11 day itinerary for Hangzhou

Itinerary

Hangzhou is a beautiful city with a rich cultural heritage, stunning natural scenery, and delicious food. Here’s a delightful 11-day itinerary that skips museums but still lets you soak in the essence of this enchanting city. Let’s dive in!

## Day 1: Arrival in Hangzhou

• Morning: Arrive in Hangzhou and check into your hotel. Take a moment to freshen up and relax.
• Afternoon: Stroll around West Lake. Rent a bike or take a leisurely walk along the lakeside. Don’t miss the iconic Broken Bridge and Su Causeway.
• Evening: Enjoy a traditional Hangzhou dinner at a local restaurant. Try the famous Dongpo Pork and Longjing Shrimp.

## Day 2: West Lake Exploration

• Morning: Take a boat ride on West Lake. Visit Three Pools Mirroring the Moon and enjoy the serene views.
• Afternoon: Head to Leifeng Pagoda. Climb to the top for panoramic views of the lake and city.
• Evening: Watch the Impression West Lake show, a stunning outdoor performance that combines music, dance, and the natural beauty of the lake.

## Day 3: Tea Culture

• Morning: Visit the Longjing Tea Village. Take a guided tour to learn about tea picking and processing. Don’t forget to sample some fresh Longjing tea!
• Afternoon: Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a tea house overlooking the tea fields. Try some local snacks.
• Evening: Explore the Hefang Street area. This ancient street is perfect for shopping and trying street food. Grab some stinky tofu or sesame cakes!

## Day 4: Nature and Hiking

• Morning: Head to Xixi National Wetland Park. Take a boat tour through the wetlands and enjoy the lush scenery.
• Afternoon: Go for a hike in the Lingyin Temple area. The temple itself is beautiful, and the surrounding hills have lovely trails.
• Evening: Have dinner at a local restaurant and try West Lake Fish in Vinegar Gravy.

## Day 5: Cultural Experience

• Morning: Visit the Six Harmonies Pagoda. Climb to the top for a great view of the Qiantang River.
• Afternoon: Explore the Song Dynasty Town. This cultural theme park offers a glimpse into ancient Chinese life with performances and traditional crafts.
• Evening: Enjoy a traditional Chinese hot pot dinner with friends or family.

## Day 6: Day Trip to Wuzhen

• All ## Day: Take a day trip to Wuzhen, one of the most famous water towns in China. Explore the canals, ancient buildings, and local crafts. Enjoy a riverside lunch and take a boat ride through the picturesque town.
• Evening: Return to Hangzhou and relax at your hotel.

## Day 7: Scenic Views

• Morning: Visit Baoshi Mountain for a hike. The views of West Lake from the top are breathtaking!
• Afternoon: Head to Hangzhou Botanical Garden. Enjoy the beautiful flowers and peaceful atmosphere.
• Evening: Dine at a lakeside restaurant and enjoy the sunset over West Lake.

## Day 8: Culinary Delights

• Morning: Take a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Hangzhou dishes. It’s a fun way to immerse yourself in the local culture!
• Afternoon: Visit a local market to shop for ingredients and snacks. Try some local fruits and pastries.
• Evening: Enjoy the meal you prepared during the cooking class!

## Day 9: Leisure Day

• Morning: Relax at Xihu Tiandi, a trendy area with shops and cafes. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast.
• Afternoon: Visit Qiantang River and take a walk along the riverside. You can also rent a bike to explore the area.
• Evening: Try a local restaurant for dinner and enjoy some Hangzhou-style noodles.

## Day 10: Adventure Day

• Morning: Go for a hike in the Moganshan area, known for its beautiful bamboo forests and scenic views.
• Afternoon: Visit a local tea plantation and learn about the tea-making process.
• Evening: Return to Hangzhou and enjoy a relaxing dinner at a local eatery.

## Day 11: Departure

• Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and do some last-minute shopping for souvenirs.
• Afternoon: Depending on your flight time, you might have a chance to revisit your favorite spots around West Lake.
• Evening: Depart from Hangzhou with wonderful memories!

There you have it! An exciting 11-day itinerary that captures the beauty, culture, and flavors of Hangzhou without stepping into a museum. Enjoy your trip, and don’t forget to take lots of pictures! 🌸✨