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2-Day Hangzhou Itinerary

2-Day Hangzhou Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

TL;DR

  • Day 1: West Lake (西湖) circuit, Leifeng Pagoda (雷峰塔) sunset, Hefang Street (河坊街)
  • Day 2: Lingyin Temple (灵隐寺), Feilai Peak, Longjing tea village (龙井村)
  • Budget: ¥500-800 for activities and food (excluding accommodation)
  • Transport: Hangzhou Metro ¥2-8 per ride; HSR from Shanghai 45-60 min (¥73-117)

Getting to Hangzhou (杭州)

Hangzhou (hángzhōu), capital of Zhejiang Province (浙江) with 12 million residents, sits approximately 180 kilometers southwest of Shanghai. The most convenient route is the Shanghai-Hangzhou High-Speed Railway (HSR), departing from Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station with journeys taking 45-60 minutes (second class: ¥73-117). Hangzhou East Railway Station (杭州东站) connects directly to Shanghai's rail network.

Getting around: Hangzhou Metro operates 12+ lines with English signage throughout. Fares range from ¥2-8 per trip. Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH) is accessible via Metro Lines 1 and 19.

Day 1: West Lake and the Southern Shore

Morning: West Lake Circuit (9:00 AM – 12:30 PM)

Start at West Lake (西湖, Xī Hú), a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has inspired Chinese poets for centuries. The lake is free to walk around; however, island landings cost ¥45-90 depending on the attraction. Arrive early to beat crowds, especially on weekends.

Suggested walking route:

  1. Begin at Broken Bridge (断桥, Duàn Qiáo) – legendary site of the White Snake legend
  2. Walk south along the lake shore toward Gu Shan Island (孤山岛)
  3. Continue to Lingering in the Court of Impressions (花港观鱼, Huā Gǎng Guān Yú) – famous for colorful koi
  4. End at Leifeng Pagoda area for lunch

Afternoon: Rest and Local Cuisine (12:30 PM – 3:00 PM)

Eat lunch near West Lake. Try authentic Hangzhou dishes:

  • Dongpo Pork (东坡肉, dōngpō ròu) – braised pork belly, ¥30-60
  • West Lake Vinegar Fish (西湖醋鱼, xīhú cù yú) – sweet and sour fish
  • Beggar's Chicken (叫花鸡, jiàohuā jī) – clay-baked chicken

Evening: Leifeng Pagoda Sunset (5:00 PM – 7:00 PM)

Leifeng Pagoda (雷峰塔, Léifēng Tǎ) offers sweeping sunset views over West Lake. Tickets range from ¥40-80 depending on season. The five-story pagoda, reconstructed in 2002, sits where the original 975 AD structure collapsed in 1924. Arrive by 5:00 PM to secure a prime sunset viewing spot.

Night: Hefang Street (7:30 PM – 9:00 PM)

Walk to Hefang Street (河坊街, Héfāng Jiē), a 1-kilometer restored ancient street with Qing Dynasty architecture. Browse souvenir shops, sample street snacks (hangzhou-style dumplings, lotus root cake), and pick up Longjing tea as souvenirs. Most shops close around 9-10 PM.

Day 2: Temples and Tea

Morning: Lingyin Temple Complex (8:30 AM – 12:00 PM)

Lingyin Temple (灵隐寺, Língyǐn Sì) is one of China's oldest active Buddhist temples, founded in 326 AD. The temple complex requires two tickets: the Feilai Peak garden (飞来峰, ¥45) and the temple itself (¥75). Discounted rates of ¥30 apply in February and November.

Opening hours: The temple grounds open from 6:30 AM; last entry is 5:00 PM. Arrive before 9:00 AM to avoid tour groups.

essential highlights:

  • The 470 statues in the Five Hundred Arhats Hall
  • The massive Maitreya Buddha carved into Feilai Peak
  • Cloud Walking Path (云栖竹径, yúnqī zhújìng) – a bamboo forest trail nearby

Afternoon: Longjing Tea Village (1:00 PM – 4:00 PM)

Travel west to Longjing Village (龙井村, Lóngjǐng Cūn), famous for Longjing "Dragon Well" green tea. The village sits among terraced tea fields in the Qiantang River valley.

What to do:

  • Walk through tea plantations (free entry to public areas)
  • Tour a tea factory and watch the traditional hand-frying process
  • Sample tea at local teahouses (¥50-100 per pot)
  • Purchase tea directly from farmers (¥300-800 per jin for authentic Longjing)

End your tea visit by 4:00 PM to allow time for departure.

Practical Tips

| Category | Recommendation | |----------|----------------| | Best seasons | March-May (spring) or September-November (autumn) | | Avoid | October 1-7 Golden Week – extreme crowds and inflated prices | | Footwear | Comfortable walking shoes; West Lake circuits can exceed 10 km | | Payment | Alipay/WeChat Pay preferred; some vendors accept cash | | Language | Basic English at major attractions; download a translation app |

Estimated daily budget:

  • Attractions: ¥150-200
  • Meals: ¥100-150
  • Transport: ¥20-30
  • Souvenirs/tea: ¥100-300 (optional)

Conclusion

Two days in Hangzhou offer a perfect introduction to this historic lakeside city. The combination of West Lake's natural beauty, Lingyin Temple's spiritual atmosphere, and Longjing's tea culture creates a balanced itinerary that captures Hangzhou's essence. Plan your visit during spring or autumn, arrive early at popular sites, and budget approximately ¥500-800 for activities and meals during your stay.

Prices and opening hours may vary seasonally; verify current information at Hangzhou Tourism Bureau before travel.