[2025 Hangzhou ] Travel Guide for Qiantang River Cruise (Updated Jun)

5-Day Hangzhou Travel Guide Day 1: Arrive in Hangzhou, Explore West Lake Area • Morning: Arrive in Hangzhou, check in at your hotel, and after dropping off your luggage, head to Hubin Park by West Lake to enjoy the beautiful scenery. • Noon: Enjoy lunch at a lakeside restaurant, sampling local specialties like West Lake Vinegar Fish and Longjing Shrimp. • Afternoon: Continue strolling along West Lake, visit the Broken Bridge Snow and Bai Causeway, and take in the scenic lake and mountain views. • Evening: Visit Leifeng Pagoda to enjoy the sunset view and the night scenery of West Lake. • Accommodation recommendation: Choose hotels or guesthouses around West Lake for convenient access to the lake and surrounding attractions. Day 2: Lingyin Temple and Xixi Wetland • Morning: Visit Lingyin Temple, Hangzhou's most famous Buddhist temple, and experience Zen culture. • Noon: Enjoy vegetarian cuisine near Lingyin Temple. • Afternoon: Head to Xixi Wetland to experience the ecological environment and the "streams and mist" wetland landscape. • Evening: Visit Hefang Street to taste various snacks and buy souvenirs in this traditional-style street. Day 3: Historical and Cultural Experience • Morning: Visit Zhejiang Provincial Museum to learn about the history and culture of Hangzhou and Zhejiang region. • Noon: Enjoy lunch near the museum. • Afternoon: Explore Southern Song Imperial Street and experience the historical and cultural atmosphere of the Southern Song Dynasty. • Evening: Visit Qinghe Fang Historical District to continue experiencing Hangzhou's traditional culture. Day 4: Nature and Leisure Combined • Morning: Visit Jiuxi Smoky Trees to enjoy the natural scenery. • Noon: Enjoy lunch at a local farm restaurant near Jiuxi. • Afternoon: Visit Longjing Village to enjoy the tea plantation scenery and taste Longjing tea. • Evening: Return to the city center to rest. Day 5: Special Attractions + Return Journey • Morning: Visit Fuyi Warehouse Ruins Park to experience ancient storage culture. • Noon: Enjoy lunch nearby. • Afternoon: Head to Qiantang River, where you can experience a night cruise on the river and enjoy the brilliant lights along both banks. • Evening: Depending on your departure time, either explore the city center or head to the airport/train station early. Personal Insights • Attraction Selection: Hangzhou has numerous attractions with diverse styles. West Lake is Hangzhou's signature attraction, combining natural scenery with cultural landmarks, and shouldn't be missed. Lingyin Temple, Zhejiang Provincial Museum, and other attractions allow visitors to delve deeper into Hangzhou's history and culture. If time permits, you can add some lesser-known attractions like Fuyi Warehouse Ruins Park to experience unique cultural atmospheres. • Itinerary Planning: Hangzhou's attractions are relatively spread out, so it's advisable to plan your itinerary carefully to avoid rushing. For example, you can arrange West Lake and its surrounding attractions in one day for in-depth exploration. Also, try to avoid peak holiday periods to enhance your visiting experience. • Accommodation Choices: While accommodations around West Lake are convenient, they are relatively expensive. If you have budget constraints, you can choose hotels or guesthouses along subway lines for convenient transportation. The Qianjiang Century City area is not only close to attractions but also has a nice environment. • Food Experience: Hangzhou cuisine is a local specialty, with dishes like Longjing Shrimp and Dongpo Pork being must-tries. Additionally, you can taste traditional snacks like Dingsheng Cake and Cong Bao Hui. While enjoying the food, you can also buy some Longjing tea or Qianshi cake as souvenirs. • Transportation: Hangzhou has a well-developed public transportation system, and you can travel by subway, bus, or taxi. Using Alipay or the Su e-xing app to scan codes for rides is convenient and quick. Hope this guide helps you have a memorable journey in Hangzhou!

Hangzhou, a city that sparkles even brighter as the sun sets, offers a plethora of nighttime adventures that I've been lucky enough to experience. From serene cruises to cultural squares, there's something magical about Hangzhou after dark. Let me share some of the city's not-to-be-missed attractions! 🌌 Qiantang River Night Cruise Address: Water Tourism Service Center of Binjiang Wharf, Binjiang District, Hangzhou Feel the evening breeze on your face as you take in the dazzling night views of the Qiantang River. It's a meaningful journey that showcases the economic and cultural vibrancy of Hangzhou's riverbanks. The 45-minute cruise, sometimes accompanied by a light show, offers a unique perspective of the city's hustle and bustle. Despite the crowds, the experience is well worth it for the panoramic views and the romantic atmosphere. 🛶 West Lake Cruise Address: West Lake Cruise Pier, Hangzhou City West Lake is even more enchanting from the deck of a boat. With various piers offering different ticket prices, you can enjoy a scenic ride to Three Pools Mirroring the Moon. Despite the heat or rain, the allure of the lake's beauty is undeniable. Whether you're seeking romance in the rain or sweating it out for the perfect shot, a West Lake cruise is a quintessential Hangzhou experience. 🏰 The Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal (Hangzhou Section) Address: No. 208, Huancheng North Road, Gongshu District, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province Travel through time on the Grand Canal, a magnificent man-made marvel dating back over 2,500 years. The Hangzhou section offers picturesque views and a chance to witness the city's transformation. The 2.5-hour night cruise is a spectacle, featuring live music and breathtaking scenery. It's a testament to the ingenuity of ancient China and a must-see for any visitor. 🎭 West Lake Cultural Square Address: North side of Wulin Square Canal, Huancheng North Road, Xiacheng District, Hangzhou (near Stadium Road) The heart of Hangzhou's urban buzz, West Lake Cultural Square is a hub of activity day and night. Just a short walk from the subway, the square is surrounded by museums, science centers, and shopping malls. The nighttime fountain shows and the glow of the surrounding buildings create a lively and beautiful atmosphere that captures the essence of Hangzhou's cultural scene. 🌄 Lingqi Wonderland Cave Address: Lingqidong Scenic Spot, Tiemao Mountain, Shiping Township, Baisha Town, Jiande City, Hangzhou Escape the summer heat and venture into the cool depths of Lingqi Wonderland Cave. Comprising three distinct caves, this natural wonder offers a respite from the heat and a journey through an "underground art palace." The caves, each with their unique features, provide a breathtaking backdrop for a variety of films and shows. The convenient combo tickets include a magic carpet ride and a slide car descent, making the trip hassle-free and enjoyable. Hangzhou's night scene is a symphony of lights, culture, and history. Each attraction offers a unique slice of this city's rich tapestry, ensuring that every evening spent here is nothing short of enchanting. #Hangzhou #HangzhouAttractions #China #ChinaTravel

📍 Hangzhou ✨ At night, the Qiantang River is lit by tall buildings, making it a beautiful place to take a slow stroll or just sit and enjoy the view without doing much. ✨ The Qianjiang New City buildings will have their lights on, alternating colors and patterns, and the lighting is at its best from around 7pm to 9pm. ✨ The gentle sound of the wind blowing from the river makes the atmosphere cool and comfortable. If you have friends to sit and talk quietly, it will make you feel even more relaxed. ✨ There is no need for a schedule, just walk around and enjoy the lights reflecting on the water. ✨ This is another simple but enjoyable evening activity in Hangzhou, perfect for a relaxing day or just a quiet time for yourself. #HangzhouTravel

Such a perfect and peaceful way to witness the Hangzhou City skyline at night, the evening river boat took us on an hour long journey up the city's river allowing a relaxing and enjoyable experience complete with snacks and beverages. For such a cheap price this experience is a must for any families or solo travellers passing through Hangzhou!! #travel #thingstodo #myitinerary #china #citydaytours #hangzhou #chinatravel

📍Detailed Address: Hangzhou City (comprising 10 districts including Shangcheng, Gongshu, and West Lake), with main attractions concentrated in West Lake District, such as West Lake, Lingyin Temple, and Xixi Wetland. 🚗Transportation Guide: 1️⃣Arriving in Hangzhou: 👉By Air: Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport → 27km to downtown, airport shuttle bus costs 30 yuan/person. 👉By Train: Hangzhou East Station (high-speed rail)/Hangzhou Station (city station), Shanghai-Hangzhou high-speed rail takes only 38 minutes to Shanghai. 2️⃣Getting Around: 👉Subway: Lines 1/2/4 cover West Lake, Wulin Square, etc. Download "Hangzhou Metro" APP. 👉Taxi: Starting fare 13 yuan, shared bikes recommended for West Lake Scenic Area (1.5 yuan/30 minutes). 👉Self-driving: City ranks 6th nationally for traffic congestion, recommend subway+taxi combination. 🌟Must-Do Activities: 1. In-depth Tour of West Lake's Ten Scenes🌅 👉Classic Route: Broken Bridge → Bai Causeway → Solitary Hill → Leifeng Pagoda (40 yuan to climb for panoramic view) → Maojiabu (rowing boat 30 yuan/person) → Jixian Pavilion (best spot for "Leifeng Pagoda at Sunset"). 👉Hidden Experiences: Explore Guozhuang (Qing Dynasty garden with lakeside tea rooms), take hanfu photos at Yuhu Bay Corridor Bridge. 2. Lingyin Temple Blessing Route🏯 👉Itinerary: First visit Feilai Peak stone carvings (45 yuan) → Lingyin Temple incense ticket 30 yuan → Faxi Temple for popular amulets (Bus 108 connects all three temples). 3. Xixi Wetland Eco Tour🚣 👉Activities: Electric boat tour of "Autumn Reeds and Flying Snow" (80 yuan/person), helium balloon overlooking wetlands (180 yuan/person). 4. Song Dynasty Time Travel at Songcheng🎭 👉Activities: "Songcheng Romance" show (320 yuan including admission), wear hanfu to experience embroidered ball throwing/escort missions. 5. Longjing Village Tea Mountain Hiking🍵 👉Route: Longjing Village → Nine Creeks and Eighteen Gullies → Jiuxi Misty Trees (free), spring tea-picking experience (paid at tea farmers' homes). 6. Qiantang River Night Tour🌉 👉Activities: Night cruise to see light show (150 yuan/person), view tidal waves from City Balcony. 💰Average Costs: • Dining: 👉 West Lake Vinegar Fish 88 yuan/500g, Dongpo Pork 68 yuan, Zhiweiguan Xiaolongbao 25 yuan/basket. • Admission: 👉 West Lake free, Lingyin Temple 75 yuan (including Feilai Peak), Xixi Wetland 80 yuan, Songcheng 320 yuan. • Transportation: 👉 Subway starts at 2 yuan, taxi starts at 13 yuan. • Accommodation: 👉 Hotels near West Lake 400-800 yuan/night, Qingzhiwu guesthouses 200 yuan/night. 📌Tips: 1. Reservations: 👉 Book Zhejiang Museum 3 days in advance, closed Mondays; arrive at Lingyin Temple before 7am. 2. Transportation: 👉 West Lake Scenic Area has odd-even license plate restrictions on weekends, choose "West Lake Loop" bus lanes when taking taxis. 3. Footwear: 👉 Wear non-slip shoes! Leifeng Pagoda has 4 floors to climb, Lingyin Temple has many mountain steps. 4. Mosquito Protection: 👉 Mosquitoes abundant at West Lake and Prince Bay, bring repellent/wear long pants. 5. Food: 👉 Night market must-eats: Hefang Street Dingsheng Cake 5 yuan each, Longxiang Bridge scallion pancakes 10 yuan/pair. 6. Photography: 👉 Capture Leifeng Pagoda and Lake Heart Pavilion in one frame from the octagonal pavilion at West Lake State Guesthouse, shoot cherry blossoms with ancient architecture at Agate Temple.

If you want to have fun at night in Hangzhou Highly recommend the Qiantang River Night Tour City Walk ✔️You can see the natural scenery of Qiantang River and major landmark buildings Big Lotus, Hangzhou Gate, Sun and Moon (Hangzhou International Convention Center and Hangzhou Grand Theater) ✔️Watch a Qianjiang New City Light Show, which lasts 15 minutes and is very shocking 📍Location: City Balcony 🚇Subway: Civic Center Subway Station . Qianjiang New City Light Show: 🕤2 shows per night on Friday and Saturday at 19:30 and 20:30; 1 show per night from Sunday to Thursday at 20:30 Note: This is summer time, one hour later than winter time

Don't know where to go in Hangzhou at night? I suggest you to come here. The night city view with buildings, river, and cruises was so impressive. Moreover in summer, there are many people enjoying this area after the sun sets. So, you can also interact with Hangzhou locals while strolling around the riverside, listening to the buskers' singing, etc. 📍Qiantang River, Hangzhou Entrance Fee : Free 💕 Spend at least 1.5 hours to explore the whole area. #weekendgetaways