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July 25, 2025
1 views5-Day Hangzhou Travel Guide for Couples: History, Culture & Budget Tips
Explore West Lake, ancient temples, and budget-friendly delights in Hangzhou
Couples TravelHistory & CultureBudget Travel
Quick Overview
Chinese Name: 杭州
Location: Zhejiang Province, Eastern China
Famous For: West Lake,Silk Culture,Longjing Tea
Daily Cost: $60-$100 per couple
Best Season: March-May, September-November
Introduction: Why visit Hangzhou?
Hangzhou West Lake blends historical charm with natural beauty, making it perfect for romantic escapes. As the former capital of the Southern Song Dynasty, the city offers a poetic mix of ancient gardens, Buddhist temples, and tea plantations. Couples can enjoy leisurely boat rides, stroll through willow-lined streets, and savor budget-friendly local delicacies like Xiaolongbao and West Lake Fish in Vinegar Gravy.
Best time to visit Hangzhou
Ideal Seasons: Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November)
🌱Spring: Mild weather with cherry blossoms at Su Causeway, ideal for outdoor activities. Average temperatures 12-20°C.
☀️Summer: Hot and humid (25-32°C), but perfect for evening strolls around West Lake with lotus blooms. Book accommodation early for Dragon Boat Festival.
🍁Autumn: Cool temperatures (18-25°C) with red leaves at North Hill Street. Mid-autumn festival offers special events at Leifeng Pagoda.
❄️Winter: Cold but less crowded. Experience traditional hotpot at Qinghefang Street and enjoy discounted hotel rates.
Arriving and leaving Hangzhou
Use Metro Lines 1/4 for hotel areas, bike rentals (¥1/hour) around West Lake, and ride-hailing apps for short distances. Budget ¥20/day for transport.
Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport [Recommended]
30km from city center. Taxis cost ¥120-150 (~$17-$21) and take 50 minutes. Metro Line 1 connects to major areas.
Hangzhou East Railway Station
Main high-speed rail hub with connections to Shanghai (1h), Beijing (5h). Taxis average ¥30-40 (~$4-$6) to West Lake area.
Where to stay in Hangzhou: Best Neighborhood
West Lake District
Walkable to major attractions like Leifeng Pagoda and Broken Bridge. Mid-range hotels like West Lake King Grand Hotel from $60/night.
Qinghefang Ancient Street
Immersive historic setting with budget guesthouses (¥200-400/night) and food street access. 15-minute walk to West Lake.
Top Things to do in Hangzhou
West Lake
Paddle a rented boat (¥30/hour) to Three Pools Mirroring the Moon or cycle the 15km lakeside path. Don't miss sunset at Queensway Bay.
Lingyin Temple
Asia's largest Buddhist monastery with cliff carvings dating to 328 AD. Enter through Feilai Peak (¥75 entry) for rock Buddha statues.
Xixi National Wetland Park
Drift through water villages in a hand-rowed boat (¥80/couple) and visit silk-weaving workshops. Take bus 7 or 83 from West Lake.
Tips
Buy combo tickets for multiple attractions (save ¥30-50 per person). Visit West Lake early morning for fewer crowds.
What to eat: Hangzhou food Guide
Recommended Restaurants
1. Ding Thai (Qinghefang)
Local chain serving budget Xiaolongbao (¥8/steam basket) and Mashed Taro Paste (¥12).
2. Gourmet One Restaurant
Traditional Hangzhou cuisine with private rooms. Try the Tea Soup (¥38) and West Lake Duck (¥88).
3. Nanxi Xiaoguan
Cozy riverside eatery in Xixi Wetland serving Smoked Bamboo Shoots (¥45) and Osmanthus Wine (¥28/glass).
Signature Dishes
1. Longjing Tea Shrimp
Tea leaves from Longjing Village blended with fresh shrimp at Louwailou Restaurant - ¥68/portion.
2. Beggar's Chicken
Clay-baked chicken with bamboo shoots at Gourmet One Restaurant - serves 2 for ¥98.
3. West Lake Vinegar Fish
Sweet-sour carp from the lake itself, best at Lou Wai Lou with lakeside views - ¥120/meal.
Hangzhou itinerary 5 Days
DAY 1
🍳Breakfast at Ding Thai:Try their Xiaolongbao and Osmanthus Sweet Rice
Visit Leifeng Pagoda:Legends of White Snake; panoramic lake views from the top ($40 entry)
🥗Lunch at Gourmet One Restaurant:Order West Lake Vinegar Fish and Lotus Root Paste
Stroll along Sudi Causeway:Walk or bike to Yang Gong Ji pavilion with willow shade
Sunset Boat Ride at West Lake:Rent a paddle boat (¥30/hour) to Three Pools Mirroring the Moon
🍽️Dinner at Lou Wai Lou:Historic lakeside restaurant since 1848
DAY 2
🍳Breakfast at Qinghefang Street:Try Soy Milk with Fried Dough Sticks
Visit Lingyin Temple:Asia's largest Buddhist monastery with cliff carvings (¥75 entry)
🥗Lunch at Xiyue Tea House:Longjing Tea with Tea Eggs at tea plantation
Tour Longjing Village:Walk tea fields and watch traditional tea-making demonstrations
Explore Hefang Street:Bargain for silk scarves and souvenirs (¥20-50 range)
🍽️Dinner at Nanxi Xiaoguan:Scenic restaurant with Osmanthus Duck (¥98/set)
DAY 3
Travel to Xixi Wetland Park:Take bus 31 or taxi (¥40, 30 minutes)
Canoe Tour through Xixi Canals:Hand-rowed boat tour with silk weaving workshop stop (¥140/couple)
🥗Lunch at Cai Ge Restaurant:Traditional dishes like Beggar's Chicken (¥88/set)
Visit China National Silk Museum:Free admission; explore silk production history
Return to hotel:Use taxi app for return trip (~¥35)
🍽️Dinner at Qinghefang Night Market:Sample Barbecue Chicken Claws and Sticky Rice Balls
DAY 4
Visit Songcheng Theme Park:Historical reenactments and 'Song of Everlasting Sorrow' show (¥260 combo ticket)
🥗Lunch at Songcheng Restaurant:Try Braised Pork with Sugar and Tea Soup
Explore Zhejiang Provincial Museum:Free exhibits on Hemudu culture and local artifacts
Walk through Gushan Hill:Scenic path with Zhejiang Revolution Martyrs' Monument views
🍽️Dinner at Lou Wai Lou:Repeat lakeside dining with West Lake Duck (¥118/set)
DAY 5
🍳Breakfast at hotel:Buffet or local specialties at accommodation
Visit Qinghefang Street:Purchase silk scarves (¥50-150) and tea (¥30-100/100g)
🥗Lunch at Qinghefang Street:Try Fried Tofu with Chili Sauce and Crispy Pancake
Return to airport/station:Allow 1.5 hours for airport transfers or train connections
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