The two days
- Day 1 — West Lake: Walk or bike the Su Causeway at sunrise. Boat to Three Pools Mirroring the Moon (the ¥1 note view). Lunch at Lou Wai Lou for Hangzhou-style fish.
- Day 2 — Tea + temples: Longjing tea village in the hills (Didi 30 min), Lingyin Temple, and the China National Tea Museum. Dinner in Hefang Old Street.
Getting there
- From Shanghai Hongqiao: 45 min on the HSR, ~$10. Trains every 15 minutes.
- From Beijing: 4.5 hrs on the HSR, ~$85. Direct.
- Airport: Hangzhou Xiaoshan has plenty of international flights — a quiet alternative to Shanghai PVG.
Where to stay
- West Lake east shore — walkable to everything. Aman Fayun and Four Seasons both deliver Hangzhou's classic garden-resort feel.
- Wushan Square / Hefang — old-town atmosphere, mid-range hotels.
What to skip
- Songcheng theme park — kitschy reproduction. Real history is in the city.
- Anything labeled "Impression West Lake" — overpriced light show. Sunset at the lake is free.
Pair with
Best done as a 2-day side trip from Shanghai. Or chain Hangzhou → Suzhou → Shanghai for a three-day Yangtze Delta loop on the HSR.