Skip the Rush: The Ultimate Laid-Back 5-Day Hangzhou Itinerary
Video details

Video highlights

  • Day 1: Walk Su Causeway and Yanggong Causeway, then head to Beishan Street at dusk for the lakeside sunset.
  • Visit Wulin Night Market in the evening; stay along West Lake near Hubin.
  • Day 2: Visit Lingyin Temple, Yongfu Temple and Fayun Ancient Village. Consider a guesthouse near Lingyin or Xixi Wetland.
  • Day 3: Explore Nine Creeks in Misty Trees and Longjing Village. Stay at a countryside guesthouse near Longjing.
  • Day 4: Visit Xixi Wetland in the morning and stroll Xiaohe Straight Street in the afternoon.
  • Day 5: Explore the old streets downtown. In the afternoon, visit Taiziwan Park or enjoy West Lake from Hubin.

Video transcript

Auto-generated from the video audio, some words may be inaccurate

View full transcript

Plan ning a 5-day Hangzhou tour? Families, couples, and friends, don't make your own travel guide, falling into traps, backtracking, rushing to check in everywhere daily, tired and sloppy. This relaxed itinerary means no rushing or detours the whole way, just strolling slowly.

Say no to commando-style rushed trips! On day one, start with Su Causeway by the lake. The breeze feels great, plenty of shade from the trees, wide-open views.

Next, visit Quyuan Garden (Breeze-ruffled Lotus), where all four seasons shine, fields of lotus flowers in summer. In the afternoon, walk the hidden gem stretch of Yanggong Causeway; strolling and taking photos here is super relaxing. Head to Beishan Street at dusk, full of atmosphere with its old buildings.

Watch the sunset over the lake and feel the evening breeze. At night, explore Wulin Night Market for local vibes. Staying near Hubin along West Lake is the top pick, so you won't have to commute all day.

Day two: spend the whole day in the Lingyin Temple mountains, escaping the city to unwind. Visit Lingyin Temple in the morning, among lush forests, fresh air, and peaceful quiet. Wander around, feel the Zen vibe.

Stop by the underrated Yongfu Temple: exquisite gardens, beautiful architecture, few crowds, great for photos. Nearby Fayun Ancient Village: rustic and original. A slow stroll here is incredibly healing.

In the afternoon, take a quick look at Feilai Peak to admire the unique rocks and scenery. Head down the mountain to rest before dusk. The whole day is slow-paced and easy.

Stay at a guesthouse in the Lingyin area. Escape the hustle, enjoy the peace. Day three focuses on pristine natural scenery, perfect for unwinding with kids.

Nine Creeks Meandering Through a Misty Forest: raw landscapes. Splash in the water or take a walk as you please. Follow the path up to Longjing Village, hills covered in tea fields, lush green, wide-open views.

Stay at a rural guesthouse near Longjing, peaceful and comfortable. Day four morning, visit Xixi Wetland, spacious with a great environment: lots of trees, wide waters, patches of reeds, wonderfully fresh air. In the afternoon, explore a niche, artsy old street, Xiaohe Straight Street, one of Hangzhou's most hidden and comfortable old streets.

Move your accommodation back downtown to Gongshu Xiaohe; no commuting needed. Day five morning, stroll Hefang Street, a Southern Song imperial street. Feel the local vibe of old Hangzhou.

Stop by Wushan Square on the way: bird's-eye view of Hangzhou. In the afternoon, you can relax with the kids at Taiziwan Park, or head to Hubin to enjoy the panoramic view of West Lake. This entire itinerary covers the lake perfectly, definitely the best zero-trap, comfortable route for a 5-day Hangzhou tour in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai.

Explore travel guides worldwide

Explore travel guides worldwide
Lisa
@Lisa
Updated 2026/6/1

Skip the Rush: The Ultimate Laid-Back 5-Day Hangzhou Itinerary

#Hangzhou#Vacation#Outings with kids#5 days
Overview
Show all