The Ideal Hangzhou Itinerary: Discover West Lake City in 48 Hours
This travel itinerary will guide you through the ideal Hangzhou Itinerary if you have only 48 hours.
I traveled to Hangzhou in 2019, and it’s the perfect 2-day trip if you’re already in Shanghai or Suzhou. In this blog post, you’ll find helpful travel tips to plan your stay and a 2-day packed Hangzhou itinerary to experience the best in town.
If this is your first time in China, check my tips-packed China Travel Guide for first-timers!
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This article about the best Hangzhou Itinerary may contain affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through one of them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost.
Hangzhou Itinerary: Planning Your Trip
Is Hangzhou Worth Visiting?
Picture yourself wandering along the peaceful West Lake. The surrounding natural landscape and Chinese architecture create stunning scenery that attracts visitors from all over China.
Even if you’re making a quick trip from Shanghai or Suzhou, you’ll find plenty to enjoy in a single day.
Like many Chinese cities, Hangzhou is a fascinating mix of old and new, with beautifully preserved streets still featuring old-centuries shops and tea villages scattered on the hills surrounding the Lake.
What I loved about Hangzhou was the simple pleasure of walking around the lakeside, surrounded by traditional Chinese architectural elements.
It satisfies that urge to explore without needing long bus rides or trips to far-off places. Believe me, there’s so much to discover here!
How Many Days Should I Stay in Hangzhou?
Spending two or three days in Hangzhou is just right for exploring the city without feeling rushed. If you’re keen on exploring all the sights around West Lake, I’d suggest setting aside a whole day just for that.
Afterward, depending on how many other attractions you want to check out beyond the lake, you might need an extra day or two. This way, you can truly enjoy everything Hangzhou offers without feeling rushed.
How to Get to Hangzhou?
You can quickly reach Hangzhou by high-speed train. It’s only about an hour from Shanghai and up to two hours from Suzhou, making a quick day trip convenient.
To book tickets, use Trip.com. It’s my go-to platform for booking train tickets in China and is easy for non-Chinese speakers to use.
Hangzhou Itinerary Map
Hangzhou Itinerary: Discover the Best in Town in 48 Hours
Day 1: West Lake, Longjing Tea Village & Qinghefang Old Street
1. Around the West Lake
The most charming attraction in Hangzhou, the West Lake, is a must-see if you’re into nature and classical Chinese beauty.
Lush, picturesque hills surround the lake on three sides, while the vibrant modern city of Hangzhou, with its skyscrapers, stands out on the fourth one.
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site (the only Lake in China), West Lake is a special place in Chinese culture.
Its urban design, characterized by gardens, pagodas, ponds, bridges, and pavilions, has shaped the design of traditional gardens from China to Japan and Korea.
The lake features numerous scenic spots, but ten iconic views stand out. Don’t miss the Su Causeway, a path lined with willow trees and bridges, or the Three Ponds Mirroring the Moon, where three tiny islets create one of Hangzhou’s most tranquil sights.
2. Longjing Tea Village
Whether you’re a tea lover or want to explore nature, it doesn’t matter—the Longjing Tea Village is a must-see in Hangzhou.
This verdant village is where local farmers grow the famous Longjing tea.
If you visit between March and May, you’ll see some of them hand-picking fresh tea leaves—an almost meditative scene that feels like stepping into the past when people lived in harmony with nature.
An afternoon visit is ideal for photographers. On a clear day, golden light beautifully illuminates the tea terraces.
The village is easily accessible by taxi, sparing you the hassle of navigating bus routes.
Across the area, you’ll find cozy teahouses where you can taste freshly brewed Longjing tea. It’s an experience you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
The tea plantations around Hangzhou also offer the possibility of trekking. The Shililangdang trekking route is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the surrounding nature.
You can start in Meijiawu Village and walk to Longjing Village—a 3 km stretch that takes about 1–1.5 hours.
3. Qinghefang Old Street
Qinghefang Old Street is one of the only parts of ancient Hangzhou that has been preserved. Everything that hasn’t been rebuilt or modernized in China is a gem.
During the Song Dynasty, this lively area was the heart of the city—a busy trade center filled with shops, teahouses, and restaurants where daily life thrived.
Some of those same buildings and shops that stood here centuries ago can still be found today, carrying forward their long-standing traditions and knowledge.
What I love about this place is how it stays rooted in its heritage. Qinghefang indeed clings to its historical essence, allowing visitors to experience life in Hangzhou centuries ago.
It’s the ideal spot for an evening walk, as you can wander through vintage storefronts and enjoy a delicious Southern dinner.
Be sure to explore these old-century shops: Baohetang Pharmacy, Wang Xing Ji Fan Store, Zhuangyuanguan Restaurant, and Taiji Teahouse.
Hangzhou Itinerary Day 2: Lingyin Temple, Six Harmonies Pagoda, & Song Dynasty Town
4. Lingyin Temple
The second day of this Hangzhou Itinerary starts with Lingyin Temple, also known as the Temple of Soul’s Retreat, is located northwest of West Lake.
It’s considered one of China’s ten most famous Buddhist temples, and for good reason. From the moment you step inside, this place radiates calm and inspiration.
At its peak during the Five Dynasties, the temple’s site was massive, with nine buildings, eighteen pavilions, and space to host more than 1,000 monks.
Though much of the temple’s appearance has changed over the centuries, including significant restoration and damage from wars, the aura of the place remains just as powerful.
If you’re into Buddhist architecture, this place offers incredible sights.
The Hall of the Heavenly Kings hosts a smiley Maitreya Buddha. The towering Sakyamuni statue stands not far beyond, surrounded by saints and disciples, as a symbol of wisdom and peace.
You’ll discover ancient Buddhist scriptures written on thin patta leaves as you wander, collecting centuries of spiritual teachings.
As I always say, it’s good to try to visit at least one Buddhist temple in every Chinese city. In Hangzhou, this is the one.
5. Six Harmonies Pagoda
I can’t get enough of staring at pagodas. I’ll spend ages just gazing at them, taking a million photos—something about their structure draws me in every time.
The Six Harmonies Pagoda is located on Yuelun Mountain, south of West Lake. It offers a fantastic view of the Qiantang River.
It’s one of the three famous pagodas in Hangzhou, alongside Leifeng and Baochu. What makes this one extra special is its location on the river and its height, which offers a unique view.
At 60 meters tall, it looks like a 13-story pagoda from the outside, but you’ll find seven floors when you go inside. Each one is open for visitors, and you can take photos from the small windows, capturing the river and green mountains in the background.
Around the pagoda is China’s Pagodas Garden, where you can stroll through miniatures of some of the country’s most famous pagodas, like the well-known Big Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi’an.
If you’re a pagoda fan like me, this is a must-see!
6. Song Dynasty Town
Song Dynasty Town is the most important and the first-ever theme park dedicated to the Song Dynasty.
It is located between Wuyun Mountain to the north and West Lake to the northeast. Walking through it truly feels like stepping into the shoes of a Chinese citizen from that era.
When I say that some sceneries in China seem to come straight out of classic paintings, it’s more accurate than ever in this case. The painting Along the River during the Qingming Festival, by artist Zhang Zeduan, inspired the design and layout of the park.
The Song Dynasty Town is divided into three distinct areas that offer a glimpse of the different sides of the Song dynasty, with a modern and traditional twist: performing Songcheng, High-tech Songcheng, and cultural Songcheng.
In Performing Songcheng, you can enjoy The Romance of the Song Dynasty and other exciting shows.
High-tech Songcheng brings history to life with high-tech features such as a digital display of Along the River during the Qingming Festival, haunted houses, and a mysterious street.
Finally, Cultural Songcheng offers a glimpse into real traditional life, with folk activities, workshops, cultural performances, and Buddhist temples to explore.
Here you go! I hope you found this Hangzhou Itinerary and travel tips helpful.
Hopefully, you’ll feel inspired to add this dreamy town to your future China trip!
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This blog post was all about a 2-day Hangzhou itinerary.
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DISCLAIMER: This Hangzhou itinerary is purely based on my experiences and thoughts and is meant to inspire and provide advice. Feel free to adapt it to your preferences—there is no need to follow it in detail. All prices, transport options, and instructions mentioned reflect my knowledge during writing and may have changed since. You must double-check all the information before your trip to ensure accuracy. All opinions and recommendations are my own, rooted in my unique journey through China.
