Hangzhou events & things to do in December 2026
Start with West Lake, Bai Causeway and Su Causeway, plus Xixi National Wetland Park. December in Hangzhou averages 11°C / 53°F highs, 3°C / 37°F nights, and about 9 rainy days.
Expect 11°C/53°F days and about 9 rainy ones in December. Start with these:
- West Lake★ 4.7 · 1.1k reviewsThe UNESCO-listed lake is Hangzhou core, with causeways, bridges, gardens, pagodas, boat islands, and classic views such as Three Pools Mirroring the…
- Bai Causeway and Su Causeway★ 4.6 · 465 reviewsThe two lake causeways structure the best walking and cycling routes, linking bridges, lotus ponds, willow trees, and seasonal blossom views.
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By TripSapien Research · Updated June 3, 2026
Hangzhou in December 2026
Weather
TempTemperature
53°F / 37°F
11.4°C / 3°C
RainPrecipitation
9d
2in · 50mm
LightDaylight
10.1h
December is cool and relatively drier, with quieter lake paths and shorter daylight.
About Hangzhou
City overview
Hangzhou is the Zhejiang capital where West Lake, Lingyin Temple, Longjing tea hills, Hefang Street, Xixi wetlands, and the Grand Canal terminus define the visitor map. The city pairs classical lake scenery with metro-connected business districts around Wulin, Qianjiang New City, Binjiang, and Hangzhou East Station.
Food & drink
Hangzhou food includes West Lake vinegar fish, Dongpo pork, Longjing shrimp, beggar chicken, pian er chuan noodles, lotus-root starch, river prawns, and green tea. Lou Wai Lou, Hefang Street, Wushan night snacks, Longjing village tea houses, and canal-side restaurants are the first route.
Top sights
Ranked for December suitability using weather, setting, ratings, and review volume.
- 1Xixi National Wetland Park
- 2Liuhe Pagoda
- 3Grand Canal and Gongchen Bridge
- 4Hefang Street and Wushan Square
- 5Lingyin Temple
- 6Leifeng Pagoda
- 7Longjing Tea Fields and China National Tea Museum
- 8Liangzhu Museum and Archaeological Ruins
1Xixi National Wetland Park
4.4★ · 202outdoorOpen dailyThe wetland park west of the center has waterways, reeds, boat rides, villages, and a different ecology from West Lake.
Wikipedia
2Liuhe Pagoda
4.3★ · 232outdoorThe pagoda above the Qiantang River gives river views and a southern counterpoint to the lake temples.
Wikipedia
3Grand Canal and Gongchen Bridge
4.6★ · 31outdoorThe northern canal district links Hangzhou to the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, with museums, old warehouses, and water-bus routes.
Show 3 more sights
- 4Hefang Street and Wushan Square
- 5Lingyin Temple
- 6Leifeng Pagoda
Neighborhoods
1West Lake and Hubin
The lakefront is scenic and hotel-heavy, with Hubin parks, boat docks, malls, night fountains, causeways, and easy walking loops.
2Wulin and Gongshu Grand Canal
Wulin is commercial and central, while Gongshu adds canal museums, Gongchen Bridge, warehouses, restaurants, and water-bus access.
3Hefang, Wushan, and Qinghefang
The old south-lake side is snack-heavy and historic, with Wushan Square, medicine shops, restored lanes, and dense evening crowds.
Day trips
50km / 20-30min by high-speed rail from Hangzhou East
Shaoxing
The canal city adds Lu Xun sites, yellow wine, old bridges, and a compact historic center.
80km / 1.5h by bus or car from Hangzhou
Wuzhen
The water town has canals, stone bridges, old lanes, guesthouses, and evening lighting, with ticketed east and west scenic zones.
170km / 1h by high-speed rail to Qiandaohu plus local transfer
Qiandao Lake
The reservoir region offers island cruises, forested water views, and a very different day from West Lake.
Getting around
Hangzhou Metro connects the airport, East Station, West Lake edges, Wulin, Qianjiang New City, and outer districts, while buses, taxis, water buses, bikes, and QR-code tickets fill shorter gaps. West Lake is best walked, cycled, or crossed by boat rather than by car.
Planning a Hangzhou trip?
Add your dates and we'll check every place for closures, limited hours, and booking needs in December.
Common questions about Hangzhou in December
- What to pack for Hangzhou in December
Pack for December's weather, not a generic Hangzhou checklist.
- Layerable daytime clothes for average highs around 11°C / 53°F.
- A heavier evening layer because nights average 3°C / 37°F.
- A small umbrella or packable shell for scattered rain across about 9 days.
- How many days do you need in Hangzhou
- 4 days covers the main Hangzhou highlights at a realistic pace. Add 3 extra days if you want the listed day trips.
- Is Hangzhou worth visiting in December
- Yes. December in Hangzhou averages 11°C / 53°F highs, 3°C / 37°F nights, and about 9 rainy days.
Ready to plan Hangzhou?
You've seen what's on — now get a day-by-day Hangzhou plan for December 2026, every place checked for your exact dates.