Best Places to Stay in Hangzhou: Complete Area Guide for Travelers

Hangzhou is often described as “heaven on earth” thanks to its dreamy West Lake, lush hillsides, and modern yet relaxed city vibe. Choosing the best location to stay in Hangzhou can transform your trip from a simple city break into an unforgettable travel experience. This guide walks you through the best areas to stay in Hangzhou for first-time visitors, couples, families, business travelers, and budget backpackers.

The city is best known for West Lake (Xi Hu), a UNESCO World Heritage Site surrounded by pagodas, gardens, and walking paths. Many of the top neighborhoods and hotels are clustered around this iconic lake, but there are also buzzing commercial districts and more local areas worth considering.

Why Your Hangzhou Location Choice Matters

Hangzhou is compact compared to mega-cities like Shanghai, but it still has very distinct districts. Staying close to West Lake gives you postcard views and easy access to classic sights, while areas like Wulin Square or Binjiang appeal more to shoppers and business travelers. A smart choice of neighborhood will save you time on transport and help you match your accommodation with your travel style.

Best Areas to Stay in Hangzhou

Below are the key districts and neighborhoods you should consider when deciding where to stay in Hangzhou:

West Lake Lakeside Area (Hubin & Nanshan Road)
Hefang Street & Old Town (Shangcheng District)
Wulin Square & City Center (Xiacheng/Gongshu)
Lingyin Temple & North West Lake Area
Binjiang District (Qiantang Riverfront)
Xiasha District (Budget & University Area)
Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport Area

West Lake Lakeside Area: Best Overall Location for First-Time Visitors

If it’s your first visit to Hangzhou, staying near the eastern or southern shores of West Lake is hard to beat. The lakeside promenade around Hubin Road and Nanshan Road puts you within walking distance of boat piers, romantic viewpoints, and many of the city’s most famous attractions. West Lake is considered the showpiece of Hangzhou and one of the most beautiful freshwater lakes in China.

Why Stay Near West Lake

Iconic sunsets over the lake and surrounding hills
Easy access to attractions like Leifeng Pagoda and Su Causeway
Great mix of luxury hotels, boutique stays, and lakeside cafés
Convenient transport with metro stations and bus routes nearby

Accommodation around the east bank of West Lake often includes high-end international and Chinese brands, some with rooftop terraces and lake-view rooms. You’ll pay more here than in outlying districts, but you’ll be right in the middle of the postcard scenery that makes Hangzhou famous.

Who This Area Is Best For

First-time visitors who want the classic Hangzhou experience
Couples looking for romantic walks and lakeside dining
Short stays where convenience and scenery matter most

Hefang Street & Old Town: Best for History, Street Food and Night Markets

Just southeast of West Lake lies the historic area around Hefang Street in Shangcheng District. This pedestrian zone is lined with traditional-style shopfronts, tea houses, herbal pharmacies, and snack stalls. At night the red lanterns and lively food stands create a wonderful atmosphere.

Why Stay near Hefang Street

Charming old-town streets and preserved architecture
Great for street food lovers and souvenir shopping
Walking distance or a short ride to West Lake
Plenty of mid-range hotels and guesthouses

This area is ideal if you like being in the middle of the action after sunset. It can be a little noisy, especially on weekends and holidays, but the trade-off is having a traditional Chinese night market right on your doorstep.

Best For

Travelers who enjoy historic streets and cultural vibes
Foodies who want to snack their way through Hangzhou cuisine
Budget and mid-range travelers looking for character over luxury

Wulin Square & City Center: Best for Shopping and Urban Convenience

North of West Lake, the area around Wulin Square is Hangzhou’s modern commercial hub. You’ll find major malls, department stores, and office towers here, all connected by a web of metro lines and buses. Travelers looking for a central base with strong transport connections will feel right at home.

Why Stay around Wulin Square

Excellent metro connections to West Lake, the airport and train stations
Huge shopping malls and international brands
Good selection of mid-range and business hotels
Close to the Grand Canal, another UNESCO World Heritage Site

Many guides highlight Wulin Square as one of the most convenient places to stay in Hangzhou because it connects tourists with both commercial and cultural areas. If you like to end your day with a bit of shopping or restaurant-hopping, this area is a strong choice.

Best For

Business travelers needing easy citywide access
Visitors who want a lively, urban atmosphere
Shoppers and nightlife seekers

Lingyin Temple & North West Lake: Best for Nature and Tranquility

To the northwest of West Lake lies a more tranquil world of temples, bamboo forests and hillside walking trails. The Lingyin Temple area, together with the northern lakeshore, offers a peaceful escape while still being within reach of downtown Hangzhou.

Why Stay near Lingyin Temple

Close to one of China’s most important Buddhist temples
Green hills, tea plantations and walking paths nearby
More serene and less commercial than the main lakeside strip
Range of boutique hotels, guesthouses and higher-end resorts

This is a wonderful location if you’re planning a relaxing Hangzhou itinerary focused on nature, tea culture and photography rather than shopping or nightlife. Many hotels here feel like countryside retreats, yet West Lake is only a short taxi or bus ride away.

Best For

Nature lovers and hikers
Travelers on a wellness or slow-travel trip
Anyone wanting a “retreat” feeling while staying near the city

Binjiang District: Best for Business Travelers and River Views

On the south bank of the Qiantang River, Binjiang District has developed into a modern tech and business hub. Glass office towers, riverfront promenades and contemporary apartment complexes define the skyline.

Why Stay in Binjiang

Close to technology parks, corporate offices and conference venues
Good selection of international-chain hotels
Attractive riverside paths and night views
Less crowded than the West Lake core

While Binjiang is not the first choice for classic sightseeing, it’s extremely practical if you have meetings nearby or prefer a quieter, business-oriented environment. Transport connections across the river still make it easy to spend your evenings at West Lake or Hefang Street.

Best For

Business travelers with offices in Binjiang
Repeat visitors who have already explored the main tourist areas
Travelers who enjoy modern skylines and riverfront walks

Xiasha District: Best for Budget Stays and Longer Trips

Further east along the Qiantang River, Xiasha District is known for its universities, residential complexes and more affordable hotels. Many online booking platforms highlight Xiasha as a good-value area with options ranging from budget to mid-range.

Why Consider Xiasha

Lower hotel prices compared with lakeside or city-center areas
Plenty of local restaurants and student-friendly cafés
Good choice for longer stays or digital nomads watching their budget
Metro links into the city center and West Lake

The trade-off here is time: you’ll typically need a longer metro ride to reach West Lake and major tourist attractions. However, if you like staying in more local neighborhoods and don’t mind commuting, Xiasha can stretch your travel budget further.

Best For

Budget travelers and backpackers
Students, slow travelers and digital nomads
Visitors with repeat trips to Hangzhou who want to explore new areas

Airport Area: Best for Late Arrivals and Early Flights

Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport is located southeast of the city. For travelers arriving very late or leaving on an early-morning flight, staying near the airport can be extremely convenient. Several international hotel brands clustered around the terminals receive positive guest feedback.

Why Stay near the Airport

Perfect for one-night stopovers before or after a flight
Eliminates stress of early airport transfers
Modern, comfortable hotels with useful amenities
Airport transport links to West Lake and the city center

This area isn’t designed for sightseeing, so it’s not ideal for a full Hangzhou vacation—but for logistical reasons, it can make sense to book your first or last night here.

How to Choose the Best Hangzhou Area for You

With so many appealing neighborhoods, you might still be wondering how to narrow it down. Use these quick pointers based on your travel style:

If It’s Your First Time in Hangzhou

Stay near West Lake Lakeside Area for classic views and easy sightseeing
Consider a hotel between Hubin Road and Nanshan Road for lakeside walks

If You Love Culture and Street Food

Book a guesthouse near Hefang Street and Old Town
Spend your evenings exploring night markets and traditional shops

If You’re Traveling for Business

Choose Wulin Square or Binjiang for easy access to offices and transport
Look for hotels with business centers and meeting facilities

If You’re on a Budget

Consider Xiasha District for cheaper accommodations and a local vibe
Use the metro to reach West Lake and main attractions during the day

Final Thoughts: Finding Your Perfect Place to Stay in Hangzhou

Hangzhou is a city where glass towers, ancient pagodas and tranquil lakeside paths coexist in perfect harmony. Choosing the right neighborhood will help you experience the side of Hangzhou that matches your travel dreams—whether that’s romantic boat rides on West Lake, busy shopping days in Wulin Square, peaceful mornings near Lingyin Temple or budget-friendly stays in Xiasha.

For most first-time visitors, the West Lake Lakeside Area remains the best all-round choice, combining scenery, accessibility and atmosphere. From there, you can easily explore the historic lanes of Hefang Street, the buzzing city center around Wulin Square, and the greener hills on the city’s outskirts. No matter where you decide to stay in Hangzhou, the city’s efficient transport network and compact layout make it easy to explore—and to fall in love with this legendary “paradise on earth.”