One Day in Hangzhou: West Lake, Tea & Temples from Shanghai
Only a short train ride from Shanghai, Hangzhou combines West Lake, Lingyin Temple, Longjing tea and historic streets into an easy city break or day trip.
Asia · China
Hangzhou
Misty lake views, ancient temples, tea fields, and one of the easiest escapes from Shanghai.
Hangzhou offers a slower change of pace from nearby Shanghai, centred around West Lake, temples, gardens, tea fields, and a city that balances historic landscapes with modern life. These guides focus on how to visit efficiently, what is worth prioritising on a short stay or day trip, and the practical transport and timing that make exploring Hangzhou much easier.
Essential planning
- Best time to visit
- Mar–May, Sep–Nov
- How long to stay
- 2–3 days
- Getting around
- Hangzhou Metro, public bikes, Didi
- Airport
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH)
- Airport to center
- Metro connects the airport with central Hangzhou in roughly 45–60 minutes
- Typical daily budget
- €50–€100 / day