Overview
Hangzhou sits at the southern end of China's Grand Canal, barely an hour by high-speed train from Shanghai. Famous for the willow-lined causeways of West Lake, the terraced Longjing tea gardens in the hills and its standing as China's e-commerce capital, it rewards UK travellers looking beyond Beijing and Shanghai. For a sense of current fares from the UK, use the price charts on this page.
Best time to fly to Hangzhou
Spring (April to May) and autumn (late September to November) are the pick: mild days, clear light over the water and, in October, the scent of osmanthus drifting across the city. Summer is hot, humid and prone to the June to July plum rains. Winters are cool and quiet, with a soft mist that suits West Lake well. Avoid China's National Day holiday (1 to 7 October) and Chinese New Year, when demand and fares peak — the When to book chart above shows the cheaper weeks.
Airlines and routes
There is currently no scheduled non-stop service between the UK and Hangzhou, so expect one connection. Popular routings go through the Gulf with Emirates (Dubai), Qatar Airways (Doha) or Etihad (Abu Dhabi), or via a European hub such as Helsinki, Frankfurt or Amsterdam. Chinese carriers including China Eastern, Air China and China Southern connect through Shanghai, Beijing or Guangzhou. Allow roughly 14 to 18 hours in total from London, depending on the layover. Many travellers instead fly non-stop to Shanghai (around 11 to 12 hours) and take the 45 to 60 minute bullet train.
Things to do in Hangzhou
Most visits centre on West Lake, but the tea hills, temples and canal district are well worth extra days.
- West Lake: UNESCO-listed lake ringed by causeways, pagodas and gardens, best explored on foot, by bike or on a wooden boat.
- Lingyin Temple: one of China's oldest Buddhist monasteries, set among cliffs carved with centuries-old Buddhist figures.
- Longjing tea village: hillside plantations where you can walk the rows and taste fresh Dragon Well green tea at source.
- Grand Canal: the historic waterway at Gongchen Bridge, lined with old warehouses, museums and evening food streets.
- Xixi National Wetland Park: a calm maze of waterways and reed beds on the city's western edge, explored by electric boat.
At Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH)
The airport lies about 27 km south-east of the city, near the Qiantang River. Metro Line 19 is the quickest way in, reaching Hangzhou West Railway Station and central districts in around 45 to 60 minutes. Airport shuttle coaches serve West Lake and major hotels, while a taxi or Didi takes 40 to 60 minutes depending on traffic. Flying into one of Shanghai's airports and connecting by high-speed rail is a comfortable alternative.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Hangzhou
- Book two to five months ahead for long-haul fares to China; last-minute seats are rarely cheap.
- Fly midweek — Tuesday and Wednesday departures usually undercut weekend prices.
- Travel in the shoulder seasons and steer clear of Chinese public holidays.
- Compare Gulf carriers against Chinese airlines and the fly-to-Shanghai-plus-train option, then check the price charts on this page for the cheapest dates.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders can currently enter China visa-free for stays of up to 30 days for tourism; longer trips need a visa and the rules change, so confirm with the FCDO before booking. The currency is the Chinese yuan (renminbi), quoted against the pound. Mobile payment dominates — link an international card to Alipay or WeChat Pay and carry some cash as a backup. No vaccinations are required for entry from the UK, but check routine jabs are up to date.
