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Your Hangzhou Travel Guide

Travel tips and 5-star hotels in Hangzhou

Inspired 5-star hotels in Hangzhou

Experience Hangzhou through the lens of Sofitel, where French art de vivre meets the poetic, misty beauty of China's most celebrated landscapes. Perfectly positioned steps from the UNESCO-listed West Lake, our 5-star hotel invites you into a sanctuary of peace and refinement. Stroll through historic pagodas, sip delicate local Longjing tea, and return to an oasis of chic French design, exquisite gastronomy, and panoramic views that capture the eternal harmony of water and sky.

FAQs about Hangzhou

Take the high-speed bullet train from Shanghai Hongqiao to Hangzhou East. Trains run every 10–15 minutes, and the journey takes only 45 to 60 minutes .

Yes, walking around West Lake is completely free. Fees only apply to specific boat cruises, island entries, or surrounding pagodas.

Hangzhou is famous for West Lake (Xihu) , its ancient Lingyin Buddhist Temple , and being the birthplace of Longjing (Dragon Well) green tea .

The best ways are:

  • Walking: Along the pedestrian causeways.
  • Biking: Using public bike rentals.
  • Electric golf carts: Open-air shuttles that circle the lake.
  • Boat cruises: To visit the islands.

Visit Longjing Tea Village or Meijiawu Tea Village , located in the hills just southwest of West Lake, to tour plantations and enjoy a traditional tea tasting.

Explore Sofitel by city

  • Sydney

    Experience elegance at our 5-star hotels in Sydney, offering privileged access to iconic sites such as the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Unequalled luxury awaits you.

  • Xian

    Immerse yourself in imperial heritage with our 5-star hotels, just steps away from the Ming Dynasty city walls and the famous Bell and Drum Towers.

  • Singapore

    Stay in a 5-star hotel in Singapore, between Tanjong Pagar and Chinatown, or on Sentosa Island, for an unforgettable experience of luxury and relaxation.

  • Dubai

    Escape to our 5-star hotels in Dubai, nestled in the most prestigious neighborhoods. Enjoy exceptional service and unparalleled comfort.

  • Luxembourg

    Discover the luxury of our 5-star hotels in Luxembourg City, ideally located near the Upper Town and the Kirchberg plateau. Luxury and comfort await you.

  • Paris

    Stay in our luxury 5-star hotels in Paris, close to iconic monuments. Treat yourself to an unforgettable experience in the heart of the capital.

  • Cairo

    Discover Sofitel Cairo Downtown Nile and Sofitel Cairo Nile El Gezirah, where luxury and Egyptian charm combine for an unforgettable experience on the banks of the Nile.

  • Buenos Aires

    Luxury 5-star hotels in Buenos Aires, set in the city’s most vibrant districts. Experience elegant design, local culture, and Sofitel’s signature French art de vivre.

  • Cartagena

    Luxury 5-star hotels in Cartagena, where Caribbean charm blends with Sofitel’s French sophistication. Enjoy refined stays, exceptional comfort, and unforgettable experiences.

  • Discover London

    Luxury 5-star hotels in London, located in the capital’s most prestigious neighborhoods. Experience French zest, refined elegance, and exceptional service with Sofitel.

  • London

    Discover Sofitel's 5-star hotels in London. Enjoy iconic landmarks, Michelin-starred dining, luxury spas, family experiences and seamless business travel.

  • Agadir

    Discover Sofitel’s luxury 5 star hotels in Agadir. Enjoy elegant accommodations, refined hospitality and unforgettable stays on Morocco’s Atlantic coast.

  • Ras Al Khaimah

    Discover Sofitel's 5-star hotel in Ras Al Khaimah, where French elegance meets beachfront luxury, Arabian hospitality and spectacular nature.

  • Al Madinah

    Discover Sofitel Shahd Al Madinah, a refined 5-star hotel offering exceptional comfort and hospitality in the heart of Al Madinah.

  • Riyadh

    Discover 5-star Sofitel hotels in Riyadh, combining French art de vivre, refined accommodations, exceptional dining and attentive service.

Explore more

  • Hotels & Resorts

    Discover the best of Sofitel by visiting any of our 5-star Sofitel hotels and resorts located in Europe, Africa, Middle east, Asia, Pacific or America.

  • Sofitel Legend Brand

    With exclusive and timeless hotels in exceptional destinations across the world, Sofitel Legend epitomizes the ultimate in luxury, heritage and discovery.

  • City hotels

    Discover luxury city hotels in the world's most iconic destinations. Stay in the heart of vibrant cities and experience Sofitel's signature French luxury, refined dining, spa wellness and exceptional service.

  • Resort hotels

    Discover luxury resort hotels in exceptional destinations worldwide. Relax on pristine beaches, indulge in award-winning dining, spa wellness and Sofitel's signature French luxury.

  • Airport hotels

    Discover luxury airport hotels designed for seamless travel. Enjoy refined comfort, elegant rooms, exceptional dining and wellness experiences just moments from major international airports.

Discover why Hangzhou is known as Heaven on Earth

Located at the head of Hangzhou Bay, Zhejiang’s capital is a thriving center for finance and technology. But despite providing a home for more than 10 million people, its greatest claim to fame – and the reason it has been likened to Heaven on Earth – is the natural wonder of Hangzhou West Lake.

Find serenity on the peaceful waters and scenic banks of West Lake

This beacon of tranquility lies at the heart of the city and attracts visitors with its idyllic, UNESCO-recognized scenery. Misty, verdant hills topped with historic pagodas and serene temples. Ponds adorned with delicate lotus flowers and unspoiled groves of bamboo and willow trees. Stroll across pedestrianized causeways to the holiday palace and gardens commissioned by 18th-century Emperor Qianlong, or cruise in a traditional wooden boat to Xiaoying Island. The banks of the lake are lined with shaded paths and stunning gardens, with countless places to pause and reflect.

Explore ancient temples, lush tea plantations, and local delicacies

The area around the lake is full of Hangzhou attractions. If you have time to visit just one of the many temples, we recommend Lingyin Temple – a Buddhist place of worship that dates back to 326 CE. Make a day of it by riding the cable car to the top of neighboring Northern Peak for mesmerizing lake and city panoramas. Or continue on to Longjing Tea Village, where workers tend lush plantations of the region’s specialty dragon well tea. Teahouses throughout Hangzhou serve this fragrant blend, while local restaurants offer specialties ranging from fried shrimps and longjing tea to lake fish in a sweet-and-sour sauce.

Discover rich heritage, historic streets, and modern shopping

Of course, Hangzhou is so much more than just its majestic lake. The former residence of Hu Xueyan is of significant interest, providing an insight into the immaculately restored house and gardens of the affluent 19th-century businessman. Stroll down Qinghefang Old Street to discover a kaleidoscope of puppet theaters, craft stalls and traditional medicine shops, including the Huqing Yutang Chinese Medicine Museum. If your shopping tastes are a little more modern, browse international designers from Chanel to Hermès at Hangzhou Tower Shopping City. Hangzhou Grand Theatre is the region’s premier venue for performing arts.

Celebrate vibrant seasonal festivals at Xixi National Wetland Park

Keep an eye out for exuberant annual events at Xixi National Wetland Park, such as the Xixi Flower Fair Festival and the Hangzhou Dragon Boat Festival. The latter offers the chance to see exciting traditional opera, lion dances and dragon-boat races. Dates for both festivals are based on the Chinese lunar calendar.