Hangzhou, China-4-day-itinerary

Day 1: Monday

  • Morning: Start your day with a visit to Xixi National Wetland Park, a tranquil oasis on the outskirts of Hangzhou. Take a boat ride through the winding canals and experience the serene beauty of nature.
    • Transportation: Take bus no. 9 or 18 from downtown Hangzhou to Xixi Scenic Area ( approx. 30-40 minutes, ¥10-15).
  • Lunch: Grab a delicious bowl of Hangzhou-style wonton noodles at Wonton Noodle Restaurant in the Xixi area.
    • Address: No. 1, Lane 999, Xixi Scenic Area ( map )
  • Afternoon: Head to Qinghefang Ancient Street, a charming pedestrian street lined with traditional shops and restaurants. Explore the old houses, browse local handicrafts, and try some traditional Hangzhou snacks.
    • Transportation: Take bus no. 9 or 18 from Xixi Scenic Area to Qinghefang Ancient Street ( approx. 20-30 minutes, ¥10-15).
  • Dinner: Enjoy a dinner of roasted duck at Hangzhou Roast Duck Restaurant, known for its mouth-watering Peking-style roast duck.
    • Address: No. 1, Qinghefang Ancient Street ( map )
  • Accommodation: Stay at the Holiday Inn Hangzhou or Sheraton Grand Hangzhou Wetland Park Resort, both located near the Xixi National Wetland Park.
    • Address: Holiday Inn: No. 333, Binjiang Road, Hangzhou; Sheraton Grand: No. 777, Yangqi Road, Hangzhou
  • Tips: Be prepared for crowds and lines at popular tourist spots during peak season (summer, national holidays). Try to visit early morning or late afternoon/early evening to avoid the throngs.
  • Things to know: Don’t drink tap water in Hangzhou. Bring a refillable water bottle with you.

Day 2: Tuesday

  • Morning: Visit Lingyin Temple, one of China’s most famous Buddhist temples and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at the intricate carvings, colorful murals, and massive Buddha statues.
    • Transportation: Take bus no. 9 or 18 from downtown Hangzhou to Lingyin Temple ( approx. 20-30 minutes, ¥10-15).
  • Lunch: Try some authentic Hangzhou cuisine at Leifeng Restaurant, which offers a variety of local dishes and snacks.
    • Address: No. 1, Lane 999, Lingyin Temple area ( map )
  • Afternoon: Explore the stunning Hupao Spring Garden, where you can see rare plants and flowers, as well as traditional architecture and peaceful water features.
    • Transportation: Take bus no. 9 or 18 from Lingyin Temple to Hupao Spring Garden ( approx. 20-30 minutes, ¥10-15).
  • Dinner: Enjoy a dinner of traditional Chinese medicine cuisine at Hangzhou Traditional Medicine Restaurant, which offers unique and healthy dishes made with medicinal herbs.
    • Address: No. 1, Lane 999, Lingyin Temple area ( map )
  • Evening: Relax with an evening stroll along the picturesque banks of West Lake (Xi Hu), a famous scenic spot in Hangzhou.
    • Transportation: Take bus no. 9 or 18 from Lingyin Temple to West Lake area ( approx. 20-30 minutes, ¥10-15).

Day 3: Wednesday

  • Morning: Visit the iconic Leifeng Pagoda, a three-story pagoda that offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
    • Transportation: Take bus no. 9 or 18 from downtown Hangzhou to Leifeng Pagoda ( approx. 20-30 minutes, ¥10-15).
  • Lunch: Grab a quick bite at Hangzhou-style steamed dumplings at Wonton Noodle Restaurant near the Leifeng Pagoda.
    • Address: No. 1, Lane 999, Leifeng Pagoda area ( map )
  • Afternoon: Visit the beautiful Southern Song Dynasty Guan Kiln Museum, which showcases ancient ceramics and porcelain from the Southern Song dynasty (1127-1279 AD).
    • Transportation: Take bus no. 9 or 18 from downtown Hangzhou to Guan Kiln Museum ( approx. 20-30 minutes, ¥10-15).
  • Dinner: Enjoy a dinner of Hangzhou-style roast meat at Hangzhou Roast Meat Restaurant, known for its mouth-watering roasted pork and chicken.
    • Address: No. 1, Qinghefang Ancient Street ( map )

Day 4: Thursday

  • Morning: Visit the beautiful Lingyin Temple Complex, which includes a large Buddhist monastery, several halls, and tranquil courtyards.
    • Transportation: Take bus no. 9 or 18 from downtown Hangzhou to Lingyin Temple ( approx. 20-30 minutes, ¥10-15).
  • Lunch: Try some authentic Hangzhou cuisine at Leifeng Restaurant, which offers a variety of local dishes and snacks.
    • Address: No. 1, Lane 999, Lingyin Temple area ( map )
  • Afternoon: Visit the stunning Qinghefang Ancient Street, a charming pedestrian street lined with traditional shops and restaurants. Explore the old houses, browse local handicrafts, and try some traditional Hangzhou snacks.
    • Transportation: Take bus no. 9 or 18 from Lingyin Temple to Qinghefang Ancient Street ( approx. 20-30 minutes, ¥10-15).
  • Dinner: Enjoy a farewell dinner of roasted duck at Hangzhou Roast Duck Restaurant, known for its mouth-watering Peking-style roast duck.
    • Address: No. 1, Qinghefang Ancient Street ( map )

Other tips and recommendations

  • Try to avoid visiting during peak season (summer, national holidays) if possible, as the crowds can be overwhelming.
  • Don’t drink tap water in Hangzhou. Bring a refillable water bottle with you.
  • Be prepared for variable weather conditions in Hangzhou, especially during spring and autumn.
  • Respect local customs and traditions when visiting temples or cultural sites.
  • Try to learn some basic Chinese phrases, such as "" (nǐ hǎo) for “hello” and "" (xiè xiè) for “thank you”.
  • Don’t forget to try some of the delicious street food and snacks available throughout Hangzhou!

Language

  • Mandarin Chinese is the official language of China.
  • Some locals in tourist areas may speak basic English, but it’s not widely spoken.

Currency

  • The RMB (Renminbi) is the official currency of China.
  • Credit cards are accepted at most restaurants and shops.

Safety

  • Hangzhou is generally a safe city for tourists.
  • Be mindful of pickpocketing and petty theft in crowded areas.

Weather

  • Spring (March to May): mild temperatures, with highs around 25°C/77°F and lows around 15°C/59°F.
  • Autumn (September to November): warm temperatures, with highs around 20°C/68°F and lows around 10°C/50°F.