The 10 best things to do in Hangzhou with kids

Yuko Yanagimoto and her family

What does a Japanese mother who has called Hangzhou home for 15 years consider the most meaningful and fun activities to do with her kids? How does someone who lives “between a local and a tourist” uncover the hidden gems of a city that balances history and modernity so beautifully?

Yuko Yanagimoto, a parent at Hangzhou International School, has something to share：

Marco Polo statue and his famous quote on Hangzhou

I'm often asked: what are the very best things to do here with kids? After 15 years of exploring this city—which I love for its beautiful balance of history and modernity, nature and urban life—I've curated my family's top 10 list. Whether you're new to town or a long-time resident, I hope our favorites inspire your own Hangzhou adventures."

Below are the top 10 things I enjoy doing with my 8- and 10-year-old kids.

1. Visit the Hangzhou Botanical Gardens

Hangzhou has one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in China. Situated within a tourist area near West Lake, it’s so huge inside that you never feel crowded at any time of the day or year. You can place picnic mats, walk under hundred-year-old camphor trees and visit the Han Meilin Museum (Han Meilin is one of the greatest masters of Chinese modern art.)

Bonsai garden at Flower Nursery

Kids love the colorful paintings of animals and sculpture pieces such as‘Mother and Child.’ There is a gigantic Buddha head at the museum entrance too! Opposite from the Botanical Garden is the Flower Nursery. Here, the highlights are the impressive pine tree bonsai garden and the orchid nursery (hidden, but possible to observe from outside how professionals take care of rare species of orchids.)

The big Buddha head at Han Meilin Museum

2. Take a Sunrise Boat at West Lake

Getting in a boat

I only ever visit West Lake at sunrise – that's my recommendation to avoid the crowds and enjoy the peace. The day before, book the smallest boat (they seat 4 to 6 people) at the earliest possible time – ideally just before the sunrise; prepare a packed breakfast and bottled hot coffee, and blankets in the colder season. Meet the boatman, and as the boat departs the shore, you start to notice the disappearance of darkness... and the sun slowly appearing.

Sunrise at West Lake

Regardless of which route you choose, almost the whole lake is yours at this time of the day. Even if you come across another boat, you will want to say hello to each other (not the case in the crowded daytime.) Make sure the kids learn some historical stories about West Lake from the boatman, as well as the names of birds and plants unique to West Lake. Believe it or not, the sunrise has an invisible energy for our life, so it’s something I insist in doing with my kids at least once a year.

3. Go to the Temples in the Morning

Joining a morning changting at Jingci Temple

As a parent not practicing any religion, it has been a question for me how to teach kids what religion, or belief is. Hangzhou is said to have had thousands of Buddhist temples in early history, and today hundreds remain, such as the famous Lingyin and Jingshan Temples. But I don’t want the kids to think that the temples are just theme parks with Buddha statues.... so I take my kids to temples only in the early morning.

Helping with breakfast cleanup at a temple

Many temples open their doors to religious people for morning chanting – it is before tourists start to come in, and it is when the temples are in true peace and dignity. We observe the ritual, enjoy the humble breakfast with the monks and walk around to find gems of art and history. The kids love following the path of Ji Gong, a historical monk who once lived in Jingci Temple and other temples in Hangzhou – his character and deeds are similar to those of Robin Hood!

4. Explore the Artisan Markets

At an artisans' market

There is a rapidly growing trend for artisan markets in Hangzhou. Almost every weekend, you can find some markets going on in different locations in the city. We can spend the whole day there – I enjoy tasting different craft beers while kids search for interesting toys or accessories to buy. So far, the kids’ best catch was the dragon figures made by 3D printing bought in a weekend market at Tianmuli Square.

You may encounter interesing things at artisans' markets...

5. Enjoy Hangzhou’s Jazz Scene

Mike Stern at Gucha Jazz Club

Hangzhou is one of the earliest cities in China to host live jazz bands from overseas, thanks to the JZ Club, which has been there for almost 20 years on the crowded side of West Lake. In addition, most music clubs and bars in Hangzhou are very safe and clean (non-smoking), so I have been taking my kids to jazz clubs since they were 3 years old. There are a few good clubs now with, at times, very high level international and Chinese jazz musicians. A few musicians told me they felt much more energy from the audience in Hangzhou than in Shanghai!

The legendary JZ Club

These were the first five best things to do in Hangzhou with kids suggested by Yuko Yanagimoto. Now, read the second part, where the greenery of tea plantations, the cutting-edge world of contemporary art, the wisdom embedded in traditional calligraphy, the simplicity of countryside living, and the quiet corners of its unique bookstores — these final five facets reveal the city's deeper cultural life!

Source: Hangzhoufeel