Three Days and Two Nights: Fall into Hangzhou's Romantic Realm! Copy This Itinerary Directly

Hangzhou 3 Days 2 Nights | Encounter the Poetry and Vibrancy of Jiangnan Hangzhou, a city that embodies both poetic charm and vibrant life, offers both the scenic beauty of West Lake and the diverse human experiences of ancient streets and alleys. If you only have a brief 3 days and 2 nights, follow this guide to immerse yourself in Hangzhou's unique allure. I. Itinerary Planning Day 1: West Lake Wandering, Encountering Thousand-Year Elegance - Morning: Begin your West Lake journey from "Broken Bridge Snow," stroll along Bai Causeway, appreciate the gentle beauty of "Autumn Moon over the Calm Lake," then visit Xiling Seal Society on Solitary Hill. If it's Monday, remember to avoid the Zhejiang Museum, which is closed. - Afternoon: Rent a shared bike and cycle along "Spring Dawn at Su Causeway," weaving between the six bridges and enjoying the pleasant breeze. Then head to "Fish Viewing at the Flower Harbor" to admire the colorful fish swimming in the red fish pond. In the early evening, climb "Leifeng Pagoda" for a panoramic view of West Lake, taking in all the scenic beauty. - Evening: Wait for a stunning West Lake sunset at Changqiao Park. After nightfall, head to the area near Hubin Intime Mall to watch the musical fountain shows at 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM, experiencing the romance of light and music intertwined. Day 2: The Interweaving of Zen and Everyday Life - Morning: Visit the thousand-year-old "Lingyin Temple." First admire the stone carvings on "Flying Peak," then enter the temple to pray. Don't forget to taste an authentic vegetarian noodle bowl at "Shifang Yuan." - Afternoon: Hike to the "Three Temples of Tianzhu," starting from Faxi Temple, passing through Fajing Temple, and finally reaching Fajing Temple. Don't miss the popular photo spot at Faxi Temple, which is said to be especially effective for those seeking love. - Evening: Dive into "Dama Lane" or "Fifteen Kui Alley," where you'll find the most authentic Hangzhou snacks. Take a bite of a scallion pancake with cypress, try an oil cake, and chat with local aunties and uncles to experience Hangzhou's vibrant atmosphere. Day 3: Slow Time Among Tea Mountains and Old Streets - Morning: Visit "Longjing Village" and experience the joy of tea picking among the hillside tea plantations (best in spring), then taste a cup of pre-Qingming Longjing tea and enjoy its fragrance. Take a side trip to "Nine Creeks and Eighteen Gullies," hiking along the streams to enjoy the freshness and tranquility of nature. - Afternoon: Art lovers must visit "Xiaohe Straight Street," with its white walls and black-tiled buildings, artistic cafes and handcraft shops, and occasional lazy cats lounging around corners, making you feel like you're in an art film. - Evening: Take a night tour of "Gongchen Bridge" to see the dazzling lights on both sides of the Grand Canal and feel the historical charm of this ancient bridge. The historical district west of the bridge also has fan museums, knife and scissors museums, and more, where you can gain a deeper understanding of Hangzhou's traditional culture. II. Food Recommendations - Traditional Hangzhou Cuisine: - Fuyuan Restaurant: Their signature crispy intestines are crispy outside and tender inside, rich but not greasy—each bite brings pure happiness. - Hangzhou Restaurant: Their Dongpo Pork has a bright red color, soft texture, rich but not greasy, and melts in your mouth—definitely a blessing for meat lovers. - Zhiweiguan: A gathering place for Hangzhou's traditional snacks, including xiaolongbao, Dingsheng cake, and cat's ear noodles, each offering an authentic taste of Hangzhou. - Street Food: - Youbu Soy Milk: A breakfast favorite among Hangzhou locals—salty soy milk paired with fried dough sticks is deliciously savory and starts your day with energy. - Grandma Sun's Scallion Pancake with Cypress: Thin, crispy dough wrapped around fried dough sticks and scallions, brushed with a layer of sweet and spicy sauce—aromatic and unforgettable. - Xinfeng Snacks: A highly cost-effective snack shop with rich beef vermicelli soup and juicy shrimp xiaolongbao. - Popular Check-in Spots: - Tea Village Craftsman Hangzhou Cuisine: Their Longjing tea-flavored chicken is their signature dish—tender chicken with a subtle Longjing tea fragrance that leaves a lasting impression. - Sketch Restaurant: Located near Lingyin Temple with an artistic environment. Their durian roast chicken is a specialty—an unusual combination of durian and chicken with a unique taste worth trying. III. Accommodation Guide - West Lake Enthusiasts: If you want to open your window to the beautiful view of West Lake, choose West Lake State Guesthouse or Four Seasons Hotel West Lake. If your budget allows, definitely select a lake-view room for an intimate encounter with West Lake. - Art Lovers: Qingzhiwu Guesthouse Area and Manjuelong Mountain View Guesthouses are your best choices. Qingzhiwu is full of artistic atmosphere with many surrounding restaurants; Manjuelong's osmanthus fragrance in autumn is exceptional, immersing you in floral scents. - Budget Options: Chain hotels around Hubin/Wulin Square offer convenient transportation, shopping, and dining options at relatively affordable prices. IV. Transportation Tips - City Transportation: Hangzhou has traffic restrictions, so subway + bus + shared bikes is the best combination for getting around. The subway covers most attractions—download the "Hangzhou Metro" app for convenient travel. Buses accept coins or scan codes, and some routes offer scenic views. Around West Lake, shared bikes allow you to freely navigate streets and alleys. Taxis are convenient but may be congested during rush hours, so plan your time accordingly. - Transportation To and From Hangzhou: Choose flights, trains (Hangzhou East Station, Hangzhou Station, etc.), or long-distance buses to reach Hangzhou depending on your starting point. From Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport, you can take a shuttle bus or Metro Line 19 directly to the city center. Both Hangzhou East Station and Hangzhou Station have direct subway connections, making them very convenient. V. Souvenir Selection - Tea: Pre-Qingming tea from Meijiawu and Longjing Village is of superior quality. Look for direct-from-farmer shops, taste before buying to ensure quality. - Pastries: Zhiweiguan's Dingsheng cake and Southern Song Dynasty Hu Ji's lotus pastries have exquisite shapes and soft textures, making them great gifts for friends and family. - Cultural Creative Products: Xiling Seal Society's stone carving peripherals are full of cultural heritage; graduation design works from China Academy of Art are creative and worth collecting. VI. Pitfall Avoidance Guide 1. West Lake Boats: Choose "oar boats" or "rowing boats" to better experience the charm of West Lake. Avoid large sightseeing boats for a better experience. 2. Buying Tea in Longjing Village: Don't buy randomly at the village entrance. Visit tea farmers' homes, taste the tea before deciding whether to buy. Be careful to identify tea quality and beware of "sky-high prices." 3. Shopping Warnings: Hefang Street is heavily commercialized, so shop carefully. For silk, tea, and other specialties, it's recommended to buy from official stores, as street vendors often overcharge. The beauty of Hangzhou is hidden in every corner and needs to be savored slowly. I hope this guide helps you have a wonderful journey in Hangzhou and create unforgettable memories.