Here’s a suggested 4-day itinerary for visiting Wuzhen, Songcheng, and Lingyin Temple:
Day 1: Arrival in Hangzhou
- Arrive at Hangzhou Airport or train station
- Visit the famous West Lake (Xi Hu) to get acclimated to the area
- Take an afternoon stroll along the Qinghefang Ancient Street for a glimpse of old China
Day 2: Wuzhen and Songcheng
- Transfer to Wuzhen, an ancient water town about an hour away from Hangzhou City (you can take a bus or taxi)
- Explore the narrow streets and get lost in the charming atmosphere
- Visit the Wuzhen National Embroidery Experience Center to learn about local craftsmanship
- Head back to Songcheng, another nearby water town with similar charm
Day 3: Lingyin Temple and Hangzhou City
- Take a morning bus or taxi to Hangzhou (about an hour away)
- Visit the famous Lingyin Temple, a Buddhist temple complex that dates back over 1,000 years
- Explore more of Hangzhou’s city center in the afternoon, including the iconic Qiantang River Banks and Wulin Square
Day 4: More Hangzhou Highlights
- Spend the morning exploring West Lake further or visit other nearby attractions like Xixi National Wetland Park
- Head to Qinghefang Ancient Street once again for a farewell stroll
- Depart from Hangzhou Airport or train station in the evening
Other places you can consider visiting while in Hangzhou:
- Xi Hu (West Lake) - take a boat ride, bike around, or simply enjoy the scenery
- Longjing Tea Plantations - see how green tea is grown and maybe even pick some
- China National Silk Museum - learn about silk production throughout Chinese history
- Six Harmonies Pagoda of Hangzhou - an impressive 5-story pagoda with great views
Note: This itinerary assumes you’ll be based in Hangzhou City for the duration. If you have time constraints or prefer to base yourself in Wuzhen, Songcheng can also be a central location.
Feel free to adjust according to your interests and schedule!