Hangzhou, China-7-day-itinerary

Hangzhou 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Downtown Hangzhou

Morning

  • Arrive at Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport
  • Take a taxi or metro (Line 1) to your hotel in downtown Hangzhou
  • Check-in at Xixi Hotel or similar

Afternoon

  • Visit the famous West Lake (Xi Hu), a popular spot for boating and strolling
  • Take a leisurely walk around the lake and enjoy the scenic views
  • Stop by the Qinghefang Ancient Street, a historic street filled with traditional shops and restaurants

Evening

  • Dine at Lou Wai Lou, a renowned restaurant serving local Hangzhou cuisine
  • Explore the vibrant Wulin Square, a popular spot for locals and tourists alike

Day 2: West Lake and Surroundings

Morning

  • Take a boat ride on West Lake to enjoy the scenic views from a different perspective
  • Visit the Three Ponds Mirroring the Moon, a picturesque spot with beautiful gardens and temples

Afternoon

  • Stop by the Hangzhou Museum, which features exhibits on the city’s history and culture
  • Explore the Xixi National Wetland Park, a natural oasis in the heart of the city

Evening

  • Enjoy a traditional Chinese massage at Liulang Wenquan
  • Savor local street food at Wushan Night Market

Day 3: Tea Plantations and Water Towns

Morning

  • Visit the Longjing Tea Plantation, a famous green tea plantation in China
  • Learn about the tea-making process and enjoy a cup of freshly brewed Longjing tea

Afternoon

  • Head to Xitang Ancient Water Town, a charming water town with canals, bridges, and traditional architecture
  • Take a stroll along the canals and explore the town’s shops and restaurants

Evening

  • Return to Hangzhou and enjoy dinner at Jianguo Restaurant, serving Sichuan cuisine
  • Explore the Hangzhou Night Market, a bustling market with local snacks, souvenirs, and more

Day 4: More of Hangzhou’s Hidden Gems

Morning

  • Visit the China National Tea Museum, which showcases China’s rich tea culture
  • Explore the Qinghefang Cultural Block, a historic area filled with traditional shops, restaurants, and teahouses

Afternoon

  • Stop by the Hangzhou Zoo, home to giant pandas, giraffes, and other animals
  • Visit the Xi Hu Music Fountain, a beautiful fountain show with music and lights

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Dongpo Restaurant, serving traditional Hangzhou dishes
  • Take a stroll along the Qinghefang Ancient Street at night, when it’s beautifully lit up

Day 5: Day Trip to Wuzhen Water Town

Morning

  • Take a bus or taxi to Wuzhen Water Town, a charming water town about an hour away from Hangzhou
  • Explore the town’s canals, bridges, and traditional architecture

Afternoon

  • Visit the Wuzhen Museum, which features exhibits on the town’s history and culture
  • Take a boat ride along the canals and enjoy the scenic views

Evening

  • Return to Hangzhou and enjoy dinner at Xiangwang Restaurant, serving local seafood dishes
  • Explore the Hangzhou Night Market again, or try a different night market like Gongchen Bridge Night Market

Day 6: More of West Lake’s Beauty

Morning

  • Take a hike up Baochu Pagoda Hill, which offers stunning views of West Lake
  • Visit the Zhongshan Park, a beautiful park with gardens, temples, and scenic views

Afternoon

  • Stop by the Lingyin Temple, a famous Buddhist temple in Hangzhou
  • Explore the Xixi National Wetland Park again, or try a different park like Qingbo Park

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Wangrun Restaurant, serving traditional Hangzhou dishes
  • Take a leisurely walk around West Lake and enjoy the evening views

Day 7: Departure

Morning

  • Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs or exploring a local market like Hangzhou Wholesale Market
  • Check-out of your hotel and head to the airport for departure

Things to Know

  • Hangzhou is a popular tourist destination, so expect crowds at popular attractions
  • The city has a comprehensive metro system, making it easy to get around without speaking Chinese
  • Be prepared for changing weather conditions, as Hangzhou can experience sudden rain showers or heatwaves
  • Try to avoid visiting during peak holiday seasons like National Day (October 1-7) or Chinese New Year

Transportation

  • Hangzhou has a comprehensive metro system with multiple lines
  • Taxis are widely available, but it’s recommended to have your destination written in Chinese characters
  • Bus services connect Hangzhou to surrounding towns and cities, including Wuzhen Water Town
  • Private car rentals and drivers can be arranged through your hotel or online platforms

Tips

  • Learn some basic Chinese phrases like “hello” (nǐ hǎo), “thank you” (xiè xiè), and “excuse me” (duì bù qǐ)
  • Download a VPN to access social media and Google services, which are blocked in China
  • Be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded areas and tourist attractions
  • Try to avoid visiting during peak hours (10am-3pm) when possible

Other Things of Interest

  • Hangzhou is famous for its silk production, so consider visiting a silk factory or shopping for silk products
  • The city has a thriving food scene, with popular dishes like Dongpo pork and beggar’s chicken
  • Consider taking a day trip to nearby cities like Shanghai or Suzhou
  • Hangzhou has a rich cultural heritage, with numerous museums, galleries, and performance venues