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July 25, 2025
11 views7-Day Family-Friendly Budget Travel Guide to Hangzhou: Explore West Lake, Culture & Local Flavors
Discover Hangzhou's top attractions, affordable eats, and practical tips for a 7-day family adventure.
HangzhouFamily TravelBudget TravelCity Exploration7 Days
Quick Overview
Chinese Name: 杭州
Location: Zhejiang Province, China
Famous For: West Lake,Lingyin Temple,Tea Culture
Daily Cost: $50-80 USD
Best Season: March-May, September-November
Introduction: Why Visit Hangzhou with Family
Hangzhou blends natural beauty with cultural depth, offering serene West Lake vistas, ancient temples, and interactive parks. Families enjoy boat rides, tea-picking experiences, and kid-friendly museums. With budget-friendly public transport and diverse dining options, it's ideal for extended stays.
Best Time to Visit Hangzhou
Ideal Seasons: March-May (spring), September-November (autumn)
🌱Spring: Mild temperatures (12-20°C) and blooming flowers around West Lake. Perfect for outdoor activities.
☀️Summer: Hot and humid (25-32°C) with frequent rain. Visit indoor attractions like Zhejiang Provincial Museum.
🍁Autumn: Cool and dry (15-22°C) with fall foliage at North Peak. Ideal for hiking and lake cruises.
❄️Winter: Cold (5-10°C) with occasional snow. Visit hot springs like Hangzhou Songcheng Park.
Arriving and Leaving Hangzhou
Affordable metro (Lines 1-5), buses (¥2 flat), and bike rentals. Family travel pass: 3-day metro card for ¥30.
Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport [Recommended]
Main international gateway, 25km from West Lake. Metro Line 1 connects to city center (30min, ¥5). Taxis cost ¥100-120.
Hangzhou East Railway Station
Major high-speed rail hub, 12km from West Lake. Metro Line 1 connects to city center (20min, ¥4). Taxis cost ¥30-40.
Where to Stay in Hangzhou: Best Neighborhoods
West Lake District
Walkable to major sights like Leifeng Pagoda and Gushan Hill. Budget options: HanTing Hotel (from ¥250/night).
Qinghefang
Historic area with street food and markets. Mid-range options: Jinling Hotel (from ¥400/night).
Top Things to Do in Hangzhou with Family
West Lake
Paddle boats (¥30/hour) and bike rentals (¥2/hour) for family-friendly exploration. Must-see: Baochu Pagoda and Su Causeway.
OMG Heartbeat Park
Interactive playgrounds, bumper cars, and water parks for kids (entry ¥60).
Zhejiang Provincial Museum
Free admission with cultural exhibits and hands-on tea ceremony workshops.
Tips
Use free shuttle buses between attractions. Book combo tickets for West Lake sites.
What to Eat: Hangzhou Food Guide on a Budget
Recommended Restaurants
1. Qinghefang Snack Street
Street food hub with skewers (¥5-10) and rice balls (¥3).
2. Louwailou Restaurant
West Lake views and traditional dishes (budget ¥100-150 per person).
3. Wuguilin Restaurant
Family-run eatery serving Dongpo pork and braised duck (budget ¥60-80 per person).
Signature Dishes
1. West Lake Vinegar Fish
Sweet-and-sour carp from West Lake, best at Louwailou Restaurant (¥80/portion).
2. Dongpo Pork
Braised pork dish inspired by Su Dongpo, served at Wuguilin (¥60/portion).
3. Longjing Shrimp
Tea-infused shrimp at Qinghefang markets (¥30/bowl).
Hangzhou Itinerary 7 Days: Family & Budget Travel
DAY 1
🍳Breakfast at Qinghefang Snack Street:Try scallion pancakes and rice balls.
Visit Gushan Hill:Free entry with scenic lake views.
🥗Lunch at Louwailou Restaurant:Sample West Lake Vinegar Fish.
Boat ride to Xiaoyingzhou Island:¥35 tickets for family of 4.
DAY 2
Tea-picking at Longjing Village:¥20 entry for tea workshops.
🍽️Dinner at Wuguilin Restaurant:Taste Dongpo pork and braised duck.
OMG Heartbeat Park:¥60 entry for unlimited rides.
DAY 3
🍳Breakfast at HanTing Hotel:Included in budget-friendly stays.
Visit Lingyin Temple:¥65 combo ticket for temple and park.
🥗Lunch at Tianwai Tian Vegetarian Restaurant:Vegetarian Buddhist cuisine (¥50/person).
Explore Leifeng Pagoda:¥35 entry with lake views.
DAY 4
Visit Xixi National Wetland Park:¥70 combo ticket for boat rides.
Picnic at Park Café:Pack local snacks and drinks.
Hike at North Peak:Free trail with cable car option (¥30/round).
DAY 5
Explore Zhejiang Provincial Museum:Free admission with family workshops.
🥗Lunch at Xixi Restaurant:Tea-smoked duck (¥65/portion).
Calligraphy Class at West Lake Art Studio:¥25/person for 1-hour session.
DAY 6
Hangzhou Safari Park:¥90 combo ticket for family.
Zipline at Hangzhou Amusement Park:¥40 per ride (3 rides recommended).
Mini-golf at West Lake Park:¥15 per round.
DAY 7
🍳Breakfast at Qinghefang:Try Hangzhou steamed buns.
Souvenir Shopping at Hefang Street:Tea sets (¥20-50) and silk scarves (¥30).
🥗Final Lunch at Wang Restaurant:Honey-glazed pork (¥55/portion).
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