Hangzhou, China: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2023]

Empty Lighthouse is a reader-supported site. This article may contain affiliate links to Amazon and other sites. We earn a commission on purchases made through these links.

Ready to pack for Hangzhou, China? If you're planning to go to Hangzhou, we have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Hangzhou, China

Based on the climate and weather in Hangzhou, China, the best time to go is October. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Hangzhou, China

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Hangzhou, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Hangzhou, China by month

January

January in Hangzhou can be brisk. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 30s F (single digits C). But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 60% to 70% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    China has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Hangzhou. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit more protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, C and I. Be careful to get the necessary kind. Most adapters for sale now are just plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

If you go to a temple, such as Baopu Taoist Temple, wear:

If you go to Moon over the Peaceful Lake in Autumn, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

February

If you visit Hangzhou during February, you are likely to notice that it is pretty cool. Temperatures tend to hover around the 40s F (single digits C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 30s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    China has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Hangzhou. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, C and I. Be sure to pick the necessary kind. Many adapters available are simply plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you go to a temple, such as Baopu Taoist Temple, wear:

If you go to Moon over the Peaceful Lake in Autumn, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

March

March in Hangzhou is cold. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 40s F (single digits C). But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 60% to 70% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    China has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Hangzhou. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit more protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, C and I. Check that you get the right kind. Many adapters available are simply plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

If you go to a temple, such as Baopu Taoist Temple, wear:

If you go to Moon over the Peaceful Lake in Autumn, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

April

Traveling to Hangzhou in April, you will notice that it is balmy. Daytime temperatures are in the high 60s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    China has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Hangzhou. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For added protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, C and I. Take care to get the necessary type. Many adapters available online are just plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you go to a temple, such as Baopu Taoist Temple, wear:

If you go to Moon over the Peaceful Lake in Autumn, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

May

If you are traveling to Hangzhou in May, you will notice that it is warm. Daytime temperatures are in the 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    China has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Hangzhou. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, C and I. Be careful to get the right type. Many adapters currently available are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

If you go to a temple, such as Baopu Taoist Temple, wear:

If you go to Moon over the Peaceful Lake in Autumn, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

June

June in this region is pretty consistently hot. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    China has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Hangzhou. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, C and I. Be sure to get the necessary kind. The majority of adapters currently available are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most places.

If you go to a temple, such as Baopu Taoist Temple, wear:

If you go to Moon over the Peaceful Lake in Autumn, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

July

July in Hangzhou is really hot. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (low 30s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    China has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For added protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Hangzhou. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, C and I. Ensure that you choose the necessary type. Many adapters currently sold are simply plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most locations.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you go to a temple, such as Baopu Taoist Temple, wear:

If you go to Moon over the Peaceful Lake in Autumn, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

August

August in Hangzhou can be sweltering. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) to high 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    China has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Hangzhou. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For added protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, C and I. Ensure that you choose the right type. The majority of adapters currently sold are just plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most places.

If you go to a temple, such as Baopu Taoist Temple, wear:

If you go to Moon over the Peaceful Lake in Autumn, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

September

September in Hangzhou is a perfect temperature. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    China has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Hangzhou. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, C and I. It's important that you pick the necessary type. Most adapters for sale now are simply plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most areas.

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you go to a temple, such as Baopu Taoist Temple, wear:

If you go to Moon over the Peaceful Lake in Autumn, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

October

October here is mild. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    China has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit more peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Hangzhou. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, C and I. Make sure to get the necessary type. Most adapters available online are simply plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

If you go to a temple, such as Baopu Taoist Temple, wear:

If you go to Moon over the Peaceful Lake in Autumn, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

November

November in Hangzhou can be chilly. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 60s F (mid 10s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    China has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Hangzhou. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, C and I. It's important that you get the correct type. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are simply plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

If you go to a temple, such as Baopu Taoist Temple, wear:

If you go to Moon over the Peaceful Lake in Autumn, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

December

If you are traveling to Hangzhou in December, you will notice that it is brisk. Daytime temperatures are in the low 50s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    China has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Hangzhou. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, C and I. It's important that you find the necessary kind. Most adapters currently sold are just plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you go to a temple, such as Baopu Taoist Temple, wear:

If you go to Moon over the Peaceful Lake in Autumn, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

What to do in Hangzhou, China

Hangzhou, China is one of the most fascinating tourist destinations in the world. From picturesque landscapes to cultural icons, the city offers a wide range of attractions that cater to visitors of all ages, interests, and backgrounds. Here are some of the top tourist attractions to visit:

West Lake

West Lake is undoubtedly the most iconic attraction in Hangzhou, and for good reason. This beautiful lake is nestled in the heart of the city and is surrounded by stunning gardens, temples, and pagodas. The lake itself is picturesque and is often referred to as a work of art in its own right. Visitors can take a boat ride on the lake, go for a leisurely walk, or simply relax and take in the serene surroundings.

Lingyin Temple

If you're a fan of Chinese Buddhism, then Lingyin Temple is certainly worth a visit. The temple was built in the 4th century AD and features a collection of beautiful statues, carvings, and paintings that depict various stories and legends from Chinese mythology. Visitors can participate in a ceremony, explore the beautiful gardens, or take part in a meditation session.

Hefang Street

For a taste of traditional China, Hefang Street is an excellent place to visit. This charming pedestrian street is lined with ancient buildings, shops, and stalls selling everything from local snacks to handicrafts. It's a great place to wander around and soak up the atmosphere, do some shopping, or grab a bite to eat.

Six Harmonies Pagoda

The Six Harmonies Pagoda is another iconic landmark in Hangzhou. Built in the 10th century, it stands atop a hill overlooking the Qiantang River and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area. This pagoda is open to tourists and visitors can climb to the top for an even better view of the surrounding area.

Dragon Well Tea Plantation

China is famous for its tea, and the Dragon Well Tea Plantation is one of the best places to experience this cultural icon. Located just outside the city, the plantation offers a range of activities that allow visitors to learn about the history and production of tea in China. You can take part in a tea-tasting session, go for a leisurely walk and admire the scenic views, or even try your hand at tea picking.

Final Thoughts

Hangzhou is a city that offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and fascinating history. With so many iconic landmarks and attractions to explore, an adventure in Hangzhou is sure to be full of unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re a foodie, history buff or nature lover, you’ll find plenty to see and do in this beautiful Chinese city.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

Check out our guides for these other locations: Ghat, Libya, Marsden, England, United Kingdom, Le Roy, New York, United States of America, Askersund, Sweden, Thac Mo, Vietnam, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain, Ambika Kalna, India, Bulgan, Mongolia, Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentucky, United States of America, Bainbridge, Georgia, United States of America, and Bushmills, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom.