Sources and freshness
Static planning guidance on this page is reviewed by the China Train Tickets editorial team. Train times, fares, seat classes, and availability can change, so the live result for your selected travel date is authoritative.
- Primary operational reference
- China Railway 12306 (live results may change when railway operations change)
- Page reviewed
City Overview
Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang Province, has been celebrated since ancient times as "paradise on earth." West Lake, the city's soul, was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011. Hangzhou is also China's leading digital economy city, home to tech giants like Alibaba. Hosting the G20 Summit in 2016 and the Asian Games in 2023, Hangzhou's international profile continues to rise. Classical elegance and modern innovation blend seamlessly in this captivating city.
Railway Transport
Hangzhou East connects the Shanghai–Kunming, Hangzhou–Ningbo, Hangzhou–Huangshan, and Shangqiu–Hefei–Hangzhou corridors. Hangzhou Station and Hangzhou West also handle selected routes. For Shanghai, Nanjing, Huangshan, or coastal destinations, direct and connecting options, stops, and journey times change with the timetable. Search the specific date on China Railway 12306 and include the local transfer to the correct Hangzhou station in the itinerary.
Must-See Attractions
The Ten Scenes of West Lake are Hangzhou's most iconic sights — "Lingering Snow on the Broken Bridge," "Spring Dawn at Su Causeway," and "Lotus Breeze at Quyuan Garden" each offer unique charm. Lingyin Temple, founded during the Eastern Jin Dynasty, is one of the oldest and most famous Buddhist temples in southern China, with the Feilai Peak stone carvings being particularly precious. Thousand Island Lake covers 573 km² with 1,078 islands and crystal-clear water. Xixi Wetland is a rare urban secondary wetland — drifting through reed marshes on a paddle boat is pure poetry.
Food Highlights
Hangzhou cuisine is known for its light, fresh flavors. West Lake Vinegar Fish, the city's signature dish, features grass carp in a sweet-and-sour sauce. Dongpo Pork, named after the poet Su Dongpo, is slow-braised to melt-in-your-mouth perfection. Longjing Shrimp pairs pre-Qingming Dragon Well tea with fresh shrimp for an elegant delicacy. Beggar's Chicken is wrapped in lotus leaves and roasted until tender and juicy. Pian Er Chuan noodles, Cong Bao Kuai, and Zhiweiguan's soup dumplings are also unmissable local treats.