1 Day Hangzhou Travel Itinerary, Plan a 1 Day Trip in Hangzhou
1 Day Hangzhou Travel Itinerary
“Above there is heaven, below there are Suzhou and Hangzhou.” Hangzhou, a city that has long been praised as a paradise on Earth, holds countless reasons that make it a place people yearn to visit. If you only have one days to explore Hangzhou, how can you make the most of your time and fully experience its allure? This guide will provide you with a detailed itinerary for an unforgettable one-day trip, ensuring that you can explore Hangzhou to the fullest without missing out on its wonders.
1 Day Hangzhou Itinerary for Family with Kids
In the morning: Head to West Lake, the most famous attraction in Hangzhou. Start from the western side at “Listening to Orioles at Willow Waves” Park, one of the Ten Scenes of West Lake, where the willow trees form a shady canopy, filled with the sound of birds and the scent of flowers. From the nearby dock, take a boat ride to the “Three Pools Mirroring the Moon” at the center of the lake, enjoying the picturesque view of the lake and mountains, and on the boat, you can also taste West Lake Longjing tea and Hangzhou delicacies.
At noon: Dine at a restaurant near Taizi Bay Park, located on the south side of West Lake.
In the afternoon: Explore Taizi Bay Park, where you can enjoy the lake, mountains, and seasonal flowers. Then, climb to Leifeng Pagoda for a panoramic view of West Lake. Stroll along Su Causeway, where you can find the famous “Spring Dawn at Su Causeway”. The Su Causeway is very long, so it is wise to accoding to your capabilities. At the western end of the causeway, you’ll find “Breeze-ruffled Lotus at Quyuan Garden”.
In the evening: Head to Jixian Pavilion on the northern side of West Lake, a perfect spot to watch the “Leifeng Pagoda in Evening Glow”.
At night: Visit Hefang Street Night Market to experience Hangzhou’s vibrant nightlife and sample various local snacks.
1 Day Hangzhou Itinerary for Seniors with Slow Travel Pace
In the morning: Head directly to Xixi Wetland, which is divided into a paid and a free zone. The paid area is much larger. The wetland is lush with water plants and teeming with waterfowl. There are many wide paths, perfect for a leisurely stroll while enjoying the scenery. If you prefer, you can take a sightseeing bus or a rowboat for a more relaxed experience.
At noon: Take a car to the east side of West Lake, where there are plenty of delicious local snacks to try.
In the afternoon: Enter the West Lake Scenic Area and take a sightseeing bus tour, complete with an audio guide. The famous "Ten Views of West Lake" are almost all located around the lake. The tour of all the scenic spots around the lake takes about an hour. After completing the loop, return to the boarding point. Then, take a boat from the nearby dock to artificial island of Lesser Yingzhou to view the "Three Pools Mirroring the Moon", before heading back to Lakeside.
In the evening: On the east side of West Lake, you can enjoy a musical fountain show. The Hangzhou Grand Theatre also hosts spectacular light shows, both of which are truly magnificent.
1 Day Hangzhou Itinerary for Young Travelers
In the morning: Head to West Lake to explore the most beautiful lotus ponds, the Broken Bridge, Leifeng Pagoda, and other famous West Lake attractions. You can rent a bike, go on foot, or take a boat ride to enjoy the scenic beauty of West Lake. If you have enough time, consider visiting Lingyin Temple to pray for love and blessings.
At noon: Take a high-speed train to Thousand Islet Lake, where you can taste the fresh river delicacies.
In the afternoon: Thousand Islet Lake is vast and offers a wide range of tourist activities. You can take a yacht to cruise around the lake, ride the cable car on Meifeng Island to overlook over 300 islands, experience water activities on Yule Island, or enjoy an exciting skydiving experience.
In the evening: Return to Hangzhou and enjoy a night tour of the Qiantang River.
At night: If you're still in the mood for more fun, head to Hefang Street or Wulin Night Market to explore Hangzhou's delicious local food.
1 Day Hangzhou cultural Immersion Itinerary and Leisure
In the morning: Start your journey at West Lake, the heart of West Lake culture. Begin at the Broken Bridge, where not only the scenic beauty captivates but also many touching legends are woven into the fabric of the place. Take a boat ride on West Lake to admire stunning views like "Three Pools Mirroring the Moon" and immerse yourself in the charm of the lake. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll along Su Causeway to enjoy the lush greenery.
At noon: Head to Longjing Mountain Garden, located on the west side, to savor authentic Hangzhou cuisine and visit the China Tea Museum to learn about the rich history of tea culture.
In the afternoon: Visit Lingyin Temple to experience the ancient Buddhist culture. The towering ancient trees and the lingering incense at Lingyin Temple will bring you a sense of inner peace. Then, head south to Song Dynasty Town, a place full of Song Dynasty charm, where ancient streets and the bustling atmosphere will transport you back to the thriving days of the Southern Song Dynasty.
In the evening: Watch the performance of The Eternal Love of Songcheng, the grand finale show in Song Dynasty Town, telling the story of how Hangzhou, a land that has been an ideal home for human habitation since prehistoric times, nurtured a brilliant ancient civilization from the Neolithic era.
Customize Your Unique Hangzhou Tour

If you are interested in the Hangzhou itineraries mentioned above, please contact us, and we will be happy to customize it and provide a quote tailored to your preferences.
Alternatively, if you would like to customize your Hangzhou Tour, please visit our Hangzhou Tour Customized Center. We assure you that you will receive a reply within 24 working hours.
Informative Articles for Your Hangzhou Trip

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GREAT FAMILY CHINA TOUR
JULY 2024 We wanted to thank Grace at China Culture tour for organizing a great tour of China. We enjoyed our Beijing - Xian-Chengdu -Guilin -Yangshuo - Shanghai trip. Our local guides Bruce in Beijing, Susan in Xian, Jane in Chengdu, Mike in Guilin and Mary in Shanghai took care of us…read more details »
Teng Han L from SINGAPORE
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