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July 25, 2025
Romantic 3-Day Budget Itinerary for Hangzhou: Culture & Scenery for Couples
Explore West Lake, ancient temples, and budget-friendly charm in China's most poetic city
History & CultureCouples TravelBudget TravelWest Lake
Quick Overview
Chinese Name: 杭州
Location: East China
Famous For: West Lake's poetic landscapes,Silk Museum,Longjing Tea Plantations
Daily Cost: $30-50 USD
Best Season: March-May, September-November
Introduction: Why Hangzhou for Romantic Travel
Hangzhou combines West Lake's timeless beauty with centuries-old temples and modern affordability. Couples can enjoy gondola rides under willow trees, explore Lingyin Temple's spiritual serenity, and savor budget-friendly tea-infused cuisine while creating unforgettable memories.
Best time to visit Hangzhou
Ideal Seasons: Spring for blossoms, autumn for cool weather and vibrant foliage
🌱Spring: Mild weather (15-22°C) with cherry blossoms at Su Causeway. Perfect for lake cruises and exploring Hefang Street markets.
☀️Summer: Hot (28-35°C) with occasional rain showers. Best for visiting indoor attractions like Zhejiang Provincial Museum and enjoying lotus views at Quyuan Fenghe
🍁Autumn: Ideal season (20-25°C) with red maples at North Peak and moon-viewing traditions at Pinghu Qiuyue
❄️Winter: Cool (5-12°C) with occasional snow at Broken Bridge. Budget-friendly off-season with fewer crowds
Arriving and leaving Hangzhou
Metro (Lines 1 & 4 cover major attractions), bike-sharing (¥2/hour), and budget taxis (¥10-30 per ride)
Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport
18km from West Lake. Metro Line 1 (¥10, 40min) or taxi (¥100-130, 30min)
Hangzhou East Railway Station
7km from West Lake. Metro Line 1 (¥6, 20min) or taxi (¥50-70, 15min)
Where to stay in Hangzhou: Best Neighborhoods
West Lake Area
Luxury options like Westin Hangzhou but also budget hostels with lake views
Wulin Square
Modern area with shopping malls and easy metro access to all attractions
Top Things to do in Hangzhou
West Lake
Romantic gondola rides, bike rentals, and scenic walking paths with historic pavilions
Lingyin Temple
Ancient Buddhist temple with exquisite carvings and the serene Feilai Feng rock formations
Xixi National Wetland Park
Maze-like waterways with traditional wooden boats and ancient tea houses
Tips
Purchase combined tickets at West Lake Scenic Area for multiple attractions
What to eat: Hangzhou food Guide
Recommended Restaurants
1. Louwailou Restaurant
Historic restaurant with lake views serving traditional dishes at reasonable prices
2. Gongyu 1511
Modern take on Hangzhou cuisine with seasonal tea-infused dishes
Signature Dishes
1. West Lake Vinegar Fish
Sweet and sour carp cooked in West Lake water at budget-friendly restaurants
2. Dongpo Pork
Braised pork dish named after Song Dynasty poet Su Dongpo
Hangzhou itinerary 3 Days for Couples
DAY 1
Morning bike ride at West Lake:Rent bikes (¥2/hour) and explore Broken Bridge and Bai Causeway
🥗Lunch at Xiangge Li Restaurant:Scenic lakefront dining with budget-friendly local specialties
Leifeng Tower visit:Iconic tower offering panoramic views and the legend of White Snake
Evening cruise on West Lake:Romantic sunset cruise (¥40/couple) passing Three Pools Mirroring the Moon
DAY 2
🍳Breakfast at Nanyang Restaurant:Try traditional Hangzhou breakfast like sesame cake and soy milk
Lingyin Temple tour:Explore China's most famous Buddhist temple and Feilai Feng carvings
🥗Lunch at Vegetarian Restaurant:Healthy Buddhist vegetarian buffet (¥30/person)
Longjing Tea Village visit:Tea plantation tour and free tasting sessions (take bus 27 from West Lake)
DAY 3
Explore Hefang Street:Traditional market street with snack stalls and handmade souvenirs
🥗Lunch at Wu Shan Tofu Factory:Local favorite serving handmade tofu dishes since 1853
Zhejiang Art Museum visit:Free entry to classical gardens and rotating exhibitions of Chinese art
Evening walk at Wushan Square:Stroll through ancient city ruins and watch traditional performances
Hangzhou Travel FAQs
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