4 Days Hangzhou Travel Itinerary, Plan a 4 Days Trip in Hangzhou
4 Days 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 four 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 four-day trip, ensuring that you can explore Hangzhou to the fullest without missing out on its wonders.
4 Days Hangzhou Itinerary for Family with Kids
Day 1: One-day tour at West Lake
After arriving in Hangzhou, take a short rest at the hotel, then head to West Lake for a romantic day tour. Take a yacht to the small island in the center of the lake, and climb to the top of Leifeng Pagoda for a panoramic view of the magnificent West Lake. Don’t miss the breathtaking sunset at West Lake. In the evening, watching the West Lake Music Fountain and taking a night cruise along the Qiantang River are both great options.
Day 2: Visit ancient building and culture
In the morning, visit Lingyin Temple, where the tranquility and grandeur of this ancient temple will inspire reverence. You can also explore the Feilai Peak scenic area, including Taoguang Temple and Yongfu Temple. In the afternoon, take a stroll through Xiaohe Street, where filled with authentic Hangzhou atmosphere, with opportunities to interact with the local cats. In the evening, head to Song Dynasty Town to experience ancient entertainment activities on West Street, and enjoy the heart-stirring performance of The Eternal Love of Songcheng.
Day 3: Activities at Thousand Islet Lake
Drive or take a high-speed train to Thousand Islet Lake, where you can play with lively monkeys and admire the tranquil beauty of Tianchi Island. Climb Huangshan Peak for a panoramic view of the entire Thousand Islet Lake. In the afternoon, head to the central lake area to visit Meifeng Island, Yule Island, and Moonlight Island, and enjoy various recreational activities. Cycling around the lake is a great option, offering a refreshing breeze and making it a perfect choice for a family outing.
Day 4: Encounter with birds and animals
In the morning, visit Xixi Wetlands and experience drifting through the stream on a traditional boat. At noon, head to Hangzhou Zoo, one of the top seven zoos in China, where you can see pandas, elephants, and Siberian tigers—some adorable, some majestic. In the afternoon, visit Hefang Street, where you’ll find a variety of delicious food, handcrafted goods, and museum collections, making it the perfect place to pick up souvenirs.
4 Days Hangzhou Itinerary for Seniors with Slow Travel Pace
Day 1: Take a loop tour of the West Lake
Check into your hotel for a rest, then head to West Lake. Take a public boat tour around the lake and disembark at Maojiafu Scenic Area or Flower Pond, both of which are perfect for a scenic walk. As dusk falls, stroll to Leifeng Pagoda, with the elevator to the top. From the tower, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the West Lake sunset. In the evening, visit Hefang Street and the Southern Song Imperial Street, both filled with a charming, ancient atmosphere. You can sample local snacks and shop for unique items.
Day 2: Stroll among ancient building
Start the day early by taking the cable car to Lingshun Temple, where you can enjoy stunning views of West Lake and Hangzhou. Then, walk to Lingyin Temple to experience the tranquility and solemnity of this ancient temple, and take some time to pray. In the afternoon, walk in Xiaohe Street beside the Grand Canal, which retains the living environment of the lower class people along the canal in the late Qing Dynasty and the early Republic of China, and the architecture is very distinctive.
Day 3: Explore wetland and Song town
In the morning, visit Xixi Wetland, a place of beautiful natural surroundings and fresh air, ideal for a leisurely walk or a boat ride. In the afternoon, take a bus to Song Dynasty Town. The streets are filled with performers in traditional costumes, and the performance The Eternal Love of Songcheng is highly recommended.
Day 4: Stroll among Hangzhou old streets
Start at Wushan Square and leisurely stroll toward Hefang Street, enjoying a casual walk through the streets of Hangzhou and soaking in the city’s charm. Next, make a stop at the Drum Tower for a photo opportunity, then head towards the Former Residence of Hu Xueyan, a luxurious mansion from the late Qing Dynasty that will transport you back to that rich period of history. Finally, walk to Wuliu Alley, a historical district with its charm and atmosphere.
4 Days Hangzhou Itinerary for Young Travelers
Day 1: Play with Hangzhou water
Upon arriving in Hangzhou, head to Jingshan Town to explore the picturesque Shuangxi Drift Scenic Area. The area is lush with tea gardens and bamboo forests, and the fresh, pleasant air makes it a perfect escape. The drifting experience here is renowned as "the best drift in Jiangnan". In the afternoon, return to Hangzhou for a stroll or bike ride around West Lake. Afterward, take a yacht to visit the “Three Pools Mirroring the Moon”, and don't miss the sunset of Leifeng Pagoda, a must-see view of West Lake. In the evening, enjoy a night cruise along the Qiantang River, with a gentle breeze and the bright lights on both shores.
Day 2: Have fun in water and islets
Take a high-speed train to Thousand Islet Lake, where you can spend one day at the water park, overlook islands on a helicopter, as if immersed in the midst of mountains and water. The vast, endless lake and the distant, misty green mountains create a peaceful atmosphere, making you feel incredibly relaxed and at ease. You can also enjoy thrilling activities such as riding speedboats, admiring the islands, and even trying skydiving.
Day 3: Enjoy the various activities
In the morning, visit Lingyin Temple to pray for blessings and cleanse your soul. Walk through the forested mountain paths to experience the ancient and mysterious ambiance of the temple. Then, head to Hangzhou Paradise and enjoy an exciting and thrilling afternoon. In the evening, if you are lucky, you will have the opportunity to watch the tides of Qiantang River, with the tides surging especially in autumn. Then, you can explore delicious snack in Hefang Street or Wulin Night Market.
Day 4: Relax by enjoying birds or tea
After a few days of exciting activities, on the last day, you can opt for a more relaxed experience. Bring your camera and head to Xixi Wetland to observe the playful and lively water birds, which will surely delight both your body and mind. Alternatively, you can visit Longjing Village to learn about the tea ceremony, taste some tea, and enjoy the fragrance of the fresh leaves.
4 Days Hangzhou cultural Immersion Itinerary and Leisure
Day 1: Encounter Hangzhou ancient town
After arriving in Hangzhou, head to the Hangzhou Museum for an introduction to the city's culture. Then, take a high-speed train to Wuzhen, an ancient water town with a thousand years of history, famous for its unique water town charm and ancient architecture. Stroll through the West Gate Scenic Area, enjoying the ancient buildings under the shimmering lights and embracing the rare tranquility. Stay overnight in a unique guesthouse in Wuzhen, experiencing the peaceful atmosphere of the ancient town at night.
Day 2: Immerse in Hangzhou water town
In the morning, head to Nanxun Ancient Town. Here, visit the Fuyan Temple to explore the deep influence of Buddhist culture and savor local delicacies. In the afternoon, arrive at Xitang Ancient Town, renowned for its stunning night views. As the sunset colors the entire town golden, you’ll be enchanted by the scenery. Stay overnight in a traditional inn in Xitang, experiencing authentic water town life.
Day 3: Recognize the West Lake culture
Return to Hangzhou and visit the Silk Museum to learn about the development of Chinese silk. Then, head to Longjing Village to pick tea leaves by hand and taste authentic Longjing tea. In the afternoon, take a boat ride on West Lake, enjoying views of famous landmarks such as Leifeng Pagoda and the Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, and relish a moment of leisure.
Day 4: Explore Hangzhou ancient culture
In the morning, visit Lingyin Temple and Feilai Peak, two of Hangzhou's most important Buddhist landmarks, where you can pray and immerse yourself in Buddhist culture. In the afternoon, head to the Liangzhu Ancient City Heritage Park, where is the starting point of Chinese civilization, and get the charm of Hangzhou culture.
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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 »
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