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A local guide from 146 Dadou Road

Begin with the quieter side of Hangzhou.

Our first suggestions are close to home: old lanes, Xiangji Temple, the Grand Canal, and enough time to notice what is happening between the landmarks.

01

A gentle start

A quiet first morning

You do not need to cross the whole city before breakfast. Start close to the homestay and let Hangzhou arrive slowly.

Old lanes. Temple bells. Canal light.
老街、钟声、运河水光。

Walk from 146 Dadou Road

  1. Take a short walk through Dadou Road Historic District while the lanes are still calm.
  2. Visit Xiangji Temple and look back at the old roofs and trees around the square.
  3. Follow the canal for a little longer, or turn back for breakfast and coffee at the homestay.

Take your time

  1. Choose one small destination rather than trying to finish a list of attractions.
  2. Ask your homestay host for a breakfast or coffee recommendation that matches your plans and dietary needs.
  3. Opening hours and restaurant availability can change, so check on the day before setting out.
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02

Everyday Hangzhou

The city by the Grand Canal

West Lake belongs on a first visit, but the Grand Canal shows another side of Hangzhou: slower, local and woven into everyday life.

Start with the water, then follow the old roofs.
从水边出发，沿着老屋檐走。

A local rhythm

  1. Walk from Dadou Road towards the canal and notice the contrast between historic lanes and the modern city beyond.
  2. Pause at a café, a small restaurant or a quiet stretch of the waterfront instead of rushing between landmarks.
  3. Return to the rooftop or shared spaces at dusk when the neighbourhood begins to change colour.

A little farther

  1. Xiaohe Park and the historic streets around the canal can make a good half-day extension.
  2. Ask the front desk to check the current route and opening arrangements before leaving.
  3. For a longer cultural day, consider Liangzhu or the Southern Song Imperial City ruins.
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03

First-time favourites

West Lake and beyond

For a first visit, West Lake is the classic choice. Lingyin Temple deserves more time, especially on busy days.

One day is enough for a beginning, not for all of Hangzhou.
一天可以开始认识杭州，但不够走完杭州。

West Lake

  1. Choose one section of the lake for a walk rather than trying to circle it all.
  2. Cycling, walking and quiet pauses by the water are often more rewarding than collecting viewpoints.
  3. Plan your return journey before sunset if you would like to come back for dinner or the rooftop.

Lingyin Temple

  1. Allow extra time for the journey, queues and the surrounding Feilai Feng area.
  2. Check the latest ticketing, reservation and transport information before you leave.
  3. Your homestay host can help you decide whether it fits better in a morning or a full day.
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04

After dark

A softer night in Hangzhou

The best evening plan depends on the day: a rooftop drink, a canal-side walk, a night show, or a late meal shared with friends.

Leave room for the evening to change its mind.
给夜晚留一点临时改变的空间。

Close to home

  1. Watch the light change over the old roofs from the homestay's rooftop or shared spaces.
  2. Ask about the current food and drink options at Moon & Sixpence before making evening plans.
  3. For a quiet night, return early and let the neighbourhood become still around you.

Going out

  1. Night shows, late-night food and bars can be enjoyable, but schedules, prices and availability change frequently.
  2. Check the official venue or current map listing on the day before buying tickets or setting out.
  3. Keep the homestay address ready to show a driver: 杭州市拱墅区大兜路146号。
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Make it yours

Ask your homestay host what fits your day.

Routes, opening hours and restaurant availability can change. Message us through your booking platform or scan the WeChat contact on the home page before setting out.

Return to the homestay
Traditional rooftops near Xiangji Temple