East China city guide
Hangzhou
West Lake walks, tea landscapes, temples, and a softer city pace near Shanghai.
Recommended stay2-3 days
Best seasonSpring and autumn are usually easier for lake walks and outdoor plans.
What to plan around
- West Lake
- Lingyin Temple
- Longjing tea area
- Grand Canal area
First-day pacing
- Keep lake plans weather-flexible.
- Save the exact hotel and scenic-area entrance.
- Avoid overloading the first lake loop.
Transport notes
- Metro helps for station and city access.
- Scenic-area movement may require walking, bus, or taxi handoffs.
- Use Chinese destination names for ride hailing.
Apps for this city
Prepare these before arrival
DiDi China
Ride hailing, pickup points, and driver messaging
First-city transport and late arrivals
Alipay
Payments, transport QR codes, and local services
Payment setup and wallet fallback
Messaging, payments, mini programs, and service accounts
Payment and communication backup
Google Translate
Downloaded languages, camera translation, and typed phrases
Signs, menus, labels, and staffed help