Hangzhou West Lake Travel Guide

Hangzhou is a city full of poetic charm, blending the gentle beauty of West Lake with the refreshing aroma of Longjing tea. Here's a 4-day in-depth itinerary to help you experience the most authentic Hangzhou.

Day 1: Classic West Lake Circuit
Start your morning at Broken Bridge Remnant Snow, strolling along Bai Causeway to Autumn Moon on Calm Lake, savoring the poetic scenery. Enjoy authentic Hangzhou cuisine at Louwailou Restaurant for lunch - we recommend West Lake Vinegar Fish and Dongpo Pork. In the afternoon, take a boat to Three Pools Mirroring the Moon island to admire its unique "lake within island, island within lake" scenery. Watch the sunset at Leifeng Pagoda in the evening, then enjoy the "Impression West Lake" live performance.

Day 2: Lingyin Temple Spiritual Journey
Visit Lingyin Temple in the morning to experience this thousand-year-old Buddhist sanctuary, don't miss the Feilai Feng rock carvings nearby. Have vegetarian lunch at Tianwaitian Restaurant. In the afternoon, explore the Three Tianzhu Temples along Tianzhu Road. End your day with tea culture at Meijiawu Village, sipping premium Longjing tea in the tea fields.

Day 3: Xixi Wetland & Song Dynasty Town
Explore Xixi National Wetland Park in the morning - we recommend taking a rowboat to observe waterbirds. Try local farm-style cuisine at wetland restaurants for lunch. Spend the afternoon at Songcheng Park traveling back to the Song Dynasty era, watching the "Romance of the Song Dynasty" show. Consider staying overnight at the theme hotel within the park.

Day 4: Canal Culture & Modern Hangzhou
Visit the Grand Canal Museum in the morning, then take a water bus along the historic canal. Have lunch at Xiaohezhijie Historic Block, preserving old Hangzhou's charm. Explore China Academy of Art and Nanshan Road Art District in the afternoon. End your trip with a light show at Qianjiang New Town, experiencing modern Hangzhou's energy.

Accommodation Tips:
• West Lake area: Historic hotels like New Hotel
• Xixi Wetland: Luxury resorts like Banyan Tree
• Budget options: Chain hotels near Wulin Square

Food Tips:
• Breakfast: Try Zhiweiguan's Cat Ear Noodles and Pian Er Chuan
• Hefang Street: Must-try snacks include Dingsheng Cake and Scallion Pancake
• Dessert lovers: Don't miss West Lake's Lotus Root Starch and Fermented Glutinous Rice Balls

Transportation:
• West Lake: Best explored on foot or by bike-sharing
• Metro covers major attractions - download "Hangzhou Metro" app
• Taxi starting fare: ¥13; ride-hailing recommended during rush hours

Best Seasons: March-May for spring blossoms, September-November for pleasant autumn weather. June sees rainy season - always carry an umbrella as Hangzhou weather changes quickly.