Live Your Best Lives
If this is your first time in Hangzhou and you're looking to see all the classic attractions, consider the following itineraries for two days or longer. Most people plan to visit the famous attractions in Hangzhou, including the Old West Lake's Ten Scenic Spots, Lingyin Temple, Xixi, Nine Brooks, Longjing, Yunqi Bamboo Path, Songcheng Town, and Hefang Street. It's also very convenient to combine tours from Hangzhou. Popular routes include Hangzhou → Qiandao Lake → Huangshan. Alternatively, you can combine Suzhou and Hangzhou, such as Shanghai → Wuzhen → Hangzhou → Suzhou → Wuxi → Nanjing → Yangzhou.
Explore the best of Hangzhou in three days, perfect for first-time visitors
D1: Tour around West Lake → Qinghefang (night tour)
Morning: Broken Bridge → Bai Causeway → Solitary Hill → Yue Temple → (Quyuan Fenghe) → Su Causeway → Fish Viewing at Flower Harbor (You can take a boat to Three Pools Mirroring the Moon at the nearby Flower Harbor Pier, see Note 5) → Lunch at Zhiweiguan on Yanggong Causeway (Enter the back door of Flower Harbor → Weizhuang is right outside)
Afternoon: Yanggong Dike Yuhu Bay → Santai Yunshui
Afternoon 4:00-5:00 PM: Take bus Y5 from Air Force Sanatorium Station to Su Causeway Station → Prince Bay Park → Leifeng Pagoda → Willow Waves and Orioles → Dinner at Hefang Street
Evening: Visit Hefang Street → Lakeside (West Lake Music Fountain)
This route covers almost the entire West Lake. The morning journey is relatively long, so you should start early to be more leisurely and not be too rushed. Basically, you will arrive at the Broken Bridge at 8 o'clock in the morning. If you can't walk anymore, you can take a tour bus for 10 yuan per person, or you can rent a bicycle and ride around, which is very comfortable.
Quyuan Fenghe and Su Causeway are connected, but if you are worried about not finding the way, you can leave Quyuan Fenghe for the next day.
The Yuhu Bay and Santai Yunshui of Yanggong Dike are much less crowded during holidays, and the scenery is definitely not worse than that of the West Lake.
You can adjust your starting and ending points based on where you live, but the key point remains: try to avoid peak crowds at Nanshan Road, Leifeng Pagoda, and Taiziwan, especially during holidays. I've seen Taiziwan crowds from a distance on weekends at 3:00 PM while on the bus. It was truly a sea of people. But by 6:00 PM, by the time I returned, the area was completely empty. This was mainly because tour groups were all heading to Taiziwan, Flower Harbor, and Leifeng Pagoda, like they were rushing to a market. Try to avoid them and start between 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM to cover the rest of the distance. You can also enjoy a quick stop at Hefang Street for dinner and then see the fountain on Hubin Road. The fountain is even more stunning at night!
You can choose to visit the Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, and you can take a boat tour from the Flower Harbor Pier. Be careful when choosing a boat: try to choose a small boat, and never take a large passenger ship or speedboat, as this will make you feel like you're "rushing" West Lake. You can disembark at any pier on the return trip, but for authentic Hangzhou cuisine, it's best to head to Gushan (Zhongshan Park Pier). The famous Hangzhou restaurant Louwailou is located at the foot of Gushan, famous for its dishes like "Song Sao Fish Soup," "Dongpo Pork," and "West Lake Vinegar Fish."
D2: (Winding Lotus in the Winding Courtyard) → Guozhuang → Maojiabu → Green Tea → Feilai Peak → Lingyin Temple → Yongfu Temple → Yunqi Bamboo Path → Songcheng
Morning: (Quyuan Fenghe) → Guozhuang → Maojiabu → Green Tea Restaurant
Afternoon: Feilai Peak → Lingyin Temple → Yongfu Temple → Yunqi Bamboo Path
Evening: Watch a performance at Songcheng
If you didn't visit Quyuan Fenghe on your first day, start your second day there and walk along Yanggong Dike to Guozhuang (or get off directly on the Y5 bus at Guozhuang). Guozhuang is a small, but elegant manor, with a 10 yuan entrance fee, which is quite nice. Across from Guozhuang is the Maojiabu Scenic Area, which is rarely visited. After passing through Maojiabu, head up Longjing Road and dine at Green Tea. Green Tea is very famous, so make sure to reserve a table in advance, otherwise there will be a queue. From the Green Tea station, take the Y4 bus to Lingyin.
In the afternoon, we visited the Lingyin Scenic Area at Feilai Peak. This is a must-see for almost everyone visiting Hangzhou for the first time. Because of this, there are a lot of people, but in my experience, the afternoon is better than the morning. Tour groups usually go to Lingyin Temple early in the morning, so there are fewer people in the afternoon. Also, don't miss Yongfu Temple.
Yunqi Bamboo Path is a place that leaves a lasting impression on many visitors to Hangzhou, particularly due to its sparse crowds. I've probably visited several less-crowded areas over the past two days. The Y4 bus runs directly from Lingyin Temple, making it very convenient. Yunqi Bamboo Path also runs directly to Songcheng Temple, a popular stop. It's best to check the times of performances at Songcheng Temple in advance to avoid being late.
D3: Choose one of the following two routes
Xixi Wetland (not recommended in summer, as there is little shade and it can be very hot)
This famous wetland offers a unique landscape unlike any other in Hangzhou. City kids will love it, but those accustomed to mountains and rivers might find it less appealing. It's a popular spot, so if you're visiting for the first time, it's worth a visit. It's also spacious and open, especially if you've already seen West Lake being crowded.
Jiuxi → Longjing (all seasons)
If you have the energy left, you can add the Eight Scenic Spots of Longjing, but the hike will be longer. For the average traveler, the Nine Creeks and Longjing should be sufficient. Those interested can also add the Zhejiang University Zhijiang Campus.
Route features: You can go wherever you want, freely control the pace, save transportation fees, and save time on travel.
D1: Winding Courtyard Lotus → Broken Bridge with Residual Snow → Flowing Stone Clouds → Yue Temple → Spring Dawn on Su Causeway → Evening Bells of Nanping
Departure (Quyuan Fenghe)
At 6:00 in the morning, we set out from Quyuan Fenghe and rode along Beishan Road towards Hubin Road.
Beishan Road (Broken Bridge, Baoshishan Mountain, Yue Temple, Su Causeway)
Beishan Road is the only road around the lake that hasn't undergone major renovations recently. Tall sycamore trees on both sides of the road provide shade from the sun. The road borders the water on the south side, the inner West Lake itself. From afar, the Broken Bridge and Jindai Bridge, shrouded by swaying willows, and the lush greenery of Solitary Mountain seamlessly connect with the Outer West Lake. On the north side of the road, at the foot of Baoshishan and Geling, a collection of historical and non-historic sites, both ancient and recent, offer a glimpse into the past and history of West Lake. Walking along Beishan Road, you'll pass by iconic attractions like the Broken Bridge, Baoshishan, Yue Temple, and Su Causeway.
Zhiweiguan
At 7:00, you can have a bowl of cat ears or xiaolongbao at the famous "Zhiweiguan" on the lakeside road, which is a unique delicacy.
Nanshan Road
By 8:00, you'll have arrived at Nanshan Road along Lakeside Road. Every building here is uniquely charming, making you feel like you're walking through a European city. Xintiandi also floats on the edge of West Lake. When you tire of walking, no matter which cafe or bar you visit, you won't be disappointed.
Nanping Evening Bell
11:30 Continue riding along Nanshan Road and have a vegetarian meal at Nanping Evening Bell.
Su Causeway
12:30 Ride a bike along Su Causeway, where you can drive fast and experience the thrill of the car speeding across the lake on the downhill slope of the bridge, or you can sway and savor the charming scenery of "the ten-mile long willows are green, and the six bridges are sparkling with clear water".
2:00 PM Back to my place for a nice nap. At the end of Su Causeway, near Quyuan Fenghe, there's a pudding hotel in Waidongshan Lane (from 119 yuan on weekdays, 139 yuan on weekends).
Winding Courtyard Lotus
17:30 Take a yellow mud path next to Quyuan Fenghe and go up in a winding way. At the top of this undeveloped mountain path, there is an excellent viewing point of West Lake. Then you can follow this mountain road to Huanglong Cave, Baochu Mountain, Geling... Watching West Lake under the sunset is so beautiful!
20:00 After dinner, you can find a tea house, bar or coffee bar and enjoy it to your heart's content.
Route supplement: You can also go from Lingyin Road to Longjing, and keep riding up to Nangaofeng. Along the way, you will see the Tea Museum and Longjing Village. After reaching the top, you can come down from Manjuelong. The scenery along the way is picturesque and you will definitely not be disappointed!
Route Tips: A complete circuit of West Lake takes approximately two hours. We also offer a leisurely walking route: Bai Causeway → Xiling Seal Society → Prince Bay → Flower Harbor Fish Viewing → Su Causeway → Yanggong Causeway. Be sure to have tea at the Xiling Seal Society while on Bai Causeway. In the afternoon, it's best to start at Prince Bay, continue to Flower Harbor Fish Viewing, and finally walk along Su Causeway. Yanggong Causeway can be visited if you have more time.
Mountain time: 2 hours
Scenery index: ☆☆☆☆☆
Transportation: Take buses K7, K27, K16, or K21 to the Children's Palace Station.
Route Description: This route offers the most scenic mountain trails in Hangzhou, perfect for a short romantic getaway. The view of West Lake from the summit of Baoshishan Mountain is truly captivating! The Baoshu Pagoda on Baoshishan Mountain is a landmark of Hangzhou's West Lake. From Baoshishan Mountain, continue west, passing the Geling Chuyangtai Terrace, to the entrance of Ziyun Cave. Nearby are Qixia Cave and Niu Gao's Tomb. Below Ziyun Cave, a dirt road leads to Guapai Mountain and Wushi Peak on the left, offering a picturesque and rustic atmosphere. The massive rock formations atop Wushi Peak offer a stunning view of the western part of West Lake. Return 30 meters from Wushi Peak and descend to its southwest side to reach Quyuan Fenghe Park.
Climbing time: 2 hours
Scenery index: ☆☆☆☆☆
Transportation: Get off at Zhejiang University Yuquan Campus via Bus No. K293, 82/K82, K89, K16, 21/K21, K101, 15/K15, 815, 527/K527
Route Description: This section of the mountain road is characterized by its picturesque scenery and expansive views. The bluestone path stretches along the mountain ridge. Lush grass and shady trees line the road, punctuated by the occasional bird song. Beigaofeng, a famous peak in Hangzhou, offers breathtaking views of West Lake. At the summit lies the God of Wealth Temple, an ancient bell, and a television tower. After descending, you'll find Lingyin Temple at the foot of the mountain. Take bus No. 7 back to the city.
Climbing time: 4 hours
Scenery index: ☆☆☆☆
Transportation: Take bus No. 83, 49, or 306 and get off near Laodongyue.
Route Description: This mountain trail offers a fun and memorable hike, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Starting near Laodongyue Village, ascend the mountain, passing a large camphor tree. Continue along the trail, turning left just before Fahua Temple and crossing Liuxiang Bridge. From here, you'll reach Meiren Mountain and then Longmen Mountain, passing through three hilltops, navigating dense forests and challenging barbed wire fences. The path is slippery and steep. This section of the trail is rarely traveled, so those planning a hiking adventure should travel in a group to ensure mutual support. After Longmen Mountain, you'll descend directly to Shiren Ridge. At Shiren Ridge, there are two forks: one leading down to the Nine Dragons and Eight Pagodas of Lingyin Temple. The other leads to Tianzhu Mountain on Yunwutai, passing Langjuedang Ridge and descending to the Tea Museum. Tianzhu Mountain, at an altitude of 412 meters, is the highest point in the West Lake Mountains. Its winding dirt roads offer a lot of climbing. After reaching Qipan Mountain, the path stretches for ten miles of smooth, smooth mountain roads!
Climbing time: 2.5 hours
Scenery index: ☆☆☆☆☆
Route Description: This route is characterized by its numerous historical sites and rich cultural heritage. Start at the Jieyi Pavilion next to Wansong Academy, then ascend to the ruins of the Southern Song Dynasty kiln at Laohudong. Continue to the Phoenix Pavilion on Phoenix Mountain, a spot that embodies the essence of Hangzhou: panoramic views of Hangzhou City, West Lake, and the Qiantang River. Descend from the pavilion and walk back past Yueyan Rock, visit Qiyun Temple, and finally descend to Brahma Temple.
Climbing time: 3.5 hours
Scenery index: ☆☆☆☆
Transportation: Get off at Lingyin Station on Bus No. 3, Y2, K807, J17, J18, K807, or 7/K7
Route Description: This route features dirt roads, rich with wild charm, especially in spring, when azaleas and gardenias bloom along both sides, creating a breathtaking sight. After passing Jiuqu Pavilion and reaching Dingjiashan, turn left to Meijiawu and then right along the trail to Daqing Valley. Continue straight ahead to Songcheng. After entering Daqing Valley, the You 5 bus stops at the entrance to return to the city.
Climbing time: 2.5 hours
Scenery index: ☆☆☆☆
Transportation Guide: Take bus No. 27 or Y3 to Longjing
Route Description: The gentle ascent from Longjing Mountain is long but relatively flat, making it a great place for a stroll or a chat. After ascending Qipan Mountain, head north over Tianma Mountain. It's a pleasant break at 275 meters above sea level to enjoy the scenery. Afterwards, cross Jiqing Mountain to the Tea Museum, all along the newly paved steps, making it a relatively easy walk.
Climbing time: 3 hours
Scenery index: ☆☆☆☆
Transportation: Take Bus K4, K808, K280, 324, 510, J5, K504, K519, 308, 514, 658, or Y5 to Jiuxi and walk to Linhai Pavilion
Hiking Overview: This route combines both tranquility and activity, perfect for both recreational and leisure activities, perfect for mountain and water enthusiasts. The half-day journey passes through Xiaokangwu, Ma'anshan, and Hupaoshan. The highest point, Guiren Pavilion, offers stunning views, overlooking West Lake to the north and the Qiantang River to the south. From Guiren Pavilion, hike to Baihe Peak for scenic views, then visit Yangmeiling and Wengjiashan. Finally, enjoy a refreshing cup of Longjing tea at Longjing.
Climbing time: 3 hours
Excitingness: ☆☆☆☆☆
Transportation: Take Buses K4, K808, J5, K504, J1, Y7, 514, Y5, 822, 527, 315, or J9 and get off at the zoo entrance
Route Overview: This route offers a rich cultural heritage and beautiful scenery. From the zoo, walk about a hundred meters along the Jiuyao Mountain Tunnel. Go up the mountain on your right, and you'll soon pass Deyi Pavilion. Continue up the steps, crossing the winding mountain road, to the Seven Star Vats, arranged like the Big Dipper. Further ahead is Zilai Cave, where purple air rises from the east. At the top, reach the Jade Emperor Palace on Yuhuang Peak, the residence of the Jade Emperor. Go down the other side to the Old Jade Emperor Palace. Go down the mountain on your left, and you'll find the entrance to the Jade Emperor Mountain Scenic Area. You can also take a bus home.