Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Hangzhou- A Poetic Ode to Pristine Heritage 

Reeling you in with intriguing magnetism from the moment you set sights on its shimmering, sky-mirrored incandescence, West Lake infuses this wanderlust-savvy cityscape with an enchanting presence. The theatrical whimsy of Songcheng Park, along with lyrically blooming scenes and vibrant shoals of golden fish at Flower Harbour Park, captivate the senses. Discover fantastical spots like the ‘Three Pools Mirroring the Moon’ and the ‘Two Peaks Piercing the Clouds’ that will steal your breath with panoramic finesse. The canal avenues, flagstone streets, secret gardens, and airy bridges, wreathed in seasonal blossoms and adorned with striking vintage architecture, make up the impeccable vibes of Hangzhou’s heritage-rich crown jewel.

Whether you’re most enamoured by quaint little markets, surreal mansions riddled with Sino-Western motifs, stunning lakeside gardens, vintage teahouses, and old-world boutiques, the timeless enclaves of this once thriving port city and linchpin of the ancient Silk Route are straight out of an oriental fairytale. If you're hard-pressed for time, don’t miss out on the regally picturesque Qinghefang Old Street, where you can revel in traditional boutiques, speciality restaurants, and authentic artisan stands, and Hefang Street, idyllic for rummaging through elegant time-honoured stores set in lantern-lit cobblestone lanes and captivating stalls selling beautiful handicrafts and mouthwatering local snacks. 

While its centuries-old promenades feel like living museums, Hangzhou has no shortage of elaborately curious galleries to take you back in time. With over 2,200 years’ worth of history as a famous trade hub and producer of artisanal wonders like teas, silks, porcelain, and medicine, Hangzhou has a rich depository of heritage fascinations to feast your senses on. The Hangzhou National Silk Museum is an ornate architectural marvel featuring themed galleries of silken relics and insightful exhibits that highlight how this luxuriantly pivotal industry evolved throughout the ages. If you’re looking for sophisticated apartments in Hangzhou that proffer prime access to its enriching allurements, venture no further than the likes of Oakwood Residence Hangzhou. 

If your favourite part about exploring a new land is diving into their food culture, Hangzhou’s firework flavours will tantalise your tastebuds with dishes like succulent lotus-wrapped Beggar’s Chicken and crispy, sweet-and-sour West Lake Fish. However, being in its birthplace necessitates that you savour at least one cup of delicate, jade-tinted Longjing tea, relishing its buttery, smoky-sweet ‘roasted chestnut’ taste. If you fall in love with this luscious liqueur, visit the gorgeous Mejjawu Tea Museum, set amid flowering emerald terraces for more delicious heritage-steeped tidbits.  

While a trip to jewel-blue Qiandao Lake with its scenic pleasure boating excursions and high-stakes diving adventures or a trek up lushly forested Mount Mogan is great for Insta-worthy exhilaration, the soulful serenity of Hangzhou’s neighbouring water towns cannot be surpassed, from the rustic Venetian-style glamour of Wuzhen Water Village to the uniquely expressive old houses, flagstone paths, and artistry of bridges of Xitang Water Town.