Day 1: West Lake Scenery and Authentic Night Market
*Accommodation: Stay in a royal garden-style hotel near Wulin Night Market, such as the Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake.
*Itinerary:
- West Lake Scenic Area (Daytime): Nestled in the western part of Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, the captivating West Lake is one of th most renowned China tourist attractions, often hailed as “Paradise on Earth.” Here’s a suggested itinerary, highlighting some of its iconic spots: Start with a boat ride from Qianwangci Wharf, passing by Three Pools Mirroring the Moon and Viewing Fish at Flowery Pond, followed by a sightseeing bus tour to Su Causeway in the Morning of Spring and Breeze-ruffled Lotus at Winding Garden. Finish the day with a walk to West Lake’s famous landmarks like Xiling Seal Art Society and Lingering Snow on Broken Bridge, offering a well-rounded exploration of Hangzhou tourist attractions’ natural beauty and cultural significance.
Three Pools Mirroring the Moon is the largest island in Hangzhou West Lake and features on the back of China’s one-yuan note. This peaceful spot is home to landmarks such as the Kaiwang Pavilion, Resting Platform, and Xianxian Ancestral Temple. The island’s three stone pagodas create a unique sight when illuminated on Mid-Autumn nights, casting a magical reflection on the lake, producing the “Three Pools Mirroring the Moon” effect.
Lingering Snow on Broken Bridge is one of the most iconic scenes of West Lake. When covered by winter snow, the bridge appears as though it is both broken and unbroken, lending it an air of mystery. The current bridge is an elegant, arched structure, maintaining the timeless charm of Hangzhou sightseeing.
Viewing Fish at Flowery Pond offers visitors the perfect setting for flower appreciation and fish watching. The scenic area revolves around a pond surrounded by ancient royal inscriptions, pavilions, rockeries, and serene Jiangnan garden landscapes. The site includes the Red Fish Pond, Peony Garden, Flower Harbor, Lawn, and Dense Forest, each with its own beauty.
Su Causeway in the Morning of Spring, originally constructed by the renowned poet and governor Su Dongpo during the Northern Song Dynasty, remains one of West Lake’s top scenic spots. In spring, the causeway is particularly picturesque, with willow trees swaying and peach blossoms adding a burst of color, evoking a quintessential springtime atmosphere.
(Opening Hours: All year round, all day) - Wulin Night Market (Evening): Situated near West Lake, Wulin Night Market is one of Hangzhou vibrant night market, teeming with the sights of local life. The market features an array of street food vendors, with stalls offering traditional Hangzhou street food such as Cong Bao Hui, Ding Sheng Cake, and Dongpo Pork, alongside innovative street food creations. The inner lanes are lined with stalls selling cultural and creative items, from handmade crafts, clothing and artistic souvenirs. Wulin Night Market is a hub for Hangzhou’s intangible cultural heritage, showcasing local traditions such as Hangzhou Mianguier, Yuanjia Ceramics, and Xiao Xiao Rope Weaving. The market frequently hosts folk art performances, offering a rich cultural experience. Here, you can enjoy Hangzhou authentic delicacies, explore traditional crafts, and soak in the lively, atmospheric energy of Hangzhou at night.
(Opening Hours: All year round, 17:00-23:00)
*Dining Options:
Breakfast: Pian Er Chuan noodles, vegetable and sliced pork noodles
Lunch: Dongpo Pork, Longjing Shrimp
Dinner: West Lake Fish in Vinegar Gravy, stir-fried shrimps, stinky tofu
*Accommodation: Stay at a luxurious and comfortable hotel near Lingyin Temple, such as the Pins De La Brume Hotel.
*Itinerary:
- Lingyin Temple Scenic Area: Lingshun Temple – Lingyin Temple (Morning):
Start your day with a cable car ride from the foot of Beigaofeng to Lingshun Temple, also known as the “World’s No. 1 God of Wealth (Caishen) Temple.” This temple blends Buddhist culture with local folk traditions, making it a unique destination for visitors seeking prosperity and blessings. The temple’s layout is meticulously designed, with various halls dedicated to deities like the Heavenly Kings and the Main Hall, where statues of Maitreya Buddha and Sakyamuni are enshrined. The temple is also home to the God of Wealth, Military God of Wealth, Civil God of Wealth, etc, and attracts large crowds on the fifth day of the first lunar month, when people come to pray for wealth and good luck. (Opening Hours: All year round, 7:30-17:00)
Next, take a short walk to Lingyin Temple, also known as Yunlin Temple, which lies at the foot of Beigaofeng and faces the stunning Feilai Peak. As one of the most renowned Buddhist temples in the Jiangnan region, Lingyin Temple has been a significant center for Buddhist hall since its founding. This Hangzhou temple is a sprawling complex with grand halls like the Hall of Heavenly Kings, Mahavira Hall, Medicine Buddha Hall, Sutra Hall, Huayan Hall, and the Hall of the 500 Arhats. Surrounded by serene mountains, the temple offers a peaceful environment perfect for meditation and reflection, allowing you to immerse yourself in its thousand-year-old history and the calm, spiritual atmosphere of Buddhism during your Hangzhou tour. (Opening Hours: All year round, 06:30-18:00) - Lingyin Temple Scenic Area: Feilai Peak – Faxi Temple (Afternoon):
In front of Lingyin Temple is Feilai Peak (Klippe Ling Yin/Spirit JiuFeng), a limestone mountain famous for its striking rock formations. Over centuries, underground water erosion has created fascinating caves such as Longhong Cave, Yuru Cave, Shexu Cave, and Huyan Cave. As you explore these natural wonders, you’ll appreciate the artistry of nature. The slopes of Feilai Peak are dotted with Buddhist stone carvings, dating back to the Five Dynasties period, and feature the largest collection of Buddhist grotto sculptures in the Jiangnan area. The intricate sculptures, diverse in form and subject matter, showcase the profound spiritual culture and exceptional craftsmanship of Buddhist art. (Opening Hours: All year round, 06:30-17:30)
From here, take a sightseeing bus to Faxi Temple (also known as Upper Tianzhu Temple), a picturesque Zen Buddhist temple nestled in the mountainside. This temple, typical of Jiangnan’s Zen architecture, harmonizes perfectly with its natural surroundings. The temple’s yellow walls and black-tiled roofs exude an ancient and elegant aura, blending elements of traditional Jiangnan gardens with Buddhist temple design. Known for its peaceful atmosphere, Faxi Temple draws thousands of visitors each year. Outside the temple, beautiful talismans symbolize peace, safety, and the fulfillment of wishes. Inside, monks serve vegetarian meals made from vegetables they personally cultivate, offering visitors a Zen-inspired, health-conscious dining experience. Additionally, visitors can write their names and wishes on wish ribbons when they travel in Hangzhou, which the monks hang in the temple as a symbol of hopes and blessings for the future. (Opening Hours: All year round, 06:30- 06:00; on New Year’s Eve 06:30- 06:00, 10:00-02:00)
*Dining Options:
Breakfast: Pan-fried dumplings, Wontons, and Noodles with minced meat sauce.
Lunch: Vegetarian buffet at Lingyin Temple’s Dayin Qingxin Vegetarian Restaurant.
Dinner: Crab with golden roe, crab soup dumplings, and crab roe spring rolls.
*Accommodation: Stay at a magnificent view of the Qiantang River hotel near the Binjiang Wharf, such as the Sheraton Grand Hangzhou Binjiang Hotel.
*Itinerary:
- Longjing Village (Morning): Located in the mountains to the west of Hangzhou West Lake, Longjing Village rests beneath the Jiguang Ridge and is celebrated as the birthplace of the world-famous Longjing tea. Revered as the “First Tea Village,” this picturesque spot is known for its lush, terraced tea gardens that blanket the hillsides of West Lake, surrounded by verdant peaks. The vibrant scenery creates a stunning panorama of endless tea fields. The village’s architecture reflects the charm of Jiangnan’s water towns, with traditional white-walled, black-tiled houses interspersed among the tea plantations, blending seamlessly with the landscape. The area is rich in both culture and Hangzhou tourism resource. While in Longjing Village, explore iconic spots like the Royal Tea Garden, Hugong Temple, Nine Creeks and Eighteen Gullies, Shili Langdang, and the Lao Longjing. You’ll also have the chance to experience cultural traditions such as the Longjing Ancestor Worship Ceremony. Wander through the tea gardens, inhale the fragrance of freshly picked leaves, or visit a teahouse to taste authentic Longjing tea. Learn about the centuries-old art of tea picking and processing, offering a true immersion into the fascinating world of tea culture. (Opening Hours: All year round, all day)
- China National Tea Museum Longjing Branch (Afternoon): Nestled in the mountain landscape, the Longjing Branch of the China National Tea Museum offers an in-depth exploration of tea culture in Hangzhou tour. Situated near Longjing Village and surrounded by lush tea gardens, this museum presents the journey of tea from its origins in China to its global impact. It houses the World Tea Culture Exhibition, showcasing the cultural history of tea, and features a special section on Hangzhou West Lake Longjing Tea, detailing its cultivation, production, and cultural significance. The museum’s design blends traditional Chinese architecture with tranquil Jiangnan courtyard gardens, offering a serene atmosphere to enjoy the surrounding natural beauty. You can ascend to the Tea Platform, the highest point in the museum, where sweeping views of West Lake and the tea gardens unfold, offering a peaceful vantage point to relax and take in the surroundings. (Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Closed on Tuesdays))
- Qiantang River Night Cruise (Evening): No trip to Hangzhou is complete without experiencing the breathtaking nightscape of the Hangzhou Qiantang River cruise. As night falls, the river’s lights gradually illuminate, casting a magical glow across the water and lighting up the city skyline. Embark on the Qianyin cruise ship at Binjiang Wharf and set sail down the river. As the boat drifts away from the dock, you’ll pass iconic landmarks such as the Qiantang Dragon, Hangzhou Seal, Xixing Bridge, and the Olympic Sports Center, each beautifully lit against the night sky. The cruise continues towards the Hangzhou TV Tower, offering views of the Fuxing Bridge and the King Qian Shoot-the-Tide, allowing you to fully appreciate Hangzhou’s unique charm after dark. Onboard, enjoy a spectacular light show while cruising along the river, where modernity and tradition blend into a mesmerizing display of lights. (Cruise times: 19:00 and 20:20)
*Dining Options:
Breakfast: Osmanthus lotus root powder, Osmanthus fermented rice balls.
Lunch: Green tea roasted chicken, Jiangnan green tea cakes.
Dinner: Buffet dinner aboard the Qiantang River night cruise
*Accommodation: Stay at an elegant European-style hotel near Xiaohe Straight Street, by the canal, such as the Kempinski Hotel Hangzhou.
*Itinerary:
- Xixi National Wetland Park (Morning): Located in the western part of Hangzhou city, Xixi National Wetland Park is divided into three distinct areas: the Eastern Ecological Conservation Area, the Central Ecological Tourism and Leisure Zone, and the Western Scenic Preservation Area. Water is at the heart of Xixi, with nearly half of the park covered by rivers, ponds, lakes, and marshes. These waterways create iconic scenes like “Autumn Rushes in Snow (Qiulu Feixue),” “Persimmons Reflecting in the Waves (Huoshi Yingbo),” and “Dragon Boat Festival Celebrations (Longzhou Shenghui).” A must-do during China travel is a serene boat ride, either on a traditional rowboat or an electric boat, taking you along the main river and offering a scenic view of the park. As you glide through, you’ll encounter a blend of water town culture and historical landmarks that reveal the deep cultural essence of the area. For a more immersive Hangzhou tour, consider walking through key spots like Deep Pool Mouth, Hezhu Street, Jiang Xianggong Shrine, Hongzhong Bieye, and Qingping Mountain Hall. Or take a hot air balloon ride for an aerial view of this natural wonder. (Opening Hours: 10/8–3/31 08:00-17:30; 4/1–10/7 07:30-18:30)
- Xiaohe Straight Street Historical and Cultural Block (Afternoon): Xiaohe Straight Street is a picturesque ancient street that beautifully captures the essence of Jiangnan’s water towns. Walking along this charming street, you’ll be surrounded by traditional white-washed walls, black-tiled roofs, and cobblestone paths that transport you back in time to experience the daily life of old Hangzhou. Visit the Customs Museum and the Canal Culture Exhibition to learn about the city’s rich history and the importance of the Grand Canal. The street is dotted with tea houses, restaurants, and carefully restored shops, creating a nostalgic commercial atmosphere. Sample authentic Hangzhou foods, browse handcrafted goods, and soak in the area’s traditional vibe—an ideal setting for experiencing the flavors and cultural heritage of old Hangzhou travel. (Opening Hours: All year round)
*Dining Options:
Breakfast: Gorgon cake, muah chee (mochi)
Lunch: Da Hong Pao Chicken Steamed in Broth, Beef Soup, Jingui Yam.
Dinner: Hangsanxian (free-range chicken, river shrimp, pork belly, and more), Qiandao Lake fish head, Suzhou-style crispy fish.
