City Introduction
Hangzhou, the exquisite capital of Zhejiang Province, is where centuries of imperial elegance meet modern sophistication. Marco Polo famously declared it "the finest and most splendid city in the world." For over 2,200 years, this city on the Grand Canal has captivated travellers with its mist-shrouded West Lake, ancient temples, and tea-covered hills. Today, Hangzhou offers golfers a rare opportunity to play amidst landscapes that have inspired poets and emperors since the Tang Dynasty.

Why Golf Here?
Hangzhou is home to several championship courses that masterfully integrate with the region's legendary scenery. The city's golf scene gained international prominence when West Lake International Golf Club was selected as the official venue for the 19th Asian Games golf competition in 2023. Designed by golfing legend Jack Nicklaus, this 36-hole masterpiece sits in the lush hills of Xihu District, just 10 kilometres from the iconic West Lake. The region also boasts unique layouts like Fuchun Resort, set within a 2,200-acre estate inspired by the famous 14th-century painting "Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains," and Hangzhou Jiqiao, a championship course designed with IMG consultation. With convenient access from the city centre and year-round playability, Hangzhou offers golfers a sublime combination of world-class sport and profound cultural immersion.

Best Season to Visit
The optimal time for golf in Hangzhou is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when temperatures are mild, humidity is low, and the scenery is at its most poetic. Spring brings blooming peach blossoms and misty West Lake views, while autumn offers crisp air and golden gingko foliage. Summer (June to August) can be hot and humid with occasional typhoon influences, but morning rounds remain enjoyable. Winter (December to February) is cold but often clear, with dramatically reduced green fees and fewer crowds.

Must-Try Food

• West Lake Vinegar Fish: A Hangzhou classic—fresh grass carp from West Lake served in a sweet-and-sour vinegar sauce.

• Dongpo Pork: Succulent braised pork belly named after the Song Dynasty poet Su Dongpo, who perfected the recipe during his Hangzhou years.

• Longjing Shrimp: Stir-fried river shrimp with fresh Longjing tea leaves—a delicate fusion of land and water.

• Beggar's Chicken: Whole chicken wrapped in lotus leaves and baked in clay, traditionally said to have been invented by a Hangzhou beggar.

Must-See Attractions

• West Lake: A UNESCO World Heritage site and the soul of Hangzhou—2,200 years of cultivated beauty with pagodas, temples, and causeways.

• Lingyin Temple: One of China's largest and most important Buddhist monasteries, founded in 328 AD and surrounded by forested peaks.

• Longjing Tea Plantations: The birthplace of China's most famous green tea, where terraced hillsides offer walks and tea tastings.

• Grand Canal: The world's longest and oldest canal, stretching 1,776 kilometres from Hangzhou to Beijing.

• Leifeng Pagoda: Rebuilt on the site of a 975 AD pagoda, offering panoramic West Lake views and the legend of the White Snake.

Hangzhou Golf Course Guide

Plan your Hangzhou golf adventure—where Jack Nicklaus fairways meet 2,200 years of imperial poetry, and the mist of West Lake follows you down every fairway!