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Gay Friendly Guide • HANGZHOU | What to See, Where to Stay, Best Gay Bars and Restaurants | LGBT Guide

Writer: World Mappers
World Mappers
Jul 29
6 min read

Updated: Sep 19


GAY HANGZHOU

Discover this City with our Quick and Practical Guide to Visit the Best Attractions, Savor Typical Dishes and Have Fun in the Best Gay Bars. All this through the Rainbow Eyes of the World Mappers



What to See, Best Places to Sleep, Where to Eat and to Have Fun in HANGZHOU?

Find it out with the World Mappers !

WHAT TO SEE in HANGZHOU?

10 THINGS TO SEE in HANGZHOU

West Lake

West Lake is the symbol of Hangzhou and one of the most famous landscapes in China. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it captivates with its tranquil waters, stone bridges, gardens, pagodas and willows that reflect off the lake. Strolling along its banks or taking a boat trip allows you to discover views that have inspired poets and painters for centuries.

Meijiawu Tea Village

Meijiawu Tea Village is a quaint village nestled among the green hills surrounding Hangzhou, famous for growing Longjing tea. Walking among the plantations you can watch the growers at work, visit old traditional houses and taste one of the finest tea varieties in China. It is an ideal destination to experience rural culture and relax in nature.


Liuhe Pagoda

The Liuhe Pagoda, also known as the Six Harmonies Pagoda, has dominated the banks of the Qiantang River since the 10th century. Built to control the river's powerful tides, it offers a splendid panoramic view of the city and the surrounding landscape. Elegant wooden architecture, historic interiors and decorative details make it one of the most fascinating pagodas in eastern China.

Hefang Street

Hefang Street is Hangzhou's most famous historic street and retains the atmosphere of the imperial city. Along its narrow streets are a succession of traditional buildings, artisan workshops, teahouses, Chinese medicine shops and numerous food stands. Walking here means immersing yourself in the local culture, sampling typical specialties and discovering ancient crafts still passed down from generation to generation.


Hu Qingyu Museum

The Hu Qingyu Museum is dedicated to traditional Chinese medicine and is located in the old pharmacy founded in the 19th century by the famous entrepreneur Hu Qingyu. The exhibits illustrate tools, medicinal herbs, ancient recipes, and therapeutic methods used for centuries. The visit allows us to understand the importance of phytotherapy and traditional practices still widespread throughout China today.

Lingyin Temple

Lingyin Temple is one of the most important and ancient Buddhist temples in China, nestled among woods and mountains a few kilometers from the center of Hangzhou. Founded in the 4th century, it houses decorated rooms, monumental statues and precious religious treasures. The spectacular rock carvings of Mount Feilai are also nearby, making the complex even more evocative.

Longjing Tea Village

Longjing Tea Village is the place of origin of the famous Longjing tea, considered one of the best green teas in China. The rolling hills covered with plantations offer a relaxing landscape, ideal for walks among the fields. Visitors can watch the leaves being harvested, learn about traditional processing techniques, and taste the tea directly in the homes of local producers.

Jingci Temple e Leifeng Pagoda

Jingci Temple is one of the main Buddhist places of worship in Hangzhou and stands on the shores of West Lake. Not far away is the Leifeng Pagoda, rebuilt in 2002 after the collapse of the old structure. From the top of the pagoda you can enjoy a magnificent view of the lake and the city, while its history is linked to the famous legend of the White Serpent, one of the most beloved in Chinese tradition.


Hangzhou Bay Bridge

The Hangzhou Bay Bridge is one of the longest sea bridges in the world and represents a masterpiece of modern engineering. Approximately 36 kilometers long, it connects Ningbo and Jiaxing across the immense Hangzhou Bay, significantly reducing travel times. Its imposing structure, also visible from several vantage points, has become one of the symbols of contemporary China's infrastructural development.

Jixianting Pavilion

The Jixianting Pavilion is an elegant pavilion overlooking West Lake, often reached via a striking boardwalk that appears to float on the water. It is one of the most photographed places in Hangzhou thanks to the panoramic view of the lake, especially at sunset and on foggy days. The quiet and romantic atmosphere makes it perfect for a stopover while visiting the lake.

Below are Discounted Tickets for Top Attractions - Click Here

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SUGGESTED ITINERARIES

Visiting this city at its best depends essentially on how long you have to fully enjoy it. Here is a solution based on the number of days available to you:

  • Day 1 - Hangzhou (West Lake & Historic Highlights) - Google Maps

  • Day 2 - Hangzhou (Lingyin Temple & Longjing Tea Village Experience) (by Didi) - Google Maps

(By opening the Maps with Google, you can easily follow our path)

5 BEST EXCURSIONS from HANGZHOU

We advise you to book the best excursions here: Viator - Musement - Get Your Guide

Shanghai

Nanchino

Ningbo

Jiaxing

Huzhou

Click'n'Go - Click on Hotels, Restaurants, Bars & Clubs

to find them on the Map or visit their Website

WHERE TO SLEEP in HANGZHOU?

10 BEST GAY FRIENDLY HOTELS in HANGZHOU

WHERE TO EAT in HANGZHOU?

5 BEST RESTAURANTS in HANGZHOU Quality / Price

€€€ - Jiexianglou

€€€ - Jiexianglou

€€ - 95 Jingcai

GAY NIGHTLIFE in HANGZHOU

BEST GAY PLACES, BARS & CLUBS in HANGZHOU

D (Gay Bar)

T (Gay Club)

B (Gay Bar)

TRAVEL TIPS about HANGZHOU by World Mappers

  • If you plan your trip at the right time, don't miss the spectacular tide of the Qiantang River, considered the largest river tide in the world. The water advances forming a huge wave that can reach several meters in height and attract thousands of spectators. It is a rare and surprising natural phenomenon, safely observable from the designated scenic areas, capable of displaying one of the most impressive natural spectacles in China.

  • Don't just buy the famous Longjing tea as a souvenir. Reach one of the plantations in the surrounding villages and take part in a tasting led directly by the growers. You will learn to recognize the quality of the leaves, the correct infusion method and the differences between the various seasonal crops. It is a cultural experience that allows you to appreciate the deep connection between Hangzhou and one of the most prestigious drinks in Chinese tradition.

  • Discover West Lake at dawn or early in the morning. Many visitors reach West Lake in the middle of the day, but the most evocative moment is at dawn. The light haze that envelops the lake, the silence of the gardens and the tai chi residents create a relaxing and authentic atmosphere. You will be able to admire the landscape without the crowds, watching the city as it awakens and experiencing one of China's most iconic places in a completely different way.

  • If you spend an evening in Hangzhou, book one of the seats for Impression West Lake, the show created by renowned director Zhang Yimou. The special feature is the stage built directly on the surface of the lake, where water, lights, music and dance merge in a breathtaking performance. The sets change with the reflection of the water, creating an immersive experience considered one of the most evocative in all of China.

  • In the historic center of Hangzhou is the Hu Qing Yu Tang Traditional Chinese Medicine Museum, one of the oldest traditional Chinese medicine pharmacies, founded in 1874. Even today, you can admire the ancient furnishings, medicinal herbs, and tools used to prepare remedies, offering an authentic glimpse into Chinese medical tradition. The visit is short and can easily be combined with a walk on nearby Hefang Street.


Below are Discounted Tickets for Top Attractions - Click Here

.

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