Hangzhou Deep Dive Itinerary

If you want to truly experience Hangzhou, why not follow my itinerary? This trip includes the Wuliu Alley Historic District, a perfect example of the charm of old Hangzhou; the soothing and romantic West Lake sunset; and the Lingyin Temple, home to countless celebrities and a vibrant and popular temple. This relaxed, up-and-down route allows you to immerse yourself in urban life while enjoying Hangzhou's spiritual temples, and you'll have plenty of time to leisurely savor the West Lake scenery.

Recommended Attractions:

1. Wuliu Alley Historic District:
This area retains many old buildings from the Republican era, and the alley offers a glimpse into authentic Hangzhou life. You can easily stroll into any snack shop and enjoy a hearty Hangzhou-style breakfast. The area is sparsely populated, so you can slowly soak in the old city's atmosphere and admire the brick carvings on the walls and stone gatehouses. Rather than just checking out tourist attractions, this trip feels more like a day in Hangzhou. 📍 Address: Approximately 50 meters south of the intersection of Chengtou Lane and Plum Blossom Monument, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province (northwest of Hangzhou Wuyang Mansion)
🕒 Opening Hours: Open all day, year-round

2. West Lake Scenic Area:
What's a trip to Hangzhou without visiting West Lake? Visiting at sunset is recommended, as the lake shimmers with golden light and a gentle breeze creates the perfect photo opp. There are numerous resting spots along the shoreline, and if you have time, you can walk around the lake or rent a bicycle. Many people sit quietly on the ground near Su Causeway or Broken Bridge in the evening, watching the sunset – a truly relaxing moment.
📍 Address: No. 1 Longjing Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province
🕒 Opening Hours: Open all day, year-round

3. Lingyin Temple:
Every time I visit Lingyin Temple, I feel a sense of peace and tranquility. The temple is incredibly popular, and it's said that worshipping there brings good luck for the new year! The temple is tranquil, with towering ancient trees, and a walk through its atmosphere is truly captivating. Be sure to visit on a weekday or early in the morning to avoid peak crowds. You'll need your ID to enter, and the entrance fee is 45 yuan. Inside, you can enjoy praying, tea tasting, and worshipping. If you have time, you can sit for a while and soak in the Zen atmosphere.

📍 Address: No. 1, Fayun Lane, Xihu District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province
🕒 Opening Hours: Year-round, 6:30 AM - 6:15 PM (last admission at 5:00 PM)
🎫 Ticket Price: 45 yuan

Tips/Reviews:
We recommend Wuliu Alley as your first stop, as it's less crowded and allows you to slowly immerse yourself in the rhythm of Hangzhou. After enjoying the traditional life in the alley, head to the West Lake Scenic Area. It's recommended to visit around 3:00 PM to catch the golden hour sunset, making for stunning photo ops. Lingyin Temple is a great last stop of the day, offering a tranquil environment where you can both worship and relax. May you pray and be blessed, and have a peaceful and happy year ahead!

Practical Tips:
- There are many recommended snack shops near West Lake, including Guiyuxiang (lakeside branch) and Xinbailu Restaurant (Longjing Road branch). After a tiring walk, try a bowl of sweet-scented osmanthus wine-fermented yuanxiao (Chinese rice dumplings) or Hangzhou xiaolongbao (small dumplings). They're both affordable and refreshing.
- Lingyin Temple is a popular temple, but you're not allowed to bring your own incense and candles. Prayer supplies are provided on site.
- It's recommended to wear comfortable shoes throughout the entire journey, especially in Wuliuxiang, where the pavement is mostly stone slabs and can be quite hard to walk on.
- Transportation around West Lake and Lingyin Temple is primarily by subway and bus. You can take Hangzhou Metro Line 2 to Fengqi Road Station and transfer to a bus directly to your destination.

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