Hangzhou in a Day: Ancient Temples, Historic Streets, and River Lights

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by Grace

March 29, 2024 · 1 min read

Hangzhou 1 Day Itinerary

Embark on a one-day journey through Hangzhou, a city where history and modernity blend seamlessly. Begin your adventure at the serene Lingyin Temple, a spiritual sanctuary nestled in the lush forests of the Xihu District. Spend an hour absorbing the tranquility and exploring the ancient architecture that has stood the test of time. Next, immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of Qinghefang Street, a characteristic neighborhood brimming with traditional crafts, local snacks, and a rich cultural heritage. Allocate two hours to meander through this vibrant area, ensuring you soak up the authentic Hangzhou vibe. As dusk falls, cap off your day with a captivating Qiantang River Night Tour. Glide along the waters for an hour, witnessing the city's skyline sparkle against the night sky—a perfect conclusion to your Hangzhou escapade.

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Day 1: Spiritual Serenity and Cultural Charms of Hangzhou

1

Lingyin Temple

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Begin your Hangzhou journey with a tranquil visit to the Lingyin Temple, a sanctuary of peace and spirituality nestled in the Xihu District. As the first stop of the day, allow yourself an hour to immerse in the serene ambiance and explore the ancient Buddhist temple's intricate architecture. Surrounded by lush forest and hidden caves, Lingyin Temple offers a glimpse into China's religious heritage and a moment of reflection amid the sacred statues and rock carvings.

Attraction Info

  • No. 1 Fayun Lane, Lingyin Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-3 hour
  • Open from 6:30am-5:30pm;Open from 6:30am-5:30pm,10:00pm-2:00am during New Year's Eve

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2

Qinghefang Street

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After a morning of tranquility, step into the bustling historical Qinghefang Street, where the past and present of Hangzhou blend seamlessly. Spend a couple of hours wandering through this characteristic neighborhood, which is a treasure trove of traditional crafts, local snacks, and a vibrant atmosphere. The ancient architecture lining the street tells stories of bygone eras, making it a perfect spot for cultural enthusiasts to soak in the city's rich history.

Attraction Info

  • Hangzhou Wushan Square, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou (Hefang Lane)
  • Suggested tour duration: 2-3 hour
  • Open 24 hours

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

JIANG ZHE HUI CHINESE CUISINE
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3

Qiantang River Night Tour

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Conclude your day with the enchanting Qiantang River Night Tour. As the evening unfolds, embark on a magical boat trip that offers a unique perspective of Hangzhou. The one-hour cruise along the Qiantang River allows you to witness the sparkling city lights reflecting on the water, creating a mesmerizing experience. It's the ideal way to end your day, with the gentle river breeze and the panoramic views of Hangzhou's skyline etching a lasting memory.

Attraction Info

  • No. 208, Huancheng North Road, Gongshu District, Hangzhou
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
  • Open from 9:00am-7:20pm

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

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Where to Stay Tonight

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|0.37km from city center
4.7/51213 Reviews
4.7/5Outstanding1213 Reviews
Binjiang Area
Hangzhou
|0.43km from city center

Top Things to Do in Hangzhou-2024

TOP 1
Lingyin Temple
Lingyin Temple
4.7/5 · 17,621 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 1,466 review
Highlights:
Lingyin Temple is a famous ancient Buddhist temple in Hangzhou. It has existed for 1700 years, hidden in the hills and surrounded by a tranquil environment. Due to its huge popularity, there is a constant stream of believers visiting the temple, especially in the early morning of the Lunar New Year's Day. It is said that Lingyin Temple is very auspicious, and Feilai Peak is famous for its relation to folk hero and famous Buddhist monk Jigong. Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty visited Lingyin Temple during his tours down south.
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TOP 2
Hangzhou Songcheng Park
Hangzhou Songcheng Park
4.6/5 · 24,515 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 639 review
Highlights:

Hangzhou Songcheng Park is a prominent theme park in Hangzhou featuring the cultural characteristics of the Song Dynasty. It is located southwest of the West Lake Scenic Area, with Wuyun Mountain to its north. They have antique markets, tea houses, grocery stores, ironsmith shops, and wine shops that illustrate day-to-day life in the Song Dynasty era. You can enjoy Chinese cultural performances like puppet shows and shadow play or get your heart pumping by watching Chinese boxing. You might also encounter fully armored soldiers patrolling the street or hunting down fugitives. All these add up to give you a wonderful sense of traveling back in time. The large-scale musical “Song City: Thousand Years of Love” is a must-see in Songcheng.

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TOP 3
The West Lake
The West Lake
4.7/5 · 30,077 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 7,545 review
Highlights:

West Lake is associated with Hangzhou beauty. It is a beautiful scenery belt. The famous “10 Scenes of West Lake” surround the lake. Walk along the Sudi and Baidi causeway, or row yourself to the "Three Pools Mirroring the Moon" located at the middle of the lake. It is a spot where you can enjoy a complete view of the West Lake on your boat and feel the gentle ambience of Hangzhou. You can also rent a bicycle to ride around the lake and enjoy the freedom of stopping wherever you want for a photo.

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TOP 5
Xixi National Wetland Park
Xixi National Wetland Park
4.6/5 · 17,919 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 946 review
Highlights:
Xixi National Wetland Park is located in the western part of Hangzhou, less than 5km from West Lake. It is known as one of the three "Xi's" along with Xihu (West Lake) and Xiling (the Seal Engravers' Society). The park is the frst and only wetland park in China combining urban life, farming and culture. It is known as the “Kidney of Hangzhou” and provides a variety of water views. A complete tour of the Xixi National Wetland Park should involve a combination of land and river routes.
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* All user reviews in this article have been translated by machine.

* The information above is subject to change at any time. For the latest information, please check the websites of hotels and attractions.

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Hangzhou 1 Day Itinerary