2 days in Hangzhou
A realistic day-by-day plan with start times, how long to allow, and travel estimates between stops.
This 2-day plan covers West Lake Boat Ride, Hangzhou Day Trip from Shanghai, Lingyin Temple, Xixi National Wetland Park. It starts around 9am, keeps two main things per day with a proper lunch, and leaves the evening for food or a show. Travel times are estimates from the distance between stops.
Day 1
West Lake Boat Ride & Hangzhou Day Trip from Shanghai
- 09:00
West Lake Boat Ride & Walk
3 h
Rent a bicycle or walk the Su Causeway. Early morning is the most peaceful.
- 12:30
Lunch
Walk a couple of streets away from the main sight – prices drop and quality rises.
- 14:00
↓ About 10 min by metro or taxi
- 19:30
Dinner
Book ahead if you want a specific restaurant, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Day 2
Lingyin Temple & Xixi National Wetland Park
- 09:00
- 12:30
Lunch
Walk a couple of streets away from the main sight – prices drop and quality rises.
- 14:00
↓ About 15 min by metro or taxi
- 19:30
Dinner
Book ahead if you want a specific restaurant, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings.
The route on a map
Pins follow the order of the plan. Click a pin for details.
Best time to visit Hangzhou
The most comfortable months with manageable crowds are Mar, Sep. These are broad seasonal patterns, not forecasts.
- JanCoolCrowds: quiet
- FebCoolCrowds: busy
- MarMildCrowds: busy
- AprWarmCrowds: peak
- MayWarmCrowds: peak
- JunHotCrowds: busy
- JulHotCrowds: busy
- AugHotCrowds: busy
- SepWarmCrowds: busy
- OctMildCrowds: peak
- NovCoolCrowds: peak
- DecCoolCrowds: busy
Best months Peak crowds and harsh weatherBars show how busy it is: taller means more visitors.
2-day Hangzhou questions
Is 2 days enough for Hangzhou?
One to two days. This plan fits the main sights into 2 days at a comfortable pace, with a lunch break each day.
Can I change the order of the days?
Yes. Group days by neighbourhood if your hotel is far from a sight, and swap any day if opening hours (many museums close one day a week) or the weather requires it.
What should I book before I go?
Book Hangzhou Day Trip from Shanghai, Lingyin Temple first – they use timed entry or sell out.



