Hangzhou pre-trip checklist
What's different about Hangzhou: weather, must-book sights, local apps and getting in from the airport.
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Use together with the General Pre-Trip Checklist; this only lists Hangzhou-specific items, and does not repeat general items. Hangzhou is not a city for simply checking off a few sights; it is best explored slowly on foot and by bicycle. Walking one full loop around West Lake is nearly 15 kilometres, and many people underestimate it.
- Climate and Clothing — Hangzhou has a subtropical monsoon climate with four distinct seasons and high humidity. The easiest things to underestimate are the plum rain season and the damp cold of winter. During the plum rain season (roughly mid-June to early July), it stays rainy, sticky, and damp, and shoes get wet easily, so rain gear is essential. In high summer (July-August), temperatures often exceed 35°C, and the humidity makes it feel even hotter, so use sunscreen, hydrate, and avoid marching around West Lake at noon. Winter (December-February) has no central heating and damp cold, with a chill that feels more penetrating than in northern China, so bring a windproof, moisture-resistant coat, and add thermal underwear if you get cold easily. Spring and autumn (March-April, October-November) are the most comfortable, but mornings and evenings vary a lot, so dress in layers.
- Good Walking Shoes (The Most Underrated Essential) — A broken-in pair of sneakers or hiking shoes is the most important thing to bring to Hangzhou: West Lake is free and open, but a full loop is about 14-15 kilometres, and Lingyin, Jiuxi, and Longjing also involve mountain paths, so do not use this trip to break in new shoes. Add a wind-resistant folding umbrella and a light raincoat; during the plum rain season, bring waterproof shoes or spare socks, plus a backpack rain cover. When visiting temples such as Lingyin Temple, avoid overly revealing clothing.
- Airport and Getting into the City — Main gateway: Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH).
- Attractions Require Reservations (Do Not Make a Wasted Trip) — Most popular sites require real-name reservations (with passport), and same-day slots may be full: Lingyin Temple (Feilai Peak Scenic Area) may require advance booking at peak times, and note that Feilai Peak and Lingyin Temple require two separate tickets. Xixi Wetland is large, so reserve and plan your route. Zhejiang Provincial Museum, China National Silk Museum, and others require real-name reservations (bring your passport, and many museums are closed on Mondays). Reservations must use real names, foreign passports are accepted, and you can ask your hotel or a Chinese-speaking friend for help.
- Cycling and Boat Trips (The Right Way to Experience Hangzhou) — Check the weather before you go. During the plum rain season or typhoon season, boat services may be suspended at short notice, and roads can be slippery, so pay attention to safety.