Hangzhou - Where to Go & Review! (Part 1)
This post dives into the details of where we went and our thoughts on travelling in Hangzhou! Part of our 7D6N Hangzhou–Shanghai–Suzhou trip — check my post for the full itinerary: 7D6N Full Itinerary
Overall rating: 9/10
(-1 for the moody, unpredictable weather 😂)
Thoughts: Hangzhou is a must visit at least once! It’s best enjoyed slowly — parks, culture, tea breaks and vibes.
⸻
🚌 Transport
1. Cab when possible, especially with parents — saves energy even if it doesn’t save much time.
2. Plan your route properly so you don’t walk back and forth unnecessarily.
3. Cabs can take longer due to traffic + waiting time, but the comfort is worth it.
4. See if you can get to places with public bus! When we took the buses at around 5pm they were quite empty and we got seats! It was also more convenient as we didn’t have to walk all the way to the train station.
😊What we enjoy
Great for park lovers and slower tempo. Don’t recommend you to load more than 2 sites on a day. We were lucky to avoid the crowd on most days so that’s a plus!
🍲Food
Food was more bland but to our liking! So we had great dinners everyday in Hangzhou~ i will do a separate post on that as this is getting too long.
——
📍Where to go & what to do
1️⃣Xixi Wetlands
We cabbed to the entrance about 20min from our hotel. Imagine a walk in a very big park. Head to the bookstore for chill vibes and cafe and also the wetland museum for photos!
Queue for the boat ride (about 1-1.5hr) — it lets you enjoy the wetlands without all the walking. I regret not doing it! We went only to the free area and spent more than half the day there, so plan your day wisely.
2️⃣West Lake
We stayed near the west lake so we just had to walk there~
- 三潭印月 Three Pools Mirroring the Pool
This is where the 1 yuan note image came from. Took a boat ride and walked around the island. Very cold winds in Autumn 🍂 so bring windbreakers!
Beautiful garden small enough to walk in 1-2hrs.
- 雷锋塔 Leifeng Pagoda
My mum’s must-visit. Loved the preserved ruins at the basement + the wooden carvings telling the White Snake legend.
Tip: If you understand Chinese, sneak-listen to nearby tour guides — free insights 😂
- 断桥 Broken Bridge
We took the (very pricey) buggy that travels on pedestrian paths so my parents didn’t have to walk. 10/10 convenient, 2/10 warmth 🥶
Nothing much to see here but also part of the White Snake legend story so you can come here just for photos.
3️⃣ 灵隐寺Lingying Temple
We got there via public shuttle bus from Long Xiang Qiao Station. Was very convenient and you get a seat. A place to see the many buddhas but my main priority was to pay a visit to the Medicine Buddha as I am so sickly this year I ran out of MC. Crowded with tour groups so go early. Do note there are two entrance tickets: one for 飞来峰 Fei Lai Feng and one for the temple.
This place is also famous for a Fortune God nearby but we didn’t have time to visit.
——
Travelling with our parents isn’t always the easiest, but Hangzhou was the place for them.
If you’re planning a trip that blends culture, nature and plenty of breaks, Hangzhou is truly worth a visit.
Next up: Suzhou, stay tuned! 💛
When planning a trip to Hangzhou, it's helpful to understand its unique transport options and cultural highlights beyond just the major destinations. For transport, taxis in Hangzhou have distinct colors, usually yellow or green, which helps you identify official cabs easily. They're often the most comfortable way to get around, especially with family or older travelers, but prepare for traffic delays during peak hours. Public buses are a budget-friendly and authentic experience, and at off-peak times, you can enjoy a relaxed ride with plenty of seats, giving you a glimpse of local life. The Xixi Wetlands Museum offers an insightful visit into the ecological and cultural significance of the wetlands. Although a boat tour is a popular way to explore, the walking trails and the cozy bookstore cafe create a calm atmosphere that’s perfect for slowing down and soaking in the surroundings. For cultural immersion, the Lingyin Temple area is not just about the main temple but also the nearby Fei Lai Feng grottoes with ancient Buddhist carvings. It’s best to arrive early to beat the crowds and have a peaceful experience. Also, keep in mind the dual ticketing system for the temple and the Fei Lai Feng site. Don’t miss iconic places like West Lake’s Three Pools Mirroring the Moon—a scenic boat trip spot and source of traditional inspiration tied to Chinese art and currency imagery. The Leifeng Pagoda’s historical ruins and legends add a narrative depth to your visit. Lastly, traveling slower—not trying to rush more than two big sites a day—is key to appreciating Hangzhou’s blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. This approach makes your trip more enjoyable and less exhausting, especially if you’re traveling with family.