There are corners of the earth that hold such heavenly beauty that just being there—and exploring at a peaceful rhythm—soothes the soul. I believe Hangzhou, in China, is one of those places.
Hangzhou feels like a breath of calm in a fast-moving world. It’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down, look closer, and simply be present. Yet it also has a distinctly modern edge you might haven’t heard about. So join me on this 3-day Hangzhou itinerary, where we’ll wander through peaceful, picture-perfect corners, marvel at dazzling city lights, meet robots , and explore sacred Buddhist sights that offer space to reflect.
Let’s find out what to see in Hangzhou—together.
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What to see in Hangzhou:
Day 1 of My Hangzhou Trip Itinerary
We arrive in Hangzhou by high-speed train just after noon, with plenty of time to explore. So, what to see in Hangzhou first? With a light drizzle hanging in the air, it seems wise to start with an indoor attraction—and cross our fingers that the sky clears so we can visit the famous West Lake later.
First Stop on Our Hangzhou Itinerary: The Former Residence of Hu Xueyan
Logistics: Have to pay for entrance ticket that you can buy it on the spot, but they only accept Alipay or cash
For navigation: 胡雪岩故居
If after seeing traditional Chinese houses from outside earlier on our trip you are wondering what’s inside – Hangzhou offers a rare glimpse. Tucked in the heart of the city is the Former Residence of Hu Xueyan—a villa built by one of the wealthiest businessmen of 19th-century China. My curiosity got the best of me, and I knew I had to add this stop to my Hangzhou itinerary.
The moment we step inside, it’s clear: this place oozes wealth. Everywhere you look, there’s evidence of quiet opulence. Intricate wood carvings twist along the roofline trim, trail down the wooden columns, and trace every railing with elegant, geometric patterns. The stained glass windows—dominated by vibrant blues—are covered in delicate, symmetrical designs that catch the eye, even in the subdued light. Overhead hang rows of Chinese lanterns with red silk tassels. It’s striking how much elegance can be created from such simple materials—just wood, stone, glass, and extraordinary craftsmanship.
As we wander deeper into this Hangzhou attraction, the layout reveals itself as a kind of architectural labyrinth. Dimly lit hallways and quiet rooms intertwine with pockets of open-air courtyards. One moment, we’re under a roof; the next, stepping into a courtyard garden arranged with organically shaped rocks and thoughtfully planted greenery—only to be pulled back inside a moment later.
Most of the rooms in the residence of Hu Xueyan are empty, but if you wander around, you’ll come across a few with furniture on display—mostly chairs and tables as elaborate as the house itself. Interestingly, the room that really catches my attention in this elaborate Hangzhou attraction is the servants’ quarters. It has a telephone. Well, sort of. Back then, “telephone” meant a system of metal tubes sticking out of the wall, allowing servants to speak with their mistress from across the house.
We wander through the rooms for a while, and just when we think we’ve seen it all, we stumble upon a whole other side of the house that holds an enchanting surprise—a Chinese-style garden that feels like something out of my gardening dreams. The centerpiece is a porous rock wall with a building towering on top of it. In front of it lies a small pond, where colorful fish glide just beneath the surface. The scene is framed by trees and shrubs in rich shades of green, orange, and red, and anchored by a quaint little gazebo with a spiky roof perched atop a beautiful stone bridge.
It’s peaceful, yet buzzing with visitors and photo-takers who, like us, have added this spot to their Hangzhou itinerary—each trying to capture a piece of this poetic corner of the past.
When we exit the house, the sky is still moody, but according to the weather forecast, we have about an hour and a half without rain. So, let’s take what we can get and rush to the next attraction on our Hangzhou itinerary—the one and only West Lake.
Hangzhou’s Best-Known Attraction: West Lake (By the Former Dancing Fountains)
For navigation: 杭州西湖音樂噴泉
Looking for a perfect place to quiet the noise in your mind and soothe your soul? Some lakes in this world don’t just reflect the sky — they reflect something deeper, something poetic. West Lake in Hangzhou is one of those places. Calm and graceful, it has a quiet charm that makes time feel slower and the world feel softer. And in the evenings, the lakeside fills with soft energy: people strolling, boats drifting, someone singing karaoke under the trees. It’s peaceful, but alive.
The promenade along the coast at the place where the West lake fountains used to operate is a perfect place to enjoy the views, people watch and grab an evening snack.
We enjoy the vibes for a while, but then the rain is back, so we head for a meal and some rest. But the evening is not over yet – there is one more attraction left on our Hangzhou trip itinerary today. We just need to wait for the sun to go down to enjoy it.
Light Up Your Night with the Qianjiang New Town Light Show
Name for navigation: 杭州城市陽台
Light shows are cool — but what if the entire city skyline became the canvas? That’s exactly what happens in Hangzhou, China, every Thursday to Saturday evening, when the Qianjiang New Town Light Show transforms the business district into a living, glowing masterpiece.
The best place to experience this spectacular phenomenon is from Hangzhou City Balcony — a wide, open-air terrace offering panoramic views of the skyline on both sides of the river. That’s where we’re heading now to wrap up the first day of our Hangzhou itinerary. As we make our way there, we pass other illuminated high-rises, some already glowing with vibrant colors — and even one with playful, animated fish swimming across its facade.
This day of our Hangzhou itinerary has been rainy and misty, but the lights are so bright and joyful that the weather hardly matters. In fact, the light drizzle adds to the mood, blurring the silhouettes of distant buildings and softening the neon glow into a dreamy haze.
Catching the Qianjiang New Town Light Show in Hangzhou can take a bit of planning, since the start times vary with the seasons. But luckily, there are two shows each evening, so even if we miss the first one, another begins within the hour.
Then, the round silhouette of the Intercontinental Hangzhou hotel comes into view — a striking building shaped like a golden sun. Even if you’re visiting Hangzhou when the light show isn’t running, this iconic Hangzhou attraction is still worth a stop during the day.
Right beside it, fountains put on their own dazzling spectacle, illuminated in soft pink and blue hues, “dancing” in sync while videos of astronauts and science-themed symbols are projected onto them. And just as the fountain show ends… the main light show begins!
Suddenly, ALL the buildings around you bursts to life in a dazzling explosion of color. Coordinated videos dance across the facades, featuring birds, flowers, and an array of mesmerizing visuals. The Qianjiang New Town Light Show is almost overwhelming in its scale and beauty. With reportedly 700,000 LED lights illuminating the cityscape, it’s easily one of the most spectacular light shows I’ve ever witnessed — truly unforgettable.
With this dazzling outing, the first day of our Hangzhou itinerary comes to a close — well, almost. We couldn’t resist a quick stop at the huge outlet store right by Hangzhou City Balcony. But if shopping’s not your thing, it’s time to say good night and get ready to explore even more amazing Hangzhou attractions tomorrow.
Day 2 of My Hangzhou Itinerary
On Day 2 of our Hangzhou itinerary, we’ll continue to enjoy the city’s peaceful, picture-perfect spots—then mix in a dash of technology for a glimpse of its modern edge.
Explore the Picturesque Xiaohe Historic District
For navigation: 小河直街
Xiao He in Hangzhou is a charming and wonderfully Instagrammable neighborhood, lined with tiny shops, cozy cafés, and costume rentals. The streets are adorned with hanging lanterns, potted plants, and whimsical bird-shaped ornaments. I can’t help but wonder if these decorations are seasonal — but either way, they add a festive, playful atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to wander, window-shop, and soak in the laid-back charm.
This day of our Hangzhou itinerary turns out to be another rainy one, but we’ve come prepared with raincoats. Honestly, I don’t mind it. The rain gives the pavement a soft glow, the greenery looks lusher than ever, and the streets of Xiao He are pleasantly quiet. It feels like we have the place almost to ourselves.
The neighborhood is dotted with old stone bridges crossing serene canals filled with greenish-blue water. Occasionally, a boat drifts by, and tree branches lean gently over the banks. You can walk along one side, cross a bridge, and continue on the other — it’s an easy, peaceful rhythm.
Further down the canal, we spot a group of local women performing graceful, almost ethereal movements under one of the bridges. I think it’s Tai Chi? They don’t seem to mind me stopping to watch for a while.
Eventually, we wander off the main shopping street and stumble into a quiet park by the canal, shaded by tall, leafy trees. Who says China is just a concrete jungle? Sure, Hangzhou has its fair share of sleek skyscrapers, but it also offers tranquil corners like this where you can feel completely at peace.
But as the rain starts to fall harder, it’s clear our next stop on the Hangzhou itinerary needs to be indoors. And honestly… I haven’t seen any robots in a while. Time to change that.
Add a High-Tech Twist to Your Hangzhou Itinerary: Xiaoshan Robot Experience Center
Logistics: Entrance if free, but check the working hours on their WeChat page.
For navigation: 萧山机器人博展中心
It’s time to say hi to some promo robots in Hangzhou.
The most exciting one is definitely the talkative robot with a flair for performance. He may look like the kind of machine that wants to take over the world, but he’s actually quite friendly. You can program a sequence for him to act out, or ask him to perform a trick like singing or delivering a monologue. And yes, English is available — which is a big plus.
Around the 2 floors of Xiaoshan Robot Experience Center , industrial robots are on display, too. One lifts boxes. Another weld. Others show off their finesse by navigating their mechanical arms between obstacles without a scratch. And behind them there are videos that explain how these robots are used in real-life applications, from factories to warehouses.
There are also some interactive robots at this Hangzhou attraction — including a sketching robot that draws your face and a competitive air hockey robot. Sounds impossible, but I actually managed to score a goal. Just one, but I’ll take the win.
Not every robot is active, though. Some, like the giant drone centerpiece and the dancing bots, seem to be on break during our visit. Still, they are fun to look at.
It doesn’t take us too long to explore the robot exhibition center in Hangzhou, but as we step outside, the rain had cleared. That means our Hangzhou itinerary is taking us back to the city’s most iconic attraction.
On our walk from the metro to the West lake, we spot market stalls being set up along the street — early signs of one of Hangzhou night markets. We’ll definitely be returning here later.
Back at West Lake: Walk the Bai Causeway
For navigation: 杭州西湖風景名勝區-斷橋
There are so many beautiful spots around West Lake, and it’s easy to see why it’s Hangzhou’s most famous attraction. On our second visit, we head to one of the two iconic causeways—an elevated path that lets you cross the water under the shade of tall, weeping willows. Misty mountains rise in the background, green leaves float gently on the surface, and little fish swim below.
It’s perfectly calm here.
We walk the Bai Causeway and then head back the same way. I don’t know about you, but as serene as that stroll is, I’ve definitely worked up an appetite. Luckily, the final stop on Day 2 of our Hangzhou itinerary offers the perfect chance to indulge in some tasty treats.
A Sensory Overload at Wulin Night Market
For navigation: 武林夜市
For a Westerner, night markets can be pretty mind-blowing—and a visit to Wulin Night Market might just be the most memorable experience of Day 2 on my Hangzhou itinerary.
After 5 p.m., the street comes alive with rows of shoulder to shoulder market stalls and crowds weaving between them. It’s chaotic, colorful, and completely captivating.
At one stall, someone is mixing raw chicken legs with vegetables; three stools over, a woman is giving manicures. And in between? Everything. You pass by endless stalls offering snacks and drinks—giant pots filled with what looks like tea, or maybe magic potions, floating with lemons and flowers. There’s matcha ice cream, grilled meats, fresh fruit, and all kinds of quirky trinkets: jewelry, figurines, potted plants, some (live?) see creatures and even bobblehead sculptures that move their heads in eerie unison.
It can feel overwhelming—but it’s also a lot of fun to browse, pick up a souvenir, and sample a few local bites.
Let’s follow the golden rule of street food: go where the line is longest. That leads us to spicy duck skewers, bursting with flavor from a generous sprinkle of seasoning. Njam!
And that’s where we wrap up Day 2 in Hangzhou. Sleep tight—more wonders await tomorrow.
Day 3 of My Hangzhou Itinerary
On the third day of our Hangzhou itinerary, we’re heading outside the city to visit one of the most important Buddhist sights in China.
Not gonna lie—getting to Lingyin Temple was a bit of a rollercoaster. But trust me, it’s worth it.
Final Stop on My Hangzhou Itinerary: Feilai Feng Grottoes & Lingyin Temple
Logistics: You have to purchase 2 separate entrance tickets one for the Scenic area and other one for the temple. You can pay in Alipay or in cash.
For navigation: 飞来峰
If you’re curious about Buddhism in China, just outside Hangzhou you’ll find Lingyin Temple—a historic and still active place of worship. Here, you can take your time admiring the intricate temple architecture and respectfully observe the rituals of those who have come to pray.
But the experience doesn’t end there. The surrounding Lingyin–Feilai Peak Scenic Area is home to the remarkable Feilai Feng Grottoes—a collection of around 300 Buddhist stone carvings hidden among moss-covered cliffs, many dating back over 1,000 years.
After the trip to the temple, I’m wiped—so I’m calling it a day here. But if you’ve still got some stamina left in you, another great Hangzhou attraction to check out is Leifeng Pagoda.
Bonus Stop for Your Hangzhou Itinerary: Leifeng Pagoda
For full disclosure – I didn’t visit it myself, but my travel buddy visited it while I was at the temple and had nothing but good things to say—especially about its beautiful 5 story architecture and the rare chance to actually go inside to enjoy some panoramic views of West lake from the top, which isn’t something you can do with many pagodas. So if you’re looking for a high vintage point to admire the Hangzhou panorama this is the place to go!
Thanks for joining me on this little virtual Hangzhou travel itinerary!
Thoughts?
I truly enjoyed my peaceful days in Hangzhou. It offers the perfect escape from the nonstop pace of nearby Shanghai—a place to slow down, soak in serene beauty, and discover a fascinating blend of ancient history and modern surprises. So if you’re looking for a travel experience that balances tranquility with excitement, Hangzhou should definitely be on your list.
PS: if you’re actively planning a trip to China you may also be interested to take a peek into my China travel planning tips as well.
FAQs About Traveling to Hangzhou
How to get around Hangzhou?
We mostly used the metro—it was super convenient and easy to navigate. Almost every Hangzhou attraction on our list was accessible by metro, with just two exceptions where there were no stations nearby.
The first was the Robot Experience Center. We took a Didi instead, which was still very affordable and hassle-free. The second was Lingyin Temple. Getting there is a bit more complicated, so I cover that in a separate post.
How many days should you spend in Hangzhou?
We spent two days exploring the city itself, and used the third day for a trip to the temple just outside Hangzhou. If you’re short on time or prefer a faster pace, you could probably combine the first two days of this Hangzhou itinerary into one. But I really appreciated the slower rhythm for once—it gave the city room to breathe.
Anything else I should know about visiting Hangzhou?
One thing I noticed was that in some places—especially a few tourist attractions—only Alipay was accepted (not even WeChat Pay). Since the Alipay app didn’t work for me, having some cash on hand was a lifesaver. I definitely recommend keeping a bit of cash with you, just in case.