Top 5 Things to Do in Hangzhou in June
June is one of the most enchanting months to visit Hangzhou. The summer breeze carries the fragrance of blooming lotuses, the tea fields are at their lushest, and the city hums with a relaxed yet vibrant energy. Whether you’re a culture enthusiast, a nature lover, or a foodie, here is our list of the top 5 things to do in Hangzhou this June.
1. Witness the Lotus Blooms at West Lake
June marks the beginning of lotus season at West Lake. Stroll along the Bai Causeway or Quyuan Garden to see these delicate pink flowers in full glory. Early mornings are magical—mist hovers over the water, creating a dreamy landscape.
West Lake | Visit during Summer | Line 2 to Fengqi Road Station, Exit F
Image Courtesy of Zhejiang News
2. Dive into Chinese Bayberry Season: A Juicy June Tradition
June indicates the arrival of Chinese bayberry (yangmei) season—a beloved summer ritual in Hangzhou. From mid-June to early July, the rolling hills of Xiaoshan and Yuhang transform into ruby-red wonderlands. Here’s how to do it easy and joy:
🍇 Pick Your Own
- Head to Xiaoshan or Yuhang (just 30 mins from downtown)
- Go early—best berries get snatched by locals fast!
- Squeeze test: soft = sweet, hard = sour (trust us, you want the sticky fingers).
🍷 Make Boozy Treasures
- Farmers will teach you to booze your berries—just dunk them in rice wine and wait. Perfect DIY souvenir!
- Or skip the work and buy pre-made Chinese bayberry wine (look for the boozy aunties selling jars roadside).
😋 Eat Them All
- Iced Chinese bayberry soup = sweet-tart heaven on a hot day.
- Yangmei bing (shaved ice with berry syrup) is the ultimate sugar rush.
📸 Pro Tip: Wear dark clothes—these berries will stain (but the pictures are worth it!)
Xiaoshan or Yuhang | Mid-June to early July | Private Vehicle Recommended
3. China Academy of Art Grad Show (Theme: Metamorphoses)
June is the CAA graduation show season in Hangzhou, and it’s the coolest free art party in town. Here’s why you should go:
🖼️ What’s Cool
- 10,000+ wild artworks—from AI installations to oil paintings that’ll melt your brain
- Secret spots: The sculpture department’s rooftop piece (ask students for directions)
📸 Insta-Worthy
- The giant floating metal thing in the central courtyard (nobody knows what it is)
🕰️ Fast Facts
- Hours: 9:30AM-4:30PM (for weekends it lasts until 6:30PM)
- Tickets: Free, appointment is required
China Academy of Art (xiangshan Campus) | 1st -20th June 2025 | Line 6 to Xiangshan Campus China Academy of Art Station, Exit B
4. A Blooming Lotus: ‘‘Gandhara Art & Asian Civilizations’’ Exhibition
This extraordinary exhibition offers a profound visual journey for scholars, practitioners, and admirers of Buddhist heritage alike.
🏛️ What’s Inside
- 150+ jaw-dropping artifacts from Gandhara and beyond
- Never-before-seen relics fresh from recent digs
- Cultural mashups where Greek gods meet Buddhist saints
🔥 Must find
- Eleven-headed Avalokitesvara in Shorinji Temple, Nara (Reconstruction)
- Statue of Goddess Hāritī
🕰️ Fast Facts
- Hours: 9AM-5PM (but last entry at 4:30PM), closed on Monday
- Tickets: Free, appointment is required
Zhejiang University (Zijingang Campus) | Until Sept 2025 | Line 5 to Jiangcun Station, Exit A2
Image Courtesy of 周末去拍照 via RedNote
5. Hangzhou West Lake Day – June 24: Free Access & Cultural Celebrations
Mark your calendars for June 24 – the annual West Lake Day in Hangzhou, when 16 normally ticketed attractions open their doors for free! This beloved event celebrates the lake’s UNESCO-listed heritage with vibrant cultural activities.
🎟️ Free Entry
- Access to 16 paid sites like Leifeng Pagoda, Lingyin Temple, and Feilai Peak.
🎋 Cultural Highlights (Based on Past Years)
- Poetry Recitals: Lakeside verses inspired by West Lake’s timeless beauty.
- Tea Ceremonies: Longjing tea masters demonstrate traditional brewing techniques.
- Lotus & Water Lily Exhibits: Stunning displays at Quyuan Garden (peak bloom season).
- New for 2025? Watch for announcements about calligraphy workshops or silk-weaving demos.
West Lake | June 24th
Image Courtesy of West Lake Travel