Relais & Chateaux Hotels in Hangzhou

Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang Province, is known for its beautiful landscapes, e-commerce and tech industries (home to Alibaba and other giants). Just 180 km from Shanghai, this city sits on the banks of the Qiantang River and is home to the famous West Lake, a place that’s been admired by poets and artists for centuries.

As a local, I love taking a boat on West Lake—it's like being in a painting, with the mist and the willow trees. Around West Lake, there’s always something chill—concerts, talk shows, and tons of street food. I usually end my day with some tasty Hangzhou dishes at a nearby restaurant.

Come and you'll see why they say, “上有天堂，下有苏杭” (Heaven above, Suzhou and Hangzhou below). So pack your bags and go! This is a city you don’t want to miss.

Getting to Hangzhou

So, you’re headed to Hangzhou, and you’re probably wondering how to get there and into the city. Well, here's the lowdown: Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH) is the main hub for both domestic and international flights. You’ll find flights from major cities like Beijing, Hong Kong, and even Amsterdam.

Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport is about 30 km (19 miles) from downtown, and you’ve got a couple of easy ways to get to city center.

• Taxis are the quickest option, costing around ¥90 (roughly $12) for the ～30 minute ride.
• But if you’re looking to save a bit, the Metro is another solid option—catch Line 1 at the airport for a smooth ride into the city, with a fare of around ¥2.30 ($0.30), and it’ll get you to the heart of Hangzhou in about 40 minutes.
• Alternatively, you can take a shuttle bus for ¥20 (about $3), which heads to Tiyuchang Road and the main train station, running every 15–30 minutes depending on the time of day.

If you’re feeling a bit jet-lagged and want to skip the stress of figuring out transportation at 2 AM, consider booking a hotel that offers free airport shuttles or even airport pickups.

See the TOP 10 hotels near Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport to find your best stay.

Best Areas to Stay in Hangzhou - Local Picks

West Lake Area: Right next to Hangzhou's Westlake with gorgeous temples and gardens everywhere. Hotels are pricey but you're paying for location - plus Metro Line 1 gets you anywhere you need to go.

Wulin Square: This is where young locals hang out - with amazing malls like In77, the best food streets, and more reasonable hotel prices than West Lake. Super convenient with three metro lines crossing here.

Binjiang, Tianjie, Longhu: My go-to recommendation for better hotel deals while still being just 15 minutes from West Lake by metro. Modern district with great riverside views and lots of new restaurants and cafes popping up.

TOP Things to Do in Hangzhou

Hangzhou is the city with endless things to do! You can explore West Lake with boat rides, visit the serene Lingyin Temple, or stroll through the Xixi National Wetland Park. Tea lovers should check out Meijiawu Tea Village and the Longjing tea fields.

• West Lake (Xi Hu): Surrounded by lush hills and dotted with islands, pagodas, and bridges, West Lake has been captivating poets and travelers for centuries. The lake is dotted with beautiful islands, pagodas, and bridges, each with its own story to tell—like the famous love story of Bai Suzhen and Xu Xi'an. With every season, West Lake offers a new view, from the lush greenery of spring to the crisp, quiet beauty of winter. Fall here is like a canvas of golden leaves, and winter’s all about that moody, ink-wash aesthetic (think traditional Chinese art vibes, my personal fav). Taking a boat ride on West Lake is like drifting through a traditional Chinese painting, the mist rolling off the water, and the willow trees swaying in the breeze.

• Xixi National Wetland Park: Xixi National Wetland Park, located just a short distance from West Lake, is a serene escape into nature. The park is dotted with tranquil waterways, ancient trees, and charming causeways, perfect for leisurely boat rides or quiet walks. You can see the scenic Causeway Fu, bird-watching areas, and cultural spots like the Lotus Flower Eco-Reserve and the charming Plum Villa. You can hop on a boat (either electric or row your own) to get up close to the stunning landscapes. The boat rides are around CNY 60 per hour for electric boats or CNY 100 per hour for rowing boats. It's open from 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM in the summer, and from 8:15 AM to 6:00 PM in winter. Personally, I love boating here just as much as I do at West Lake.

• Lingyin Temple , located near West Lake in Hangzhou, is one of China’s most famous Buddhist temples. With a history dating back to the Eastern Jin Dynasty, the temple offers a peaceful retreat for those seeking tranquility. Its grand halls, like the Hall of the Great Hero with its towering wooden Buddha statue, leave a lasting impression. Just a short distance away, Faxi Temple is renowned for its association with love prayers. I personally stayed single for over 20 years, and after praying for love at this temple, it truly worked.🤣

• Thousand Islets Lake (Qiandao Lake), about 150 km west of Hangzhou, is a peaceful lake with over a thousand islands surrounded by forests. It was created in 1959 and offers a range of activities, like boat tours, hiking, and wildlife watching. Popular spots include Tianchi, Xianshan Island, and the Wulong area, where you can explore the famous Lock Museum and see animals like monkeys and peacocks. The best time to visit is in the cooler autumn and winter months, when the weather is clear and fresh.

Better to Know Before Visiting Hangzhou

Time in Hangzhou

Hangzhou operates in China Standard Time (CST, UTC+8). Here’s how it compares to other popular destinations:

• New York City (UTC-5): 13 hours behind.

• UK (UTC+0): 8 hours behind.

• Thailand (UTC+7): 1 hour behind.

• Australia (AEST, UTC+10): 2 hours ahead. Plan your activities accordingly!

Dongpo Pork (东坡肉)

What to Eat in Hangzhou

Hangzhou is often humorously dubbed as China’s Culinary Desert, especially because the local cuisine tends to lean on the milder side, with a preference for subtle, light flavors and less spice. This can be a bit of a surprise for many who are used to the bold, fiery tastes that dominate other Chinese regions. But trust me, if you dig deeper, you'll discover that Hangzhou actually has refined dishes that are totally worth savoring.

• Dongpo Pork (东坡肉): Tender braised pork belly, slow-cooked until it melts in your mouth, with a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors.
• Osmanthus Glutinous Rice Lotus Root (桂花糯米藕): Lotus root stuffed with glutinous rice and simmered in a sweet osmanthus syrup, offering a soft, chewy texture with a fragrant floral taste.
• Longjing Shrimp (龙井虾仁): Shrimp cooked with Longjing tea, infusing the dish with a delicate tea flavor that complements the fresh, tender shrimp.
• Beggar’s Chicken (叫化鸡): A whole chicken wrapped in lotus leaves and clay, slowly cooked to lock in juiciness and flavor.
• Green Tea Cake & Green Bean Milk Paste (绿茶饼 & 青豆奶泥): A light green tea-flavored cake paired with a smooth, creamy green bean milk paste for a refreshing dessert.
• Stone Pot Chicken Soup Tofu (石锅鸡汤豆腐): A comforting stone pot dish with chicken, shrimp, tofu, taro, and vegetables simmered together in a rich, flavorful broth.

Longjing Shrimp (龙井虾仁)

Best Time to Visit Hangzhou

The best time to visit Hangzhou is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. During these periods, the weather is generally pleasant, with comfortable temperatures and lower rainfall.

• Spring is particularly beautiful in Hangzhou, as the city's famous West Lake is surrounded by blooming flowers and lush greenery.
• Autumn offers mild temperatures and colorful foliage, it's an ideal time for sightseeing and outdoor activities.