Last updated on June 8th, 2025
Maximize your 3-day Hangzhou itinerary by visiting popular sites such as West Lake, Lingyin Temple, Wuzhen, and other attractions during your trip.
Hangzhou (Chinese: 杭州) is a highly popular tourist destination and serves as the capital of Zhejiang Province. It is also one of China’s seven ancient capitals. The city offers a wide range of activities to suit every type of traveler. Known for its beauty, rich cultural heritage, and stunning natural scenery, visitors will find countless interesting things to do in Hangzhou.
In this Hangzhou Travel Guide blog, I’ve outlined everything you need to know to create your perfect itinerary. With so much to explore, I recommend spending at least one day in Hangzhou, though ideally, you should plan for 2 to 3 days. This itinerary highlights the main attractions that everyone should see, and then explores additional options for those extra days based on your preferences.
So, without further ado, let’s dive into the ultimate Hangzhou itinerary!
How To Get to Hangzhou
Located in the Yangtze River Delta, Hangzhou is approximately 190 kilometers (170 miles) from Shanghai, making it just an hour away by train. The city is easily accessible and is known for its historical charm, beauty, and culture.
Public transport connections between Hangzhou and Shanghai are frequent, with more than 200 high-speed trains operating each day from early morning to late evening. The high-speed train from Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station to Hangzhou Railway Station takes around an hour.
If you’re on a tight schedule, it’s possible to enjoy a day trip to Hangzhou from Shanghai. Many travelers often pair their visit to Hangzhou with a trip to Suzhou, just like we do!
Getting Around in Hangzhou
Hangzhou has an efficient transportation network that includes a well-connected metro system, extensive bus routes, taxis, and a public bicycle-sharing program, making it easy to travel from one place to another. During our visit, we primarily used the ride-hailing app Didi, which was very convenient and affordable. However, it’s important to note that traffic can be heavy, especially near popular attractions.
Where To Stay
Hangzhou is a large city, offering a wide variety of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. Here are our recommendations:
We stayed at Merchant Marco Hotel, which is located walking distance to West Lake and have a lot of food options nearby. It was a lovely hotel and have a lot of food options nearby. The beds were clean, comfortable, tidy, and full of necessary amenities, making our stay enjoyable. Check for room availability – Merchant Marco Hotel.
Pagoda Hotel West Lake Wulin Hangzhou is another popular choice for accommodations. The property is ideally located in the city center, with a nearby metro station for easy transportation. It’s also convenient for using Didi to get around. The rooms are spacious, and clean. The staff members are helpful and friendly, all making it a great value for the money.
For more Hangzhou accomodation options, read here: Where To Stay in Hangzhou: Best Areas and Hotels.
Things to do for Hangzhou itinerary
This Hangzhou itinerary is based on my own experiences during my visit to the city as part of a trip to Shanghai. Hangzhou is home to many beautiful attractions that are waiting to be explored. Below, I’ve listed some must-visit places for your 3 days Hangzhou itinerary that you should definitely consider.
Things to Do for Hangzhou itinerary:
- Day 1: Arrive in Hangzhou. Explore West Lake (Xi Hu) and wander around Southern Song Imperial Street and Hefang Old Street.
- Day 2: Visit Lingyin Temple and the Fei Lai Feng Grottoes. In the late afternoon, head to Xiaohe Historical Street.
- Day 3: Trip to Wuzhen Ancient Water Town.
- More attractions: Xixi National Wetland Park, Song Dynasty Town, Longjing Tea Plantation, and more.
- Accommodation: Merchant Marco Hotel
Feel free to mix and match as this Hangzhou itinerary is flexible and can be adjusted based on your interests.
West Lake (Xi Hu)
Upon our arrival in Hangzhou, we checked in at the hotel and dropped off our luggage. After a quick freshen-up, we began our Hangzhou itinerary.
Our first stop was West Lake, or “Xi Hu” (Chinese: 西湖)! This iconic attraction is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see for anyone visiting Hangzhou. We took a leisurely stroll around the lake, admiring the beautiful scenery and historic landmarks such as Leifeng Pagoda and the Su Causeway.
There are many notable attractions, including the ten well-known classic scenes of West Lake (Xihu Shijing/西湖十景) that are worth seeing.
READ MORE: Trip to West Lake: A Travel Guide blog
There are several options for exploring the beauty of West Lake, including cycling, sightseeing buses, boat tours, and special bus lines for convenient transfers. We highly recommend taking a boat ride on the lake for a more leisurely and relaxing experience.
Keep in mind that West Lake is quite large, covering 650 hectares (1,606 acres). It is a popular destination for travelers and locals alike, so expect it to be crowded at almost any time.
West Lake:
- Opening Hours: Always open.
- Admission Fee: Free! Boat tour start from CNY 55 – West Lake Cruise Ticket Pricing Option.
Southern Song Imperial Street
Just a short walk from West Lake, you can explore the charming streets of Hangzhou. The intersection of Qing Hefang Street and Southern Song Imperial Street, along with the surrounding areas, is a perfect spot to spend a leisurely afternoon. You can take in the historical sights, browse the shops, and enjoy people-watching in the old part of the city.
Southern Song Imperial Street (Nan Song Yu Jie, 南宋御街) was once the path that the Southern Song emperors took when leaving the palace. Today, this pedestrian street is bustling with souvenir shops, cafes, and street food stalls.
Be sure to check out Wangxian Pagoda and the Drum Tower for a glimpse into Hangzhou’s history, or sip tea at a 400-year-old establishment. There are also many well-known restaurants specializing in Hangzhou cuisine. You can wander around here or continue to the nearby Hefang Old Street.
Hefang Old Street
Hefang Old Street (河坊街) is a historic pedestrian street lined with traditional shops and eateries. It is the only well-preserved ancient street in Hangzhou and has flourished since the Song Dynasty (1127-1279). The street retains much of its old charm, featuring several century-old shops and buildings. The cobbled path is adorned with time-honored stores, allowing visitors to gain a deeper understanding and experience of ancient Hangzhou and China.
Here, you can sample local snacks, buy souvenirs, watch street performers, and enjoy delicate handicrafts. Although it can be a bit touristy like other shopping streets, it is still worthwhile to visit for an indulgence in local culture and lifestyle.
We spent our late afternoon wandering around, taking in the sights and enjoying the food.
Lingyin Temple, Fei Lai Feng’s Grottoes
Start your Hangzhou itinerary day 2 by visiting Lingyin Temple (灵隐寺) and Fei Lai Feng (飞来峰).
Lingyin Temple, located in the northwest area of West Lake in Hangzhou, is the oldest Buddhist temple in China and one of its most renowned sites. It holds a special significance for the local people of Hangzhou. Fei Lai Feng is part of the Lingyin Temple complex, and you can choose to visit this site either before or after exploring the temple.
To visit Lingyin Temple, you must first enter the Lingyin Fei Lai Feng Scenic Area, and the admission fee is mandatory. The entrance fee for the Lingyin Feilai Peak Scenic Area is CNY 45. Additionally, you can purchase a ticket to enter Lingyin Temple at the entrance for CNY 30. Remember to bring your passport, as it is required to buy an entrance ticket, as is the case in many other places in China.
Lingyin Feilai Peak Scenic Area Entrance Ticket:
- Opening hours: Daily from 06:30 to 17:50 (Opening hours may vary)
- Admission fee: Entry to Fei Lai Feng Scenic Area is CNY 45, and entry to Lingyin Temple is CNY 30.
- Get the Lingyin Feilai Peak Scenic Area Entrace Ticket
Lingyin Temple
Nestled in a lush forest, the Lingyin Temple (灵隐寺) complex is truly impressive, showcasing over 1,700 years of history and architectural grandeur. It is home to several ancient buildings, including the Heavenly King Hall, the Great Hall of the Buddha, the Medicine Master Hall, and the Fei Lai Feng’s Grottoes.
Take the time to admire the giant Buddhist statues and observe worshippers burning incense and offering prayers within the temple. If you’re fortunate, you may even witness monks chanting prayers for well-wishers. The extensive history of this temple makes it a worthwhile visit.
However, please note that Lingyin Temple attracts a large number of visitors, with at least 10,000 people coming each day. It is recommended to visit early in the morning, preferably on a weekday, to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more authentic experience.
It is advisable to allocate at least 2 hours for your visit. There is a nearby vegetarian restaurant where you can enjoy the temple’s vegetarian food. Transportation is convenient; you can take a bus or a ride-hailing service directly to the temple.
Fei Lai Feng
After visiting Lingyin Temple, make sure to take a tour of the nearby Fei Lai Feng, which is just a short walk from the temple entrance. You can also choose to visit Feilai Feng before exploring Lingyin Temple.
Fei Lai Feng (飞来峰) is home to historic grottoes that feature over 300 Buddhist rock carvings, some of which date back more than 1,000 years. It’s incredible to see the various statues embedded in the stone.
As you walk through these atmospheric caves and admire the exceptionally well-preserved carvings, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time. The Buddha sculptures are stunning, and exploring the caves offers a fascinating experience.
Xiaohe Historical Street
Xiaohe Historical Street, also known as Xiao He Zhi Jie (小河直街历史保护街区), is a historical street situated at the intersection of the Grand Canal, Xiaohe River, and Yuhang Tang River. This area features ancient Chinese-style neighborhoods that reflect the typical living conditions of ordinary people during the late Qing Dynasty and the early Republic of China.
Although it is not yet a popular tourist destination in Hangzhou, it is gradually gaining recognition for its charm and local atmosphere. Visitors can find a variety of coffee shops, restaurants, and handmade crafts, making it a delightful spot to visit.
In contrast to the bustling Hefang Old Street, Xiaohe Historical Street is more charming with local vibe. It beautifully showcases the old alongside the new while highlighting local history. Highly recommended.
Wuzhen Ancient Water Town
A visit to Hangzhou would not be complete without exploring at least one of its many ancient towns. There are several ancient towns nearby that you can include in your trip to Hangzhou. Among them, the most popular are Wuzhen Ancient Water Town and Anchang Ancient Town. Based on a survey we conducted, we found that Wuzhen is more commercialized and trendy, while Anchang possesses a more rustic charm.
We chose to visit Wuzhen Ancient Water Town (乌镇水乡) because of its picturesque and charming atmosphere. Established over 1,300 years ago, this water town boasts lively streets filled with souvenir shops, restaurants, and exhibitions.
The highlight of Wuzhen is its numerous beautiful backdrops, from enchanting canals and bridges to traditional architecture; everything resembles a postcard. You can also take a boat ride through the town, allowing you to explore the narrow streets and alleyways. Be sure to check out my complete guide to help you plan your trip to Wuzhen Water Town!
READ MORE: Trip to Wuzhen Ancient Water Town
Wuzhen transforms into a beautiful and enchanting place at night, with its canal walkways and squares brilliantly illuminated. If possible, don’t miss the nighttime experience.
Please note that day visitors are required to leave Wuzhen before 9 PM, so we strongly recommend staying overnight to fully enjoy the stunning night views. Taking a boat ride when night lights come on as Wuzhen becomes very dreamy.
Wuzhen Ancient Water Town Scenic Area:
- Opening hours: aily from 7:00 to 22:00
- Admission fee: Dongzha at CNY110 and Xizha at CNY 150. Combo Ticket at CNY190.
- Get the Wuzhen Scenic Area Entrance Ticket
More time for Hangzhou Itinerary?
We spent three days on our Hangzhou itinerary, yet the city still has many attractions to explore. If you have more time in Hangzhou, consider visiting the following places.
Song Dynasty Town (宋代城) – This theme park recreates the Song Dynasty era, allowing visitors to vividly experience Chinese history. Guests can enjoy traditional costume experiences and participate in various cultural activities.
Xixi National Wetland Park (西溪湿地公园) – This tranquil spot offers a chance to enjoy nature alongside traditional architecture. The park features ancient farming relics and traditional houses, creating a unique blend of Hangzhou’s natural and cultural elements.
The Village of Longjing (龙井) is famous for its Longjing green tea plantation. Longjing, also known as Dragon Well green tea is the most renowned green tea in China and has been produced in Longjing for over 1,200 years. Tea lovers can visit the village to stroll through its scenic areas and enjoy a cup of tea at one of the local teahouses.
Hangzhou Museum (杭州博物馆) – The Hangzhou Museum showcases historical artifacts and artworks, particularly from the Song and Southern Song dynasties. It is an excellent place to learn about the historical evolution of Hangzhou.
Wushan Night Market (吴山夜市) – This market features traditional shops, street food, and Chinese handicrafts. As visitors stroll through the historic alleys, they can immerse themselves in the local culture.
Overall: A Visit to Hangzhou Itinerary
All in all, We highly recommend visiting Hangzhou. We loved exploring the picturesque West Lake, admiring the history of Lingyin Temple, experiencing the culture of the Song Dynasty, and strolling through the historic ancient streets.
With about three days in Hangzhou, our Hangzhou itinerary was quite packed. If you can, We suggest taking a more relaxed approach to enjoy the historic vibe. We hope you’ll enjoy discovering the charms of Hangzhou as much as I did. A trip to Hangzhou is definitely worthwhile, as there is enough beauty and culture to explore for several days.
Lastly, this Hangzhou itinerary is part of our Shanghai Suzhou Hangzhou travel blog. Continue reading for more travel stories.
- Shanghai itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog
- Where To Stay in Shanghai: Best Areas and Hotels
- Day Trip Suzhou itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog
- Where To Stay in Hangzhou: Best Areas and Hotels
- Trip to West Lake: A Travel Guide Blog
- Trip to Wuzhen Ancient Water Town: A Travel Guide Blog
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- Chengdu Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog for First-Timer
- Where To Stay in Chengdu: Best Areas and Hotels
- Trip to Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (Xiongmao Jidi)
- Chengdu Food Guide: Where and What to Eat in Chengdu
- Jiuzhaigou Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog
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- Where To Stay in Chongqing: Best Areas and Hotels
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