Get Your Travel Plan
July 25, 2025
1 viewsHangzhou Travel Guide: 3 Days Exploring West Lake & Hidden Gems
Solo traveler's ultimate itinerary for discovering Hangzhou's culture, nature, and culinary delights
HangzhouSolo TravelWest Lake3 Day ItineraryCity Exploration
Quick Overview
Chinese Name: 杭州市
Location: East China
Famous For: West Lake Cultural Landscape,Silk and Tea Capital,Gardens and Temples,Cuisine
Daily Cost: $150-$200 USD
Best Season: Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November)
Introduction: Why Hangzhou Captivates Solo Travelers
West Lake's poetic beauty, West Lake Fish in Vinegar Gravy's delicate flavors, and Lingyin Temple's spiritual serenity make Hangzhou a perfect solo travel destination. This UNESCO World Heritage city combines easy walkability, rich cultural heritage, and modern conveniences, allowing independent travelers to explore at their own pace while experiencing China's classical elegance.
Best Time to Visit Hangzhou
Ideal Seasons: Spring and autumn offer most comfortable weather
🌱Spring: Mild temperatures (12-20°C) with blooming cherry blossoms at Su Causeway. Perfect for lake cruises and hiking North高峰.
☀️Summer: Hot and humid (25-32°C) but ideal for experiencing the lotus blooms at Quyuan Park. Visit early morning to avoid crowds.
🍁Autumn: Crisp air (15-22°C) creates magical atmosphere at Xiling Bridge. The best season for exploring Longjing Tea Plantations.
❄️Winter: Cool (5-12°C) with occasional snow at Baoshu Peak. Smaller crowds allow peaceful temple visits at Lingyin Temple.
Arriving and Leaving Hangzhou
Metro lines 1-6 cover major attractions. Bike-sharing (Hello Bike) perfect for lake circumnavigation. Didi taxis recommended for late-night travel.
Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport [Recommended]
30km from city center. Taxi takes 45-60 minutes (¥150-200). Airport Express Line 1 connects to East Railway Station and downtown hotels.
Hangzhou East Railway Station
Asia's largest high-speed rail hub. Metro Lines 1 & 4 connect to city center. Taxis available 24/7 (¥30-50 city center).
Where to Stay in Hangzhou: Best Neighborhoods
West Lake District
Steps from West Lake attractions. Mid-range options like Huayuan Hotel offer lakeside views. Higher price range.
Wulin Square
Convenient metro access. Mid-range hotels like Jinling Downtown Hotel near shopping districts. Good value for money.
Xixi Wetland
Nature-focused area. Unique options like Eco Resort with canal-side villas. Quieter alternative to lake district.
Top Things to Do in Hangzhou
West Lake Circuit
Paddle a rented boat (¥40/hour) past Three Pools Mirroring the Moon. Walk or bike the 10km lake loop passing Leifeng Pagoda and White Causeway.
Lingyin Temple & Feilai Peak
Explore China's oldest Zen temple and 330+ rock carvings dating back to 320 AD. Dress modestly (cover shoulders/knees) for temple visit.
Xixi National Wetland Park
Take a traditional boat ride through 11.5km² waterways lined with plum orchards. Visit during plum blossom season (February-March) for most scenic views.
Tips
Purchase West Lake combined ticket (¥75) for multiple attractions. Morning visits avoid crowds and heat.
What to Eat: Hangzhou Food Guide
Recommended Restaurants
1. Lou Wai Lou Restaurant
Iconic 1848 establishment on Gushan Island serving classic Hangzhou cuisine. Reserve lakeside window seats for sunset views.
2. Zhi Wei Guan
Local favorite for soup dumplings (¥15/pc) and fried noodles. Multiple branches including one near West Lake's southern shore.
3. Baohefang Tea Cuisine
Tea-infused gourmet dishes like tea-smoked duck and chrysanthemum fish maw. Located in Longjing Village near tea plantations.
Signature Dishes
1. West Lake Fish in Vinegar Gravy
Fresh grass carp from West Lake marinated in aged vinegar. Best enjoyed at Lou Wai Lou (established 1848) overlooking Gushan Island.
2. Longjing Shrimp
Sweet shrimp stir-fried with tender Longjing tea leaves. Signature dish at Huanglong Hotel's Tea Restaurant.
3. Dongpo Braised Pork
Fatty pork belly slow-cooked in soy sauce and wine. Originated from poet Su Dongpo. Try Wugu Chun's clay pot version.
Hangzhou Itinerary: 3 Days & 3 Nights
DAY 1
🍳Breakfast at Zhijianguan:Try West Lake crab roe buns and scallion pancakes
Visit Leifeng Pagoda:Panoramic views over West Lake and city skyline
Boat Ride to Three Pools Mirroring the Moon:Rent traditional wooden boat with private driver
🥗Lunch at Lou Wai Lou:Order West Lake Fish and Longjing Shrimp
White Causeway Walk:Stroll between Broken Bridge and Pavilion of Chinese Cypresses
🍽️Dinner at Hubin Restaurant:Lakeside French windows with Dongpo Braised Pork
DAY 2
🍳Breakfast at Tea Garden Inn:Local breakfast with fresh Longjing tea
Hike to North Peak:Challenging 3-hour round-trip hike through bamboo forests
🥗Lunch at Lingyin Temple Vegetarian Restaurant:Budget-friendly Buddhist vegetarian buffet
Explore Lingyin Temple:Admire 72-foot reclining Buddha statue and ancient camphor trees
Tea Tasting in Longjing Village:Visit family-run tea house for premium Longjing tasting
🍽️Dinner at Baohefang:Tea-smoked duck and jasmine tea-infused dishes
DAY 3
🍳Breakfast at Qinghefang Snack Street:Try sesame cakes and preserved duck egg
Visit Hefang Street:Traditional shops selling ink stones and silk scarves
Take Boat on Grand Canal:2-hour cruise from Qiankun Bridge to Gongchen Bridge
🥗Lunch at Ningsheng Restaurant:Try the pork rib rice porridge
Visit China National Silk Museum:World's largest silk museum with imperial textile collections
Shopping at MixC West Lake:Luxury brands and contemporary art installations
🍽️Farewell Dinner at Huanglong Hotel Tea Restaurant:Longjing Shrimp and plum wine terrace dinner
Hangzhou Travel FAQs
Welcome to China
Go2China
Your AI-powered China travel companion