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July 25, 2025
5 Days Hangzhou Couples Travel: Budget-Friendly City Exploration Guide
Discover the poetic charm of Hangzhou with this romantic and budget-conscious itinerary
Hangzhou TravelCouples TravelBudget TravelCity Exploration5 Days Itinerary
Quick Overview
Chinese Name: 杭州
Location: Zhejiang Province, China
Famous For: West Lake,West Lake Fish in Vinegar Gravy,Tea Culture,Ancient Temples
Daily Cost: $30-50 per person
Best Season: March-May, September-October
Introduction: Why visit Hangzhou?
Hangzhou 西湖 is a timeless masterpiece where natural beauty meets cultural heritage. This romantic city offers couples the perfect blend of tranquil landscapes, ancient traditions, and modern comforts. From the iconic West Lake to the fragrant tea plantations of Longjing, every corner tells a story. Whether you're strolling through classical gardens 曲院风荷 or savoring local delicacies like 龙井虾仁, Hangzhou creates unforgettable memories without breaking the bank.
Best time to visit Hangzhou
Ideal Seasons: Spring (March-May) for blooming flowers, Autumn (September-October) for pleasant weather
🌱Spring: Marvel at cherry blossoms at 花港观鱼 and enjoy mild temperatures perfect for outdoor activities
☀️Summer: Experience the famous 西湖荷花 lotus blossoms while staying cool with local iced teas
🍁Autumn: Admire the fiery maple leaves at 满陇桂雨 and enjoy harvest festivals
❄️Winter: Discover snow-covered tranquility at 断桥残雪 with fewer crowds
Arriving and leaving Hangzhou
Affordable metro system (Lines 1-6), bike-sharing (2RMB/hour), and ride-hailing apps. Consider the 72-hour tourist bus pass for $10.
Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport [Recommended]
40 minutes from city center by taxi ($15-20). Metro Line 1 connects to key areas.
Hangzhou East Railway Station
15 minutes from West Lake by metro. Over 200 high-speed trains daily to major Chinese cities.
Where to stay in Hangzhou: Best Neighborhood
West Lake District
Walkable to major attractions. Options from budget hostels like 青竺茶宿 to mid-range hotels
Qinghefang Area
Traditional architecture with easy access to night markets and local eateries
Top Things to do in Hangzhou
West Lake
Rent bikes to explore the 15km lakeside path. Must-see spots: Three Pools Mirroring the Moon 三潭印月, Leifeng Pagoda
Lingyin Temple
Asia's largest Buddhist temple complex. Combine with a visit to the nearby 飞来峰 rock carvings
Xixi National Wetland Park
Gondola rides through 11.5 km² of waterways. Best visited during lotus season (June-September)
Tips
Book attraction tickets online to skip lines. Combine visits to nearby attractions to save time.
What to eat: Hangzhou food Guide
Recommended Restaurants
1. Zhiweiguan Snack World
Local favorite for budget-friendly dim sum and traditional snacks like 葱包桧
2. Hugeng Noodle Shop
Try the hand-pulled noodles in pork bone broth, open 24 hours for late-night cravings
3. Teahouse in Longjing Village
Farm-to-table meals with fresh tea-picked vegetables, located in scenic tea plantations
Hangzhou itinerary 5 Days
DAY 1
Arrival and hotel check-in:Check into budget-friendly hotel near West Lake
Bike rental at West Lake:Rent shared bikes for $1/hour
🥗Lunch at Zhiweiguan:Try the West Lake Vinegar Fish and soup dumplings
Visit Leifeng Pagoda:Panoramic lake views from the top
Qinghefang Ancient Street:Stroll through historic district and try street food
🍽️Dinner at Hugeng Noodle Shop:Local noodles in traditional setting
DAY 2
🍳Breakfast at local teahouse:Longjing tea with light snacks
Lingyin Temple visit:Explore temple complex and Buddhist carvings
🥗Lunch at Teahouse near Lingyin:Vegetarian meals with temple views
Longjing Tea Plantations:Tea tasting session in tea village
Sudi Causeway cycling:Scenic bike ride through spring blossoms
🍽️Dinner at Tea Garden Restaurant:Farm-to-table meals in tea fields
Hangzhou Travel FAQs
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