Hangzhou Free Travel | Your Ultimate 5-Day, 4-Night Itinerary Guide! Discover West Lake's Top Attractions and Authentic Eats

Get ready to explore Hangzhou and soak in the timeless beauty of West Lake and Song City! Our Kinnso editorial team has put together an essential itinerary for an unforgettable 5-day, 4-night trip to Hangzhou, packed with must-see attractions from sunrise to sunset. We've got you covered with all the details on transportation, scenic spots, and unique local shops, ensuring you get the most out of this charming water town in Jiangnan!

If you're planning a trip to Hangzhou, the best times to go are in the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these seasons, the weather is just right for taking in the breathtaking views of West Lake. Summer (June to August) can get pretty hot and sticky, while winter (December to February) might be a bit too chilly for some. Don't forget to pack a pair of comfy walking shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of strolling around to see all the sights Hangzhou has to offer.

Getting to Hangzhou:
Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport connects you to the world with numerous international flights. Once you touch down, you have a few options to make your way to the city center:

• Airport Shuttle Bus: Takes around 45-60 minutes
• Metro Line 1: Approximately 50 minutes
• Taxi: Roughly 30-40 minutes

Getting Around the City:

1. Metro: With 10 lines, the metro is a convenient way to reach major attractions
2. Buses: Covering extensive routes, buses are both affordable and accessible
3. Shared Bicycles: Perfect for a leisurely ride around West Lake
4. Taxi: The starting fare is 12 yuan, making it a good option for quick trips

Morning:

• West Lake Scenic Area Tour (Address: West Lake District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province)
• Leifeng Pagoda (Address: No. 15 Nanshan Road, West Lake District, Hangzhou)
  Transportation: Just a 10-minute walk from Longxiangqiao Station on Metro Line 1

Lunch:

• Louwailou (Address: No. 30 Gushan Road, West Lake District, Hangzhou)
• Zhiweiguan (Address: No. 268 Jiefang Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou)

Afternoon:

• Pinghu Qiu Yue (Address: Beishan Street, West Lake District, Hangzhou)
• Su Causeway in Spring Dawn (Address: Su Causeway, West Lake District, Hangzhou)
  Suggestion: Take a leisurely stroll along Su Causeway in the evening and soak in the beautiful sunset

Evening:

• West Lake Musical Fountain Performance (Free)
  Time: From April to October, catch the show from Tuesday to Sunday, between 7:30 PM and 9:00 PM
  Location: West Lake Lakeside Musical Fountain Square

Morning:

• Start your day at Lingyin Temple (Address: No. 1 Lingyin Road, West Lake District, Hangzhou City)
• Next, head to Feilai Peak, which is right next to Lingyin Temple.
  How to get there: Hop on Bus 7 or 27 and get off at Lingyin Temple Station

Lunch:

• Enjoy a peaceful vegetarian meal at Jingci Temple Vegetarian Restaurant (Address: Jingci Temple Road, West Lake District, Hangzhou City)

Afternoon:

• Wander through Xixi National Wetland Park (Address: No. 518 Tianmushan Road, West Lake District, Hangzhou City)
• Experience the local tea culture with a tasting session in Longjing Village (Address: Longjing Road, West Lake District, Hangzhou City)

Evening:

• Stroll through the bustling He Fang Street Night Market (Address: He Fang Street, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou City)
• Explore the vibrant Qinghefang Commercial Area

Morning:

• Explore the bustling Qianjiang New City CBD
• Visit the stunning Hangzhou Grand Theatre (Address: No. 1, Jiefang East Road, Jianggan District, Hangzhou)
  How to get there: Take Metro Line 4 to "Qianjiang Road Station"

Lunch:

• Enjoy a delicious buffet at the Shangri-La Hotel in the city

Afternoon:

• Watch the mesmerizing tides at Qiantang River (Best time: around the 18th day of the 8th lunar month)
• Stroll through Qianjiang Century Park (Address: Xinye Road, Jianggan District, Hangzhou)

Evening:

• End your day with a relaxing night cruise on the Canal
  Boarding point: Jinghang Canal Cruise Dock (Address: Hushu South Road, Gongshu District, Hangzhou)

Morning:

• Song City Scenic Area (Address: No. 148, Shadifan, Xiaoshan District, Hangzhou)
  Transportation: Hop on Metro Line 5 to "Yugu Road Station" and switch to Song City Line 1 or Line 2 bus
  Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 10:30 PM
  Recommendation: Dive into the Southern Song Dynasty vibe and catch some unique performances in the area.

Afternoon:

• Dining in Song City
  Recommendation: Check out the specialty restaurants along "Song City Street."

Afternoon:

• "Song City Eternal Love" performance (Make sure to book in advance)
• Wander through the various themed parks within Song City
• Get involved in traditional Song Dynasty folk activities

Evening:

• Enjoy the night view at Wulin Square (Address: Yan'an Road, Xiacheng District, Hangzhou)
• Shop at Lakeside Intime (Address: No. 258, Yan'an Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou)
  Transportation: Take Metro Line 1 to "Wulin Square Station"

Morning:

• Hangzhou Museum (Address: No. 25, Gushan Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou)
  Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
  Transportation: Take bus 31 or Y2 to "Xiling Seal Engravers' Society Station"

Lunch:

• Dining around Hangzhou Art Center
• Nansong Royal Street Delicacies (Address: Zhongshan Middle Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou)

Afternoon:

• Half-day trip to Xitang Ancient Town (Address: Xitang Town, Jiashan County, Jiaxing City)
  Transportation: Take a bus from Hangzhou East Station, approximately 1 hour
  Highlights: Features of Jiangnan water towns, ancient bridges, and old streets

Exploring Hangzhou? Don't miss out on these local culinary delights:

1. West Lake Vinegar Fish
   Where to Go: Check out "Louwailou" or "Zhangshengji" for an authentic taste

2. Dongpo Pork
   Where to Go: "Zhiweiguan" and "Haichao Grand Hotel" are top picks

3. Longjing Shrimp
   Where to Go: Head to "Green Tea Restaurant" for this specialty

4. Pian'er Chuan (Sliced Noodle Soup)
   Where to Go: Try "Dingxiang Garden" or "Waipojia" for a delicious bowl

5. Hangzhou Soup Dumplings
   Where to Go: "Wulin Zhuangyuan Tower" is the place to be

Exploring Hangzhou? Here's where to stay:

1. West Lake District (Top Pick)
   Perfect for: Sightseeing and Scenic Views
   Why you'll love it: Close to major attractions and easy to get around
   Hotspots: Lakeside Business District, Nanshan Road

2. Downtown District
   Ideal for: Shopping and Dining
   Why you'll love it: Right by the bustling Wulin Square Business District
   Hotspots: Wulin Gate, Qingchun Road

3. Upper City District
   Great for: Cultural Experiences and Historical Tours
   Why you'll love it: Near Qinghefang and Nansong Imperial Street
   Hotspots: Lakeside, Drum Tower

Hey there, fellow travelers! If you're planning a trip to Hangzhou, we've got you covered with an amazing 5-day, 4-night itinerary that hits all the highlights. Our Kinnso editorial team has put together a perfect blend of historical sites and modern attractions, giving you the full Hangzhou experience. Whether it's your first time here or you're coming back for more, this guide will help you make the most of your visit. Feel free to tweak the schedule to match your interests and energy levels. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the beautiful city of Hangzhou!