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Guide to Hangzhou
HANGZHOU · ITINERARY

Hangzhou (China) in 3 Days – Complete Itinerary

3 days / 2 nights · Lakes, temples, tea, history

The itinerary begins on West Lake, with a boat cruise and a walk along its northern shore, so you can take in Hangzhou’s iconic scenery at a relaxed pace. The second day is dedicated to the western hills, the Lingyin complex, and the tradition of Longjing tea, with a stop at the museum. The final day combines Leifeng Pagoda and Hefang Ancient Street with the watery landscape of Xixi National Wetland Park: getting from the city center to the park requires some dedicated planning. Opening hours, access, and ticket prices are approximate: before you visit, check the latest information on the official websites.

Stops
2 · 2 with location
Mode
Walking
Route
13.2 km · 43 min
Source
Mapbox · walking

Stops on the map

  1. 13.2 km · 43 min

Day 1 – West Lake and its northern shore

10:00–16:30 Leisure walks and boating

Discover the scenery of West Lake from the water and walk to Broken Bridge.

10:00

West Lake (Boat Cruise)

Head to one of the jetties on the eastern or southern shore of the lake and choose a cruise that visits the islands or the lakeside gardens; allow about 1–2 hours, depending on the route. From the boat, take in the hills, bridges, and tree-lined shores, central elements of Hangzhou’s cultural landscape. The approximate cost is 55–100 CNY, varying by route and jetty.

Routes and fares change: check availability, access rules, and tickets on official channels before you depart.

13:00

Broken Bridge (Duanqiao)

After a lunch break on the lakeshore, make your way to Duanqiao with a scenic walk of about 30–45 minutes, or with a short taxi ride if the boarding point is far away. Set aside 30–45 minutes for the bridge and the stretch of lakeside promenade, taking in the outline of the hills and the view toward Bai Causeway. Visiting on foot does not require a specific ticket; budget around 30–80 CNY for a simple meal nearby.

The bridge is especially busy during holiday periods: walk carefully and allow extra time for photo stops.

Day 2 – Lingyin, Longjing, and Tea Culture

08:30–17:30 Cultural visits and short taxi rides

Explore the Lingyin complex and understand the link between the Longjing hills and local tea.

08:30

Lingyin Temple

From the city center, reach the Lingyin area by taxi or city bus: allow about 30–50 minutes, depending on traffic and your starting point. Plan 2–3 hours to visit the temple complex and, if included in the ticket, the cave area and the Feilai Feng carvings; follow the marked route on site. As a guideline, budget 30–75 CNY for admission, checking the official website for updated prices and entry arrangements.

To avoid rushing the visit, set off early and check in advance for any reservations or access rules.

12:00

Longjing Tea Village

Continue by taxi to the village, with an estimated transfer of 20–35 minutes, and wander among tea houses, cultivated slopes, and rural paths for about 1–1,5 hours. Stop for lunch at a local place and, if you like, ask for a tasting while agreeing on the price and serving size beforehand. For a simple meal and a rough tasting, expect a total of 60–180 CNY; costs vary widely depending on the venue and the tea chosen.

Buy tea only after comparing quality, stated origin, and price; tastings do not have a fixed fee.

14:30

National Tea Museum

Reach the museum in the Shuangfeng area with a short taxi or bus ride and spend about 1,5–2 hours exploring the exhibits on tea cultivation, processing, and tea culture in China. Notice how tools and brewing methods change across different traditions, linking the visit to the plantations seen in Longjing. Expect an approximate cost of 0–30 CNY for admission or any activities, to be confirmed through official channels.

Check departure times, any booking procedures, and the availability of guided activities before you leave.

The pagoda, the historic city, and the Xixi wetlands
Foto: Wikipedia

Day 3

The pagoda, the historic city, and the Xixi wetlands

09:00–18:00 Urban sightseeing and out-of-town transfer

Combine one last view of West Lake with the historic city and the canals of Xixi Park.

09:00

Leifeng Pagoda

Reach the pagoda on the southern side of West Lake by taxi, bus, or a walk from the lakeside promenade; allow 1–1.5 hours for the visit and the viewpoints. From the top, you can take in the lake and the surrounding hills; inside, also set aside time for the exhibition spaces and information on the history of the structure. The ticket is roughly in the 40–60 CNY range, to be checked again on official channels.

The visit involves stairs or vertical movement: assess your own mobility needs and check access conditions.

11:00

Hefang Historic Street

From the lakeside area, reach Hefang in about 20–35 minutes by taxi or public transport. Allow 1.5–2 hours to stroll among traditional buildings, shops, and local specialty vendors; you can stop for lunch, comparing prices before ordering. Access to the street is generally free, while purchases and meals may cost roughly 30 to 150 CNY.

The street can get crowded: keep an eye on your belongings and consider sampling specialties in small portions.

14:00

Xixi National Wetland Park

From Hefang, allow about 35–60 minutes by taxi, or more time by public transport, to reach a park entrance; check which access point best suits your intended route. Set aside at least 2.5–3 hours to walk among canals, boardwalks, and green spaces, or to add a boat ride if available. Plan on a rough budget of 80–180 CNY for admission and possible boat services, with rates and options to be checked on the official website.

The park is large: check the entrance map and the time needed to return to the city before starting your visit.

Estimated budget

Accommodation for 2 nights, double room (per-person share)500–1.800 CNY
Meals and drinks for 3 days300–750 CNY
City transportation and taxi transfers150–450 CNY
Entrance fees, cruise, and possible navigation services205–455 CNY
Tastings and small purchases50–300 CNY

Estimated amounts in Chinese yuan (CNY), calculated per person for the itinerary described and subject to seasonal changes, accommodation choice, exchange rate, and transportation method. The accommodation cost assumes a shared double room; flights, insurance, and personal expenses are not included. Check prices, tickets, reservations, and access conditions on the official websites of the places before visiting.

Practical tips

  • For buses, the metro, and everyday payments, check in advance before your trip which digital solutions and cards are accepted; also keep an alternative payment method handy.
  • Distances along West Lake and in Xixi National Wetland Park can make visits longer: use an up-to-date map and leave some buffer between stops.
  • Check official websites for any reservations, fees, access rules, and restrictions, especially for Lingyin Temple, the pagoda, the cruise, and Xixi National Wetland Park.
  • Bring comfortable shoes and protection from rain and sun: boardwalks, trails, and long walks are an essential part of the itinerary.