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July 6, 2025

Ultimate 3-Day Family Itinerary for Exploring Hangzhou

Discover West Lake, ancient temples, and culinary delights on a budget-friendly adventure

HangzhouFamily TravelCity ExplorationMid-Range Travel

Quick Overview

Chinese Name: 杭州

Location: Zhejiang Province, East China

Famous For: West Lake Cultural LandscapeSilk and Tea HeritageCanal Civilization

Daily Cost: $80-120 per family of 4

Best Season: Mar-May & Sep-Nov

Introduction: Why Hangzhou Works for Families

Hangzhou offers perfect balance of cultural experiences and child-friendly activities. With West Lake's bike paths, Hangzhou Zoo's interactive exhibits, and China National Silk Museum's hands-on workshops, this UNESCO-listed city ensures engaging experiences for all ages while maintaining mid-range affordability.

Best Time to Visit Hangzhou

Ideal Seasons: Spring blossoms (Mar-May) and autumn foliage (Sep-Nov) offer ideal weather

🌱Spring: Mild temperatures (12-22°C) with cherry blossoms at 太子湾公园

☀️Summer: Hot (28-35°C) but perfect for lake activities with kids

🍁Autumn: Pleasant 18-25°C with spectacular maple displays at 满陇桂雨

❄️Winter: Cool (5-12°C) with festive Christmas markets at 湖滨银泰

Arriving and Leaving Hangzhou

Metro (Lines 1-5), Public Buses, Bike-sharing 公共自行车, Ride-hailing apps Didi/T3

Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport [Recommended]

22km from West Lake. Metro Line 1 connects to city center (40min, ¥10). Taxis cost ¥150-180. New international terminal handles 40+ airlines

Hangzhou East Railway Station

China's busiest high-speed rail hub. Metro Lines 1/4 connect to major attractions (15-30min). Taxi: ¥50-70 to West Lake

Hangzhou Railway Station (Chengzhan)

Older station closer to West Lake (3km). Metro Line 1 access. Taxi: ¥20-30

Where to Stay in Hangzhou: Best Neighborhoods

West Lake (西湖区)

Walkable to main attractions. Luxury options: 西湖国宾馆, Mid-range: 浙江宾馆, Budget: 汉庭西湖店

Wulin Square (武林商圈)

Shopping/dining hub with Metro connections. Family-friendly: 杭州JW万豪酒店, Amenities: 杭州大厦

Top Things to Do in Hangzhou

West Lake Circuit

Cultural masterpiece with 10 scenic views. Rent electric family car (¥80/hour) or bike (¥30/day). Must-see: 雷峰塔, 三潭印月

Lingyin Temple Complex

Ancient Buddhist temple with kid-friendly storytelling sessions. Includes 飞来峰 cliff carvings. Family ticket: ¥120 (save ¥30)

Grand Canal Experience

Day trip on China's ancient waterway. Take family boat tour (¥150/group) or cycle both banks. Highlights: 桥西历史街区, 中国刀剪剑博物馆

Tips

Purchase combo tickets for multiple attractions to save 20-30%

What to Eat: Hangzhou Food Guide

Recommended Restaurants

1. Lou Wai Lou Restaurant

Historic lakeside dining since 1848. Scenic balcony view. Reservations required for family banquets

2. Hanbin Dumpling House

Local favorite for handmade dumplings. Try pork-chive (¥18/6pcs) and family set (¥88)

3. Yue Wang Temple Snack Street

15+ food stalls near 岳庙. Must-try: 定胜糕, 葱包桧, Fried tofu balls (¥5-15/snack)

Signature Dishes

1. Dongpo Pork

Master chef Su Dongpo's legendary red-braised pork. Try at 楼外楼 (West Lake Bund, Family Set: ¥288)

Steamer basket with carp and pickled vegetables

2. West Lake Vinegar Fish

Fresh grass carp in light vinegar sauce. Best at 知味观·味庄 (Double Ninth Festival special)

3. Longjing Shrimp

Tea-infused seafood dish. Recommended at 外婆家 (West Lake Branch, Market price: ¥68-98)

Hangzhou Itineraries: 2 Days & 3 Days

DAY 1

🍳Breakfast at Hanbin Dumpling House:Try pork dumplings and soy milk

West Lake Circuit (Southern Route):Visit 雷峰塔 and 花港观鱼

🥗Lunch at Yue Wang Temple Snack Street:Sample street foods like 定胜糕

Boat Tour to Three Pools Mirroring the Moon:45-minute family-friendly cruise

Tea Ceremony at Longjing Village:Free demonstrations at tea plantations

🍽️Dinner at Lou Wai Lou Restaurant:Scenic lakeside dining with traditional dishes

DAY 2

Visit Lingyin Temple:Watch monks' morning rituals

🥗Vegetarian Lunch at Temple Cafeteria:Wholesome monastery-style meals

Explore Feilai Peak Grottoes:Admire Buddhist stone carvings

Grand Canal Bike Ride:Family bike rental at 拱宸桥

Tea Break at China National Tea Museum:Interactive tea tasting for kids

🍽️Dinner at Shangcheng1888:Contemporary take on Hangzhou cuisine

DAY 3

Silk Museum Workshop:Learn silk painting techniques

🥗Lunch at Fangshan Restaurant:Historic restaurant serving West Lake flavors

Traditional Craft Session:Make paper fans or ink brush calligraphy

Children's Activity at West Lake Art Museum:Interactive art exhibits for young visitors

Shopping at Hefang Street:Buy souvenirs like 杭白菊 tea

🍽️Farewell Dinner at Mei Jia Wu Restaurant:Rustic setting with farm-to-table dishes

Hangzhou Travel FAQs

Best Plan

Top China itineraries for an unforgettable journey.