Where to stay in Hangzhou: four areas around West Lake
The question of where to stay in Hangzhou comes down to four areas. Hubin on the east shore and Wulin are city districts with shops, restaurants and the metro. The north shore around Beishan Road sits near Gushan and the Bai Causeway. Longjing and Maojiabu lie to the west, among tea hills and the water routes. Each suits a different kind of trip.
Your area also shapes the tours you take. If you plan a boat trip or a tea village visit, look at Hangzhou tours first and pick a base that fits the meeting points. This page compares areas, not individual hotels.
Hubin, Wulin, north shore or Longjing compared
What each area gives you, and what to check before you book.
| Area | Good for | Getting around | Check before booking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hubin (east shore) | First visit, shops and restaurants, short trips to the shore | Metro Line 1 to Longxiangqiao | The exact address, as the shore is long |
| Wulin | A city base with a business and shopping district | Metro, with a link towards the north of the lake | The walk or ride to the water |
| North shore (Beishan Road) | Gushan, the Bai Causeway, the evening show | Check the nearest metro station for your address | No guarantee of a lake view or quiet |
| Longjing and Maojiabu (west) | Tea hills and the western water routes | Fewer direct connections, so check them | Journey times to the main shore |
For most first-time visitors, Hubin or Wulin is the simplest base. Both are city districts with the metro nearby. Choose the north shore for the evening show and Longjing for tea.
Our pick: a day trip if you stay in Shanghai
Our take: if you keep your hotel in Shanghai, this private trip covers Hangzhou in a day.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Hangzhou tours from your base
Lake cruises, tea village visits and day trips from Shanghai, with live prices and availability.
The areas in detail
Use these notes together with the table.
Hubin and the east shore
Hubin is the city and shopping area on the lake, with Longxiangqiao as the metro link. From Hangzhou East, Line 1 to Longxiangqiao is the direct route. A shuttle serves the southern parts of the lake from there. It is the practical choice if you want the city around you and the shore a short trip away.
Wulin
Wulin is a second downtown business and shopping district, with metro lines and a connection towards the north lake. It works well for a city stay when you plan to move between several sights in one day.
The north shore and Beishan Road
This area lies near Gushan and the Bai Causeway. The evening stage show is held at 82 Beishan Road, so staying here shortens the trip home after the performance. A room here does not promise a view of the lake or a quiet street.
West Lake evening shows →Longjing and Maojiabu
The west is the tea and water landscape, with tea plantations in the hills and Maojiabu on the western water route. It is a different pace from the city. Do not assume a metro station on the doorstep or a short ride to the east shore.
Longjing tea villages →Choosing by type of trip
Match the area to the days you plan. For a short stay built around the lake and a day trip from Shanghai, Hubin keeps transfers short. For a stay that centres on an evening show, the north shore means a short way back. For a slow stay focused on tea, Longjing puts you near the plantations.
If you arrive late, check the last metro departures before you book. At the airport, the last trains leave at 10:30 p.m. on Line 1 towards Xianghu, 10:49 p.m. on Line 7 towards Wushan Square and 11:14 p.m. on Line 19 towards Tiaoxi. See how to get to West Lake for the full routes.
Practical points for any area
Things that apply wherever you sleep.
Registration of your stay
Foreign guests must be registered with their accommodation, even when they enter visa-free. A hotel usually does this at check-in. If you stay in a private home, register yourself.
Cars and drop-offs
In autumn, taxis and ride-hailing may stop at set transfer points, and cars face plate and permit rules in parts of the lake area. Do not assume that a car can reach your door, and ask the host how guests arrive.
Check the address, not the area
Distances from a hotel to the shore depend on the exact address. Look at the street and the metro station on a map before you book, not only at the name of the district.
Plan the rest of your trip
From base to activities.
Where to stay in Hangzhou: frequently asked questions
What is the best area to stay for West Lake?
For most first-time visitors, Hubin on the east shore or Wulin. Both are city districts with metro access. The north shore suits the evening show, and Longjing suits tea.
Will my hotel have a lake view?
That depends on the individual building and room. An area name does not promise a view, so check the room description before you book.
Is it quiet around the lake?
It depends on the street and the time of year. Neither the north shore nor Longjing can be assumed to be quiet, so ask about the specific address.
How far is Hangzhou from Shanghai?
The high-speed train from Hongqiao to Hangzhou East takes 45 to 87 minutes in 2026. Add the transfers at both ends when you plan a day.
Do I need to register at my accommodation?
Yes. Foreign guests are registered with their accommodation, which hotels usually do. In a private home, you register yourself.
Is this the official West Lake website?
No. This is an independent travel guide. It is not run by the West Lake Scenic Area, the city of Hangzhou or any authority, and it is not connected to tour operators or hotels.