Day Trip Guide to Hangzhou from Shanghai

Your best day in Hangzhou awaits, where nature, culture, and adventure collide!

Who doesn’t want to trade the Shanghai skyscrapers for a quieter city covered in natural beauty and temples? Yes, we are talking about Hangzhou, a hidden beauty near Shanghai, featuring blue lakes, long stretches of tea plantations, greenery, and ancient temples, setting a vibe straight out of a historical C-drama. A drip trip to Hangzhou isn’t just sightseeing, it's a huge dive into preserved Chinese tradition and beauty, where misty mornings and lotus-lined alleys welcome each guest with open arms. So, whether you are chasing Pinterest-worthy clicks, a peaceful sanctuary, or buildings with centuries-old ancient legends, a day trip from Shanghai to Hangzhou is your best option.

A thousand times, yes! Hangzhou is one of the top destinations to visit from Shanghai when it comes to day trips. Visitors can easily visit Hangzhou through the metro train operating from Shanghai and be back at their home before sunset. This city was once a thriving capital during the times of the Song Dynasty and is one of the best-preserved ancient cities in China. It is also listed among the UNESCO World Heritage sites, thanks to 2200 years of history.

Small Tip: Try to catch an early train to Hangzhou if you want to experience Tai Chi and other activities done by locals by the lake.

The advanced metro system and fast trains make visiting Hangzhou an easy task for anyone, anytime. Visitors simply have to visit Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station and get a ticket to Hangzhou Railway Station. The trip will take only one hour, and if you are a foreign tourist, bring your passport along with you to get the tickets. The best part is that more than 200 bullet trains operate from both of these stations, making this trip very easy and doable.

Although it’s a small city but still many visitors get confused about where and how to start exploring, don’t worry, we are here to guide you from the basics. Start by taking a taxi from the station to the Westlake and try to spend some time there. You can either stroll around, have a picnic, eat a meal, or just sit back and take in the beautiful nature. Then head to Old Town, where you will be welcomed by endless activities.

Hangzhou has both taxi and metro, but since the city is small, walking on foot is preferable, as you can take in the natural beauty, local vibe, and experience beautiful architecture in person.

A train ferry also operates, carrying people around the Westlake, that too for a very cheap amount. So, if you want a bit of a break from walking, grab a ticket for it.

Hangzhou is home to some really good outdoor and indoor activities, which makes it suitable for all sorts of visitors. Here we have gathered a list of top activities to do in Hangzhou, which makes your Hangzhou to Shanghai itinerary memorable and worth it.

Westlake is the most popular landmark in Hangzhou, which naturally makes it a first spot to visit. The lake is surrounded by stunning man-made structures and natural beauty, giving a perfect start to this Shanghai itinerary. The most famous activity here is riding a dragon-shaped boat to the Little Paradise Islands, which costs only 70 RMB per person. If you want privacy, then the lake also has self-rowing boats, so that you can explore the waters as you like.

One of the main reasons for visiting Hangzhou is to experience Chinese culture, where locals practice Tai Chi early in the morning. It is a traditional martial art practiced in the region and is done daily at the Westlake by elders who have been practicing it since childhood. It's their way of socializing and exercising with each other, making it a must-see activity.

Located south of the West Lake, Leifeng Pagoda is an ancient temple which was constructed in 975 AD and was renovated again 100 years ago. At the top of this building, visitors can enjoy 360-degree breathtaking views of Westlake and the city of Hangzhou.

As the day moves towards its end, make your way to the old Town of Hangzhou, a bustling marketplace full of energy and a great vibe. Visitors can do souvenir shopping at local shops, explore historic building that dates back 800 years to the time of the Song Dynasty, or check out traditional Chinese herb shops. Art lovers can enjoy great artworks from local artisans or enjoy Chinese instrumental music being played live. The options here are limitless!

Lougjin village is a popular hiking spot in Hangzhou, where green tea terraces are the highlight and the well-known Dragon Well Tea is grown. It’s the number one stop for nature lovers due to its breathtaking views and natural beauty.

Celebrating the history of Tea culture in China, Hangzhou Tea Museum is a must-visit site. Visitors can enjoy exhibits showcasing the tea culture from the time of Emperor Shennong and how it became a major trade product around the world. There are also sections where visitors are taught tea cultivation, processing methods, and Chinese tea cultures.