Layover Guide

Hangzhou

Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang province, is a city where ancient tradition meets modern innovation. For travelers passing through, Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH) serves as the primary gateway to this scenic region in East China. Located just 27 kilometers from the city center, HGH is a premier aviation hub that offers convenient access to UNESCO World Heritage sites and world-class tea plantations. Whether you have a few hours or a full day, this guide helps you navigate your layover in one of China's most beautiful cities, utilizing the extensive connectivity of the /china/hgh-hangzhou hub.

By James Windsor|Reviewed August 18, 2026

32,000+ layovers planned

10 curated experiences for Hangzhou

Avg itinerary: 23s

How long is your layover?

Select a duration to plan your Hangzhou layover

Save this plan — sign up free

No credit card required

Track your own flights on our 3D globe Try the full AI trip planner

Keep Exploring

Continue planning your Hangzhou stopover inside Borderly

Move into nearby layover guides, airport pages, and route pages without dropping into third-party booking tabs.

Airport Guides

Hgh Hangzhou Airport

Join Borderly

Track Your Travels

Upload your boarding pass and see how you compare to other travelers. Build your flight log, earn achievements, and climb the leaderboard.

Get Started

Home to These Airports

Airports in Hangzhou

HGH

Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport

As a major hub in East China, HGH offers excellent facilities including international lounges, luggage storage, and high-speed rail connections. If you have a layover of more than 6 hours, consider the 144-hour visa-free transit policy to explore the city.

Where to sleepDay-use & overnight

Day-use & overnight hotels in HangzhouFor long or overnight layovers when sleep is the plan — many airport hotels sell rooms by the hour.Find hotels →

Getting There

Find your flights through Hangzhou

Flight searchCompare 100+ agencies

* Fares are compared live across airlines and agencies for your Hangzhou connection.

Flights to Hangzhou

Explore the City

Top Things to Do During a Hangzhou Layover

10 experiences to discover

012-4 hours

Explore West Lake (Xi Hu)

The crown jewel of Hangzhou. Walk along the Su Causeway, take a boat ride to the Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, and enjoy the iconic pagodas.

30 km from airport

022 hours

Visit Lingyin Temple

One of the largest and wealthiest Buddhist temples in China, featuring impressive rock carvings at the Feilai Feng (Peak Flown from Afar).

35 km from airport

032-3 hours

Longjing (Dragon Well) Tea Village

Experience the home of the world-famous Longjing tea. Walk through lush green tea terraces and participate in a traditional tea tasting.

33 km from airport

041-2 hours

Hefang Street Shopping

A historic pedestrian street filled with traditional Chinese medicine shops, local snacks, and crafts—perfect for picking up souvenirs.

28 km from airport

053 hours

Xixi National Wetland Park

A rare urban wetland offering boat tours through peaceful waterways, traditional architecture, and vibrant birdlife.

40 km from airport

061 hour

Leifeng Pagoda

Climb the modern reconstruction of this historic pagoda for panoramic views of West Lake and the city skyline.

31 km from airport

071.5 hours

China National Silk Museum

Located at the foot of Lianhua Peak, this is the world's largest silk museum, detailing the history of the Silk Road.

30 km from airport

081-2 hours

Grand Canal Cruise

The Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal is the oldest and longest man-made canal in the world. Take a water bus to see historic bridges and warehouses.

32 km from airport

092 hours

Zhejiang Provincial Museum

Discover the rich history of the region with extensive collections of pottery, lacquerware, and jade artifacts.

32 km from airport

101 hour

Hu Xueyan's Former Residence

Explore the luxurious mansion of a famous Qing Dynasty merchant, showcasing exquisite Chinese garden design and woodcarving.

29 km from airport

Viator selectionLive recommendations

Zuiyi Hangzhou Impression West Lake Show Ticket

View on Viator

Fits your layover3+ hours layover

Zuiyi Hangzhou Impression West Lake Show Ticket

Head to the Zuiyi Hangzhou Impression West Lake Show (Enduring Memories Of Hangzhou) along West Lake or a water light performance complete with colorful costumes and dramatic lighting and dancing. During the 60 minutes show, the talent 200 performers performed on water. The Elegant ballet dancer, beautiful Chinese traditional music, Massive Stage. The performance have been illuminated. An Unforgettable Show impressive both for adults and kids.

Duration

1 hour

+ 2h airport buffer

Layover fit

Good for 4–6 hour layovers

Needs 3h total

Admission

YES

What you'll see

Attraction stop

Zuiyi Hangzhou is an awesome performance perfect for kids and adults. It start at 7:40pm every day. Once we receive your tickets booking, Your tickets will be issued. Impression West Lake Show Theatre Address: No.82 Beishan Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou (Mandarin: 杭州北山82号岳王庙对面) The show start with mythical beginnings with the history of Hangzhou through the Southern Song Dynasty, to its prosperous present. A well choreographed display with well thought out parts such as the 200 performers Ballet "dancing"on the water and A China's version of Swan Lake. The show is one of the most famous water show in China, created by Director Zhang Yi Mo who was the director of Beijing Olympics Grand Opening in 2008 as well.The performance guaranteed to leave you an enthralled and amazed. The stores, The music, the ballet dancing, the lighting, the vast back drop, charming West Lake and more.

Ready to book for your Hangzhou layover

Instant confirmation on many tours · Free cancellation available

Book on Viator

Enduring Memories of Hangzhou West Lake Show VIP Ticket with Private Transfer

View on Viator

Fits your layover4+ hours layover

Enduring Memories of Hangzhou West Lake Show VIP Ticket with Private Transfer

Enjoy a fun and memorable night out by watching the famous water show in Hangzhou - Impression West Lake also called" Enduring Memories of Hangzhou". Sit in the VIP seating area and immerse yourself in the spectacular show combined with dance, singing, orchestral music, opera on the water stage with the beautiful and charming west lake as the back drop. Convenient and comfortable door to door private transfers is included.

Duration

1h 45m

+ 2h airport buffer

Layover fit

Good for 4–6 hour layovers

Needs 3.8h total

Admission

YES

What you'll see

Attraction stop (1h 30m)

Your English speaking guide and the local private driver will meet you at your downtown Hangzhou hotel at 6.30p.m, hop on to the comfortable air-conditioned vehicle to start the wonderful night outing. Upon arrival ,follw your guide and take the seat at the VIP area and get ready to enjoy the fabulous show -"Enduring Memories of Hangzhou" , formerly known as "Impression Show on the West Lake". This amazing show is directed by Zhang Yimou, the famous film director who once directed the Opening ceremony of 2018 Beijing Olympics. Be marvel at the fantastic music with the charming dancing, as well as other spectacular arts and movements with the amazing lights lit up on the surrounding trees on the shoreline of the West Lake and its water stage. The show has received the highest praises after entertaining all the State leaders from home and abroad in the G20 Summit in 2016 Hangzhou.

Attraction stop (20 mins)

After the wonderful show. Your private driver will pick up you from the show site and drop off you at your Hangzhou hotel or other downtown area in the city. On the way, enjoy a nice drive along the picturesque West Lake.

Ready to book for your Hangzhou layover

Instant confirmation on many tours · Free cancellation available

Book on Viator

* Tours are scored against your layover length — availability and pricing confirmed on Viator.

GetYourGuide selectionLive recommendations

* Suggestions load dynamically based on seasonal availability and ratings in Hangzhou.

Where to Eat

Best Places to Eat in Hangzhou

Lou Wai Lou

Traditional Zhejiang$$$Solitary Hill, West Lake

Zhi Wei Guan

Hangzhou Snacks & Dim Sum$$Renhe Road

Grandma's Home (Waipo Jia)

Modern Hangzhou$$Multiple City Locations

Kui Yuan Guan

Traditional Noodles$Jiefang Road

Green Tea Restaurant

Fusion Zhejiang$$Longjing Road

28 HuBin Road

Fine Dining Chinese$$$$Hyatt Regency

Xin Yi Zhan

Homestyle Hangzhou$$Near West Lake

Shop & Browse

Where to Shop During Your Layover

Hangzhou Tower

A luxury shopping destination featuring high-end international brands and designer boutiques.

30 km

Hubin Yintai In77

A trendy, multi-zone shopping complex right next to West Lake, combining fashion with lake views.

29 km

Wulin Night Market

The perfect spot for evening layovers to find local crafts, street food, and cheap electronics.

31 km

Hangzhou China Silk Town

A dedicated market for high-quality silk products, scarves, and traditional garments.

28 km

Navigate

Getting Around Hangzhou

Getting from Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH) to the city center is efficient. The Metro Line 19 (Airport Express) provides the fastest connection to the city's main railway stations. Metro Line 7 also serves the airport, connecting to the downtown area. Airport shuttle buses run frequently to various districts, including the West Lake area. Taxis and ride-hailing services like Didi are readily available outside the terminals; ensure you have the destination address written in Chinese. For a unique experience, use the water buses on the Grand Canal once you are in the city.

Good to Know

Practical Tips for Your Hangzhou Stopover

Check if you qualify for the 24, 72, or 144-hour visa-free transit policy.

Download Alipay or WeChat Pay, as most vendors in Hangzhou prefer mobile payments.

Store your luggage at the HGH terminal 'Left Luggage' counters to explore hands-free.

Keep a printed or digital copy of your onward flight ticket and passport.

Use the high-speed Airport Express metro line to avoid peak-hour traffic.

Carry a business card of your destination or the airport in Chinese characters for taxi drivers.

Buy a local SIM card or arrange an eSIM at the airport for easy navigation.

Public Wi-Fi usually requires a Chinese phone number; use airport lounges for easier access.

Respect the local culture, especially when visiting temples like Lingyin.

Open the airport and route guides you need next

Keep your planning flow on Borderly by opening the local airport and route pages connected to this stopover.

Hgh Hangzhou Airport

Community Discussions

Real Traveler Advice

TravelBug992 days ago

Does anyone know if immigration is fast at this airport during morning hours? We only have a 4 hour layover and want to see the main square...

AeroExplorer5 days ago

Just did this exact layover last week! A few tips: definitely take the express train instead of cab, it saves about 45 mins. Also make sure...

Travel lightBag drop

Luggage storageDrop your bags near the airport or in the centre so you can explore Hangzhou hands-free.Find storage →

Make Every Minute Count

Layover Time Management Guide

For a short layover of 2-4 hours, it is best to stay within HGH. Explore the dining options and duty-free shops, or relax in one of the international lounges. With 4-8 hours, you have enough time to take the metro to West Lake (approx. 45-60 minutes each way). You can enjoy a brisk walk along the lake and a quick meal at Hefang Street. If you have a long layover of 8+ hours, you can fully immerse yourself in Hangzhou. Visit the Lingyin Temple, enjoy a tea ceremony in Longjing Village, and take a boat cruise on the Grand Canal before returning to the airport for your flight.

Short on time? Let us handle everything.

orPlan with AI

Stay connectedeSIM data

Data the moment you land in HangzhouAn eSIM activates before you fly, so you have maps, translation and gate alerts without hunting for airport wifi.Get an eSIM →

Got Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a visa for a layover in Hangzhou?

Many nationalities can utilize the 144-hour visa-free transit policy if they have a confirmed ticket to a third country. Check with your local Chinese embassy.

How far is the airport from West Lake?

Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH) is approximately 30 km from West Lake, taking about 45-60 minutes by taxi or metro.

Is there luggage storage at HGH?

Yes, HGH offers luggage storage services in the arrivals and departures areas of the terminals.

What is the fastest way to get to the city center?

The Metro Line 19 (Airport Express) is generally the fastest way to reach central transit hubs.

Can I use US dollars in Hangzhou?

No, you will need Chinese Yuan (CNY). It is highly recommended to use mobile payments like Alipay or withdraw cash from airport ATMs.

Is English widely spoken in Hangzhou?

While airport staff and high-end hotel employees speak English, it is less common among taxi drivers and small shop owners. Using a translation app is helpful.

What should I eat during my layover?

Don't miss the West Lake Vinegar Fish or Dongpo Pork, two of Hangzhou's most famous culinary exports.

Personalized Travel

Traveling to Hangzhou?

Use our dedicated travel concierge service. Let us handle your layover details, itinerary, and exclusive bookings so you can just enjoy the journey. Enquire now.