Why Zhejiang
"Above there is heaven, below there are Suzhou and Hangzhou." Hangzhou's West Lake, Lingyin Temple, Songcheng, Ningbo's Tianyi Pavilion, Zhoushan's Putuoshan, Wenzhou's Yandang Mountains — every corner of Zhejiang is a painting.
Zhejiang has 9 cities worth exploring: from Hangzhou to Ningbo, Wenzhou, Jiaxing, Huzhou, Shaoxing, Jinhua, Quzhou, and Zhoushan. Hangzhou is the provincial capital and the center of Zhejiang tourism — most travelers start here and radiate outward.
This guide distills multiple trips to Zhejiang into a 7-day slow travel itinerary. Not a "10 attractions in 3 days" speed run, but a genuine immersion into the poetry and paintings of Jiangnan. Zhejiang's beauty lies in its elegance and subtlety — every corner feels like an ink wash painting.
With 240 hours (10 days) of visa-free transit, you'll have enough time to fall in love with this "paradise on earth."
Beyond Hangzhou
Zhejiang has 9 cities worth exploring:
- Hangzhou: West Lake, Lingyin Temple, Songcheng, Xixi Wetland, Longjing Village
- Ningbo: Tianyi Pavilion, Old Bund, Dongqian Lake
- Wenzhou: Yandang Mountains, Nanxi River, Jiangxinyu
- Jiaxing: Wuzhen, Xitang, South Lake
- Huzhou: Moganshan, Nanxun Ancient Town
- Shaoxing: Lu Xun's Hometown, Orchid Pavilion, East Lake
- Jinhua: Hengdian World Studios, Twin Dragons Cave
Hangzhou Must-See Attractions
West Lake
West Lake is Hangzhou's most famous attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The "Ten Scenes of West Lake" — Spring Dawn at Su Causeway, Snow on the Broken Bridge, Moon over the Three Pools — are renowned worldwide. Every season offers a different beauty: spring peach blossoms, summer lotus, autumn osmanthus, winter snow. Rent a bike to circle the lake or take a boat to soak in the scenery.
Tickets: Free
Time needed: Half day to full day
Leifeng Pagoda
Leifeng Pagoda is West Lake's iconic landmark, famous for the Legend of the White Snake. Climb to the top for a panoramic view of the entire lake. "Leifeng Sunset" is one of the Ten Scenes of West Lake — the golden light at dusk is breathtaking. The pagoda has elevators for easy access.
Tickets: ¥40
Time needed: 1-2 hours
Lingyin Temple
Lingyin Temple is one of Jiangnan's most famous Buddhist temples, founded in the Eastern Jin Dynasty with over 1,700 years of history. The Fei Lai Feng rock carvings are exquisite — over 300 Buddhist statues. The temple complex includes the Grand Hall, Medicine Buddha Hall, and Heavenly King Hall. Visit early in the morning for peace and quiet.
Tickets: ¥30 (Fei Lai Feng) + ¥30 (Lingyin Temple)
Time needed: 2-3 hours
Xixi Wetland
Xixi Wetland is a natural wetland in the heart of the city, known as the "urban green lung." Take an electric boat through the reed marshes and bird-watching areas. The wetland is divided into three phases — Phase 1 is free, Phases 2-3 require tickets. An electric boat tour is recommended for the best views.
Tickets: ¥80
Time needed: 3-4 hours
Songcheng
Songcheng is Hangzhou's largest theme park. The "Songcheng Eternal Love" show is a must-see — spectacular staging with thousands of performers. Songcheng recreates Song Dynasty streets and architecture, letting you step back a thousand years. Arrive in the afternoon, explore the park, then stay for the evening show.
Tickets: From ¥310 (including show)
Time needed: Half day
Wuzhen Water Town
Wuzhen is one of Jiangnan's most famous water towns, called "China's last waterside village." East Gate preserves authentic canal town charm; West Gate is stunning at night. Stay overnight — the early morning without crowds is magical and perfect for photography. Book tickets in advance during holidays.
Tickets: East Gate ¥110, West Gate ¥150
Time needed: 1-2 days
7-Day Itinerary
D1: Arrive Hangzhou — West Lake — Leifeng Pagoda — Nanshan Road
After arriving in Hangzhou and checking into your hotel, head to West Lake in the afternoon. Stroll along the Su Causeway, enjoying peach blossoms and willow greenery. At dusk, climb Leifeng Pagoda for a golden sunset over the lake — the light spilling across the water is magical. Evening at Nanshan Road for Hangzhou's bohemian art scene and café culture.
D2: Lingyin Temple — Beishan Street — Hefang Street
Morning at Lingyin Temple for blessings and Fei Lai Feng rock carvings — 300+ Buddhist statues carved into the cliff face. Afternoon walk along Beishan Street for Republican-era charm, with boutique shops and cafés. Evening at Hefang Street for local snacks: scallion-wrapped pancake, Dingsheng cake, West Lake lotus root starch.
D3: Xixi Wetland — Songcheng Eternal Love
Morning boat tour through Xixi Wetland — reed marshes, red mangroves, waterfowl. The "urban green lung" of Hangzhou. Afternoon at Songcheng, step back into the Song Dynasty with themed streets, acrobatics, and martial arts shows. Evening: the "Songcheng Eternal Love" spectacular — a sweeping musical with thousands of performers, fireworks, and water effects.
D4: Hangzhou → Shaoxing — Lu Xun's Hometown — Orchid Pavilion — East Lake
Morning high-speed rail from Hangzhou to Shaoxing (20 minutes). Visit Lu Xun's Hometown — the Sanwei Study and Hundred Herb Garden that shaped the great writer. Afternoon at the Orchid Pavilion (Lanting), where Wang Xizhi wrote the famous Preface to the Orchid Pavilion in 353 AD. Evening boat ride on East Lake, carved through volcanic rock over 1,000 years ago.
D5: Shaoxing → Ningbo — Tianyi Pavilion — Old Bund
Morning transfer to Ningbo. Visit Tianyi Pavilion — China's oldest surviving private library, built in 1561 during the Ming Dynasty. A UNESCO Memory of the World site, housing ancient books and manuscripts. Afternoon stroll along Ningbo's Old Bund — a blend of Chinese and Western architecture, now home to restaurants and galleries. Evening: night views along the waterfront.
D6: Ningbo → Zhoushan — Putuoshan
Morning bus from Ningbo to Zhoushan (1.5 hours), then ferry to Putuoshan. Visit Puji Temple, Fayu Temple, and climb to Fogding Mountain for panoramic ocean views. Putuoshan is one of China's Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains — the bodhisattva Guanyin's domain. Stay overnight on the island for sunrise the next morning.
D7: Zhoushan → Hangzhou — Longjing Village — Depart
Morning ferry back to the mainland, then high-speed rail to Hangzhou. Afternoon at Longjing Village — the home of China's most famous green tea. Sip freshly brewed longjing tea at a hillside teahouse, surrounded by tea terraces. Pick up tea and local specialties before heading to the airport.
What to Eat
1) West Lake Vinegar Fish
Cost: ¥80-120/person
Hangzhou's signature dish — fresh fish steamed and dressed in a sweet vinegar sauce. The fish is tender, the sauce tangy and delicate. A must-eat for every visitor to Hangzhou.
2) Dongpo Pork
Cost: ¥40-60/person
Named after Su Dongpo, this braised pork belly is rich, glossy, and melts in your mouth. Slow-cooked with rice wine, soy sauce, and rock sugar. The fat is impossibly smooth, the lean meat tender.
3) Longjing Shrimp
Cost: ¥100-150/person
A Hangzhou delicacy — fresh river shrimp stir-fried with Longjing tea leaves. The shrimp are plump and sweet, infused with the tea's fresh fragrance. Elegant and refined, just like Hangzhou itself.
4) Pian'erchuan Noodles
Cost: ¥15-25/person
Hangzhou's beloved noodle soup — thin noodles with bamboo shoots, pickled vegetables, and shredded pork in a clear, savory broth. The perfect breakfast or light lunch.
5) Ningbo Tangyuan
Cost: ¥10-20/person
Ningbo's famous glutinous rice balls — thin-skinned, generously filled with sweet black sesame paste. Hot, sweet, and comforting. Available year-round at teahouses and snack shops.
6) Jiaxing Zongzi
Cost: ¥10-15/person
Jiaxing's iconic sticky rice dumplings — filled with pork belly and wrapped in bamboo leaves. The rice is soft and fragrant, the pork meltingly tender. You can find them at convenience stores across China.
Avoid-tips:
- West Lake area: Restaurants are overpriced — better value in the city center
- Longjing tea: Tourist area teas are often fake — buy from reputable shops
- Wuzhen: Crowded on holidays — book tickets and accommodation in advance
Where to Stay
Near West Lake: Best views and atmosphere, but pricier — ideal for a romantic getaway
Wulin Commercial District: Metro-connected, great shopping and food, best value for money
Near Hefang Street: Character guesthouses in the old town — perfect for slow travel
Ningbo: Near the Old Bund for riverside charm
Zhoushan: Zhujiajian for beach resorts, or stay overnight on Putuoshan for sunrise
Getting Around
Airports: Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport, Ningbo Lishe International Airport
High-speed rail: Hangzhou East Station, Ningbo Station, Shaoxing North Station
Hangzhou to Shaoxing: High-speed rail, 20 minutes, ¥20
Hangzhou to Ningbo: High-speed rail, 1 hour, ¥50
Ningbo to Zhoushan: Bus 1.5 hours, ¥60; or ferry from Ningbo/Zhoushan
Hangzhou to Wuzhen: Bus 2 hours, ¥50
Metro: Hangzhou has an extensive metro system covering major attractions
Practical Tips
- Weather: Zhejiang is rainy — always carry an umbrella
- Sun protection: Summer UV is strong — bring sunscreen
- Shoes: Wear comfortable shoes — attractions involve lots of walking
- Wuzhen: Crowded on holidays — visit on weekdays or book well in advance
- Putuoshan: Ferry-dependent — check boat schedules before going
- Longjing tea: Buy from reputable shops — tourist area tea is often fake
- Typhoons: July-September is typhoon season — check weather before traveling
- Plum rain: June is the plum rain season — bring waterproof gear