Hangzhou China 4 Day Itinerary

4-Day Hangzhou Itinerary:

This itinerary focuses on the highlights of Hangzhou, balancing its natural beauty with its cultural and historical attractions.

Day 1: History & Romance on the West Lake

  • Morning:

    • Activity: Explore the picturesque West Lake, starting with a relaxing boat ride on the iconic lake.
    • Places to go:
      • Su Causeway: A scenic walkway along the eastern shore, perfect for leisurely strolls and stunning views of the Pagoda and willow trees.
      • Three Pools Mirroring the Moon (三潭映月): Visit this tranquil spot known for its beautiful reflection of the moon on the water.
    • Lunch: Enjoy authentic Hangzhou cuisine at Lou Wai Lou restaurant, famous for its “Hangzhou Cuisine” and delicate dishes.

  • Afternoon:

    • Things to do: Take a walk around the West Lake Scenic Area, visiting some of the key landmarks along the way:
      • Hupao Pagoda (虎跑春晓): Climb this pagoda on the West Lake for panoramic views.
      • Lingyin Temple (灵隐寺): Explore the serene beauty and historical significance of this ancient Buddhist temple, a short bus ride from the West Lake area.

  • Dinner: Indulge in a delicious Hangzhou-style duck dinner at a local restaurant like Hangzhou Cuisine Restaurant or West Lake Restaurant.

  • Things to know:

    • Time: Allow 4-5 hours for exploring the West Lake and enjoying a leisurely lunch.

  • Things to eat:

    • Dragon Well Tea (龙井茶): Try this famous local tea at one of the many tea houses surrounding the lake.
    • West Lake Vinegar Fish (西湖醋鱼): This dish is a must-try in Hangzhou, and these restaurants offer delicious and traditional versions.

  • Transportation:

    • Public transportation: The West Lake area is well-served by buses and taxis. Consider purchasing a Hangzhou Public Transport Card for convenient travel.
    • Taxi/Ride-sharing apps: Didi Chuxing is the most popular ride-hailing app in China, widely available and used.

Day 2: Exploring History & Culture

  • Morning: Visit Lingyin Temple (灵隐寺) again. This time, focus on exploring the temple’s grounds, including the Feilai Peak, a scenic peak with stunning views of the West Lake.

  • Afternoon:

    • Things to do: Enjoy the beauty and history of Hangzhou with a visit to:
      • Lingyin Scenic Area: Explore the West Lake’s cultural and historical sites, such as the Yue Fei Temple (岳王庙) and the Six Harmonies Pagoda (六和塔).
    • Activity: Take a walk through the ancient streets of Hangzhou, enjoying the local architecture and crafts.

  • Things to do:

    • Take a boat tour on the West Lake: Rent a traditional boat or take a cruise for beautiful views and a chance to soak in the serene atmosphere (consider taking a gondola-style ride for a unique experience).
    • Visit the Leifeng Pagoda (雷峰塔): This iconic pagoda offers a glimpse into the history of the West Lake.

  • Things to see:

    • Lingyin Temple: Explore the various pagodas and temples around the West Lake area.
    • West Lake Museum (西湖博物馆): Learn about the cultural significance of West Lake through the ages.

Day 3: Immerse Yourself in Nature

  • Things to do:

Enjoy a scenic hike around Lingyin Mountain, with its lush bamboo forests and ancient temples. Visit the Hangzhou Botanical Garden (杭州植物园): This beautiful garden offers a variety of landscapes and plant collections. Take a leisurely walk along West Lake’s edge, stopping at picturesque spots like:

* **Yue Fei Mausoleum (岳飞墓)**: Pay respects to the revered Song Dynasty general.
* **Lingyin Temple Scenic Area:** Explore the tranquil beauty of the pagoda and the surrounding gardens.
  • Tips:

Bring plenty of water for your hike. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing, as you will be doing a lot of walking. Respect the sanctity of the temples by dressing modestly and maintaining silence during visits.

Things to do in Hangzhou:

  • Visit the tea plantations around West Lake: You can see how tea is grown and processed and even buy some fresh tea.
  • Enjoy a boat ride on the West Lake: Take a leisurely cruise or rent a traditional boat and enjoy the serenity of the lake.
  • Take a gondola ride through the canals of Hangzhou

Day 4: Relax & Enjoy the Local Culture

  • Things to see:

    • Hangzhou Botanical Garden (杭州植物园): Explore the beautiful gardens and learn about the different types of plants that grow in the region.
    • Huizhou Ancient Architecture Museum: Discover the architectural styles and craftsmanship of the Huizhou region.

  • Things to do:

    • Explore the West Lake: Take a final walk around the West Lake and enjoy its beauty from a different perspective.
    • Experience the local tea culture: Visit one of the many traditional tea houses around the lake, try some delicious dim sum and sample the famous Dragon Well Tea.

Things to do:

  • Enjoy a final leisurely walk: Explore the scenic West Lake area before leaving for home.

Tips for Your Trip:

  • Try the local cuisine:

    • Download a translation app: This will be helpful for navigating and communicating in Hangzhou, which is a major tourist destination in China.

  • Learn basic Mandarin phrases: While many people speak English in tourist areas, knowing some simple phrases can help you interact with locals and navigate the city more easily.

  • Explore the West Lake:

    • Take a boat ride on the lake: Enjoy the peaceful scenery and the opportunity to see West Lake from the water.
    • Visit the temples and pagodas: Explore these historical sites and learn about Hangzhou’s rich cultural heritage.

  • Enjoy the beauty of the tea plantations:

    • Explore the gardens: Take a stroll through the lush West Lake area and enjoy its tranquility.

Things to consider:

  • Language: Learn a few basic Mandarin phrases like “hello,” “thank you,” and “how much?” (nǐ hǎo, xiè xie, duōshǎo qián)

  • Currency:

    • Bring Chinese Yuan (CNY): While credit cards are becoming more common in China, it’s best to have local currency on hand for smaller purchases and transactions.

  • Safety: Hangzhou is generally a safe city. However, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against petty theft.

  • Transportation:

    • Consider using public transport: It’s efficient and affordable.

Where to stay:

  • Budget: Consider hostels in the West Lake area for a social and affordable experience.

  • Hotels near West Lake:

    • Lakeview Hotels: For breathtaking views of the lake, opt for hotels located on or near the shores of West Lake.

    • Hotels with access to transportation: Look for hotels near public transportation stops for easy exploration of the city. Some popular options for accommodation in Hangzhou include:

  • Hostels: Hostels are a great way to experience the city on a budget and meet other travelers.

  • Boutique Hotels:

    • Experience something unique: Choose a boutique hotel near West Lake for an intimate and stylish stay.

Things to know about Hangzhou:

  • West Lake is the main attraction: Plan your activities around the beautiful scenery and historic sites of the lake.

  • China uses a different payment system:

    • Cash is still king: While mobile payments are widely accepted, it’s wise to have cash for smaller businesses and street vendors.

  • Learn about the history of the city:

    • Explore the tea plantations near West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  • West Lake has many different areas:

    • Research specific attractions:

Look into the history of the specific sites you want to visit (e.g., the history of the Silk Road and the Grand Canal).

Things to know about the culture:

  • Respect local customs:

    • Learn about the “West Lake” experience:

Explore the beautiful West Lake area, but remember that it’s a cultural treasure.

  • The best time to visit:

Consider spring (March-May) or fall (September-November) for pleasant weather and the beauty of changing leaves.

Other things to consider:

  • Weather: Hangzhou has four distinct seasons. Spring and fall are ideal with mild temperatures, while summers can be hot and humid.

  • Explore the scenic spots around the West Lake:

    • Pack comfortable shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking around the lake and its surrounding areas.
    • Enjoy a traditional Chinese meal: Research restaurants offering authentic “West Lake” cuisine for an unforgettable culinary experience.

  • Learn some basic Mandarin phrases: This will help you to communicate with locals.

  • Gondola rides are popular:

Explore the beauty of Hangzhou’s West Lake from a different perspective, and enjoy the serene boat ride.

Things to know about transportation:

  • Consider walking: Enjoying the scenery and exploring the city on foot is a great way to experience it.
  • Taxis are readily available:

Use taxi-hailing apps or hail taxis on the street.

  • Be mindful of rush hour: Traffic can be heavy during peak hours, so plan your travel accordingly.

Tips for navigating Hangzhou’s transportation:

  • Download Didi Chuxing (or a similar app): This is the most popular way to get around Hangzhou.

  • Learn the bus and subway routes: Plan your route ahead of time using online maps or apps.

    • Consider purchasing a “Hangzhou” Public Transport Card for convenience and cost savings.

  • Consider the time of year: Some buses and boat tours may be unavailable in winter due to weather conditions.

  • Learn about the local transportation system:

Research the bus and subway routes around the West Lake area and consider using public transportation, as it’s efficient and affordable.

Things to know:

  • Taxis are a popular mode of transport: Consider using them for shorter distances or when you need a quick and convenient way to get around.

  • Traffic congestion is common in large cities: Plan your trips accordingly.

  • Public Transport Card:

Purchase one at a designated kiosk or use the digital app version.

These are just some basic tips, but remember…

  • Be prepared for anything:

Bring a map of the city and familiarize yourself with public transportation routes.

  • Download a translator app: To help you navigate the language barrier.
  • Learn about the local culture: Understanding basic cultural norms can enhance your experience and interactions.