Best things to do
- Walk a quieter stretch of West Lake
- Visit tea-growing areas outside the center
- Balance temples with time by the water
How long to stay and when to go
2–3 days is a useful starting point. Consider spring & autumn for your first plan, then check the weather for your exact dates. Public holidays can change crowd levels and availability.
Getting around
Keep a lakeside morning free and save a separate half day for tea country. Hangzhou can be a short stay or an extension to a Shanghai itinerary.
Where to stay
A West Lake base suits walkers. A station-area hotel may help with an early train but can add travel time to your sightseeing.
What to budget for
Budget separately for your hotel, intercity travel, local transport, meals, attraction admissions and optional guiding. Private transport and guides are often priced for the group, while admission tickets are usually per traveler. Request a dated, itemized quote: hotel category, season and group size make a single city-wide price misleading.
A suggested itinerary
Day 1: West Lake and nearby lanes. Day 2: tea country and a temple visit. Day 3: a relaxed lake walk before departure.
These are planning suggestions, not a fixed departure or confirmed booking. Attraction opening times, ticket availability and transport schedules should be checked before paying.