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July 25, 2025
Romantic Hangzhou: A 3-Day Luxury Itinerary for Couples
Discover scenic beauty, cultural treasures, and exquisite dining in China's most poetic city
Couples TravelLuxury TravelCity ExplorationHangzhou
Quick Overview
Chinese Name: 杭州
Location: Zhejiang Province, China
Famous For: West Lake Scenery,Silk Culture,Longjing Tea
Daily Cost: $150-$250 per couple
Best Season: March-May & September-November
Introduction: Why Hangzhou Captivates Couples
Hangzhou West Lake combines natural beauty with cultural heritage, making it the perfect romantic destination. With its misty waters reflecting centuries-old pavilions, fragrant Longjing tea plantations, and world-class accommodations like Aman Fayun and Banyan Tree Hangzhou, this city offers an ideal blend of tranquility and luxury. Walk hand-in-hand through Su Causeway's cherry blossoms in spring, or savor a private tea ceremony experience in Meijiawu Tea Village.
Best time to visit Hangzhou
Ideal Seasons: Spring (March-May) for blossoms, Autumn (September-November) for cool weather
🌱Spring: Mild temperatures (12-22°C) with cherry blossoms at Su Causeway and peach blossoms in Tonglu County
☀️Summer: Hot and humid (25-35°C) but perfect for enjoying lotus blossoms at Quyuan Fenghe
🍁Autumn: Pleasant weather (15-25°C) with red maple leaves in Lingyin Temple's surroundings
❄️Winter: Cool (3-10°C) with rare snowy scenes at Broken Bridge
Arriving and leaving Hangzhou
Metro (Lines 1-7), taxis (¥35-¥80 for 3-5km rides), bike rentals (public bike stations near West Lake), and luxury car services
Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport [Recommended]
18km from city center, 40-minute taxi ride costing ¥150-¥200. Metro Line 1 connects to downtown. Major international carriers operate flights.
Hangzhou East Railway Station
High-speed rail hub with connections to Shanghai (1h), Nanjing (1.5h), and Beijing (5h). Taxi from station costs ¥80-¥120 to city center.
Where to stay in Hangzhou: Best Neighborhoods
West Lake District
Luxury hotels like The Aman Fayun and Hangzhou Marriott Hotel Qianchao near Leifeng Pagoda, perfect for romantic walks
Qianjiang New City
Modern high-rises with skyline views, including Shangri-La Hotel and JW Marriott Hangzhou
Xixi Wetland
Unique water town atmosphere with Banyan Tree Hangzhou and easy access to Xixi National Wetland Park
Top Things to do in Hangzhou
West Lake
A UNESCO World Heritage Site with Ten Historic Scenes like Leifeng Pagoda and Three Pools Mirroring the Moon. Rent a rowing boat at sunset for a romantic experience.
Lingyin Temple
China's largest and most well-preserved Buddhist temple complex with intricate carvings in Feilai Feng caves and the grand Daxiong Baodian hall.
Xixi National Wetland Park
A unique water town ecosystem where couples can ride traditional 'Benbenzhou' boats through 11.5km of canals lined with plum trees and historic teahouses.
Tips
Book private boat tours early for sunset cruises. Wear comfortable shoes for exploring tea plantations.
What to eat: Hangzhou food Guide
Recommended Restaurants
1. Louwailou Restaurant
Iconic lakefront dining since 1848 offering Dongpo Pork and West Lake fish. Reserve lakeside windows for sunset views.
2. Fook Lam Moon (Hangzhou)
Luxury Cantonese-Hangzhou fusion with private dining rooms. Famous for abalone braised pork and 2,000+ wine list.
3. Jade Garden
Traditional Chinese courtyard restaurant serving seasonal delicacies like bamboo shoot soup and tea-smoked duck.
Signature Dishes
1. Dongpo Pork
Braised pork belly in soy sauce and Shaoxing wine, created by poet Su Dongpo. Best enjoyed at Louwailou Restaurant with jasmine-scented rice.
2. West Lake Vinegar Fish
Steamed grass carp with ginger vinegar sauce made from fresh catch from West Lake. Try it at Kaiyuan Restaurant dating back to 1873.
3. Longjing Shrimp
Freshwater shrimp stir-fried with hand-roasted Longjing tea leaves from Meijiawu Tea Plantation. Available at Yuehui Restaurant near West Lake
Hangzhou itinerary 3 Days for Couples
DAY 1
🍳Breakfast at Ming Court:Enjoy traditional Chinese breakfast with lotus flower tea at this lakeside hotel
West Lake Cycling:Rent tandem bikes for a 10km scenic ride from Broken Bridge to Su Causeway
🥗Lunch at Kaiyuan Restaurant:Try West Lake Vinegar Fish and steamed river snails at this 1873-established restaurant
Leifeng Pagoda Visit:Climb the golden pagoda for panoramic views and learn the Legend of White Snake
Private Boat Cruise:Watch sunset on the lake with champagne while gliding past Three Pools Mirroring the Moon
🍽️Dinner at Jade Garden:Dine in a classical courtyard while sampling Longjing shrimp and tea-smoked duck
DAY 2
Tea Ceremony at Meijiawu:Experience Longjing tea preparation in a traditional village with expert guidance
Lingyin Temple Tour:Explore the caves of Feilai Feng and admire the 24m Maitreya statue in the Great Hall
🥗Lunch at Shizen Vegetarian:Modern plant-based cuisine with faux shark fin soup and edible flower arrangements
National Tea Museum:Walk through historic tea processing equipment and participate in a tea tasting session
Silk Museum Visit:Discover 5,000 years of silk history from the Han Dynasty to modern Qipao tailoring
Spa at Banyan Tree:Enjoy a Longjing tea leaf massage followed by a romantic bath with rose and jasmine petals
🍽️Dinner at Fook Lam Moon:Michelin-starred Cantonese-Hangzhou fusion with private rooms and live music
DAY 3
🍳Breakfast at Parkson Restaurant:Contemporary French pastries with traditional Longjing matcha latte
Xixi Wetland Exploration:Glide through 800-year-old canals in a wooden boat, passing traditional distilleries and plum gardens
🥗Lunch at Xixi Teahouse:Sample water chestnut cakes and lotus seed soup in a 300-year-old teahouse
Hefang Street Stroll:Browse traditional crafts and taste local snacks like sesame cakes and scorpion kebabs
Final Shopping at SKP:Luxury shopping experience with local silk designers and international brands
🍽️Farewell Dinner at Ming Court:Dine on imperial Hangzhou dishes while watching traditional fan dance performances
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