Hangzhou China 4 Day Itinerary

Hangzhou 4-Day Travel Itinerary

Day 1: Explore West Lake & Lingyin Temple

  • Morning: Check-in at your hotel (recommended: Four Seasons Hangzhou, Hyatt Regency Hangzhou) and freshen up.

    • Tip: It’s a good idea to get an Alipay or WeChat Pay account for cashless transactions during your trip.

  • Afternoon: Visit West Lake, one of China’s most beautiful attractions. Rent a boat, stroll around the lake, and enjoy its serene beauty. Don’t forget to visit Su Causeway and Three Ponds Mirroring Moon.

  • Evening: Dine at Quanjude, a famous restaurant specializing in Peking Duck, for a taste of northern China.

Day 2: Xixi Wetland & Hefang Street

  • Morning: Head to the Xixi Wetland, Hangzhou’s own ‘Venice,’ where you can enjoy a boat tour and witness various species of birds and plants.

  • Afternoon: Visit Lingyin Temple, one of China’s largest and wealthiest Buddhist temples, situated at the northwestern corner of West Lake. Explore the temple complex, including Feilai Feng (Peak Flown From Afar) and Tianzun Cave.

  • Evening: Stroll down Hefang Street, a lively pedestrian street filled with local snacks, souvenirs, and tea shops. Try local delicacies such as Dongpo Pork and Longjing Tea.

Day 3: Wuzhen Water Town

  • Day trip to Wuzhen Water Town (approx. 1-hour drive). Explore the ancient canal town, with its well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty architecture, traditional bridges, and waterways.

  • Lunch: Savor local dishes such as Wu Zhen Fish in Sweet and Sour Sauce or Crispy Wuzhen Noodles.

Day 4: Leifeng Pagoda & Six Harmonies Pagoda

  • Morning: Visit the iconic Leifeng Pagoda, with its fascinating history, on the southern side of West Lake. Climb to the top for a panoramic view of the lake.

  • Afternoon: Head to the Six Harmonies Pagoda on the northern shore of the Qiantang River. Learn about its role in defending Hangzhou and enjoy views of the river and the city.

  • Evening: Reflect on your trip as you have a farewell dinner at Ming Tang Cuisine, offering traditional Cantonese cuisine with a modern twist.

Transportation: Hangzhou Public Buses are the most convenient way to get around the city, and taxis are also widely available. You can also use bike-sharing services like OFO or Mobike. For day trips, consider taking organized tours or renting a car with a driver.

Enjoy your trip to Hangzhou! There’s much more to explore beyond this itinerary, so feel free to customize and make your own discoveries.