Get Your Travel Plan
July 25, 2025
Ultimate 7-Day Hangzhou Travel Guide for Couples on a Budget
Explore West Lake, historic temples, and culinary delights without breaking the bank
Couples TravelBudget TravelCity ExplorationHangzhou
Quick Overview
Chinese Name: 杭州
Location: Zhejiang Province, Eastern China
Famous For: West Lake,Lingyin Temple,Silk Culture,Dragon Well Tea
Daily Cost: $60-80 USD
Best Season: Spring and Autumn
Why Visit Hangzhou?
Hangzhou, a city where poetic charm meets modern convenience, offers couples an enchanting blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. With West Lake as its centerpiece, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has inspired poets for centuries. From tranquil lotus gardens to bustling street markets, Hangzhou balances serenity with vibrant city life, making it perfect for budget-conscious travelers seeking both romance and adventure.
Best Time to Visit Hangzhou
Ideal Seasons: March-May & September-November
🌱Spring: Mild temperatures (10-20°C) and blooming flowers make spring ideal for outdoor activities. Avoid Qingming Festival crowds around early April.
☀️Summer: Hot and humid (25-32°C), but perfect for enjoying lotus blossoms at West Lake. Visit early morning/late evening to avoid heat.
🍁Autumn: Cool, clear weather (15-25°C) with vibrant foliage. Mid-October offers stunning maple views at West Lake.
❄️Winter: Cold but relatively crowd-free (5-12°C). Experience traditional Chinese New Year celebrations with budget-friendly accommodation.
Arriving and Leaving Hangzhou
Affordable metro system (Lines 1-6), bike-sharing (1.5RMB/hour), and ride-hailing apps like Didi. Budget $10 USD/day for local transport.
Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport [Recommended]
32km from city center with 24/7 international flights. Taxi takes 50 minutes ($25 USD), Metro Line 1 available for $1.50 USD
Hangzhou East Railway Station
Modern high-speed rail hub connecting major Chinese cities. Taxi to West Lake costs $15 USD (~30min). Metro Line 4 available
Hangzhou Railway Station
Closer to West Lake (10km) with traditional rail connections. Taxi takes 20min ($8 USD)
Where to Stay in Hangzhou
West Lake District
Walkable area adjacent to West Lake, offering budget hostels like Yiyou International Youth Hostel ($20 USD/night) and mid-range hotels like Jinlan Hotel ($45 USD/night)
Qinghefang Historical Area
Traditional architecture with easy access to Hefang Street night markets. Recommended: Chunlai Hostel ($25 USD/night) with courtyard views
Top Things to Do in Hangzhou
West Lake
A 2-hour bike ride around this 6.5km scenic lake reveals iconic sites like Three Pools Mirroring the Moon and Leifeng Pagoda. Rent bikes from street vendors or use city bike-sharing service.
Lingyin Temple
Explore China's largest Buddhist temple complex with over 1,700 years of history. Admission $10 USD includes access to Tiantong Valley extension.
Xixi National Wetland Park
Paddle through water villages and ancient tea plantations in this 'Urban Wetland' ecosystem. Boat ride $7 USD offers unique perspective of Hangzhou's natural heritage.
Tips
Start early to avoid crowds. Rent electric bikes ($5 USD/hour) for lakeside sightseeing. Combined tickets save 20% at major attractions.
What to Eat: Hangzhou Food Guide
Recommended Restaurants
1. Wuguofeng Restaurant
Historic restaurant serving Hangzhou classics since 1980. Budget $15 USD/person for set menus featuring West Lake Fish and Steamed Bun Soup Dumplings.
2. Zhiweiguan
Local favorite for budget-friendly tasting menus. Must-try: Sweet osmanthus candy ($1.20 USD) and Tea Duck special.
3. Hegeng Restaurant
Contemporary take on traditional Hangzhou cuisine. Reservations recommended for waterfront terrace seating.
Signature Dishes
1. Dongpo Pork
Braised pork belly in soy sauce and Shaoxing wine, named after Song Dynasty poet Su Dongpo. Best version at Louwailou Restaurant since 1848.
2. West Lake Vinegar Fish
Fresh grass carp from West Lake steamed and served in a tangy vinegar sauce. Must-try at lakeside Gongdelin Restaurant
3. Longjing Shrimp
Jumbo shrimp stir-fried with authentic Longjing Tea leaves harvested from nearby tea plantations. Available at specialty tea houses.
Hangzhou Itinerary 7 Days
DAY 1
🍳Breakfast at Goubuli Baozi:Try pork soup dumplings and green rice balls
Visit West Lake:Rent bikes to explore Broken Bridge and Ping Lake Qi Yue
🥗Lunch at Louwailou Restaurant:Dongpo Pork and West Lake Vinegar Fish set meal
Boat Ride:See Three Pools Mirroring the Moon from the water
🍽️Dinner at Zhiweiguan:Local specialties in historic setting
DAY 2
🍳Breakfast at Xixi Teahouse:Dragon Well Tea ceremony with sesame cakes
Visit Lingyin Temple:Explore ancient carvings and the Hall of Mahavira
🥗Lunch at Xueyuan Restaurant:Vegetarian Buddhist cuisine
Explore Hefang Street:Try local snacks like fermented bean curd ($0.80 USD)
🍽️Dinner at Hegeng Restaurant:Modern Hangzhou dishes with lake views
Hangzhou Travel FAQs
Welcome to China
Go2China
Your AI-powered China travel companion