Hangzhou China 6 Day Itinerary

July 26, 2024

Here’s a 6-day itinerary for traveling in Hangzhou, China:

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Morning: Arrive at Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport. Take the Maglev train ( approx. 30 minutes) or bus ( approx. 45 minutes) to downtown Hangzhou.
Afternoon: Visit the Lingyin Temple, a famous Buddhist temple complex with beautiful gardens and intricate carvings. It’s a great place to learn about Chinese culture and history.
Evening:
- Have dinner at Ji Liang Fang, a popular restaurant serving traditional Hangzhou cuisine, including Dongpo pork (braised pork belly) and longjing duck (steamed duck with scallions).
- Explore the Qinghefang Ancient Street, a charming pedestrian street filled with shops, restaurants, and tea houses.

Day 2: West Lake

Morning: Visit West Lake (Xi Hu), one of China’s most famous lakes. Take a leisurely boat ride on the lake to see its many scenic spots.
Afternoon:
- Visit the Leifeng Pagoda, a three-story pagoda located in the middle of West Lake.
- Explore the Three Ponds Mirroring the Moon (Sanyan Tingshu) area, a beautiful spot with lotus ponds and willow trees.
Evening:
- Have dinner at Xiao Yestang, a restaurant serving traditional Hangzhou cuisine in a beautiful garden setting.

Day 3: More West Lake

Morning: Continue exploring West Lake by visiting the Lingyin Temple’s Hall of Heavenly Blessings (Tian Wen Ge), which offers great views of the surrounding area.
Afternoon:
- Visit the Xixi National Scenic Park, a beautiful wetland reserve with many birds and plants. Take a boat ride or hike through the park to see its many scenic spots.
Evening: Return to downtown Hangzhou and explore the Wulin Street area, which has many shops, restaurants, and tea houses.

Day 4: More of Hangzhou

Morning: Visit the Hangzhou Museum, which has exhibits on the city’s history and culture.
Afternoon:
- Visit the Qinghefang Ancient Street again to see its beautiful traditional architecture and try some local snacks.
- Explore the Xizhou Street area, which has many shops, restaurants, and tea houses.

Day 5: Tea Plantations

Morning: Take a day trip to the nearby Longjing Tea Plantation, which produces some of China’s best green tea. Learn about the tea-making process and taste some fresh tea.
Afternoon: Return to Hangzhou and visit the Hangzhou Botanical Garden, which has many beautiful plants and flowers.

Day 6: Last Day in Hangzhou

Morning: Visit the Xixi National Scenic Park again to see its many birds and plants. Take a boat ride or hike through the park to see its many scenic spots.
Afternoon: Return to downtown Hangzhou and do some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
Evening: Have dinner at Ji Liang Fang again and reflect on your wonderful time in Hangzhou!

Dress modestly when visiting temples or other cultural sites.
Bring a camera to capture the beautiful scenery and architecture.
Try some local snacks, such as steamed buns or fried dough twists.
Learn some basic Chinese phrases, such as “hello” (nǐ hǎo) and “thank you” (xiè xiè).
Be prepared for crowds during peak travel seasons.

There are many hotels in Hangzhou to suit all budgets. Here are a few recommendations:

Hangzhou Shangri-La Hotel: 5-star hotel with beautiful views of West Lake.
The Place Hostel: budget-friendly hostel with comfortable rooms and a friendly atmosphere.
Ji Liang Fang Hotel: mid-range hotel with traditional architecture and a cozy atmosphere.

I hope you have a wonderful time in Hangzhou!