Welcome to Hangzhou's West Lake!

6 Days & 5 Nights Ultimate Hangzhou Adventure for Just 8,000 RMB! 😎

Hey travel buddies! Hangzhou—a perfect blend of Jiangnan charm and modern vibes—is an absolute treasure trove for travelers! Today, I’m bringing you a super practical 6-day, 5-night Hangzhou travel guide. For just 8,000 RMB, you’ll get to eat, drink, and play to your heart’s content. Bookmark this now!

Pre-Trip Prep

● Documents: ID card, student ID (don’t miss out on discounts!).

● Clothing: Hangzhou’s weather is unpredictable. Pack comfy sneakers and season-appropriate outfits—sun protection for summer, warmth for winter.

● Electronics: Phone, camera, power bank, and charger. You don’t want to run out of battery while capturing those perfect moments.

● Medication: Cold medicine, stomach meds, motion sickness pills, etc. Better safe than sorry.

Accommodation

● Near West Lake: Super convenient for early risers catching the sunrise or enjoying the lake’s light shows at night. Prices might be higher, but the experience is worth it.

● Along Subway Lines: Great transport links to major attractions, offering the best value for money.

Food Recs 😋

Hangzhou Cuisine

● Lou Wai Lou: A legendary Hangzhou restaurant. Must-tries include West Lake Vinegar Fish (sweet, tangy, and tender) and Beggar’s Chicken (juicy, fragrant, and wrapped in lotus leaves). ~200 RMB/person.

● Grandma’s Home: Budget-friendly Hangzhou dishes. Try the Tea-Scented Chicken (crispy skin, tender meat) and Braised Pork Belly (melt-in-your-mouth goodness). 80–100 RMB/person.

Local Snacks

● Cong You Bing: Fried dough sticks wrapped in spring pancakes, brushed with sweet bean and chili sauce, then grilled till crispy. Irresistibly fragrant! 5–8 RMB each.

● Ding Sheng Gao: Soft, sweet rice cakes with red bean or osmanthus flavors—a traditional Hangzhou treat symbolizing victory. 5–10 RMB/box.

● Pian Er Chuan: Chewy noodles with pickled veggies, bamboo shoots, and pork in a savory broth. 15–25 RMB/bowl.

Desserts

● Zhi Wei Guan: A classic Hangzhou dessert spot. Try their adorable "cat ear" dumplings in sweet soup or their famous Ding Sheng Gao. 30–50 RMB/person.

● Honeymoon Dessert: Mango pancakes (creamy with fresh mango) and Mango Pomelo Sago (a refreshing mix of mango, sago, and coconut milk). 40–60 RMB/person.

Itinerary

Day 1: West Lake Highlights

● Morning: Arrive in Hangzhou, check in, then head to West Lake. Start at Broken Bridge (legendary meeting spot of Bai Suzhen and Xu Xian). Stroll along the lake, soaking in the views.

● Lunch: Try Longjing Tea Shrimp (tender shrimp infused with tea aroma) at a lakeside restaurant.

● Afternoon: Boat ride to Three Pools Mirroring the Moon (one of West Lake’s top sights). Later, visit Huagang Guanyu to watch koi fish.

● Evening: Explore Hefang Street for snacks and souvenirs. Grab a Cong You Bing!

Day 2: Lingyin Temple - Feilai Peak - Nine Creeks

● Morning: Visit Lingyin Temple (a serene, historic Buddhist site). Book tickets in advance.

● Lunch: Vegetarian meal near the temple.

● Afternoon: Explore Feilai Peak’s rock carvings, then unwind at Nine Creeks’ scenic trails.

● Dinner: Splurge at Longjing Caotang for refined Hangzhou cuisine.

Day 3: Xixi Wetland Park

● All Day: Immerse yourself in Xixi’s tranquil wetlands—boat or hike, then enjoy farm-to-table meals.

Day 4: Song Dynasty Town

● All Day: Dive into Song-era culture with shows like *The Romance of the Song Dynasty* and hands-on activities like archery. Nighttime light shows are a must-see!

Day 5: Hangzhou Museum - Imperial Street

● Morning: Discover Hangzhou’s history at the museum.

● Lunch: Local noodle dishes.

● Afternoon: Wander Imperial Street’s ancient shops for silk/tea souvenirs.

● Evening: Admire Qianjiang New City’s skyline and light shows.

Day 6: Shopping & Departure

● Morning: Hit Hangzhou Tower or Intime for last-minute buys.

● Lunch: One last Hangzhou feast!

● Afternoon: Pack up and bid farewell.

Budget Breakdown

● Accommodation: 500 RMB/night × 5 = 2,500 RMB

● Food: 300 RMB/day × 6 = 1,800 RMB

● Tickets: ~1,000 RMB

● Transport: ~200 RMB

● Shopping: ~2,000 RMB

Total: ~7,500 RMB (with wiggle room for surprises).

Hangzhou’s beauty and flavors await—pack your bags and go! Share your adventures in the comments! 😊