The Ultimate 5-Day Hangzhou Itinerary: Must-See Spots & Hidden Gems

Hangzhou isn’t just a city; it’s a feeling. Forever immortalized by Marco Polo as “the finest and most splendid city in the world,” it has captivated poets, emperors, and now, modern travelers. While the postcard-perfect West Lake is its undeniable heart, the real magic lies in the dance between the iconic and the intimate. This 5-day itinerary is designed to do just that—marry the must-see landmarks with the hidden gems, letting you experience Hangzhou’s soul, from its serene tea fields to its buzzing creative alleys.

Day 1: The Heartbeat of West Lake & Lakeside Secrets

Start your journey where all journeys in Hangzhou begin: West Lake. But resist the urge to simply walk the causeways. Begin early at Broken Bridge (Duanqiao). At sunrise, it’s peacefully poetic, not yet crowded with selfie sticks.

Morning: A Leisurely Lake Circuit

Hire a bicycle or join an early morning electric cart tour for a 90-minute overview. Cycle along Bai Causeway, through Autumn Moon on the Calm Lake Pavilion, and onto Solitary Hill Island. Skip the crowded boat queues for now and instead, head to the Hangzhou Museum on the hill for a free, excellent primer on the city’s history.

Afternoon: The Hidden Lake Within a Lake

For lunch, escape the tourist menus. Walk into the backstreets near Nanshan Road for a local xiaolongbao (soup dumpling) spot. Then, make your way to Maocao Tea House near the Guozhuang Garden. This is a hidden gem—a quieter, traditional teahouse where you can sip Longjing tea while watching paddle boats drift by.

Your afternoon secret? Three Pools Mirroring the Moon (Santan Yinyue). While the iconic three pagodas are famous, the lesser-visited Xiao Ying Zhou island, with its “lake within a lake, island within an island” design, is a masterpiece of landscape gardening and feels worlds away.

Evening: Impression West Lake

As dusk falls, secure tickets for the "Impression West Lake" show directed by Zhang Yimou. This outdoor performance on the lake itself uses water, light, and dance to tell ancient legends. It’s a tourist hotspot for a reason—it’s utterly breathtaking. Dine afterwards at Gaoyin Street (In Street), a restored historical block with trendy restaurants and bars housed in traditional architecture.

Day 2: Spiritual Peaks & The Zen of Tea

Today, trade the lake’s elegance for the forest’s serenity.

Morning: Lingyin Temple & Feilai Feng Grottoes

Arrive at Lingyin Temple (Temple of the Soul’s Retreat) right at opening. This active Buddhist monastery is one of China’s richest and most significant. The true hidden gem here isn’t the main halls (though they are stunning), but the Feilai Feng grottoes beside it. Hike up the path behind the temple to discover over 300 ancient stone carvings of Buddhas and deities nestled into the limestone cliffs, a serene and mystical site often missed by rushed tours.

Afternoon: The Ultimate Longjing Tea Experience

Take a taxi to Meijiawu Tea Village, slightly further out than the more commercial Longjing Village. This is where you go deep into the tea culture. Book a visit with a local farming family in advance (many homestays can arrange this). Walk through the mesmerizing terraced tea fields, learn how to pick tea leaves in spring (or see the processing in other seasons), and most importantly, sit down for an unhurried tea ceremony in their home. Buying tea directly from them is a priceless souvenir.

Evening: Hefang Street & Beyond

Return to the city for Hefang Street (Ancient Street). Yes, it’s touristy, but it’s fun for an evening stroll for snacks and souvenirs. For a hidden gem dinner, slip into Dongyishun or one of the small nongjia le (farmhouse cuisine) restaurants in the alleys parallel to Hefang, where the flavors are robust and the crowds are local.

Day 3: Water Towns & Canalside Creativity

Hangzhou’s charm extends beyond its city limits.

Full Day Trip: Wuzhen (Xizha)

Take a day trip to Wuzhen, one of China’s iconic water towns. Opt for the Xizha (West Scenic Area). It’s restored and requires a ticket, but it’s impeccably preserved, less chaotic than some others, and stunning. Glide down canals on a hand-rowed boat, visit the indie dye workshop, and marvel at the ancient post office. The hidden gem here is staying late. Most day-trippers leave by 4 PM. If you can, linger. The evening lights reflecting on the water, and the quieter, moody atmosphere are magical. Book a late return car or consider an overnight stay in a waterside inn.

Day 4: Silk, History & The Rise of a Design Hub

Dive into the industries that built Hangzhou.

Morning: China National Silk Museum

Visit the China National Silk Museum at the southern edge of West Lake. It’s free, world-class, and utterly fascinating. Trace the history of the Silk Road from its very source. The hidden gem is its Conservation Gallery, where you can see experts painstakingly restoring ancient textiles.

Afternoon: Songcheng & The Themed Park Phenomenon

Embrace a different side of Chinese tourism at Songcheng Park. This sprawling theme park recreates the grandeur of the Song Dynasty with bustling streets, performances, and the spectacular "The Romance of the Song Dynasty" stage show. It’s a cultural phenomenon and a masterclass in entertainment. For a quieter alternative, explore Xixi National Wetland Park, a vast network of waterways, villages, and ecology.

Evening: Creative Revival at 798 of the South

Head to Mogu Street (Mushroom Street). Once a warehouse district, it’s now Hangzhou’s answer to a creative cluster, packed with design studios, hip coffee shops, boutique hotels, and vibrant street art. Have dinner at Mamala or La Pedrera, two highly-rated Western-style restaurants here, showcasing Hangzhou’s modern, cosmopolitan palate.

Day 5: Lakeside Finale & Culinary Deep Dive

Use your final day to revisit favorite spots or uncover last secrets.

Morning: Leifeng Pagoda & Jingci Temple

Visit Leifeng Pagoda for the panoramic, elevated view of West Lake you’ve been missing. Then, walk to the often-overlooked Jingci Temple opposite. Its "Evening Bell Ringing at Nanping" is one of the classic Ten Views, and its atmosphere is notably more tranquil than Lingyin.

Afternoon: A Foodie's Pilgrimage

Hangzhou cuisine is one of China’s Eight Great Traditions. Go beyond Dongpo Pork and West Lake Vinegar Fish. Hunt down these hidden gems: * Zhiweiguan for legendary xiaolongbao and cat ears noodles. * Hangzhou Noodle Museum (and its attached restaurant) to understand the art of the local soup noodle. * A local wet market like Wenfeng Market to see the dazzling array of fresh ingredients and grab some congyoubing (scallion pancakes) from a street vendor.

Final Sunset: Yanggong Causeway

For your farewell, skip the crowded lakeside. Rent a bike and cycle along Yanggong Causeway on the west side of the lake. This is where locals go for peace. The causeway is lined with trees, offers stunning, unobstructed views of the mountains and water, and is the perfect, serene spot to watch the sun set over Hangzhou, reflecting on a journey that took you from its world-famous center to its beautifully hidden corners.

Remember, the ultimate Hangzhou experience is slow. Sit by the lake with a cup of tea. Get lost in a bamboo grove. Let the city’s timeless shanshui (mountain-water) aesthetic wash over you. You came for the icons, but you’ll leave with the quiet, hidden moments etched in your memory.