Get Your Travel Plan
July 25, 2025
Family-Friendly 3-Day Budget Itinerary for Hangzhou
Discover Hangzhou's highlights with kids-friendly activities and affordable options
HangzhouFamily TravelBudget Travel
Quick Overview
Chinese Name: 杭州
Location: Zhejiang Province, China
Famous For: West Lake,West Lake Fish in Vinegar Gravy,West Lake Culture
Daily Cost: $30-40 USD per person
Best Season: Spring and Autumn
Why Visit Hangzhou with Family?
Hangzhou blends natural beauty with cultural heritage, offering serene lake views, ancient temples, and kid-friendly parks. With free public gardens and interactive tea museums, families can enjoy diverse experiences without breaking the budget.
Best Time to Visit Hangzhou
Ideal Seasons: March-June, September-November
🌱Spring: Mild temperatures (15-22°C) perfect for outdoor activities. Cherry blossoms at West Lake Park create magical photo opportunities.
☀️Summer: Hot and humid (28-34°C) but offers refreshing water activities. Early mornings at West Lake avoid crowds and heat.
🍁Autumn: Ideal season with cool breeze (18-25°C) and colorful foliage at Gushan Island. Annual West Lake Flower Show in October.
❄️Winter: Mild winters (5-12°C) allow visit to Lingyin Temple without crowds. Watch traditional lantern festivals in February.
Arriving and Leaving Hangzhou
Metro: $0.4-1.2 USD per ride (Lines 1-6 cover major attractions). Bike-sharing: 10,000+ public docks at $0.1 USD/hour. Family-friendly options: Electric taxis (pre-book via DiDi)
Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport [Recommended]
25km from city center with metro line 1 access. Taxi takes 40 minutes ($15 USD). Major airlines include China Eastern and Hainan Airlines.
Hangzhou East Railway Station
Asia's largest high-speed rail hub with connections to Beijing (5h), Shanghai (1h). Metro lines 1/4 available. Airport express trains every 15 minutes.
Where to Stay in Hangzhou
West Lake District
Walk to West Lake Scenic Area. Mid-range hotels like Jinling Executive Apartment offer kitchenettes for families. Average price: $40-80 USD/night.
Wulin Square
Transport hub with metro connections. Budget options like GreenTree Inn near Hangzhou Department Store. Great for accessing both West and East Lake.
Top Things to Do in Hangzhou
West Lake
UNESCO World Heritage Site offering boat rides (Xiling Seal Art Society route recommended), cycling paths, and seasonal flower shows. Must-see: Three Pools Mirroring the Moon stone pagodas.
West Lake Culture Square
Modern complex with Science Museum (interactive exhibits for kids), Imax cinema, and shopping. Connected to metro line 1 (Longxiang Bridge station).
Xixi National Wetland Park
Explore water villages via traditional摇橹 boats. Kid-friendly activities: Tea-picking experience and bamboo toy making workshops. Family ticket: $15 USD.
Tips
Purchase West Lake combined ticket ($7 USD) for multiple attractions. Rent family strollers at major parks.
What to Eat in Hangzhou
Recommended Restaurants
1. Wanglaoji
Budget-friendly local favorite serving braised pork and lotus seed paste desserts. Family set meal: $20 USD for 4 people.
2. KFC West Lake Branch
Unexpected budget choice with lakeside views. Kid meals come with chopstick training kits. Open until 11PM.
3. HeFang Snack Street Vendors
Try sesame balls ($0.5 USD) and scallion pancakes ($0.3 USD). Visit between 5-8PM to experience night market atmosphere.
Signature Dishes
2. Dragon Well Tea Shrimp
Tea-infused shrimp from West Lake. Try at Gourmet Dumpling Restaurant where the tea leaves come from Longjing Tea Museum estate.
3. Hangzhou Fried Noodles
Crispy noodles with pork and greens. Must-try at street stall Xiongchang Fried Noodles near Lingyin Temple - 20-year-old recipe.
Hangzhou Family Itinerary 3 Days
DAY 1
🍳Breakfast at Gourmet Dumpling Restaurant:Try Xiao Long Bao and West Lake shrimp dumplings. Family breakfast budget: $10 USD.
Visit Lingyin Temple:Explore ancient temple with kid-friendly audio guides. Donation box near Children's Education Zone.
🥗Lunch at Xiongchang Fried Noodles:Affordable local favorite with outdoor seating. Try the fried noodles with pork and shrimp.
Leifeng Pagoda:Interactive exhibits on White Snake legend. Elevator access available for families with strollers.
West Lake Cruise:1-hour family cruise to Xiao Yingzhou Island. Rent strollers at dock #6.
DAY 2
🍳Breakfast at Hangzhou Department Store Food Court:Variety of dim sum and western options. Budget: $15 USD for family of four.
West Lake Botanical Gardens:Free entry with family-friendly trails. Must-see: Lotus Pavilion in July.
🥗Lunch at Wanglaoji:Traditional Hangzhou dishes with garden view. Try the beggar's chicken.
Xixi Wetland Park:Take the family boat tour (45 minutes) and visit the Traditional Crafts Workshop.
🍽️Dinner at HeFang Snack Street:Sample sesame cakes and fried tofu. Budget: $25 USD for multiple vendors.
DAY 3
🍳Breakfast at KFC West Lake:Scenic breakfast with lake views. Kid meal includes chopstick practice kit.
China National Silk Museum:Interactive silk-making demonstrations and dressing-up corner for kids.
🥗Lunch at Green Tea Restaurant:Affordable Jiangnan cuisine. Must-try: West Lake duck and tea-smoked chicken.
Longjing Tea Museum:Free tea tasting with family tours. Walk the tea fields with guided explanations.
Shopping at Hubin In Time:Purchase Hangzhou specialties like West Lake vinegar and silk scarves. Family rest areas available.
Hangzhou Travel FAQs
Welcome to China
Go2China
Your AI-powered China travel companion