Hangzhou: In the south of the Yangtze, Hangzhou stands out as the most memorable.
Half mountains, half city, it’s a paradise on earth where happiness blooms naturally.
When shall we reunite with this blessed Hangzhou?
Recommended Travel Duration: 3 Days.
The best time to visit Hangzhou is from March to April and from September to October.
Hangzhou has a moderate annual temperature and four distinct seasons. Spring and autumn are relatively short but pleasant. In March and April, with gentle spring breezes and warm spring water, it is perfect for strolling along the Su Causeway, enjoying the flowers, and feeling the charm of the West Lake.
In autumn, with clear skies and cool climate, it is also a great time to visit various attractions in Hangzhou. Whether it’s the picturesque scenery of the West Lake or the ancient bells of Lingyin Temple, they all captivate visitors and make them reluctant to leave.
Day 1: West Lake Scenic Area Full Guide
🔺First Stop: West Lake ⏱ 2-3 Hours
🌸West Lake, the treasure of Hangzhou, is not only a famous cherry blossom viewing spot but also carries the footprints of Bai Juyi and Su Dongpo, as well as the beautiful legends of White Snake and Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai. Starting from Beishan Street, stroll under the dappled sunlight filtering through French plane trees, and enjoy a panoramic view of West Lake and Broken Bridge and White Causeway. The scenery is breathtaking.
🔺Second Stop: Broken Bridge & White Causeway 🚶♀️0.5h
🌸The Broken Bridge got its name because the snow melts at different speeds on the north and south sides after snowfall. In spring, the peach trees and willows on White Causeway are charming, making it a great place for walking and jogging. Avoid holidays to enjoy tranquility and beauty.
🔺Third Stop: Curved Garden and Lotus Pond 🚶♂️0.5h
🌸The best time to view lotus flowers is from 6:00-8:00 AM in June and July. Yingxun Pavilion offers an excellent viewing spot. Zhang Yimou’s “Impression West Lake” is staged here, and the night performance at Yuehu Lake Stage with its dazzling lights is worth watching.
🔺Fourth Stop: Three Pools Mirroring the Moon 🚤1h
🌸Take a boat to the Three Pools Mirroring the Moon Island to admire the iconic three stone towers and the miraculous sight of 33 moons on Mid-Autumn night. Rent a small boat to experience the scenery featured on the one-yuan bill up close.
🔺Fifth Stop: Su Causeway Spring Dawn (Scenery Along the Way)
🌸During the boat ride, cross Su Causeway, which connects Nanshan Road and Beishan Street, spanning 2.8 km. You can walk, take a circular lake tour bus, or ride a bike to explore.
🔺Sixth Stop: Flower Harbor and Fish Viewing 🚤0.5h
🌸The Red Fish Pond is a must-see attraction. Feed the schools of red carp and admire the peony and paeony flowers at Peony Pavilion.
🔺Seventh Stop: Leifeng Pagoda 🚶♀️10 Minutes
🌸The location of the White Snake legend, climbing the pagoda offers a panoramic view of West Lake. Don’t miss the small attractions such as Xizhao Pavilion, Miaoyin Platform, and Fangsheng Pond.
🔺Eighth Stop: Southern Song Royal Street 🚌0.5h-1h
🌸The main street along the axis of the Southern Song capital, paved with over 10,000 stone slabs. It hides centuries-old local brands such as Wanlong Ham and Huqingyutang Traditional Medicine Hall.
🔺Ninth Stop: Nanshan Road 🚴♂️5 Minutes
🌃Nanshan Road is the core of the old city and a hub of art and culture. The nighttime light display transforms Nanshan Road into a magical forest worth exploring.
🔺Tenth Stop: West Lake Music Fountain 🚴♀️7 Minutes
🌃Performances at 7 PM and 8 PM every night, which can be very crowded during holidays. A boat offers a better viewing angle. Secure the best spot to enjoy a visual and auditory feast.
Day 2: Xixi Wetland, Lingyin Temple, Longjing Village, & Tiger Running Park
🔺First Stop: Xixi Wetland ⏱ 2h-3h
🌿An urban wetland park known as the “Kidney of Hangzhou.” Take a rowboat to explore the inner rivers and feel the tranquility and peace. Different themed festivals are held during different seasons, such as the Plum Blossom Festival and Flower Blooming Festival.
🔺Second Stop: Lingyin Temple 🚕20min
🙏Lingyin Temple is one of the few ancient temples preserved in Hangzhou, with a history of over a thousand years. The stone carvings on Flying Peak are treasures of grotto art. The temple is crowded with visitors on the first and fifteenth days of the lunar calendar month or during Buddhist festivals.
🔺Third Stop: Longjing Village 🚕13min
🍵The road winds around Longjing Mountain, lined with tea houses, restaurants, and inns. Taste tea, admire osmanthus flowers, and buy tea to experience authentic Hangzhou flavor.
🔺Fourth Stop: Tiger Running Park 🚶♀️10 Minutes
🌊The location of Tiger Running Dream Spring, where the spring water is sweet and refreshing, having health benefits. It’s also where Master Hongyi (Li Shutong) took his vows, making it a place worth visiting.
Day 3: Nine Creeks with Misty Trees, Cloud-Dwelling Bamboo Trail, Meijiawu, & Song City (Optional)
🔺Plan A: Cloud-Dwelling Bamboo Trail/Meijiawu & Song City
🌿Cloud-Dwelling Bamboo Trail and Meijiawu offer serene natural scenery, suitable for walking and tea tasting. Song City is a Song Dynasty-themed amusement park with a high degree of commercialization, but the “Song Dynasty Everlasting Love” performance is worth watching.
🔺Plan B: Nine Creeks with Misty Trees & Cloud-Dwelling Bamboo Trail/Meijiawu
🌲Nine Creeks with Misty Trees is a great place for cherry blossom viewing and summer escape. After rain, the valley fills with mist, creating a mystical atmosphere. Cloud-Dwelling Bamboo Trail allows you to walk among bamboo forests, listening to the sounds of springs and birds, making it a perfect summer retreat. Meijiawu is one of the main producers of Longjing tea, ideal for visiting tea plantations and having a tea break.
Dining Recommendations:
📌Around West Lake: Zhiweiguan, Laoguzaowei Breakfast, Lane Congee Shop, and Lane Restaurant, where you can taste Hangzhou’s specialty snacks and local cuisine.
📌Around Longjing: Green Tea (Longjing Road Branch), Xinfeng Snacks, and Yao Bu De Ancestor Gao Sheng Jian, offering a peaceful environment and authentic local flavors.
I hope this Hangzhou 3-day itinerary helps you plan your trip better and enjoy the beauty and charm of Hangzhou! 🌸🌿🍵