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July 25, 2025
Ultimate 5-Day Family Travel Guide to Hangzhou: Explore West Lake & Beyond
Discover Hangzhou's iconic sights, cultural gems, and family-friendly activities for an unforgettable mid-range adventure.
Family TravelCity ExplorationMid-Range Travel
Quick Overview
Chinese Name: 杭州
Location: East China
Famous For: West Lake,Silk Culture,Longjing Tea
Daily Cost: $80-$150
Best Season: March-May, September-November
Introduction: Why visit Hangzhou?
Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang Province, is renowned for its poetic landscapes blending mountains and water. The West Lake remains the city's crown jewel, surrounded by ancient temples like Lingyin Temple and gardens like Zhuozheng Garden. Families will appreciate its mix of natural beauty, historical sites, and relaxed pace. With efficient metro systems and bike rentals, exploring Hangzhou with children is both convenient and memorable.
Best time to visit Hangzhou
Ideal Seasons: Spring (March-May) for blooming flowers | Autumn (September-November) for cool weather and colorful foliage
🌱Spring: Mild temperatures (15-25°C) with cherry blossoms in March and lotus blooms in May. Ideal for outdoor activities.
☀️Summer: Hot (30°C+) with humid July-August rains. Crowded during Labor Day holiday.
🍁Autumn: Pleasant 20°C weather with autumnal colors in Sudi and Baochu Pagoda.
❄️Winter: Cool (5-15°C) with occasional snow on Lingyin Temple roofs. Quieter but requires warm clothing.
Arriving and leaving Hangzhou
Metro (Lines 1-5 cover key areas), bike rentals (yellow bikes at 4,000+ stations), and Didi ride-hailing. Family-friendly taxi apps like Gaode Map simplify airport transfers.
Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport [Recommended]
30km east of downtown. Connects to 300+ global destinations. Taxi: 45min/¥150 | Metro Line 1: 55min/¥6
Hangzhou East Railway Station
China's busiest high-speed rail hub. 15min metro ride to West Lake. Bullet trains connect Shanghai (1h) and Beijing (5h).
Where to stay in Hangzhou: Best Neighborhood
West Lake District
Walkable access to top sights. Mid-range options: Hangzhou West Lake W PLUS HOTEL, Hangzhou West Lake Yata Hotel
Shangcheng District
Convenient for shopping and restaurants. Family-friendly: Jinlan Hotel Hangzhou, Howard Johnson Plaza Hangzhou
Top Things to do in Hangzhou
West Lake
Cruise the West Lake and explore the Ten Views, including Sudi in Spring and Leifeng Pagoda at sunset.
Lingyin Temple
Visit the historic Lingyin Temple nestled in Lingyin Valley. The 90m bronze Maitreya statue in Tiantong Temple impresses families.
Songcheng Park
Enjoy the immersive Tang Dynasty street show and 4D cinema at Songcheng Park. The evening 'Impression West Lake' performance dazzles.
Tips
Buy combined tickets for major attractions. Visit temples early to avoid crowds. Rent electric carts for families at West Lake.
What to eat: Hangzhou food Guide
Recommended Restaurants
1. Lou Wai Lou
Established in 1848, this lakeside restaurant offers traditional Hangzhou cuisine with West Lake views. Family set menus from ¥300.
2. Fook Lam Moon
Luxury Cantonese-Hangzhou fusion with private play areas. Famous for their West Lake style lobster. ¥500+/pp.
3. Wai Po's Home Kitchen
Cozy family-run spot serving homestyle braised pork and hand-pulled noodles. ¥80-120 per person.
Signature Dishes
1. West Lake Fish in Vinegar Gravy
Tender West Lake grass carp marinated in vinegar sauce. Try at Lou Wai Lou by West Lake
2. Longjing Shrimps
Fresh local shrimp cooked with Longjing tea leaves. Best at Gourmet House at West Lake
3. Dongpo Pork
Braised pork belly named after Su Dongpo. Zhi Wei Guan offers perfect family-sized portions
Hangzhou itinerary 5 Days
DAY 1
🍳Breakfast at Wai Po's Home Kitchen:Start with pork soup dumplings and congee
Visit Lingyin Temple:Explore the incense-filled halls and outdoor gardens
🥗Lunch at Lou Wai Lou:Try West Lake Fish in Vinegar Gravy while enjoying lake views
Stroll along Bai Causeway:Walk through cherry blossoms (spring) or autumn foliage
🍽️Dinner at Zhi Wei Guan:Sample their famed Xiao Long Bao and scallion pancakes
DAY 2
🍳Breakfast at Starbucks:Quick coffee and pastries before departure
Visit China National Silk Museum:Interactive exhibits on silk production history
🥗Lunch at Fook Lam Moon:Luxury Cantonese-Hangzhou fusion dining
Tea Tour at Longjing Village:Participate in a tea ceremony and stroll through tea plantations
Explore Hefang Street:Try street snacks like fried stinky tofu and rice cakes
🍽️Dinner at Wai Po's Home Kitchen:Classic dishes like Dongpo Pork and West Lake shrimp
DAY 3
🍳Breakfast at Hotel Buffet:Enjoy hotel breakfast before starting the day
Explore Songcheng Park:Watch the 'Song Dynasty Street Life' show and play traditional games
🥗Lunch at Park Restaurant:Quick meal with kid-friendly options
Song Dynasty Themed Activities:Dress in Hanfu robes and participate in ancient crafts
Rest at Hotel:Recharge before evening entertainment
Watch Impression West Lake Show:Enjoy Zhang Yimou's lakeside production with water-based stage effects
DAY 4
🍳Breakfast at Hotel:Enjoy hotel breakfast before departing
Visit Xixi National Wetland Park:Paddle through ancient canals and visit traditional tea houses
🥗Lunch at Park Restaurant:Try local specialties like lotus root stew
Boat Ride through Wetlands:Cruise through reed-filled waterways and bird sanctuaries
Visit Zhongshan Park:Explore classical gardens and view the Qiantang River from Baochu Pagoda
🍽️Dinner at Fook Lam Moon:Savor their signature West Lake style lobster
DAY 5
🍳Breakfast at Hotel:Enjoy final breakfast in Hangzhou
Shopping at MixC Hangzhou:Purchase souvenirs like silk scarves and Longjing tea sets
🥗Lunch at MixC Food Court:Try regional specialties from across China
Visit Liulang Wenying Park:Final stroll through willow-lined paths near West Lake
Head to Airport/Station:Begin return journey
Hangzhou Travel FAQs
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