Bring your family to Zhejiang in October and experience the poetic Jiangnan with this four-day, three-night travel guide

October in Zhejiang is like a landscape painting from Wang Wei’s poetry—
The scent of osmanthus, the slight yellowing of ginkgo leaves, waves of rice fields rolling, fewer crowds and peaceful scenery, making it the perfect off-peak travel season!
This cost-effective slow travel guide for four days and three nights helps you avoid the crowds and immerse yourself in autumn.

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🗓 Itinerary Overview (Arrive and depart from Hangzhou)
D1: Hangzhou · Secret spots around West Lake
After arrival, head straight to Maojiabu and Wuguitan to avoid the crowds at Broken Bridge and enjoy the autumn water blending with the sky. In the evening, stroll along Beishan Street where fallen phoenix tree leaves create a poetic scene.
🏨 Stay at a designer guesthouse by West Lake｜💰600/night
🍜 Dinner: Zhiweiguan Hangzhou cuisine, Pian’erchuan noodles + Dongpo pork, about 60 per person

D2: Shaoxing · Autumn in Lu Xun’s hometown
Take a 25-minute high-speed train to Shaoxing, check in at the hometown of the Sage of Calligraphy, walk along the small river, enjoy yellow wine popsicles and creamy snacks until full! In the afternoon, visit Lanting to admire bamboo and listen to the wind, feeling the “majestic mountains and steep ridges” here.
🏨 Stay at a cultural guesthouse in the ancient city｜💰400/night
🚄 Round-trip high-speed train 80｜🍽️ Meals + snacks = 100

D3: Quzhou · Secret spot in western Zhejiang, Qianjiangyuan
Fly or take a bus to Quzhou (about 2 hours by high-speed train), explore the “green lung of Jiangnan” Qianjiangyuan National Forest Park, with clear streams and red leaves dotting the forest. In the evening, visit Shuitingmen Night Market for spicy “Three Heads One Palm” snacks!
🏨 Stay at an eco guesthouse near the scenic area｜💰500/night
✈️/🚄 Transport 300｜🍽️ Includes breakfast and dinner = 120

D4: On the way back, stop by Huzhou · Half-day leisure in Nanxun Ancient Town
Before returning to Hangzhou, detour to Nanxun. In the morning, stroll through Baijianlou, where white walls and black tiles reflect in the autumn water, peaceful and uncrowded. Buy some Dingsheng cake as a souvenir, then head back in the afternoon.
🎟️ Free ticket areas in the ancient town are perfect for photos｜🍵 Relax at a riverside teahouse = 50

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💰 Total Budget (per person):
- Accommodation: 600+400+500 = 1500 RMB
- Meals + snacks: 600 RMB
- Transportation (high-speed train + local): about 1200 RMB
- Tickets + miscellaneous: 300 RMB
✅ Total: about 3900 RMB, easily controlled within 4000!

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This October, stop squeezing by West Lake for photos.
Come for a slow, deep autumn trip in Jiangnan—
Drink a cup of yellow wine in Shaoxing, breathe the forest air in Quzhou, and listen to the rain hitting banana leaves in Nanxun.

📌 Save this route and go on a weekend trip anytime!