetry of "Watching the moon and water quietly".
Find the "Lonely Tree" at Yunqi Bamboo Path—take photos with this internet-famous spot.
Hunt for "treasures" at Wuzhai Antique Market (downtown)—get inspired by writer Nanpai Sanshu.
Join Hangzhou Marathon—challenge your limits.
Registration opens annually in September
Take a cable car and hot air balloon at Qiandao Lake.
Visit Bagua Field Ruins Park—its crops change with seasons; overlook its beauty from Yuhuang Mountain.
Watch the Qiantang River Tide—admire nature's power.
Best time: Mid-August-Mid-September (lunar calendar)
Try the brain-burning immersive escape room at 704 with friends.
Pick home decorations at IKEA Hangzhou—its cafeteria serves affordable, photogenic food.
Visit Tsutaya Bookstore ("World's Most Beautiful Bookstore")—attracted by its unique design and global books.
Spend time at Mai Jia Ideal Valley—a non-profit "bookstore complex" (read, don't buy).
Check in at Zuitianshi Cultural Bookstore—China's only women-themed bookstore with a rainbow escalator.
Visit Hangzhou Library Buddhism Branch—relax in its Jiangnan-style architecture with bamboo lanterns.
Burn incense at Lingyin Temple—pray for family's peace and happiness.
Respect temple etiquette
Get a popular "blessing amulet" at Faxing Temple.
Visit Yongfu Temple ("China's Most Beautiful Temple")—enjoy its tranquility, clear springs, and Zen vibe.
Walk along Binjiang Cherry Blossom Avenue when cherry blossoms bloom—enjoy the romantic petal rain.
Best time: Late March-Early April
Admire Gongchen Bridge at night—its shops shine with red lanterns, blending modern and ancient charm.
See the blooming flower fields at Hangzhou Botanical Garden.
Visit "Little Iceland" in Zhuantang—feel like stepping into the Ice Age.
Watch a Yue Opera at Hangzhou Xiaobaihua Yue Opera Troupe—the prototype of Wang Zhaojun's skin in Honor of Kings.
Shop to your heart's content at Sijiqing Clothing Market—every woman's dream spot.
Smell osmanthus fragrance at Manjuelong when osmanthus blooms—try osmanthus candy, cakes, and syrup.
Best time: September-October
Explore Wulin Night Market—Hangzhou's legendary night spot with countless vendors.
Enjoy the carnival at INTIME in77 Lakeside at night—attend business exhibitions with West Lake nearby.
Attend Strawberry Music Festival at Baima Lake in May—listen to your favorite bands and dance!
Dine at the rotating buffet on the 20th floor of Youhao Hotel (Pinghai Road)—enjoy 360° West Lake views.
Wait for a table at Gelao Guan Hot Pot—even 199 tables ahead, it's worth it!
Popular branch: INTIME in77
Explore Gonglian CC Underground Food Street with RMB 100—eat to your fill.
Order 5 drinks at Heytea: Zhizhi Meimei, Duorou Putao, Ahuatian Bobo Bing—no choices, just all!
Try taro cream puffs at Huan Niu Cake House.
Check in at the most beautiful Nayuki Wine House by West Lake.
Eat at Laoya Ji (Xixi Paradise Walk)—ducks sell out before 11 AM, so go early!
[配图：西溪龙湖天街老鸭集门店]
Taste milk fish with pickled cabbage at Zhoudong Road—recall college flavors.
Eat Zha Cai Xian Rou Mooncakes at Jiuyue Life.
Best time: Mid-August-Mid-September (Mid-Autumn Festival)
Try the happy Korean rice cakes at Xiasha.
Order salted egg yolk fried rice cakes at Dehong Noodle House.
Eat Ban Chuan (stir-fried noodles) at Fang Laoda Noodle House.
Try crispy pork intestines at Fuyuan Ju or Deming Restaurant.
Have salted egg yolk wontons at Huixin Snacks.
Eat crispy fried dumplings at Fangchun Shao Mai Jian Jiao.
Try cheese spare ribs at Xia Xing Pub.
Eat crab roe noodles at Xie Xiao Guan in autumn.
Queue for Jay Chou's favorite milk tea—Machi Machi.
Taste classic local snacks at Baomei Fried Dumplings.
Try Grandma Sun's Cong Bao Hui and Lao Tou You Bao Xia (fried shrimp)—old Hangzhou favorites.
Eat warm Lao Wang Pig Stomach Chicken Hot Pot with your loved one in autumn and winter.
Try Zhou Ping Zongzi—bigger than a fist and affordable.
Eat authentic Hangbang cuisine at Ziwei Hall (State Guesthouse).
Check in at Xie Da Niu Guan—loved by Hangzhou beef lovers.
Eat vegetarian meals for RMB 5 at Zhongtianzhu Temple.
Buy Wushan Roast Chicken at Wushan Road—queued for over 30 years.
Buy internet-famous taro sandwich at Cycle & Cycle (Middle Zhongshan Road).
Eat grilled pig trotters and Hua Ge Shuang Pi Nai at Laxi Street (Binjiang)—the best branch in Hangzhou.
Try Korean BBQ at Rou Ben Jia (Zijin Port堕落 Street)—a "secret base" for Zhejiang University teachers.
Taste world-famous %Arabica coffee—finally in Hangzhou!
Stay with your loved one in Hangzhou—enjoy every sunrise and sunset together.