Hangzhou: My Budget Exploded After 2 Days! A Foolproof Guide to Avoiding Tourist Traps

🟠🟠Hangzhou Attraction Recommendations

✅West Lake Scenic Area
💷：Free for some areas; fees apply for boat tours and other activities
🔥：★★★★★
Suggested Itinerary: Suitable for all seasons. Recommended activities include cycling around the lake, taking a boat tour, and strolling along Su Causeway to watch the sunset. Must-see attractions include Leifeng Pagoda, Xiling Seal Society, Broken Bridge, and Three Pools Mirroring the Moon.

✅Lingyin Temple
💷：Tickets from CNY 45 for Feilai Peak; separate tickets for incense at Lingyin Temple
🔥：★★★★★
Suggested Itinerary: Visit early in the morning for fresh air and fewer crowds. Ideal for prayer and meditation. Recommended activities include visiting the Grand Hall of the Great Sage and touching the "Budai Monk" statue for good luck.

✅Thousand Island Lake
💷：Tickets from CNY 185
🔥：★★★★★
Suggested Itinerary: Suitable for cycling, boat tours, camping, and photography. Recommended activities include taking a boat tour through the islands, cycling around the lake, and climbing Meifeng Island for a panoramic view.

✅Songcheng Park
💷：Tickets from CNY 320 or CNY 300 (discounted price)
🔥：★★★★★
Suggested Itinerary: Suitable for couples, families, and those interested in ancient Chinese culture. Recommended activities include wearing Hanfu clothing, watching large-scale performances, and trying traditional snacks.

✅Longjing Village
💷：Free
🔥：★★★★★
Suggested Itinerary: Suitable for tea lovers. Recommended activities include strolling through the tea plantations, experiencing tea picking, and tasting Longjing tea. Spring is the best time to visit.

✅Xiaohezhijie Historic Cultural District
💷：Free
🔥：★★★★☆
Suggested Itinerary: Suitable for families and night visits. Recommended activities include taking a night cruise on the canal, exploring the old streets, and enjoying Hangzhou cuisine.

✅Southern Song Imperial Street
💷：Free
🔥：★★★★☆
Suggested Itinerary: Experience the historical charm of Hangzhou. Suitable for leisurely strolls and photography. The street is not long and has many tea houses and bookstores, perfect for a short break.

✅Hangzhou Zoo
💷：Ticket prices may vary depending on the time and purchase channel, but are generally reasonable
🔥：★★★★☆
Suggested Itinerary: Suitable for families. Features animal shows, a wide variety of plants and animals, lush greenery, and fresh air.

Travel Tips
🌈 1. Hangzhou is suitable for travel year-round, but spring and autumn offer the most pleasant weather.
🌈 2. The West Lake Scenic Area is quite large. Renting a bicycle or taking a boat tour is recommended.
🌈 3. Please respect local religious etiquette and customs when visiting religious sites such as Lingyin Temple.
🌈 4. Hangzhou offers a rich culinary scene. Trying local snacks and Hangzhou cuisine is recommended.
🌈 5. Hangzhou has convenient transportation, with a well-developed public transportation system including subway, buses, and taxis.
2-Day Itinerary
Day 1

8:00 am - 12:00 pm: West Lake Scenic Area (cycle around the lake, visit Leifeng Pagoda, Su Causeway, etc.)
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm: Enjoy Hangzhou cuisine for lunch near West Lake
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm: Lingyin Temple (visit the Feilai Peak stone carvings, the Grand Hall of the Great Sage, etc.)
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm: Hefang Street (try authentic Hangzhou snacks and buy souvenirs)

Day 2

9:00 am - 12:00 pm: Xixi Wetland
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm: Hangzhou specialties
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm: Southern Song Imperial Street (stroll along the historical corridor and experience the charm of the ancient capital)
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm: Wulin Night Market (try local snacks and experience Hangzhou's nightlife)

This itinerary is for reference only. The specific time and order of visits can be adjusted based on personal interests and actual circumstances. Have a pleasant trip!