Itineraries for Every Traveler
Whether you have 24 hours or a full week, these carefully crafted routes help you experience the best of Hangzhou — from iconic West Lake to hidden tea villages.
1-Day Itinerary
Perfect for a Shanghai day trip or quick stopover. Hit the absolute must-sees at a brisk but rewarding pace.
- West Lake morning walk — Broken Bridge to Bai Causeway
- Leifeng Pagoda panoramic views
- Lingyin Temple and Longjing tea village
2-Day Itinerary
West Lake plus tea culture — ideal for a weekend getaway from Shanghai or a relaxed short break.
- Full West Lake circuit with boat cruise
- Meijiawu tea plantation and tea ceremony
- Hefang Street evening stroll and local dinner
3-Day Itinerary
The complete highlights: lake, temples, tea, and canals. The sweet spot for most first-time visitors.
- West Lake, Lingyin Temple, and Leifeng Pagoda
- Longjing tea village and China National Tea Museum
- Grand Canal historic district and riverside dining
5-Day Itinerary
Slow travel with Xixi Wetland, Song Dynasty Town, and hidden gems most tourists never see.
- Xixi National Wetland Park — a full morning on the water
- Song Dynasty Town living history park
- Hidden temples, bamboo forests, and local neighborhoods
Family 3-Day Itinerary
Kid-friendly pace with zoo, science museum, boat rides, and plenty of green space for little legs.
- Hangzhou Zoo and Children's Park
- Zhejiang Science Museum (hands-on exhibits)
- West Lake boat ride and relaxed lakeside picnics
Which Itinerary Is Right for You?
Use this comparison table to find the itinerary that matches your travel style, available time, and interests.
| Itinerary | Days | Pace | Key Highlights | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Lake Express | 1 | Fast | West Lake, Lingyin Temple, Leifeng Pagoda, Longjing tea | Day-trippers from Shanghai, stopover travelers, solo travelers on tight schedules |
| Weekend Escape | 2 | Moderate | West Lake boat cruise, Meijiawu tea village, Hefang Street, lakeside dining | Weekend travelers, couples, first-time China visitors wanting a taste of Hangzhou |
| Classic Hangzhou | 3 | Moderate | West Lake, Lingyin, Leifeng, tea museum, Grand Canal, night market | First-time visitors, culture enthusiasts, photographers, food lovers |
| Deep Dive | 5 | Relaxed | Xixi Wetland, Song Dynasty Town, hidden temples, bamboo groves, local neighborhoods | Slow travelers, return visitors, nature lovers, anyone who hates rushing |
| Family Adventure | 3 | Relaxed | Zoo, science museum, boat rides, Children's Park, lakeside picnics | Families with kids under 12, multi-generational groups, relaxed sightseers |
💡 Pro Tip: Combine Itineraries
Many travelers combine the 1-Day Express with a Shanghai trip, or extend the 3-Day Classic with a day trip to nearby water towns like Wuzhen or Xitang. All itineraries are designed to be modular — mix and match days to build your perfect trip.
📌 Before You Go
Make sure you have your visa sorted (or check the 144-hour transit policy), a VPN installed for internet access, and Alipay set up for payments. These three things will make or break your trip.