Hangzhou, China: Day Trip from Shanghai

For centuries Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang province, has captivated creatives, earning a reputation as a paradise on Earth. Even Marco Polo, during his travels in the 13th century, remarked on its beauty. Despite rapid growth, Hangzhou has retained much of its charm, which we were fortunate enough to experience during a day trip from Shanghai.

Unlike many bustling Chinese cities, Hangzhou offers a serene oasis where nature blends effortlessly with its urban landscape. Although it’s less popular with international tourists, it has firmly captured the hearts of domestic travelers, who flock to peaceful Hangzhou attractions in droves.

After the fast pace of Shanghai, a day trip to Hangzhou was the perfect escape. However, navigating the crowds while trying to see all the places to visit in Hangzhou in one day proved challenging. As the former capital of China, with over two millennia of rich history, Hangzhou is home to a wealth of attractions, including the world’s largest silk museum, verdant tea plantations, ancient architecture, and the UNESCO-listed West Lake. Remarkably, all of this and more are just a 45-minute bullet train ride from Shanghai. To help you make the most of your visit, we curated a list of the best Hangzhou attractions, which you can customize based on your interests.

Top Hangzhou Attractions

West Lake

If there’s one must-see attraction in Hangzhou, it’s the UNESCO-listed Xi Hu, more commonly known as the West Lake. Spanning 1,600 acres and framed by mountains, West Lake is the city’s focal point, with much of Hangzhou’s sightseeing centered around what’s referred to as the “Ten Scenes of West Lake.” The word of its beauty has been spreading since the 9th century, which has inspired garden designs across China, Japan, and Korea.

Don’t miss picturesque spots like the willow-lined Su Causeway, the Fish and Lotus Pond, and the iconic Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, which is featured on the one yuan bill. The Leifeng Pagoda, one of China’s most revered, is another must-see Hangzhou attraction. Located south of the lake, the restored version even has escalators leading to the top. We were torn between admiring the gold-plated ceiling and the breathtaking views over the lake. Perched atop Wu Hill, the majestic Chenghuang Pavilion is a popular Hangzhou attraction, offering stunning views and remarkable architecture resembling soaring phoenixes.

To explore the area, you can rent a bike or save time by using the tourist shuttle. However, the best way to experience the lake’s magic is by taking a boat cruise. Group cruises feature traditional, intricately decorated boats, while paddle boats offer a more private experience. If you are staying overnight, check with your hotel about arranging a traditional high tea aboard a private paddle boat – a truly bucket-list-worthy experience!

The lake is steeped in mysticism, with countless stories and legends surrounding its history. If you can, stay until 7pm to catch the Impression West Lake night show, a live outdoor performance on a stage that hovers just beneath the lake’s surface. As dancers perform, their reflections ripple across the water, enhanced by captivating lights.

Lingyin Temple and Feilaifeng

Nestled in a lush forest near Feilai Peak stands Lingyin Temple, whose name translates to “Temple of the Soul’s Retreat,” inspired by its tranquil surroundings. In the 10th century, the temple housed over 3,000 monks, who created approximately 470 awe-inspiring Buddhist carvings in the caves of Feilai. Spared from destruction during the Cultural Revolution, Lingyin Temple remains Hangzhou’s oldest and most renowned, attracting both pilgrims and travelers to marvel at highlights like the Hall of Heavenly Kings and the carving of a laughing Buddha. We recommend taking the cable car to the temple, which offers a thrilling ride over tea plantations that you should visit afterward.

Tea Plantations

Hangzhou is famed for Longjing Green Tea, China’s most celebrated green tea. While you can sample this elixir at nearly every tea house in the city, the experience is elevated when you visit Hangzhou’s tea plantations. Along Meiling N Road, you’ll find rolling hills covered in tea fields. If you visit during picking season (March-April), you’ll have the added pleasure of seeing the harvest in action. Stroll around and then stop by a tea house to indulge in the delicate ritual of sipping Longjing tea as the leaves settle to the bottom of the glass. We enjoyed our tea at the scenic waterfront Fu Yun Tang, complete with floor seating and desserts that were almost too beautiful to eat.

Xixi National Wetland Park

With the effects of Longjing tea still lingering, we continued our Hangzhou tour at Xixi National Wetland Park. Spanning 2,800 acres and over 4,000 years old, this park, located just five kilometers from Hangzhou, is a network of rivers that support village life through fishing and silk production. A boat ride through the canals offers a glimpse into traditional life in what is now considered China’s finest wetland park. For those interested in the silk trade, the China National Silk Museum, the largest of its kind in the world, provides a fascinating look into Hangzhou’s silk production history.

Hangzhou Sightseeing

Beyond the natural beauty, the city proper is a treasure trove of historical and cultural attractions. The former residence of Hu Xueyan, a stunning example of traditional Chinese architecture, is well worth a visit. Although Hangzhou is known as China’s Silicon Valley, with a glistening business district home to e-commerce giant Alibaba and featuring striking modern buildings like the Golden Sun, it still incorporates natural elements, differentiating it from other cities we’ve seen on our China itinerary.

In typical Chinese fashion, Hangzhou too, has a traditional street that showcases old-world China, with ancient-like architecture, eateries, and curio shops. To round off your day trip to Hangzhou, Hefang Street is the perfect spot to grab snacks for the train ride back to Shanghai.

Bonus: Tianducheng

For those seeking something truly quirky, a short train ride will take you to Tianducheng, China’s “Paris.” This luxury residential development, complete with a replica Eiffel Tower, offers a near-perfect imitation of the French capital. If it weren’t for the Chinese signage and occasional ducks hanging from balconies of Parisian facades, you might forget you were in China. While replicas of European cities are popular in China, Tianducheng remains largely underpopulated, and its empty streets make for an odd but fascinating visit.