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July 25, 2025
Hangzhou Family Travel Guide: 3 Days Exploring West Lake & Beyond
Discover the best of Hangzhou with kids: Temple visits, tea plantations, and scenic cruises
杭州旅行家庭游西湖攻略美食推荐
Quick Overview
Chinese Name: 杭州
Location: Zhejiang Province
Famous For: 西湖文化景观,龙井茶,丝绸
Daily Cost: $150-200
Best Season: March-May, September-November
Introduction: Why Hangzhou Works for Families
Hangzhou combines natural beauty with cultural depth, offering West Lake boat rides, tranquil temple grounds at Lingyin Temple, and interactive experiences like tea tasting in Longjing Village. The city's walkable districts and efficient metro system make it easy for families to navigate.
Best Time to Visit Hangzhou
Ideal Seasons: Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November)
🌱Spring: Mild weather with blooming flowers in Su Causeway, ideal for outdoor activities
☀️Summer: Hot and humid, but West Lake lotus blossoms create beautiful photo opportunities
🍁Autumn: Pleasant temperatures with colorful foliage around Tiger Run Temple
❄️Winter: Fewer crowds, though winter sports enthusiasts might enjoy Dai Mountain Ski Resort
Arriving and Leaving Hangzhou
Metro (Lines 1-4), bike rentals (Yellow Bike System), and Didi ridesharing
Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport [Recommended]
48km from city center with direct airport express to West Lake. Taxi: 40-50 minutes, $15-20
Hangzhou East Railway Station
Modern hub with bullet trains to Shanghai (1h). Metro Line 1 connects to key areas
Hangzhou Railway Station (Chengzhan)
Closer to West Lake (8km) with frequent taxi service (15 minutes, $5)
Where to Stay in Hangzhou: Best Neighborhoods for Families
West Lake District
Walkable to major attractions with family-friendly hotels like Hangzhou Hotel
Wulin Square
Modern area with shopping centers and direct metro access to West Lake
Xixi Wetland
Scenic location with boutique accommodations offering nature experiences
Top Things to Do in Hangzhou with Kids
West Lake Cultural Landscape
Family-friendly activities: bicycle rentals (1$3/hour), paddle boats ($15/hour), and Three Pools Mirroring the Moon Pavilion
Lingyin Temple
Explore ancient architecture and participate in children's mindfulness workshops (offered in summer)
Hangzhou Zoo
Home to giant pandas and has interactive feeding experiences (10am & 3pm daily)
Tips
Purchase combo tickets for West Lake attractions to save 20%
What to Eat: Hangzhou Family-Friendly Cuisine
Recommended Restaurants
1. Zhi Wei Guan
Iconic chain serving excellent Xiao Long Bao and West Lake-style noodles
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2. Wu Shan Tian Feng Snack Street
Open-air food market with kid-friendly options like scallion pancakes and sweet osmanthus cakes
3. Han Dynasty Restaurant
Modern setting serving traditional Hangzhou dishes with vegetarian options
Signature Dishes
1. West Lake Vinegar Fish
Sweet and sour carp fillet cooked to tender perfection, best tried at Lou Wai Lou
2. Dragon Well Tea Shrimps
Shrimp cooked in fragrant Longjing tea broth at Shi Fang Da Chuan
3. Dongpo Pork
Braised pork dish originating from Hangzhou's famous poet Su Dongpo
Hangzhou Itineraries: 3 Days Family Exploration
DAY 1
🍳Breakfast at Wu Shan Tian Feng:Try local specialties like steamed buns and rice balls
Visit Leifeng Pagoda:Interactive exhibits on Bai Suzhen legend with elevator access
🥗Lunch at Shi Fang Da Chuan:Scenic riverside restaurant with child-friendly menu options
West Lake Bike Ride:Rent family bicycles for a lakeside adventure
🍽️Dinner at Zhi Wei Guan:Try their signature steamed dumplings and West Lake noodles
West Lake Musical Fountain:Free nightly light show at Wushan Square
DAY 2
🍳Breakfast at Hotel:Hotel buffet featuring both Chinese and Western options
Visit Lingyin Temple:Explore ancient carvings and participate in family mindfulness session
🥗Lunch at Yun Men Guan:Vegetarian temple cuisine with children's menu
Climb Feilai Peak:Short 30-minute hike with panoramic views and Buddhist sculptures
Relax at Hangzhou Botanical Garden:Family-friendly paths with exotic plant collections
🍽️Dinner at Han Dynasty Restaurant:Modern Hangzhou cuisine with private family rooms available
DAY 3
🍳Breakfast at Hotel:Continental and local options including rice porridge
Tea Ceremony in Longjing Village:Interactive workshop for families with tea tasting and picking demonstration
🥗Lunch at Longjing Tea House:Scenic restaurant serving tea-infused dishes
Explore Hefang Street:Historic street with street performers, souvenir shops, and snack vendors
Visit China National Tea Museum:Interactive exhibits on tea history with family audio guides
🍽️Farewell Dinner at Lou Wai Lou:Legendary lakeside restaurant with children's menu and lake views
Hangzhou Travel FAQs
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