Hangzhou China 5 Day Itinerary

Day 1: West Lake and surrounding areas

Morning

  • 8:00 am - Arrive at Hangzhou Railway Station or Xiaoshan International Airport
  • 9:00 am - Take a taxi or bus (line 1, 2, or 5) to West Lake (Xi Hu)
  • 10:00 am - Visit the Lingyin Temple (free admission), a famous Buddhist temple known for its beautiful carvings and peaceful surroundings

Afternoon

  • 12:00 pm - Grab lunch at Dongpo Restaurant, a popular eatery serving local dishes, such as Dongpo Pork and Hangzhou Wonton Soup. Address: No. 3, Qiantan Street, Xihu District.
  • 1:30 pm - Take a leisurely walk around West Lake, exploring its scenic paths, temples, and gardens
  • 4:00 pm - Visit the Leifeng Pagoda (admission fee: 20 CNY), a small but interesting pagoda located on the south bank of West Lake

Evening

  • 7:00 pm - Enjoy dinner at Changhe Restaurant, which serves a range of local and Sichuan dishes. Address: No. 188, Wu Hill Street, Xihu District.
  • 9:30 pm - Return to your hotel for rest or explore the night markets near West Lake

Places to stay

  • West Lake Hotel (4-star) - located in the heart of West Lake’s scenic area
  • Jinxiu Hotel (3-star) - affordable and conveniently situated near the lake

Transportation

  • Bus: Line 1, 2, or 5 can take you to various areas around West Lake. Fare: 2-4 CNY.
  • Taxi: available at most major intersections. Fare: 10-20 CNY.

Day 2: Hangzhou’s historical and cultural attractions

Morning

  • 9:00 am - Visit the Qinghefang Ancient Street (free admission), a well-preserved traditional street with shops, restaurants, and souvenir stalls.
  • 11:00 am - Explore the Hangzhou Museum (admission fee: 10 CNY), which showcases the city’s history and cultural heritage.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 pm - Grab lunch at Xiaoying Restaurant, a local eatery serving traditional Hangzhou dishes. Address: No. 16, Qinghefang Street.
  • 2:30 pm - Visit the China Tea Museum (admission fee: 20 CNY), which introduces visitors to China’s rich tea culture.

Evening

  • 6:00 pm - Enjoy dinner at Jinxiu Restaurant, a well-known eatery serving local and Sichuan dishes. Address: No. 18, Wu Hill Street.
  • 8:30 pm - Attend a traditional Chinese opera performance (tickets: 50-100 CNY) at the Hangzhou Grand Theatre.

Things to know

  • Weather: Hangzhou has a subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Be prepared for occasional rain showers and high humidity.
  • Language: Mandarin Chinese is the official language, but many locals speak some English, especially in tourist areas.
  • Currency: The Renminbi (RMB) is the local currency, also known as the yuan.

Day 3: Nature reserves and scenic spots

Morning

  • 8:00 am - Visit the Xixi National Wetland Park (admission fee: 50 CNY), a beautiful natural reserve with canals, mangrove forests, and diverse wildlife.
  • 11:00 am - Explore the Baoshi Temple, located within the wetland park.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 pm - Grab lunch at Xixi Restaurant, a local eatery serving traditional Hangzhou dishes. Address: No. 10, Xixi Street.
  • 2:30 pm - Visit the Qingyuan Temple, a small but interesting temple located near the wetland park.

Evening

  • 6:00 pm - Enjoy dinner at Jinxiu Restaurant, which serves a range of local and Sichuan dishes. Address: No. 18, Wu Hill Street.
  • 8:30 pm - Return to your hotel for rest or explore the night markets near West Lake.

Places to stay

  • Xixi Hotel (4-star) - located within the Xixi Wetland Park
  • Jinxiu Hotel (3-star) - affordable and conveniently situated near the wetland park

Day 4: Shopping and leisure activities

Morning

  • 9:00 am - Visit the Hangzhou South Railway Station (free admission), a modern transportation hub with shops, restaurants, and cafes.
  • 11:00 am - Explore the Wushan Square, a popular shopping district with various stores, restaurants, and entertainment options.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 pm - Grab lunch at Xiaoying Restaurant, a local eatery serving traditional Hangzhou dishes. Address: No. 16, Qinghefang Street.
  • 2:30 pm - Visit the Hangzhou Paradise (admission fee: 50 CNY), an amusement park with various rides, shows, and attractions.

Evening

  • 6:00 pm - Enjoy dinner at Jinxiu Restaurant, a well-known eatery serving local and Sichuan dishes. Address: No. 18, Wu Hill Street.
  • 8:30 pm - Attend a live music performance (tickets: 50-100 CNY) at the Hangzhou Grand Theatre.

Tips

  • Be prepared for crowds and long lines during peak travel seasons.
  • Try local street food and drinks, such as Hangzhou’s famous Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings).
  • Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting temples or cultural attractions.

Day 5: Last-minute shopping and departure

Morning

  • 9:00 am - Visit the Hangzhou International Trade City (free admission), a large shopping complex with various stores, restaurants, and entertainment options.
  • 11:00 am - Grab lunch at Xiaoying Restaurant, a local eatery serving traditional Hangzhou dishes. Address: No. 16, Qinghefang Street.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 pm - Spend some time shopping for last-minute souvenirs or gifts.
  • 3:00 pm - Depart from Hangzhou Railway Station or Xiaoshan International Airport for your onward journey.

I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip to Hangzhou, China!