3-Day Hangzhou Itinerary: Must-See Attractions & Local Tips

Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang province, is often described as paradise on earth. For centuries, poets and painters have been inspired by its serene West Lake, misty hills, and ancient tea culture. A three-day trip here is a journey through classical Chinese aesthetics, culinary delights, and profound history. This itinerary is designed to help you experience the essence of Hangzhou, balancing iconic sights with local secrets.

Day 1: The Heart of West Lake & Historic Streets

Morning: A Lakeside Stroll and Leifeng Pagoda Start your day early at the West Lake (Xi Hu). The lake is most magical in the morning when the mist hangs over the water and locals practice Tai Chi along the shores. Begin at Lakeside Park and walk towards Leifeng Pagoda (Leifeng Ta). While the original pagoda collapsed in 1924, the reconstructed one offers the best panoramic view of the entire West Lake basin. Take the elevator to the top and see the lake, islands, and city layout unfold beneath you. Local Tip: Visit the old pagoda ruins at the base to connect with its 1,000-year history.

Afternoon: Exploring Solitary Hill & Lunch From Leifeng Pagoda, take a short walk or a scenic electric cart ride to Solitary Hill (Gu Shan). This island park is a cultural hub, home to the Zhejiang Provincial Museum (check for special exhibitions on celadon porcelain) and the Zhongshan Park. For lunch, head to Louwailou Restaurant near Solitary Hill. Established in 1848, it’s famous for its West Lake Vinegar Fish (Xihu Cuyu) and Longjing Shrimp. Reserve a window seat for a view.

Late Afternoon: A Boat Ride to Three Pools Mirroring the Moon No visit is complete without a boat trip. From the park, take a traditional wooden boat to the Three Pools Mirroring the Moon (San Tan Yin Yue), the iconic stone pagodas on the 1 Yuan bill. The boat ride itself is therapeutic. Local Tip: Skip the large public ferries and hire a private boat (can be shared with 4-6 people) for a more intimate, flexible experience. Ask the boat operator to tell you the legend of the pagodas.

Evening: Hefang Street & Dinner Disembark and take a taxi to Hefang Street (Qinghefang Ancient Street). This restored historical street is bustling with traditional shops, snack stalls, and handicraft vendors. Try local snacks like Ding Sheng Gao (steamed rice cakes) and Congbao Hui (stuffed pancake). For a proper dinner, find a restaurant serving Dongpo Pork, a braised belly dish named after the famous poet Su Shi. End the night at a tea house for your first taste of authentic Longjing tea.

Day 2: Tea Culture, Bamboo Forests & A Spectacular Show

Morning: Meijiawu Tea Village & Longjing Tea Experience Escape the city center and head to the Meijiawu Tea Village in the hills west of West Lake. This is the heart of Longjing tea country. Walk through the stunning terraced tea plantations, visit a local farmer’s house, and learn how to pick and pan-fry tea leaves. Most families offer tea-tasting sessions. Local Tip: Buy tea directly from the farmers here for authenticity and better prices than in city shops. Spring (March-May) is harvest season and the most vibrant time to visit.

Afternoon: Lingyin Temple & Feilai Feng Grottos On your way back from Meijiawu, stop at Lingyin Temple (Temple of the Soul’s Retreat). This is one of China’s most significant and wealthiest Buddhist temples, founded in 328 AD. Explore the main halls with their magnificent Buddha statues. The real highlight is the Feilai Feng (Peak Flown From Afar) grottos, featuring over 470 ancient Buddhist rock carvings etched into the limestone. Local Tip: Wear comfortable shoes for climbing the paths between the carvings. Visit the quieter Upper Tianzhu Temple further up the road for a more contemplative atmosphere.

Evening: Impression West Lake Show After a relaxed dinner (perhaps a vegetarian meal near the temple), prepare for the night’s highlight: "Impression West Lake" directed by Zhang Yimou. This outdoor theatrical spectacle takes place on the water of West Lake itself. Using the natural landscape as its backdrop, it combines light, dance, and music to tell local legends. Local Tip: Book tickets in advance online. Bring a light jacket as it can get cool by the water at night. The show is weather-permitting.

Day 3: Classical Gardens, Museums & Modern Hangzhou

Morning: Guo’s Villa & West Lake Museum Begin at Guo’s Villa (Guo Zhuang), a masterpiece of classical Chinese garden design located on the west shore of the lake. It’s less crowded than Suzhou’s gardens but equally exquisite, with pavilions, rockeries, and ponds perfectly framing the lake views. Afterwards, visit the nearby West Lake Museum for a deep dive into the lake’s geological formation, cultural history, and ecological conservation. It provides fantastic context for everything you’ve seen.

Afternoon: Xixi National Wetland Park Take a taxi to Xixi National Wetland Park, about 30 minutes from the lake. This is an entirely different side of Hangzhou—a vast, serene wetland of waterways, ponds, and reed beds. Explore by electric boat or a rented rowboat, gliding through quiet canals. Visit the Sanli Temple fishing village within the park to see traditional wetland life. Local Tip: This is a large park; prioritize the eastern core area if short on time. Mosquito repellent is a must in warmer months.

Late Afternoon to Evening: Wander along Grand Canal & Visit Gongchen Bridge Head to the Hangzhou section of the Grand Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Start at the Gongchen Bridge area. This historic quarter, with its old granaries and warehouses, has been revitalized with cafes, bookstores, and design shops. Take a short public water bus ride on the canal for a few stops to see daily life along the ancient waterway. For your farewell dinner, choose one of the trendy fusion restaurants or a classic Bengbangmian (noodle) shop in the area. Reflect on your journey as you watch the historic bridge light up at dusk.

Essential Local Tips for a Smooth Trip

Getting Around: * The Hangzhou Metro is efficient for longer distances (e.g., to the train station). * For West Lake sights, walking, cycling, and the lake-view electric cart are best. The shared bike system (Hello Bike, etc.) is ubiquitous—use an app to unlock. * Didi (China’s Uber) is reliable for taxis. Have your destination written in Chinese.

Food & Drink: * Must-Try Dishes: West Lake Vinegar Fish, Longjing Shrimp, Beggar’s Chicken (Jiao Hua Ji), Song Sao Yu Geng (Song’s Sister Fish Soup). * Breakout Hit: Starbucks Reserve Roastery on West Lake. It’s a massive, stunning location blending coffee with local tea culture—a fascinating cultural fusion. * Visit a local wet market like Wushan Market in the morning for an authentic sensory experience.

Accommodation: * Lakeside Luxury: Amanfayun or Four Seasons for a resort-style, immersive experience. * Boutique Charm: Stay in a renovated traditional house in the Wushan or Hefang Street area. * Modern Convenience: Choose a hotel near Longxiangqiao Metro Station for easy access to the lake and shopping.

Cultural Etiquette: * When tasting tea, observe the ritual. Hold the cup with both hands when it is served. * At temples, moderate your voice and avoid touching statues. Walking clockwise around stupas is a sign of respect. * Bargaining is expected in tourist markets like Hefang Street, but do so politely.

Best Time to Visit: * Spring (April-May) is ideal for pleasant weather, blooming flowers, and the spring tea harvest. * Autumn (September-October) offers clear skies, osmanthus fragrance, and comfortable temperatures. * Avoid National Day Holiday (Oct 1-7) and Labor Day if possible, as domestic tourism peaks.

Hangzhou is a city that rewards the curious traveler. Beyond the postcard-perfect views of West Lake lies a dynamic city proud of its heritage and eagerly shaping its future. This three-day journey is just a beginning—each season, each cup of tea, and each hidden lane offers a new story.