7 days in Hangzhou for 4000 RMB! Less than 1000 RMB per person, I stayed in a fairy-tale guesthouse by West Lake and tasted all the local hidden delicacies! Opening bombshell:

7 days in Hangzhou for 4000 RMB! Less than 1000 RMB per person, I stayed in a fairy-tale guesthouse by West Lake and tasted all the local hidden delicacies!
Opening bombshell:
Who says Hangzhou is a "rich lady city"? Who says West Lake is only for check-ins and photos?
I spent 4000 RMB for 7 days and 6 nights, all-inclusive for food, accommodation, and transportation, stayed in an artsy guesthouse, checked out off-the-beaten-path secret spots, wandered into the smoky alleys of old Hangzhou, and even slurped up happiness with a bowl of Pian’erchuan noodles!
No pitfalls, no rushing, no touristy acts—this is the most comfortable way to experience Hangzhou.
Itinerary Overview | 7 days 6 nights · 4000 RMB per person full record
✅ Transportation: High-speed train round trip 1200 RMB (from out of town)
✅ Accommodation: 6 nights in highly rated guesthouses/hotels ≈ 1800 RMB (by West Lake + artsy style, only 300 RMB per night!)
✅ Food, drinks, and entertainment: 1000 RMB per person, eat until you can barely walk! 🍜
Day 1: Arrive in Hangzhou, stay at “The Wizard of Oz” by West Lake
🏨 Guesthouse recommendation: Qingzhiwu·Mountain Residence, hidden next to the botanical garden, mountain view from the window, surrounded by bamboo forest, 320 RMB per night!
🚶‍♀️ Evening stroll: Yang Gong Di for cycling + Maojiabu to watch the sunset, few people and beautiful scenery, every snap looks cinematic
Day 2: Unlock classic and niche West Lake experiences
🚶‍♂️ Walking route: Broken Bridge → Bai Causeway → Pinghu Qiuyue → Gushan → Lou Wai Lou (lunch)
🍜 Must-eats: West Lake Vinegar Fish (don’t order! Pitfall!), Pian’erchuan noodles (highly recommended!), Longjing shrimp (since you’re here, take a bite)
✨ Hidden experience: Take a boat to Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, then switch to a small boat to the “small” island, a tranquil spot 99% of tourists don’t know about!
Day 3: Tea picking in Longjing Village + hiking Jiuxi Smoke Trees, breathe in Jiangnan’s fresh air
🚗 Taxi to Longjing Village, spend 50 RMB to experience tea picking + tea frying, take home your own pre-Qingming Longjing tea!
👣 Hike Jiuxi Eighteen Streams: walk from Longjing Village to Jiuxi Smoke Trees, shaded by trees, streams flowing, like stepping into the Wizard of Oz!
📷 Photo spot: The maple and poplar tree group at Jiuxi entrance, the light and shadow are stunning
Day 4: Xiaohe Straight Street + Qiaoxi Straight Street, travel through old Hangzhou’s slow time
Morning: Coffee at Xiaohe Straight Street, browse handmade shops, buy “Fuxiang” osmanthus rice wine!
Lunch: Happiness Noodle House’s scallion oil mixed noodles + kidney soup, a local “fly restaurant” loved by locals!
Afternoon: Qiaoxi Straight Street to see intangible cultural heritage, experience oil-paper umbrellas, Zhang Xiaoquan scissors, full artsy vibes!
Day 5: Blessings at Lingyin Temple + vegetarian meal at Faxisi Temple, calm your mind, fewer worries
Lingyin Temple: book in advance! Rush in at 7:00 when it opens to avoid crowds, incense is booming!
🍚 Faxisi Temple: popular amulet + vegetarian set meal for 15 RMB fills you up! Sisters seeking love must go!
📸 Outfit tip: wear a plain long dress to capture the “ancient style fairy” look
Day 6: Free tour of Xiang Lake, a wilder Jiangnan secret than West Lake
🚴‍♀️ Rent a bike to circle the lake, check in at Yuewangcheng Hill and Lotus World
🛶 Spend 80 RMB on a black-awning boat, the boat lady sings Yue opera, a dream back to Jiangnan!
Day 7: Before leaving, pack a “taste of Hangzhou”
🛒 Must-buy souvenirs:
✔️ Wanlong ham small packs (respectable gift for elders)
✔️ Zhiweiguan vegetarian spring rolls (take frozen home, pan-fry later)
✔️ Longjing tea (don’t buy in scenic spots! Go to Meijiawu to buy directly from tea farmers)
💡 Practical Tips:
✅ Subway + shared bike + taxi combo saves the most money!
✅ West Lake scenic area electric cart 40 RMB/person, walking or cycling recommended for better photos!
✅ Want to save money? Avoid May Day/Golden Week, best in March-April or September-October
Closing resonance:
Hangzhou has never been just a “paradise on earth” label,
It’s a steaming bowl of Pian’erchuan noodles in the morning,
A cup of fresh tea in Longjing Village in the afternoon,
A gentle “take your time” by West Lake at sunset.
With 4000 RMB, I didn’t just buy a trip, I bought healing.
What does Hangzhou look like in your heart?
💬 Tell me in the comments: “The Hangzhou spot you most want to check in,” and 3 people will win a 【Hangzhou Hidden Map PDF】!