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The best time to visit Hangzhou is in April, May, and October, when temperatures are mild and rain is less frequent. June is the rainiest month with 20 rain days, while July and August are the hottest, reaching 35°C. The West Lake scenery is especially pleasant in spring and autumn, though the famous Dragon Well tea harvest happens in early spring.

Stay near West Lake for the classic scenery and easy access to Lingyin Temple and the lakeside paths; the Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake and Hangzhou West Lake Liuyingli Hotel are there. Wulin Square suits first-timers who want central shopping and metro links, with Oakwood Residence Hangzhou nearby. For a quieter, greener stay, Xixi Wetland Park offers nature and the Lucid Xixi Hotel. Xiaoshan works if you need airport proximity, though it is farther from the main sights.

Lingyin Temple is a historic Buddhist temple with ancient grottoes and serene courtyards. Leifeng Pagoda offers panoramic views over West Lake and the city. Song Dynasty Town recreates the atmosphere of ancient China with performances and traditional architecture. Hangzhou Botanical Garden showcases diverse plant collections and seasonal blooms, ideal for a leisurely stroll.

The full-day tours from Hangzhou focus on the city itself: the Dragon Well Tea Culture & West Lake tour covers tea plantations and the lake, while the UNESCO tour includes West Lake and the Grand Canal. For a change of scenery, well-known day trips include the ancient water town of Wuzhen, the scenic Qiandao Lake, and the historic canal town of Xitang. These are all popular, established destinations from Hangzhou.

Plan 3 days: one for West Lake and Leifeng Pagoda, one for Lingyin Temple and the Botanical Garden, and one for Song Dynasty Town. If you add a day trip to the tea fields or the Grand Canal, make it 4 days total.