Hangzhou, teeming with rich history, lush landscapes, and bustling business, is a perfect holiday spot for families. Whether it’s a trip through time back to China's ancient era or an enchanting river cruise in the Xixi National Wetland Park, Hangzhou has you covered.
Preparing for your holiday can feel overwhelming, but rest assured, we’ve done the planning for you. Read on to discover the best family-friendly hotels to offer you a base for your adventures. From budgetary requirements to special requests, this guide has got every sort of family accounted for. Get ready to sit back, relax, and enjoy your holiday in Hangzhou, individually tailored for you and your family.
Things to do
Hangzhou, brimming with cultural significance and architectural monuments along with modern urban wonders, promises a captivating experience for the family. Here’s our pick to get you started on your family adventure.
For those who fancy nature over city life, Hangzhou Paradise can be your family’s ideal picnic spot. It blends the city's cultural lore and striking natural scenery, forming a magnificent backdrop for family photographs. Just a stone’s throw away is the Hangzhou Zoo, home to numerous exotic animal species that will delight both young and older members of the family. A trip to the Xixi National Wetland Park, the first of its kind in China, offers an excellent platform for children to learn about diverse ecosystems and wildlife.
If immersing yourselves in the city's historical charm is more your tune, visit Hangzhou's ancient districts to trace the city's development through the ages. The city served as one of the historic capitals of China and even hosted eminent explorers like Marco Polo and Ibn Battuta. Its story weaves together various events, from the Song dynasty's prosperity to the city's reconstruction following Japanese occupation and Communist control, thus offering an enriching historical narrative for older children.
Lastly, for the tech-savvy families, a trip to Hangzhou, one of the world's top financial hubs, remains incomplete without exploring the headquarters of companies like Alibaba and Ant Group. Awaken the inner entrepreneur in your family members with a tour through the city's buzzing e-commerce sector.
When to visit
Hangzhou, with its subtropical monsoon climate, offers myriad experiences throughout the year. However, for families looking to explore the scenic outdoors, spring and autumn stand as the most favourable seasons.
Hangzhou in spring is a spectacle as the city blushes pink with blooming peach flowers, and the vibrant Longjing tea leaves make their seasonal appearance. Meanwhile, autumn ushers in the most picturesque of views with clear skies and comfortable, dry weather. If you plan your trip during these seasons, remember to book your accommodations well in advance to secure the best deals. However, do consider the school term times to avoid any undue hassles.
Things you'll love...
- Immerse yourselves in the beautiful natural scenery of Hangzhou Paradise, a family-friendly destination with cultural heritage.
- Visit the Hangzhou Zoo for an educational day amongst 120 different species of rare wild animals.
- Sail on the peaceful waters of the first National Wetland Park in China, the Xixi National Wetland Park.
- Discover Hangzhou's rich historical background as one of the Seven Ancient Capitals of China.
- Dive into the bustling e-commerce hub that is Hangzhou, home to industry giants like Alibaba and Ant Group.
Main airport
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport
