Hangzhou

Day Trips

Begin with a gentle stroll along Su Causeway as the sun rises over the shimmering water, taking in the misty views of willow trees leaning over the lake. Stop by the Broken Bridge to appreciate the romantic legend behind its name and capture photos of the lotus blooms. Continue toward the Bai Causeway to watch rowers practice and absorb the tranquil ambiance.

Board a traditional wooden boat at the Boat Station and glide to Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, observing the miniature pagodas that emerge at high tide. Wander through the lush gardens of Yuefei Temple on the lake’s southern shore and learn about the famed general’s story. Pause at a lakeside tea house to savor a pot of Longjing green tea with light refreshments.

Attend the spectacular Impression West Lake outdoor performance, where dancers and light effects play out on the water’s surface beneath Leifeng Pagoda. After the show, stroll along the lakeside promenade with twinkling lanterns overhead. End the evening with a lakeside dinner of Hangzhou specialties like Beggar’s Chicken and West Lake vinegar fish.

Set out early for Lingyin Temple, one of China’s most revered Buddhist sites, nestled in a verdant valley. Walk through the Thousand- Buddha Hall, admiring the intricate carvings and large bronze statues. Feel the peaceful atmosphere as incense drifts through silent courtyards.

Hike up to Feilai Peak to see ancient stone grottoes and Buddhist reliefs carved into the rock face over a thousand years ago. Explore the surrounding forest trails, stopping at hidden pavilions for glimpses of temple bells in the distance. Enjoy a simple temple-style vegetarian lunch at a nearby teahouse.

Return to Hangzhou for a relaxing foot massage at a traditional parlor near West Lake. Head to a cozy tea house by the water for an evening tea ceremony featuring local varietals. Reflect on the day’s spiritual journey while watching the lantern-lit reflections ripple on the lake.

Travel to the Dragon Well (Longjing) tea plantations in the verdant hills west of the city. Walk among neat rows of tea bushes as farmers demonstrate hand-plucking techniques. Breathe in the fresh mountain air and listen to the soft rustle of leaves.

Participate in a hands-on workshop to learn how to pan-fry tea leaves over a charcoal stove, then sample your freshly made brew. Picnic on a hillside terrace with local snacks like tea-infused pastries and mountain honey. Visit the China National Tea Museum to discover the history and art of tea culture in China.

Dine at a rustic farmhouse restaurant overlooking the terraces, indulging in dishes prepared with fresh local vegetables and tea-smoked meats. Join an evening tea appreciation session under paper lanterns, guided by a tea master. As dusk falls, watch fireflies flicker among the bushes, creating a magical rural ambiance.

Stroll along the Qiantang Riverfront Park and learn about the world-famous tidal bore at the Qiantang Tidal Bore Museum. Observe the calm before the mighty wave in leafy riverside gardens. Take photos of historic bridges spanning the wide river.

Board a speedboat for an exhilarating ride to witness the tidal bore phenomenon, feeling the surge of water under your craft. Listen to local fishermen share legends of the river and its powerful currents. Return to shore and sample fresh river shrimp at a nearby market stall.

Enjoy a riverside barbecue at one of the floating restaurants under lantern-lit canopies. Try grilled river fish and skewered vegetables while listening to acoustic music from local performers. Cap off the night with a moonlit stroll along the water’s edge, watching city lights reflect on the river.

Explore Song Dynasty Town, a reconstructed cultural theme park showcasing architecture and life from Hangzhou’s imperial heyday. Wander cobblestone lanes lined with wooden shops, gazing at craftsmen at work. Participate in a calligraphy session in a scholar’s courtyard.

Visit the Southern Song Dynasty Imperial Street to see interactive exhibits on royal ceremonies and urban planning. Drop into the tea pavilion to sample ancient brewing techniques. Savor a lunch of Song-era delicacies, including soybean pancakes and sweet glutinous rice cakes.

Attend a traditional music and dance performance in the park’s ancient theater, complete with period costumes and instruments. Dine at a Song-style banquet hall, sampling dishes recreated from historical recipes. End the evening with a lantern-lit walk along the water channels that once supplied the town.

Head to Xixi National Wetland Park for a morning bamboo raft ride through tranquil waterways shaded by cypress and willow. Listen to waterfowl and frogs while gliding past swaying reeds. Spot herons perched on wooden platforms deep in the wetland.

Disembark to explore elevated boardwalks winding through lotus-filled ponds and marshes, pausing at observation towers for panoramic views. Learn about the wetland’s ecology at the interactive visitor center. Refuel with a riverside lunch featuring freshwater fish and wild greens.

Experience a traditional fisherman’s homestay dinner, with fresh-caught carp and sticky rice steamed in bamboo tubes. Share stories around a lantern-lit table under the starlit sky. Drift home by boat to enjoy the evening chorus of frogs and insects.

Wander through the historic lanes of Hefang Old Street, admiring Ming- and Qing-era architecture with ornate wooden facades. Watch artisans crafting lacquerware, bronze mirrors, and bamboo fans in open workshops. Pick up unique souvenirs such as handcrafted calligraphy brushes.

Sample local snacks—stinky tofu, fried glutinous rice balls, and pressed sugar figures—at lively food stalls. Visit the Chinese Pharmacy Museum to learn about traditional herbal medicine and see rows of antique apothecary cabinets. Relax with a cup of pu’er tea in a quaint teahouse hidden among the alleys.

Attend a shadow-puppetry show in a restored courtyard theater, marveling at the skillful movements and storytelling. Dine at a nearby restaurant specializing in Hangzhou peasant-style cuisine, including bamboo-shoot soup and sweet-sour pork ribs. Cap off the night with a stroll under festive lanterns along the canal.

Travel to the Yuehe Scenic Area to ascend the ancient Six Harmonies Pagoda, enjoying sweeping views of the Qiantang River and surrounding hills. Learn about the pagoda’s role in taming floods over the centuries. Explore nearby pavilions and gardens shaded by century-old trees.

Head to Qianjiang New Town, Hangzhou’s modern financial district, and walk among soaring glass skyscrapers. Visit upscale malls and art galleries showcasing contemporary Chinese artists. Pause in a riverside park where green spaces meet urban design.

Book a table at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the illuminated skyline and winding river below. Sample fusion dishes that blend Hangzhou flavors with international cuisine. Finish the evening with cocktails at a chic bar, enjoying the glittering city lights.

Begin at the China National Silk Museum to trace the history of silk production from mulberry cultivation to weaving. Observe silkworms feeding and watch demonstrations of traditional reeling techniques. Admire antique silk textiles displayed in the museum galleries.

Take a private silk embroidery class under the guidance of a master artisan, practicing intricate stitch patterns on a small hoop. Create your own silk bookmark or decorative panel to take home. Afterward, browse specialty shops selling fine silk scarves and garments.

Dine at a historic silk merchant’s residence converted into a restaurant, sampling elegant dishes served on silk-embroidered tablecloths. Enjoy a short performance of classical dance accompanied by a pipa player in a candlelit courtyard. Reflect on the blend of artistry and history woven into Hangzhou’s silk legacy.

Spend a relaxed morning at a lakeside café, sipping specialty coffee or tea while watching rowboats drift by on West Lake. Treat yourself to a spa massage or reflexology session at a nearby wellness center. Stroll through a boutique bookstore for a final cultural souvenir.

Head to Hubin Shopping District or Wulin Square for last-minute purchases, sampling local snacks such as lotus seed pastries and honey cakes from upscale bakeries. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a stylish bistro overlooking the canal. Pack your bags with treasured mementos.

Gather for a farewell dinner at a restaurant offering panoramic lake views, indulging in your favorite Hangzhou dishes one last time. Transfer to Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport or Railway Station with ample time for departure formalities. Reflect on ten unforgettable days immersed in the heritage, cuisine, and natural beauty of Hangzhou.