Here’s a comprehensive guide to Hangzhou’s must-visit attractions in 2025, featuring iconic landmarks, newly opened cultural venues, and seasonal events with English descriptions:
1. West Lake (西湖)
Address: West Lake Scenic Area, Hangzhou
Highlights: A UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its serene waters, historic bridges, and poetic landscapes. The Ten Scenic Spots include Spring Dawn on the Su Causeway (苏堤春晓), Autumn Moon over the Calm Lake (平湖秋月), and Lingering Snow on the Broken Bridge (断桥残雪) . The lake’s cultural significance is deeply intertwined with legends like The Legend of the White Snake, which centers on the iconic Broken Bridge where the serpentine Bai Suzhen meets her lover Xu Xian .
Tip: Take a boat ride to the Three Pools Mirroring the Moon (三潭印月) or rent a bike to explore the lakeside trails.
2. Leifeng Pagoda (雷峰塔)
Address: No.15, Nanshan Road
Highlights: Rebuilt in 2002, this octagonal pagoda stands on Sunset Hill and is famous for its connection to The Legend of the White Snake. The original pagoda, constructed in 975 AD, collapsed in 1924, and its ruins are preserved beneath the new structure. Climb to the top for panoramic views of West Lake and the city .
Interesting Fact: The pagoda’s bricks were once believed to ward off diseases, leading to its gradual destruction by superstitious visitors .
3. Lingyin Temple (灵隐寺)
Address: Lingyin Road, West Lake District
Highlights: One of China’s oldest Buddhist temples, dating back to 326 AD. It features intricate architecture, ancient stone carvings, and the iconic Feilai Peak (Flying Peak) with Buddhist grottoes. The temple complex includes the Hall of the Five Hundred Arhats and the Grand Hall of the Great Sage.
Tip: Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
4. Liangzhu Ancient City Ruins (良渚古城遗址)
Address: Yuhang District
Highlights: A UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing the 5,300-year-old Liangzhu Culture, an early rice-cultivating civilization with advanced urban planning and water management systems. Explore the archaeological ruins, including the city walls, tombs, and the Liangzhu Museum, which displays jade artifacts and ancient relics .
Significance: Considered a key site proving China’s 5,000-year-old civilization, Liangzhu offers insights into early state formation and social hierarchy .
5. The Grand Jinghang Canal Museum (京杭大运河博物院)
Address: No.34 Jinhua Road, Gongshu District
Highlights: Opened in 2025, this museum is a world-class cultural landmark dedicated to the Grand Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It features interactive exhibits, historical artifacts, and multimedia displays highlighting the canal’s role in China’s economic and cultural development. The museum’s architecture blends traditional and modern styles, with a focus on sustainability and innovation .
Opening Hours: 9:00–16:30 (Tue–Sun, last entry at 16:00) .
6. Hangzhou Tea Expo Convention and Exhibition Center (杭州茶叶博览会会议会展中心)
Address: Longwu Tea Town, Xihu District
Highlights: A new cultural hub set to open in 2025, serving as the permanent venue for the China International Tea Expo. The center will host tea exhibitions, cultural events, and educational programs, surrounded by tea plantations and a “tea-themed garden” .
Tip: Attend the annual tea expo (May 20–24, 2025) to sample premium teas and learn about tea culture .
7. Song Dynasty Town (宋城)
Address: No.148, Yuhuangshan Road
Highlights: A theme park recreating the atmosphere of the Southern Song Dynasty (1127–1279). Enjoy live performances like the Song Dynasty Eternal Love Show, explore ancient streets, and participate in interactive activities. The park also features a replica of the imperial palace and traditional shops.
8. Xixi National Wetland Park (西溪国家湿地公园)
Address: Xixi Road, Xihu District
Highlights: A UNESCO-listed wetland known for its natural beauty and ecological diversity. Cruise through waterways, spot rare birds, and visit the Hongyuan Garden (Hong’s Garden) from the classic novel Dream of the Red Chamber. The park is particularly enchanting in spring when the flowers bloom .
9. 2025 “Song” Fu Hangzhou Year Festival (2025 “宋” 福杭州年活动)
Dates: January 1–February 12, 2025
Highlights: A citywide celebration featuring 150+ events, including the White Snake Legend themed tours, lantern festivals, and immersive concerts. Don’t miss the “Love and Fortune” 祈福活动 at historic sites like Leifeng Pagoda and Xixi Wetland, where visitors can write blessings and collect limited-edition “Si Snake” stamps .
Event: The Zhejiang Spring Festival Concert on January 12 will showcase a fusion of Chinese and Italian music at Lakeside In77 .
10. West Lake Music Fountain (西湖音乐喷泉)
Address: Lakeside Park, San Park
Highlights: A nightly spectacle combining music, lights, and water jets synchronized to classical and contemporary songs. The free show starts at 19:30 and lasts about 15 minutes .
Tip: Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot.
Practical Tips:
- Transport: Use the metro (Lines 1–4) or ride-sharing apps like Didi for easy access to attractions.
- Language: Most signs in major sites have English translations, and staff at hotels/restaurants often speak basic English.
- Seasonal Highlights: Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer the best weather for sightseeing.
With its blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and modern innovation, Hangzhou promises an unforgettable experience in 2025. Whether exploring ancient temples, cruising the Grand Canal, or immersing in the city’s vibrant festivals, there’s something for every traveler. 🌟