Embark on a captivating 4-day adventure in Hangzhou, where you’ll experience the city’s breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. From the iconic West Lake and its surrounding attractions to the serene beauty of Nanxun Ancient Town, this itinerary offers a perfect blend of natural wonders and historical exploration. Discover picturesque settings, ancient temples, lush tea plantations, and traditional architecture, each adding a unique touch to your journey through one of China’s most enchanting cities.
Day 1: West Lake → Broken Bridge → Bai Causeway → Quyuan Fenghe → Three Pools Mirroring the Moon → Flower Harbor Fish Viewing → Leifeng Pagoda → Nansong Imperial Street → Nanshan Road → West Lake Musical Fountain
First Stop: West Lake
West Lake is the iconic attraction of Hangzhou, featuring stunning lake and mountain scenery. It has deep cultural significance with ties to poets Bai Juyi and Su Dongpo, as well as local legends like the White Snake and Liang Zhu. A typical visit begins at Beishan Street, where the early morning sun reflects through the plane trees, casting dappled shadows on the lake. Walking from west to east provides the best view of the lake and the panoramic scenery of Broken Bridge and Bai Causeway.
Second Stop: Broken Bridge & Bai Causeway (0.5 hours)
You can access Broken Bridge from the east side of Beishan Street. It’s often crowded on holidays, so try to avoid these peak times if possible, and visit early if you must go during a holiday. The bridge is named for the appearance of a “break” in the snow cover that occurs due to different melting rates on the northern and southern sides after a snowfall. In spring, the best views are of the peach trees and willows along Bai Causeway. Bai Causeway is named in honor of Bai Juyi, and locals often walk or jog here in the evenings.
Third Stop: Quyuan Fenghe (0.5 hours)
How to Get There: After visiting Bai Causeway, it’s a short 10-minute walk to Quyuan Fenghe. The best time to enjoy the lotus flowers is from 6:00 to 8:00 AM in June and July. For photography enthusiasts aiming to capture the lotus at its best, this is the ideal time. Quyuan Fenghe is known for its many varieties of lotus flowers, and Yingxun Pavilion offers a great vantage point. Zhang Yimou’s “Impression West Lake” is staged at the Yuehu Lake in Quyuan Fenghe, with performances at 19:45 for the first show and 21:15 for the second (not every night). It’s best to check the showtimes and buy tickets in advance on travel websites or the official site.
Fourth Stop: Three Pools Mirroring the Moon (1 hour)
How to Get There: After visiting Quyuan Fenghe, you can take a boat from Yue Temple Pier to Three Pools Mirroring the Moon. This island is the largest in West Lake, also known as “Little Yingzhou.” Its iconic feature is the three stone pagodas depicted on the one-yuan banknote, representing the “Three Pools.” “Mirroring the Moon” refers to the sight of candles lit inside the pagodas during the Mid-Autumn Festival, reflecting 33 moons in the water, sky, and visitors’ hearts. For a closer view and to capture the same angle as on the banknote, you can rent a small boat at Flower Harbor Fish Viewing Pier. The boatman can bring you within about 100 meters of the pagodas, with a rental fee of 150 RMB per hour.
Fifth Stop: Su Causeway in Spring (0.5 hours)
On the way to Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, you will pass over Su Causeway, built under the direction of Su Dongpo. The causeway runs north-south, connecting Nanshan Road and Beishan Street, with a length of 2.8 km. It takes about 30 minutes to walk the entire length if the path is clear. There is also a lake-viewing bus that stops upon request, and cycling is a good option when there are fewer tourists.
Sixth Stop: Flower Harbor Fish Viewing (0.5 hours)
How to Get There: Take a boat from Three Pools Mirroring the Moon Pier to Flower Harbor Fish Viewing Pier, which provides direct access to the park. Red Fish Pond is a must-see where you can feed the groups of red koi with breadcrumbs or buy fish food from a nearby shop for a few RMB. The Peony Pavilion features peonies that bloom only for a week in April, but it also has some long-blooming peonies planted.
Seventh Stop: Leifeng Pagoda (1 hour)
How to Get There: It’s about a 10-minute walk from Flower Harbor Fish Viewing. This site is famous for the Legend of the White Snake. Originally built in 977, the old tower collapsed in 1924, and a new five-story copper pagoda was constructed on the same site. The base of the original tower has been preserved. You can also see the Dongyang wooden carvings depicting the Legend of the White Snake. From the pagoda, you can enjoy a panoramic view of West Lake, and there are additional small attractions like the Sunset Pavilion, Miao Yin Platform, and Release Pool.
Eighth Stop: Nansong Imperial Street (0.5-1 hour)
How to Get There: From Leifeng Pagoda, you can take bus line Y2, which takes about 38 minutes, or a taxi, which takes around 20 minutes and costs approximately 13 RMB. This street was the main axis of the Southern Song Dynasty capital and is paved with over ten thousand stone slabs. After a renovation by architect Wang Shu in 2009, it reopened with a mix of stores found in most commercial streets across China and a few local century-old shops, such as Wanlong Ham and Hu Qing Yu Tang Medical Clinic.
Ninth Stop: Nanshan Road
How to Get There: From Nansong Imperial Street, it takes about a 5-minute bike ride to reach Nanshan Road. Nanshan Road is the cultural heart of the old city, showcasing Hangzhou’s artistic and cultural spirit. It features the China Academy of Art, various quaint restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and galleries. The nightly light show from 19:00 to 21:00 transforms Nanshan Road into a magical forest that has become quite popular on social media in recent years.
Tenth Stop: West Lake Musical Fountain (0.5 hours)
How to Get There: Bike around West Lake from Nanshan Road, and you’ll reach the musical fountain in about 7 minutes. There are two shows each evening at 19:00 and 20:00. It can get very crowded during holidays, so if you’re visiting specifically to watch and photograph, it’s best to arrive early to secure a good viewing spot. Taking a boat for a better perspective is also an option.
Dining Recommendations around West Lake:
Zhi Wei Guan (知味观)
A century-old restaurant beloved by locals for its authentic Hangzhou flavors. Known for its wontons, fresh shrimp dumplings, and Pian Er Chuan (a type of noodle dish). You can also try the local specialty, Cat Ear Noodles.
Lao Guzhao Wei Breakfast (老古早味早餐)
Address: 154 Laodong Road
A hidden gem serving traditional Hangzhou breakfasts. The signature dish is mixed noodles for just 4 RMB per bowl.
Lao Nong Tang Wonton Shop (老弄堂馄饨店)
Address: 4 Tonghe Lane
This spot is known for its authentic wontons and scallion pancakes, a favorite among locals.
Nong Tang Li (弄堂里)
A popular local restaurant frequented by old Hangzhou residents, offering a variety of Hangzhou dishes and snacks. Try the stir-fried rice cakes with crab for a taste of Jiangnan flavors. Other recommended snacks include sugar-coated glutinous rice cakes, scallion pancakes, and braised chicken feet.
Day 2: Xixi Wetlands → Lingyin Temple → Longjing / Manjuelong → Hupao Park
First Stop: Xixi Wetlands (2-3 hours)
Located in the city, Xixi Wetlands is often referred to as the “kidney of Hangzhou.” You can explore the wetlands by boat, choosing between electric boats and rowboats. If possible, opt for the more leisurely rowboat, as it can access routes that electric boats cannot reach.
Wetlands Tour Route: Zhoujia Village → Yan Shui Fish Restaurant → Deep Pool → Qiu Xue An → Hezhu Street → Fu Di
For those interested in wetlands, the China Wetland Museum is also worth a visit. The museum’s 40-meter observation tower offers a panoramic view of the wetlands.
Xixi Wetlands hosts different themed festivals throughout the year, so you can plan your visit to coincide with one of these events:
- Feb-Mar: Plum Blossom Festival
- Apr-May: Flower Festival
- Dragon Boat Festival: Jiangcun Dragon Boat Regatta
- Sep-Oct: Fire Persimmon Festival
- Nov-Dec: Reed Festival
Second Stop: Lingyin Temple (1 hour)
How to Get There: Exit from the north gate of Xixi Wetlands and take Bus 86, transfer to Bus 121, which takes about 1 hour; alternatively, a taxi takes about 20 minutes and costs approximately 24 RMB.
Lingyin Temple is one of the few ancient temples preserved in Hangzhou, with a history spanning over a thousand years. It was rebuilt during the late Qing Dynasty on its original site and is known as the place where Ji Gong became a monk. The temple features a 200-year-old Maitreya Buddha statue at the entrance of the Heavenly King Hall and houses numerous exquisite relics from various dynasties.
Feilai Feng is renowned for its 340+ stone carvings from different dynasties, making it a treasure of Chinese grotto art. The temple is a popular destination for those seeking blessings, especially crowded on the 1st and 15th days of the lunar month and during major Buddhist festivals.
Third Stop: Longjing / Manjuelong (1-2 hours)
How to Get There: From Lingyin Temple, taking the bus requires about 1 hour with transfers; a taxi ride is recommended and takes around 13 minutes. Cycling is not advised due to the steep mountain roads.
Longjing (Dragon Well) and Manjuelong are surrounded by roads lined with tea houses, restaurants, guesthouses, and coffee shops. During the day, it’s a great place to explore shops and enjoy tea. Many local farmers offer tea for tasting and purchase along the road, allowing you to sample tea before buying. In the autumn, the area is known for its abundant osmanthus flowers, where you can enjoy the blossom and purchase osmanthus-flavored treats like sugared osmanthus and osmanthus cakes.
Fourth Stop: Hupao Park (0.5 hours)
How to Get There: After descending from Longjing Village, walk south for about 10 minutes; a taxi ride takes around 5 minutes, and Bus 180 takes about 6 minutes.
Hupao Park is home to the famous Hupao Spring, known for its sweet, cool, and health-beneficial water. It’s common to see locals lining up to fill their containers with this water. The spring water is considered an excellent match for Longjing tea. The park is also the site where Master Hongyi (Li Shutong) took his vows.
Dining Recommendations Around Longjing:
Green Tea (Longjing Road Branch) (绿茶餐厅)
A popular local restaurant with a serene environment that reflects Southern Chinese charm. It’s known for its large portions and scenic setting. Highly recommended dishes include the ice cream bread, which is very popular, and the Green Tea BBQ. The Dongpo Pork is also well-balanced in flavor, not too salty or sweet, and rich without being greasy.
Xinfeng Snacks (新丰小吃)
A favorite breakfast spot among locals in Hangzhou. Signature items include beef vermicelli, shrimp dumplings, and duck blood soup. They also offer authentic Yangtang Cake, providing good value for money.
Yao Bu De Gaozu Shengjian (咬不得高祖生煎)
This restaurant, which is widespread in Hangzhou, is famous for its Shengjian (pan-fried buns). With each bite, the juicy filling oozes out. Besides Shengjian, the menu features a variety of Hangzhou-style snacks and noodles worth exploring.
Day 3: Jiuxi Smoke Tree → Yunqi Bamboo Path / Meijiawu
First Stop: Jiuxi Smoke Tree (2 hours)
How to Get There: Take Bus 190, 308, or 4 from Zhejiang University to the Jiuxi entrance.
After rain, Jiuxi becomes enveloped in mist, creating a dreamy, ethereal atmosphere from which its name “Smoke Tree” originates. As one of the new Ten Scenic Spots of West Lake, Jiuxi has become a popular social media hotspot in recent years. The water here is a striking blue-green. In spring, you can enjoy cherry blossoms, and in summer, the stream offers clear, cool refreshment.
Second Stop: Yunqi Bamboo Path / Meijiawu (2 hours)
How to Get There: From the Jiuxi entrance, take Bus 103 directly.
On the way to Meijiawu, you will pass by Yunqi Bamboo Path. Walking along the tranquil bamboo path, listening to the sound of the spring and birds, is a pleasant summer retreat. Meijiawu is one of the primary production areas for Longjing tea, making it an ideal spot to explore tea plantations and enjoy a tea break.
Dining Recommendations Around Jiuxi:
Lou Wai Lou (楼外楼)
A historic restaurant with over 160 years of history, known for its classic Hangzhou dishes. The prices are relatively high, but the West Lake Vinegar Fish is a standout, made from grass carp caught from West Lake and prepared after a few days to remove any earthy taste.
Kui Yuan Guan (奎元馆)
Hui Juan Noodle House (慧娟面馆)
Fang Lao Da Noodle House (方老大面馆)
These are all renowned old noodle shops in Hangzhou. They are famous for their signature dishes such as Pian’er Chuan (sliced noodles in broth) and Shrimp and Eel Noodles. The broth is so flavorful that, in the local dialect, it’s described as “so fresh that your eyebrows might fall off.”
Day 4: Nanxun Ancient Town
Getting There: A direct tourist bus to Nanxun Ancient Town departs from the front of the Hongxing Cultural Hotel, taking approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes with a ticket price of 120 RMB, which can be booked on Qunar.com. Alternatively, there are long-distance buses from Hangzhou North Station to Nanxun, with the terminal station being close to the ancient town.
About Nanxun Ancient Town:
Nanxun Ancient Town has a history of 750 years. Once home to many silk industry magnates, the architecture here is grand and exquisite, showcasing many innovative Western-style layouts of the time.
Tour Itinerary:
- Elephant Gate Street (象门街): Explore the traditional street, known for its historical buildings and local shops.
- Xiao Lian Zhuang (小莲庄): Visit this former private garden and residence with elegant architecture and serene gardens.
- Jia Ye Cang Shu Lou (嘉业藏书楼): A historic library featuring a vast collection of ancient books and rare manuscripts.
- Zhang’s Former Residence (张氏旧宅): Tour the historical home of the Zhang family, reflecting traditional architecture and lifestyle.
- Qiu Shu Li (求恕里): Explore this ancient residential area, known for its well-preserved historical houses.
- Liu’s Ladder House (刘氏梯号): Admire the unique architectural features of this traditional residence.
- Guang Hui Palace (广惠宫): Visit this historical palace, known for its cultural significance and architectural beauty.
- Lake Brush Family (湖笔人家): Discover traditional brush-making techniques and local crafts.
- Nanxun History Museum (南浔史馆): Learn about the history and culture of Nanxun through various exhibits and artifacts.
- Hundred Boats Pavilion (百船舫): Enjoy the picturesque setting of this pavilion, which offers scenic views of the waterways.
- Zhang Jingjiang Former Residence (张静江故居): Visit the former residence of Zhang Jingjiang, an influential figure in modern Chinese history.
- Hundred Rooms Building (百间楼): Explore this historic building with its numerous rooms, reflecting the town’s architectural style and history.