$500 per person: My personally tested 2-day Hangzhou itinerary

As a travel blogger based in Hangzhou, I've optimized this zero-detour, crowd-avoiding, ultra-cost-effective route through personal experience. Warning: 20,000+ steps daily and 18+ Instagram-worthy shots ahead! 👇 📅 Itinerary Overview* Day1: West Lake Cultural Classic Route Broken Bridge→Bai Causeway→Autumn Moon on Calm Lake→Zhejiang Provincial Museum→Louwailou Restaurant→Boat ride (Three Pools Mirroring the Moon)→Su Causeway→Leifeng Pagoda→Hefang Street Night Market Day2: Lingyin Zen + Tea Mountain Secret Route Lingyin Temple→Feilai Peak→Faxi Temple→Longjing Village→Nine Creeks Meandering Through Mist 🚶♀️ Day1 Detailed Guide Morning: Broken Bridge to Solitary Hill (7:00-12:00) 7:00 Broken Bridge ✅ Key: Arrive early for misty bridge photos! Leave before 8am when tour groups arrive. 📸 Best shot: North Shore Street side for bridge and Baochu Pagoda reflection - Hanfu outfits make perfect photos! 7:30 Bai Causeway stroll Walk along the Tang Dynasty causeway with "willow and peach trees alternating", overlooking Leifeng Pagoda. 8:30 Autumn Moon on Calm Lake Enjoy mirror-like West Lake views (return at night in autumn for moon viewing with fewer crowds after 21:00). 9:30 Zhejiang Provincial Museum/Xiling Seal Engravers' Society See the authentic "Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains" remnant (free with reservation), photograph Song-style lattice windows. Noon: Hangzhou cuisine by West Lake (12:00-13:30) Louwailou (Gushan Road branch) ✅ Must-order: West Lake vinegar fish (grass carp), Longjing shrimp, Dongpo pork ❌ Avoid: Frozen vinegar fish near scenic spots - choose live fish! ~¥150/person. Afternoon: Lake cruise & pagoda (13:30-18:00) 14:00 Boat to Three Pools Mirroring the Moon ✅ Boat tips: → Public ferry (¥6/stop): Cost-effective, recommend "Flower Harbor Viewing Fish→Maojiabu" route. → Rowed boat (¥300/boat): 4-person shared "Turtle Pond secret route" through 9 ancient bridges with metasequoia views. 📸 Must-do: Bring ¥1 bill to recreate the iconic Three Pools photo angle! 16:00 Leifeng Pagoda ❌ Skip the crowded elevator! Opposite Jingci Temple's top floor offers better "Leifeng Pagoda in Sunset + West Lake panorama" shots (¥10 ticket). Evening: Night market & fountain (18:30-21:00) Hefang Street: Try Dingsheng cakes, scallion pancakes, shop for Wangxingji fans and Zhangxiaoquan scissors. West Lake Music Fountain: Shows at 19:00/20:00 - arrive 30 mins early for good spots. 🙏 Day2 Detailed Guide Morning: Lingyin blessings (7:30-12:00) 7:30 Lingyin Temple ✅ Route: Buy Feilai Peak ticket first (¥45)→Then Lingyin incense ticket (¥30)→Get free incense sticks. 📿 Hidden experience: Main Hall for career prayers, Medicine Buddha Hall for health, get 18-seed bracelet (¥46) at souvenir shop. 9:30 Faxi Temple Take shuttle (¥10) uphill, photograph viral "prayer flags + yellow wall" spot, get love amulets (¥20). Noon: Vegetarian meal (12:00-13:00) Shifangyuan noodles: ¥20/bowl with mushroom broth and vegetarian "goose". Afternoon: Longjing tea & Nine Creeks (13:30-17:00) 14:00 Longjing Village Hike Emperor Qianlong's path, taste pre-Qingming tea (¥30/cup) at tea farms, look for "West Lake Longjing" anti-fake labels when buying. 15:30 Nine Creeks Meandering Through Mist Wear sandals for creek-walking! Route from Longjing Village→Jiuxi Road features ancient trees, streams, and mist - perfect summer retreat. 🚌 Transport Tips To Hangzhou: Choose Hangzhou Railway Station (closest to West Lake), take Metro Line 1 from airport to Longxiangqiao Station. Local transport: → West Lake area: Shared bikes (allowed on Yanggong Causeway, prohibited on Su/Bai Causeways). → Between attractions: Bus 194/WE1314 (romantic route), use DiDi to avoid traffic. 🏠 Accommodation Budget: Qingzhiwu homestays (¥200+/night), 10-min walk to Lotus in Breeze at Crooked Courtyard, near Zhejiang University. Lakeview lovers: Hubin in77 area (lake views from window), but 50%+ price surge during holidays. 💡 Personal reminders: Wear sports shoes! West Lake's stone paths are tough on feet. Mosquito repellent + sunscreen + foldable umbrella = survival kit. Students bring ID! Half-price tickets at attractions. Lingyin Temple Leifeng Pagoda West Lake Scenic Area