How many days do I need?
Two to four full days cover the highlights at a comfortable pace for most travellers.
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🇨🇳 China travel guide
Asia · Eastern Asia
Hangzhou Travel Guide
Things to do in Hangzhou — West Lake poetry and Longjing tea
Photo: EditQ · CC BY-SA 4.0
Why visit Hangzhou
Hangzhou's misty West Lake, Lingyin Temple and Longjing tea villages have inspired Chinese poets for centuries — a serene counterpoint to Shanghai day trips.
Hangzhou is a stop in China, not a country-in-a-weekend. Plan about 2 days. If time is short, prioritise West Lake boat & walk, Lingyin Temple, Leifeng Pagoda instead of racing the whole list. Mid-range ground costs are about 50–130 USD per person per day, excluding international flights. Best time: March–May and September–November. Rankings, stay length and cost bands on this page come from Global Itinerary’s trip-planning models.
Best time
March–May and September–November
Weather
Humid subtropical — hot humid summers, mild winters
Airport
Hangzhou Xiaoshan International (HGH)
Getting around
Metro to West Lake; bike around the lake; Didi rideshares
Experiences
Things to do in Hangzhou
1
West Lake boat & walk
2
Lingyin Temple
3
Leifeng Pagoda
4
Longjing tea plantations
5
Qinghefang Ancient Street
6
Xixi Wetland
7
Impression West Lake show
8
Six Harmonies Pagoda
Budget travel
Free things to do in Hangzhou
West Lake boat & walk
Lingyin Temple
Impression West Lake show
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Hangzhou itinerary (2 days)
- 1
Day 1
Icons & landmarks
- Visit West Lake
- Visit Autumn Moon over the Calm Lake
- Visit Lingering Snow on Broken Bridge
- Eat at Qiantang Chongjin Noodle Restaurant
- 2
Day 2
Culture & neighborhoods
- Visit Leifeng Pagoda in Evening Glow
- Visit Impression West Lake
- Visit Hangzhou Paradise Park
- Eat at Mingjia seafood workshops
Prefer a full 8-day trip with costs and FAQs? Read the Hangzhou itinerary guide.
Budget
Hangzhou trip cost
Budget
USD 25–45
per person / day
Mid-range
USD 50–130
per person / day
Luxury
USD 150–245+
per person / day
Typical on-the-ground spend in Hangzhou, China. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury. Figures exclude international flights.
Trip budget estimator
Typical mid-range for Hangzhou
Estimated total (USD)
$2,145
≈ $1,073 per person · $306 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $90/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Hangzhou mid-range ground costs (budget 25–45 · mid 50–130 · luxury 150–245+ USD/day). Edit freely — flights vary by origin.
Where to eat
Local favourites
- $$$
Lou Wai Lou
Hangzhou · West Lake institution since 1848
- $$
Zhi Wei Guan
Hangzhou · Classic dim sum and local dishes
- $
Grandma's Home
Zhejiang · Popular local chain
- $$
Green Tea Restaurant
Chinese · Modern Hangzhou favourite
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
- $$$$
Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake
West Lake · Lakefront luxury landmark
- $$$$
Amanfayun
Lingyin Temple area · Temple-village luxury retreat
- $$$
Midtown Shangri-La Hangzhou
Downtown · Central business-district favourite
Shopping
- Hefang Street
- Qinghefang Ancient Street
- Longjing tea villages
- MixC Mall
Nightlife
- West Lake night show area
- Nanshan Road bars
- Binjiang district
Museums & culture
- China National Silk Museum
- Zhejiang Provincial Museum
- Hangzhou Museum
Local foods to try
- West Lake fish in vinegar
- Dongpo pork
- Longjing shrimp
- Pian'er chuan noodles
Hidden gems
- Xixi Wetland
- Fei Lai Feng grottoes
- Meijiawu tea village
Travel tips
- West Lake is best early morning or at dusk
- Book Impression West Lake show tickets ahead
- Longjing tea purchases — buy from reputable plantations
In pictures
Hangzhou gallery
Photos: EditQ, MNXANL, N509FZ, xiquinhosilva, Chk2011 — via Wikimedia Commons
Good to know
Hangzhou travel FAQs
What are the best things to do in Hangzhou?
Top picks in Hangzhou include West Lake boat & walk, Lingyin Temple, Leifeng Pagoda, Longjing tea plantations. See the full list and itinerary on this Hangzhou travel guide.
When is the best time to visit Hangzhou?
March–May and September–November.
How many days do I need in Hangzhou?
Plan at least 2 days in Hangzhou for the highlights on our suggested itinerary; add more time for day trips.
Where should I stay in Hangzhou?
Popular stays in Hangzhou include Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake, Amanfayun, Midtown Shangri-La Hangzhou. Book central areas if you want to walk to major sights.
How much does a trip to Hangzhou cost?
On the ground in Hangzhou (excluding international flights), budget travellers often spend about 25–45 per person per day, mid-range about 50–130, and luxury about 150–245+ (USD). Typical on-the-ground spend in Hangzhou, China. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury.
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