Hangzhou West Lake Guesthouse is ideal for dragon boat race enthusiasts, located just a 10-minute walk from the competition venue along West Lake’s southern shore. The hotel features lake-view rooms and tranquil Garden Courtyards, with some suites offering panoramic views of the West Lake waterways and rowing lanes. Complimentary shuttle services ensure easy access to the event site. During the Dragon Boat Festival, guests can enjoy themed afternoon teas and exclusive intangible cultural heritage tours, immersing themselves in authentic Jiangnan water town traditions.

Take Line 1 Metro to "Longxiang Bridge Station," then transfer to Bus 7 or 318 bound for "Sudi South Gate." It’s a 5-minute walk to the venue. For drivers, use GPS to locate "West Lake Scenic Area - Dragon Boat Race Site"; temporary parking zones are available nearby. However, public transit is strongly recommended to avoid congestion. During festival periods, multiple free shuttle buses run from central hubs to major hotels and attractions, with trips lasting about 20 minutes, ensuring efficient and stress-free access.

Beyond watching the thrilling races, visitors can join dragon boat painting workshops, where they decorate miniature boats and experience traditional craftsmanship. On-site Zhuangyuan Festival exhibitions showcase customs like mugwort, five-color threads, and zongzi-making. Guests may also participate in lake parades with local teams, feeling the spirit of collective effort. Some hotels offer themed Dragon Boat Culture Gift Boxes containing handmade sachets, limited-edition badges, and festival recipes—perfect souvenirs to take home.

Must-try Hangzhou salted meat zongzi, made with glutinous rice, braised pork, and fresh shrimp, offering a rich, savory flavor. Also sample osmanthus sugar lotus root, filled with osmanthus syrup and served warm or chilled—sweet without being cloying. Street vendors sell mugwort green rice balls and lotus leaf rice, blending natural scents with traditional techniques. Some hotels offer Festival Special Dining Sets featuring these local treats paired with custom Zhuangyuan tea drinks, perfect for enjoying by the lake with scenic views.

The Hangzhou Dragon Boat Race is primarily held on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month (Duanwu Festival), corresponding to late May to early June in the Gregorian calendar. This period marks early summer, with mild weather and calm lake conditions—ideal for aquatic events. Pre-race competitions, such as the "West Lake Dragon Boat Invitational," often begin a week prior, while the main events take place on the festival day and the following day, drawing professional teams and spectators nationwide. Plan ahead to avoid congestion and secure accommodations during peak travel times.

Book through Amazon Hotels Group’s official website or HopeGoo Travel Platform using keywords like "Hangzhou West Lake Dragon Boat Festival Package," which often include lake-view rooms, race tickets, and intangible cultural heritage tours. Boutique stays like "Xizi Villa" offer dragon boat-themed rooms with traditional patterns and race decor, plus complimentary Zhuangyuan gift boxes. Due to high demand, especially during the festival, it’s recommended to reserve at least 45 days in advance, as popular rooms frequently sell out within hours of availability.