Skip the overcrowded West Lake on your next Hangzhou trip!

Pre-trip Preparation - Documents: Bring ID cards, student IDs, etc. for ticket purchases and discounts. - Clothing: Pack lightweight summer clothes, sun-protective wear, sunglasses, hats, and umbrellas. - Essentials: Phone, charger, power bank, camera, and common medications. Transportation Guide - Getting There: Fly to Xiaoshan Airport and transfer to metro to downtown, or take high-speed rail to Hangzhou East or Hangzhou Station near city center. - Local Transit: Metro Lines 1, 3, 4, 5, and 19 access major attractions; buses, taxis, or shared bikes are also options. Accommodation Tips - Near West Lake: Hotels like Liuyingli Hotel or Jinjiang Inn offer convenience with nearby attractions. - Along Metro Lines: Stay near Longxiangqiao, Fengqi Road, or Ding'an Road stations for easy transport. Itinerary Ideas - 3-Day Classic: Day 1 - West Lake sights like Broken Bridge, Lotus in Breeze at Quyuan Garden, and Fish Viewing at Huagang; take a boat ride. Day 2 - Visit Lingyin Temple and Feilai Peak, then Faxi Temple, ending with tea at Longjing Village. Day 3 - Explore Hefang Street, Imperial Street, and Wushan Square for local culture. - 5-Day In-Depth: Add Xixi Wetland, Grand Canal, Xiaohe Street, Gongchen Bridge, Hangzhou Zoo, and Zhejiang Art Museum to the above. Food Recommendations - Hangzhou Cuisine: Try West Lake Vinegar Fish, Longjing Shrimp, Beggar's Chicken, and Dongpo Pork at Louwailou or Zhiweiguan. - Snacks: Don't miss scallion pancakes, Dingsheng cakes, Wushan pastry, and Pian'erchuan noodles at Hefang Street or Wulin Night Market.