Apartments for rent in Xihu District
Xihu wraps around West Lake and the Xixi wetlands, and it is where most first-time foreign residents picture themselves living in Hangzhou. Tree-lined streets, a walkable cultural core and the highest concentration of cafes and international restaurants in the city.
Rent data reviewed October 2026. Prices are our current asking rents, not a market index.
Living in Xihu District
The district runs from the lake itself north through Huanglong and Wensan Road, then west towards Xixi and Zhuantang. For most expatriates the choice comes down to one question: do you want to be inside the old, green, low-rise core, or in the newer compounds near the wetland where the same money buys considerably more space? Both are Xihu, and the difference in daily life is bigger than the difference in rent.
Neighbourhoods worth knowing
Xihu District is not one market. These are the three pockets foreign tenants ask about most, and what each one actually feels like to live in.
Huanglong 黄龙
Business and university pocket between West Lake and Zhejiang University. Gyms, cafes, the sports centre and a short cycle to the lake. The default choice for academics and anyone working in the Huanglong office towers.
Wensan Road 文三路
The densest strip of cafes, electronics markets and co-working space in the city, with metro stations every few blocks. Older buildings, smaller units, unbeatable convenience.
Xixi 西溪
Newer low-rise compounds around the wetland park. Quiet, green and noticeably better value per square metre, at the cost of needing a bike or a car for errands.
What rent buys you in Xihu District
Indicative monthly rents for furnished apartments in this district, based on our current listings. Exact price depends on the compound, the floor and how recently the unit was renovated.
| Apartment type | Typical size | Monthly rent | Usually suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 35 – 45 m² | ¥4,800 – 6,500 | Single tenants, students, short stays |
| One-bedroom | 50 – 65 m² | ¥5,500 – 8,000 | Couples, single professionals |
| Two-bedroom | 80 – 100 m² | ¥7,500 – 13,000 | Couples, small families, shared lets |
| Three-bedroom | 110 – 140 m² | ¥11,000 – 18,000 | Families, staff housing |
Getting around from Xihu District
| Destination | By metro | By car |
|---|---|---|
| Qianjiang CBD | 25 min | 25 min |
| Hangzhou East Railway Station | 30 min | 30 min |
| Xiaoshan Airport | 45 min | 50 min |
Typical door-to-door times outside peak hours. Add 10 to 20 minutes by car during the morning and evening rush.
Is Xihu District right for you?
Choose Xihu if scenery and walkability matter more than a short commute to the CBD. It also has the deepest stock of older, characterful apartments, which is why long-stay residents tend to end up here.
It works well if you
- First-time arrivals who want to live near the lake
- Academics and staff at Zhejiang University
- Anyone who values walking and cycling over driving
Think twice if you
- CBD commuters — allow 25 to 35 minutes door to door
- Drivers: parking in the older streets is genuinely difficult
- Anyone who needs a lift-served tower with a concierge
Landmarks in Xihu District
Renting here with York Rentals
- A bilingual agent joins every viewing, so you can question the landlord directly.
- We review the lease clause by clause before you sign anything.
- We handle temporary residence registration at the police station after you move in.
- Utilities, internet and handover day are coordinated for you.
Send us your budget and move-in date and we will reply with a Xihu District shortlist within 24 hours.
Xihu District questions
How much is rent in Xihu District?
Studios start around 4,800 CNY a month. One-bedrooms run 5,500 to 8,000, two-bedrooms 7,500 to 13,000, and three-bedrooms near the lake 11,000 to 18,000. Anything with a genuine lake view sits at the top of those bands.
Can I walk to West Lake from these apartments?
Several are a 15 to 25 minute walk from the lake. The rest are one or two metro stops away, or a short cycle — which is how most residents actually get there.
Is Xihu a good area for foreigners?
It is the most established area for foreign residents. English menus, international clinics, imported groceries and bilingual gyms are all concentrated between Huanglong and Wensan Road.
Do Xihu landlords accept foreign tenants?
The large majority do. What they ask for is a valid passport and visa, and increasingly a residence permit. We prepare the document pack before viewing so the question does not come up at the last minute.
Is parking included?
In newer Xixi compounds usually yes. In the older streets around Huanglong and Wensan Road, parking is a separate monthly contract and often has a waiting list.
Other areas of Hangzhou
Compare all eight districts · Read the Hangzhou renting guide
Looking for an apartment in Xihu District?
Tell us your budget and move-in date. We will send matching Xihu District listings and book viewings for you.