What Water Activities Can You Experience in Hangzhou?

Hangzhou, often celebrated for its poetic scenery, ancient culture, and tranquil atmosphere, offers far more than just peaceful walks along the shores of Xihu (West Lake). While the city is best known for its temples, pagodas, and classical gardens, its aquatic offerings are both rich and surprisingly diverse. Whether you're an adventurer seeking adrenaline or a traveler longing for serenity, Hangzhou provides a range of water-based experiences that blend natural beauty with cultural heritage.

This guide explores the top water activities available in and around Hangzhou, including traditional boating experiences, modern water sports, scenic cruises, and immersive cultural tours on the water. With so many lakes, rivers, and canals crisscrossing the region, Hangzhou can truly be appreciated from its waterways.

Traditional Boating on Xihu (West Lake)

No trip to Hangzhou is complete without a journey on the shimmering surface of Xihu, the city’s most iconic body of water. The lake’s serene environment, willow-lined shores, and classical bridges offer the perfect setting for a peaceful waterborne experience.

Rowboats and Wooden Boats

Operated by locals, small wooden rowboats provide a gentle, nostalgic cruise across the lake. These boats, which often include a canopy, are typically paddled by a single boatman or boatwoman who may even sing traditional Hangzhou folk tunes.

• Best for: Couples, solo travelers, and photographers

• Duration: 30 to 60 minutes

• Highlight: Viewing "Three Pools Mirroring the Moon" from the water

Electric Boats

For those who prefer comfort over tradition, electric boats provide a quiet and stable ride with less effort and more seating. Many of these are covered and suitable for small groups.

• Best for: Families and small groups

• Duration: 30 minutes to 1.5 hours

• Note: Some electric boats offer hop-on-hop-off services at various scenic spots

Sunset and Evening Cruises

As dusk falls over Xihu, the lake transforms into a glowing canvas of soft reflections and golden light. Several companies offer evening cruises that provide a different perspective of the lake’s iconic spots.

• Departure point: Hubin (Lakeside) or Wushan area

• Experience: Illuminated views of Broken Bridge, Leifeng Pagoda, and the faraway mountains

• Optional: Cruises paired with live guzheng (Chinese zither) music or storytelling in English

• Best time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM, especially in spring and fall

Paddleboarding and Kayaking on the Qiantang River

While West Lake is preserved mainly for sightseeing, the mighty Qiantang River is where action-seekers can enjoy water sports. The river flows from the west to the east and eventually empties into the East China Sea. It’s famous for its tidal bore, but in calmer stretches, paddleboarding and kayaking have gained popularity.

Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP)

SUP has become one of the most trendy ways to explore the calmer backwaters of the river or sections near river parks.

• Best spots: Near Binjiang waterfront or Qianjiang Century City

• Rental options: Available through outdoor clubs or seasonal beach-style setups

• Skill level: Beginner-friendly in calm weather

• Duration: Hourly rentals or guided 2-hour sessions

Kayaking Adventures

Kayaks, both solo and tandem, can be rented for an upstream paddle through quiet stretches, passing riverside parks and bridges with views of the city skyline.

• Best for: Active travelers and small groups

• Add-on: Sunset kayaking tours sometimes include photo packages or snacks

• Recommended season: May through October

• Difficulty: Moderate; some paddling experience helps

Dragon Boat Experience

For those curious about Chinese traditions, the dragon boat experience offers both a cultural and physical activity. This team sport is especially popular during the Duanwu Festival (Dragon Boat Festival), but clubs and companies offer dragon boat rowing all year long in Hangzhou.

Group Dragon Boating

• Location: Xixi Wetland or near Olympic Sports Center

• Experience: Join a team, learn traditional paddling rhythm, and even participate in a mock race

• Time required: 2–3 hours including training and water time

• Included: Life jackets, instruction, team coordination coaching

• Audience: Groups, corporate team building, and culture enthusiasts

Xixi National Wetland Park – Gondola-style Boat Rides

If Xihu is Hangzhou’s crown jewel, then Xixi Wetland is its secret garden. A sprawling ecological reserve on the western edge of the city, this area blends water channels, bamboo groves, lotus ponds, and centuries-old fishing villages.

Flat-bottomed Boats

These traditional boats slowly wind through narrow waterways lined with reeds and overhanging trees. A guide often narrates the history of the area, focusing on traditional fishing techniques, bird habitats, and old tales.

• Duration: 1–2 hours

• Route highlights: Deepwater Village, Autumn Snow Temple, Hazy Fisherman's Village

• Add-on: Some packages include tea tasting or local snacks

• Ambiance: Quiet, reflective, best for nature lovers

Rafting and Tubing in Outskirts of Hangzhou

Within a 1–2 hour drive from the city, the hilly countryside opens up opportunities for rafting and tubing adventures, particularly during the summer months.

Jiuxi Rafting

A soft-adventure river ride suitable for families, Jiuxi (Nine Creeks) offers gentle flowing waters, stepping stones, and shaded paths. You won’t get soaked, but you will enjoy the tranquil natural setting.

• Season: Late spring to early autumn

• Distance from downtown: 30–40 minutes by car

• Bonus: Combine with hiking in the Longjing tea fields

Tonglu and Fuchun Rafting

For more adrenaline, head to Tonglu or Fuchun River areas, where commercial rafting routes include minor rapids and inflatable boats. While still relatively mild, these are fun group activities in lush mountain surroundings.

• Ideal for: Groups of friends and adventurous couples

• Safety: Life vests and helmets provided

• Water temperature: Refreshing but not cold

• Time: 1.5 to 2 hours on water

Canal Boat Tours in Gongshu District

While Hangzhou is most associated with West Lake, its Grand Canal section is equally historical and navigable. The canal flows northward, connecting the city with Beijing through a centuries-old waterway that once formed China’s commercial lifeline.

Covered Canal Cruises

Offering a completely different vibe from lake boating, these covered barges cruise slowly through historical parts of the city. You'll pass old shophouses, stone bridges, artisan markets, and dockyards.

• Duration: 40–60 minutes

• Language: Audio guides often available in English

• Ideal time: Late afternoon

• Boarding point: Xiaohezhi Street or Wulin Gate area

• Highlight: Night cruises with lantern-lit views

Water Performances and Shows

While not technically a water sport or ride, Hangzhou’s large-scale water-themed performances—staged on lakes or rivers—deliver immersive experiences.

Impression West Lake

This outdoor show takes place on the actual waters of Xihu, using a submerged stage just beneath the surface. Created by famed director Zhang Yimou, it blends music, dance, lighting, and reflections.

• Schedule: Evening shows, weather permitting

• Seating: Amphitheater along the northern lake bank

• Best seats: Center section, higher up for wider view

• Language: Visual storytelling; no language barrier

Seasonal Activities: Ice Skating and Snow Boating

During colder months (December to February), Hangzhou occasionally freezes over in specific areas—not the large lakes, but smaller, shallow ponds and recreational parks.

While not guaranteed annually, temporary skating rinks and snow boating areas pop up in places like the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Park. Inflatable tubes or flat-bottom snow boats are towed over synthetic snow tracks, offering family fun even in winter.

• Availability: Weather-dependent

• Crowd: Mostly families

• Price: Usually budget-friendly, with gear rentals included

• Note: Not authentic lake ice skating; mostly artificial setups

Tips for Enjoying Water Activities in Hangzhou

1. Weather Check: Summer thunderstorms and winter fog can affect visibility and safety. Always check local forecasts.

2. Weekday Advantage: Major spots like Xihu are extremely crowded on weekends and public holidays. Visit on weekdays for a more relaxed experience.

3. Early Mornings and Evenings: These times offer the best light, cooler temperatures, and fewer crowds.

4. Booking in Advance: Some evening cruises and guided kayaking tours require advance reservation, especially during high season (April–June, September–October).

5. What to Bring: Sunscreen, insect repellent, a light jacket for evening breezes, waterproof bags for electronics.

6. Safety First: Always wear provided life jackets, especially for activities on Qiantang River or rafting tours.

Hangzhou's waterways aren’t just scenic backgrounds—they are living, flowing parts of the city's identity. From the ancient elegance of a wooden boat on Xihu to the exhilarating paddle of a kayak under modern skyscrapers, the city invites visitors to engage with water not just visually, but physically and emotionally. The options are as vast and varied as the lakes and rivers themselves, making Hangzhou a true water-lover’s destination.