Ancient canals, tea-cloaked hills, and the mirror-like West Lake make Hangzhou one of China’s most storied cities—a favored retreat since the Southern Song dynasty. Just beyond, Zhejiang’s river-cut mountains hide rollicking summer rafting runs and quiet bamboo valleys where the air smells of tea and rain.

This 3-day itinerary blends culture and adrenaline: classic Hangzhou sights, a full day of rafting in the nearby highlands, and meals that range from historic Hangzhou cuisine to riverside farmhouse dishes. It’s paced for travelers who want a deep taste of place without rushing.

Practical notes: Zhejiang’s rafting season typically runs May–October (weather dependent). Pack quick-dry clothing, sandals that strap, and a lightweight rain shell. For intercity access, fly into Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH) or arrive by high-speed rail; cashless payments (Alipay/WeChat Pay) are widely accepted, but keep some RMB for rural snacks and taxis.

Hangzhou

Hangzhou is the graceful face of Zhejiang—stone causeways, lotus ponds, and mist that hangs over West Lake at dawn. Yet within 1.5–2 hours, mountain gorges churn with Class II–III rapids that locals flock to each summer. You’ll get both sides of the province in three vivid days.

• Top sights: West Lake (Broken Bridge, Su Causeway), Lingyin Temple, Meijiawu and Longjing tea villages, Xixi National Wetland Park, Leifeng Pagoda, Qinghefang/Hefang Street.
• Outdoor action: Whitewater rafting in the mountains near Hangzhou’s Lin’an District (Daming Mountain) or Tonglu County (Longjing Gorge), plus tranquil pole-boat rides in Xixi Wetland.
• What to eat: Hangzhou cuisine classics—West Lake vinegar fish, Dongpo pork, Longjing-tea shrimp, Pian’erchuan noodles, scallion pancake wrap (Cong Bao Hui).

Where to stay (bookable via our partners): For lake views and easy walking, look in Hubin/Shangcheng. Tea lovers should eye boutique stays near Meijiawu/Longjing villages; families often favor Binjiang or near Hangzhou East Station for transport.

• Search vacation rentals in Hangzhou on VRBO
• Search hotels in Hangzhou on Hotels.com

How to get in and around: Fly into HGH (30–45 minutes to downtown by Metro or ~45–60 minutes by taxi). From Shanghai, the high-speed train takes ~45–60 minutes; from Beijing, ~4.5–6 hours. Buy tickets and check schedules on Trip.com (flights), Trip.com (trains), or compare fares on Kiwi.com. Taxis and ride-hailing work well; Metro covers most urban sights.

Day 1: West Lake Welcome, Temples, and Lakeside Night

Morning: Arrival day—aim to reach your hotel by early afternoon. If you’re in early, grab a light breakfast at Zhiweiguan (知味观) near West Lake for Pian’erchuan noodles and savory rice cakes; for coffee, % Arabica on the lakeside and Manner Coffee outlets nearby pour reliable espresso. Check in and drop bags.

Afternoon: Start at the Su Causeway for willow-lined views, then a rowing boat to Three Pools Mirroring the Moon. Continue to Lingyin Temple, one of China’s oldest Buddhist sites—stroll past Feilai Peak’s grotto carvings before incense-sweet temple halls. If energy allows, ride up Leifeng Pagoda for a golden-hour panorama of the lake.

Evening: Dinner on the lake: Lou Wai Lou (classic Hangzhou cuisine; order West Lake vinegar fish and Longjing-tea shrimp) or Hubin 28 at the Hyatt Regency (refined takes on Dongpo pork and river prawns). After, wander the illuminated Hubin pedestrian streets or, schedule permitting, watch the water-stage spectacle “Enduring Memories of Hangzhou” on West Lake—an atmospheric, music-and-light show. Nightcap: craft tea at Fayun Tea House–style salons near Longjing Village or a final espresso at Seesaw Coffee by the lake.

Day 2: Mountain Rafting Day Trip (Daming Mountain or Tonglu Longjing Gorge)

Morning: Early start with takeaway pastries and latte from Manner Coffee, or a congee set at Zhiweiguan. Depart Hangzhou by 7:30–8:00 a.m. for the mountains:

• Daming Mountain Rafting (Lin’an District): ~1.5–2 hours by car from downtown; seasonal May–Oct. Expect ~2 hours on Class II–III rapids through forested canyon. Bus options run from Hangzhou West Bus Station in peak season (~¥40–60; ~2 hours), then a short taxi to the gate. Rafting packages generally ¥160–¥260 per person (includes helmet, paddle, life vest).
• Longjing Gorge Rafting (Tonglu County): ~1.5–2 hours by car; also May–Oct with similar Class II–III sections and splashy drops. By rail, Hangzhou East → Tonglu Station (~35–45 minutes, ~¥25–¥45), then taxi ~40 minutes to the put-in. Ticket packages ~¥180–¥260.

Afternoon: Safety briefing, gear up (quick-dry clothes + secure sandals; lockers are usually available; bring a dry bag). On-river, expect boulder gardens, short chutes, and calm pools between rapids—excellent for first-timers with a sense of adventure. After the take-out, rinse off and change; scenic-area snack stalls sell bamboo shoot dumplings, grilled river fish, and cold soybean milk.

Evening: Return to Hangzhou. For a relaxed feast, pick one: Grandma’s Home (外婆家) for homestyle Hangzhou dishes (budget-friendly; crowd favorite), Zhang Sheng Ji (张生记) for refined banquets, or Green Tea Restaurant (绿茶) for tea-infused modern plates. If you want a casual street-food stroll, head to Hefang Street for Cong Bao Hui, osmanthus rice cakes, and skewers; finish with a sesame tangyuan dessert. Tip: Book dinner slots if you’re back after 7:30 p.m., especially on weekends.

Rafting notes: Most operators require children above ~1.2–1.4 m height; trips may cancel in heavy rain or high water—check the forecast the night before. Pack a change of clothes and a small towel; leave valuables at the hotel or in lockers.

Day 3: Tea Terraces, Xixi Wetland, and Departure

Morning: Ride to Meijiawu or Longjing Village, where emerald terraces cascade down misty hills. Visit a family-run tea house for a simple tasting and learn to swirl hot water over tender leaves. Brunch nearby at Longjing Caotang (龙井草堂)—order Longjing shrimp, bamboo shoots with ham, and tofu in tea broth; sip a pot of fresh pre-Qingming Longjing if in season.

Afternoon: Head to Xixi National Wetland Park for boardwalks, kingfisher spotting, and a quiet pole-boat glide on mirror-flat canals—the peaceful counterpoint to yesterday’s rapids. Late lunch option inside the park’s village cluster includes farmhouse-set restaurants serving braised duck and lotus-root stir-fries. Swing back to your hotel by 2:30–3:00 p.m. to pick up luggage and depart for the airport or train station.

Evening: If your train/flight is later, fit in a last lakeside coffee at % Arabica or a quick bowl of Pian’erchuan at Zhiweiguan. For gifts, grab vacuum-sealed Longjing tea from reputable shops around Meijiawu—look for light, flat leaves with a chestnut aroma.

Getting tickets and transport: Compare flight options to/from Hangzhou on Trip.com (flights) or Kiwi.com. For high-speed rail (e.g., Shanghai ⇄ Hangzhou; Hangzhou ⇄ Tonglu), use Trip.com (trains). Typical fares: Shanghai ⇄ Hangzhou ¥80–¥120 (45–60 min); Hangzhou ⇄ Tonglu ¥25–¥45 (35–45 min).

Where to book your stay: Browse lakeside hotels, tea-village boutiques, and family-sized apartments here: VRBO Hangzhou | Hotels.com Hangzhou.

This 3-day Zhejiang plan delivers West Lake poise, temple quiet, and a blast of whitewater in the green folds behind the city. You’ll leave with tea on your tongue, river spray in your memory, and a clear map for returning to explore deeper canyons and quieter villages.