3-Day Hangzhou Itinerary: Where to Stay, Eat & Explore
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The moment you mention Hangzhou, a specific, almost mythical image comes to mind: emerald-green hills cradling a vast, serene lake, ancient pagodas peeking through the mist, and a sense of timeless poetry lingering in the air. Marco Polo famously described it as "the finest and most splendid city in the world." Centuries later, it continues to captivate travelers seeking a blend of profound natural beauty, deep cultural history, and vibrant modern life. This three-day itinerary is designed to help you experience the very best of Hangzhou, from its iconic landmarks to its hidden culinary gems and the perfect places to rest your head.
Getting There & Around: Most travelers arrive via Shanghai. The high-speed train from Shanghai Hongqiao Station to Hangzhou East Station is a marvel of efficiency, whisking you to the city center in under an hour. Within Hangzhou, the metro system is clean, modern, and expanding. For shorter distances, ride-hailing apps like Didi are incredibly convenient and affordable. But the true joy of exploring the West Lake area is on foot or by bicycle. The city has an excellent public bike-sharing system, and many hotels also offer rentals.
Best Time to Visit: Hangzhou is a city of seasons, each painting the landscape with a different palette. * Spring (March-May): Arguably the best time. The weather is mild, and the willows around the lake are a vibrant green. This is when the city is at its most lush and romantic. * Autumn (September-November): Another prime season. The air is crisp, and the sweet osmanthus trees are in bloom, filling the entire city with their delicate fragrance. * Summer (June-August): Can be hot and humid, with a chance of rain. It's also the peak tourist season, so expect crowds. * Winter (December-February): Cold and often damp, but if you catch the lakeside after a light snow, it's an ethereal, tranquil sight with far fewer visitors.
Your choice of accommodation can define your trip. The key is to stay relatively close to West Lake, but not necessarily in the most congested tourist square. Here are three distinct styles to consider.
For an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience, the Amanfayun is unparalleled. This isn't just a hotel; it's a restored ancient village nestled between tea plantations and Buddhist temples. You access your private courtyard via stone pathways, and the entire property feels like a secluded spiritual retreat. Similarly, the Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake offers impeccable service and stunning lake-view rooms, with sprawling, beautiful grounds that feel worlds away from the city bustle. These options provide ultimate tranquility and a deep immersion into Hangzhou's serene aesthetic.
If your taste leans towards contemporary design fused with local character, Hangzhou's boutique hotel scene is thriving. Look for properties in the Shuguang Road area or near Nanshan Road. These hotels often feature chic interiors, rooftop bars, and a more intimate atmosphere. They are perfect for travelers who want comfort and style while being within walking distance of cafes, art galleries, and the lake.
For solo travelers or those on a tighter budget, the area around the Wushan Square and Hefang Street offers numerous well-located hostels and mid-range business hotels. You'll sacrifice some tranquility for convenience and value, placing you right in the heart of the action, close to street food, markets, and major bus routes.
Morning (9:00 AM - 12:30 PM): A Lakeside Stroll and Leifeng Pagoda Begin your Hangzhou journey where it all starts: the West Lake. Head to the Lakeside Park area and simply soak in the view. From here, take a leisurely walk south along the lake. Your first major stop is the Leifeng Pagoda. While the current structure is a modern reconstruction (the original collapsed in 1924), it houses the ancient foundations and offers the single most spectacular panoramic view of West Lake and the surrounding city. Take the escalator up and prepare to be wowed.
Lunch (12:30 PM - 2:00 PM): A Taste of History at Lou Wai Lou For your first authentic Hangzhou meal, you can't do better than the legendary Lou Wai Lou. Overlooking the lake, this restaurant has been serving classic dishes since 1848. You must try the Dongpo Pork, a heavenly, melt-in-your-mouth braised pork belly named after the famous Song Dynasty poet Su Dongpo. Pair it with the West Lake Vinegar Fish, a delicately sweet and sour dish that is a true local specialty.
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): A Leisurely Lake Cruise After lunch, walk to the nearby boat docks. A cruise on West Lake is non-negotiable. Opt for the public ferry that stops at the "Three Pools Mirroring the Moon" island. This iconic scene, featuring three small pagodas in the water, is so famous it's depicted on the back of the Chinese one-yuan bill. Disembark and wander the island's gardens and causeways before catching another ferry back.
Evening (6:30 PM onwards): Impression West Lake Show As dusk falls, you're in for a theatrical treat. Impression West Lake is a breathtaking open-air performance directed by the renowned Zhang Yimou. The stage is the lake itself, with lights, music, and dancers telling local legends in a truly mesmerizing way. Book your tickets well in advance. For a late dinner afterward, explore the chic restaurants and bars on Nanshan Road.
Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Lingyin Temple & Feilai Feng Grottoes Today, venture into the hills northwest of the lake. Your destination is Lingyin Temple, the "Temple of the Soul's Retreat." This is one of China's most important and active Zen Buddhist monasteries. The approach is as impressive as the temple itself; you'll walk through the Feilai Feng grottoes, a forest of limestone rocks carved with hundreds of ancient Buddhist statues. The main temple halls are vast and house incredible statues, including a magnificent 24-meter-tall camphor wood statue of the Buddha.
Lunch (1:00 PM - 2:30 PM): A Vegetarian Feast at the Temple Do not leave Lingyin without trying the vegetarian lunch at their own restaurant. Buddhist vegetarian cuisine is an art form, creating dishes that mimic meat in texture and flavor using gluten, tofu, and mushrooms. It's a unique, healthy, and delicious culinary experience.
Afternoon (2:30 PM - 5:30 PM): Meijiawu Tea Plantation From Lingyin, take a short taxi ride to the Meijiawu Tea Village. This is the heartland of Longjing tea, one of the most famous and expensive green teas in China. You'll be surrounded by rolling hills of meticulously maintained tea bushes. Visit a local farmhouse, where families will invite you to sit down for a tea-tasting session. Learn about the different grades of Longjing, the proper way to brew it, and of course, purchase some directly from the source.
Evening (7:00 PM onwards): Dinner at a Farmhouse & Strolling Hefang Street Many of the tea farmhouses also serve hearty, home-style dinners. Alternatively, head back to the city center and dive into the bustling Hefang Street. This restored ancient street is a tourist hub, but it's undeniably fun. Browse for souvenirs like silk, fans, and scissors, watch street performers, and sample local snacks. It's a lively end to a culturally rich day.
Morning (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM): China National Silk Museum Shift gears this morning and explore Hangzhou's historic role as a hub of silk production. The China National Silk Museum is world-class, modern, and free to enter. Its exhibits beautifully trace the history of silk, from the life cycle of a silkworm to intricate ancient garments and the technology behind the legendary Silk Road. It's a fascinating and air-conditioned respite.
Lunch (1:00 PM - 2:30 PM): Gourmet Exploration at the Xixi Wetland Take a taxi to the periphery of the Xixi National Wetland Park. The area around the park is filled with creative and delicious restaurants catering to locals. This is a great opportunity to try something different from the classic Hangzhou fare, perhaps a hot pot or a modern Chinese fusion restaurant.
Afternoon (2:30 PM - 5:00 PM): Xixi National Wetland Park Spend your final afternoon gliding through the "Urban Lung" of Hangzhou. Xixi is a vast area of waterways, ponds, and reed beds, often called the "Venice of the East." The best way to explore is by a quiet, punted boat. It's a peaceful, green world away from the city's hustle, immortalized in the film If You Are the One. It's a perfect place for reflection.
Farewell Dinner (7:00 PM onwards): A Finale at the Grand Hyatt's Cafe For your last meal, why not go for something with incredible variety? The buffet at the Grand Hyatt's Cafe restaurant is legendary among locals and travelers alike. It offers an astounding array of international and Chinese dishes, including a fantastic selection of fresh seafood and delectable desserts. It's a celebratory and satisfying way to conclude your Hangzhou journey, giving you a chance to sample a little bit of everything you might have missed. After dinner, take one last, slow walk by the lake, letting the shimmering lights and peaceful atmosphere create a lasting memory.
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Author: Hangzhou Travel
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