West Lake
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| West Lake | A lake ringed by hills, gardens and causeways, on the World Heritage list, with boats crossing it. | Free; the boats are paid |
| The Su Causeway | A long walkway across the lake between willows and spring blossoms. | West of the lake |
| Leifeng Pagoda | A tower on a hill overlooking the lake, loveliest at sunset. | South of the lake |
Temples and tea
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Lingyin Temple and Feilai Feng | An ancient temple in the forest, and rock carvings in the caves around it. | The temple ¥30; Feilai Feng free with a timed booking since December 2025 |
| Longjing tea village | Terraced hills of the famous green tea, with tastings in local homes. | West of the lake |
| Xixi Wetland | Wetlands of canals, boats and birds inside the city. | ¥80 |
Around Hangzhou
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Qiandao Lake | A lake of more than a thousand green islands, by boat and bike. | About 2 hours by bus |
| Wuzhen water town | An old town of canals and wooden houses, lit up at night. | About an hour and a half |
Tips before you go
- Hangzhou is about an hour by high-speed train from Shanghai.
- Spring for the lake's blossoms and the tea harvest; autumn for mild weather.
- Saudi passport holders enter China visa-free for up to 30 days until 31 December 2026.
Flights to Shanghai
More places nearby
- Things to do in China
- Guangzhou and Shenzhen
- Things to do in Beijing
- Things to do in Shanghai
- Things to do in Xi'an
- Things to do in Chengdu
- Things to do in Guilin and Yangshuo
- Things to do in Zhangjiajie
- Things to do in Harbin
Visa
Frequently asked questions
What are the top things to do in Hangzhou?
West Lake and the Su Causeway, Leifeng Pagoda, Lingyin Temple and Feilai Feng, Longjing tea village, Xixi Wetland and Qiandao Lake.
Is West Lake free?
Yes; the boats and a few sights around it are paid.
How far is Hangzhou from Shanghai?
About an hour by high-speed train.
Planning your trip to China? Read Travel to China from Saudi Arabia.
Last updated: October 2026. The information is for guidance only; ticket prices and opening hours are set by each attraction and may change, so check them on the official website before you go.