Hangzhou is built around West Lake, a freshwater lake ringed by hills on its northern and western sides and threaded with causeways and tree-lined paths. The lake is the anchor of most visits, and the city's historic core sits along its eastern and southern shores.
For a visitor, the practical question is where to base yourself relative to the lake. The eastern shore is the most central and walkable, the southern shore puts you near the bar and restaurant strip on Nanshan Road, and the western and northern shores trade convenience for quieter, greener surroundings close to the botanic gardens and the hills. This guide covers the areas the sources describe, what each suits, and how each connects to the sights.
Best areas to stay in Hangzhou
1. Eastern shore of West Lake (Hubin / Hu Bin Road area)
This is the most central base, right on the lake's eastern edge and within the Shangcheng District. It suits first-time visitors who want to walk to the lake, the pedestrian lakeside area, and Hubin Walk Street, with restaurants, shops, and taxis close at hand. You find a broad mix of accommodation here, from mid-range hotels to large international properties, and it is the area where lake views are most readily available.
Everything in this area can be reached on foot, and taxis pass continuously along the main roads day and night, so you rarely need to call for one. The trade-off is that this is the busiest, most commercial side of the lake.
2. Nanshan Road and the southern shore
Nanshan Road runs along the lake's southern end and is the centre of the city's bar and nightlife strip. It suits travellers who want evening entertainment within walking distance and easy access to the lake by day. Accommodation here ranges from budget hostels to mid-range hotels, and the area sits next to the Zhejiang Art Academy and near Qing Temple.
Despite being steps from the clubs, some properties are set back far enough to stay relatively quiet. The southern end of the lake is also the starting point for walks along the causeways and a short hop from the historic Leifeng Pagoda area.
3. Western shore of West Lake (near the Botanic Gardens)
The western shore is greener and calmer, close to the Hangzhou Botanic Gardens and the causeways that cross the lake. It suits visitors who prioritise walking and sightseeing around the lake over nightlife, and who don't mind being away from the city's restaurant and bar clusters. Budget and mid-range options cluster here, including restored courtyard-style buildings.
The main practical point is distance: this side is convenient for the lake but far from restaurants and nightlife, with the nearest bar, tea house, and restaurant strip on Shuguang Road about a fifteen-minute walk away.
4. Shuguang Road and the foot of Baoshi Mountain
Shuguang Road sits at the foot of Baoshi Mountain, close to West Lake and near the Baochu Pagoda on Baoshi Hill to the lake's north. It suits visitors who want a quieter base with a restaurant and tea house strip of its own, still within reach of the lake. Larger, more upscale properties are found in this area.
It works well as a compromise between the busy eastern shore and the remote western shore, with the lake and the northern hills both accessible.
5. North of West Lake (Wen Er Road / Beishan Road area)
The area north of the lake, around Wen Er Road and Beishan Road, is leafy and set on green grounds, with the lake and its northern paths close by. It suits visitors who want space and quiet while staying near the water, and it is home to some of the city's larger, older-style hotels. Bicycles can be rented in this area for getting around the lake.
It is a short ride or walk from the northern shore sights, though it is further from the central shopping streets than the eastern shore.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Hostels and small budget hotels, including dorm beds and simple double rooms, concentrated near the lake's western and southern shores. Expect courtyard or converted-building settings, clean shared or ensuite bathrooms, and locations that are either very close to the lake or a short walk from transport.
- Mid-range: Comfortable hotels found all over the city, most of which take foreign guests. Rooms are clean and well located, often within walking distance of the lake or the railway station, with business facilities and dining on site. Bargaining on the rate is common, especially for multi-night stays.
- Splurge: Large four- and five-star hotels, many on or near the lake and in the central business district. Expect lake or city views, multiple restaurants, fitness and conference facilities, and easy walking access to the lakeside pedestrian areas.
Best area for a first visit
Base yourself on the eastern shore of West Lake, around Hubin and Hu Bin Road. It puts you within walking distance of the lake, the pedestrian lakeside area, and the main shopping streets, with taxis available at all hours. For a first trip, that combination of central location and easy connections to the rest of the city is hard to beat.
Frequently asked questions
Which part of Hangzhou is best for walking to the main sights?
The eastern shore of West Lake, around Hubin and Hu Bin Road, is the most walkable base. The lakeside pedestrian area, shops, and restaurants are all on foot, and taxis pass continuously along the main roads.
Where should I stay if I want nightlife nearby?
Nanshan Road, on the lake's southern shore, is the bar and nightlife strip. Some accommodation there is set back far enough from the clubs to remain relatively quiet.
Is it worth staying on the western shore of West Lake?
Yes, if you want quiet and easy walking around the lake and the botanic gardens. Be aware that it is far from restaurants and nightlife, with the nearest strip about a fifteen-minute walk away on Shuguang Road.
Can I find budget accommodation near West Lake?
Yes. Hostels and small budget hotels operate on both the western and southern shores of the lake, including dorm beds and simple double rooms, some in restored courtyard buildings.
When you have a shortlist of areas, compare live prices for the dates you have in mind using the booking tools on this page.