What to Do in Zhejiang for a Weekend: The Smart 48 Hours

It's 9 AM and the tour bus crowd is already three deep at West Lake's Broken Bridge. You've got 48 hours in Zhejiang — and you're about to waste them on generic guides. I've been guiding trips here for a decade, so here's my unfiltered take.

What to do in Zhejiang for a weekend? The generic answer is "Hangzhou and Wuzhen," but that misses simple logistics: how to book tickets without a Chinese ID, how to avoid the south shore's midday glare, and why your international card might be useless at a local noodle shop.

So here's my bottom-line advice: Stick to Hangzhou's lake and temple, then pick ONE water town. Carry 200 RMB in cash as a backup. And never, ever book a taxi through the hotel concierge unless you enjoy paying double. Ready? Let's map it out.

What to Do in Zhejiang for a Weekend? The Two-Day Route

This itinerary is built for first-timers who want a taste of classic Zhejiang without feeling like they've run a marathon. You'll cover Hangzhou's must-sees, then venture to one picturesque water town. All timings are flexible — just don't skip the 7 AM start on Day 1.

Day 1: Hangzhou’s West Lake, Temples, and Tea

Start your Day 1 at 7 AM with a bike ride along West Lake’s north shore. The path from Broken Bridge to Bai Causeway is a local morning ritual. Public green bikes are everywhere — download the mobile app for Citibike, but bring your passport for registration. Alternatively, rent from a hotel or street vendor for about 10 RMB per hour. The lake is free, and the air smells like fresh lotus leaves in summer.

At 8:30, grab a taxi or DiDi (China’s Uber) to Lingyin Temple, a 20-minute ride through riverfront traffic. The entrance fee includes both the temple and the Feilai Feng grottoes — about 75 RMB. But here’s a catch: they check ID and require a real passport for entry. I usually book through Trip.com in advance so guests don’t struggle with the WeChat mini-program in Chinese.

The stone Buddhas at Feilai Feng are more impressive up close. Take the path behind the main hall to the Longhong Cave — a tiny grotto many tourists skip. But keep a cautious eye on your pockets; the crowds there are dense even on weekdays.

After a packed morning, I take my groups to the Longjing tea village, a 20-minute drive. Many restaurants serve a family-style lunch with local greens and fried river shrimp. Ask for the set menu — it's usually cheaper than ordering ala carte. Expect to pay between 60 and 100 RMB per person. The tea is pricey, but the free tasters are legit. Buy only if you can watch them roast the leaves in front of you.

For the afternoon, skip the crowds at Hefang Street if you hate shoulder-to-shoulder shopping. Instead, walk the adjacent Southern Song Imperial Street, which has more locals and fewer selfie sticks. It ends at the impressive city wall ruins.

Finish Day 1 with a West Lake night cruise (about 50 RMB). The lights on the Sonnet Stage and Leifeng Pagoda are flashy, but the real charm is the light breeze on your face. Get the 8 PM boat — later boats are less congested.

Day 2: Wuzhen or Beyond — Pick Your Water Town

Your Sunday choice depends on energy: Wuzhen is the polished, tourist-friendly option; Nanxun is rougher but more authentic. If you only have one day, I’d still pick Wuzhen West Scenic Area. It’s meticulously restored, has excellent river views, and the ticketing system works well for foreigners.

Direct buses from Hangzhou East Station to Wuzhen run every half hour from 7 AM to 6 PM, costing around 35 RMB. The ride takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes. Alternatively, hire a private car for around 400 RMB round trip — fine if you split with three travelers.

Wuzhen’s West Scenic Area charges about 150 RMB for admission. That fee covers the entire old town, including the Zhazha shop alleys and the charming canal-side night scenes. Most boats are extra — a group ride is usually 80 RMB per boat, not per person. I always tell my guests to skip the 5 PM motorboat exodus and instead grab a table at a tea house along the north canal. As the sun dips, the lanterns flicker on, and the crowds thin out.

If you need a cheap lunch, hit the corner stall near the Old Post Office — they sell "Wuzhen fish head soup" for a ridiculously low 25 RMB. It’s spicy, but that’s how the locals like it.

Where Should You Stay in Hangzhou for a Short Trip?

If it's your first time, stay within a stone's throw of the West Lake area. The metro lines 1 and 2 make it easy to connect to the train station. I’ve broken down the best options below.

I usually send solo travelers to hostels because they offer instant social connections. The St. Inn has a nice rooftop bar and the staff speaks decent English. For couples, the Moganshan Villa is stunning — but request a room on the second floor, since the ground floor can get a little damp during April rains.

Pro Tip: Book via Trip.com or Booking.com if you’re worried about language. But remember, in China, a direct hotel booking often comes with free upgrades — just call or ask the front desk for a "naked" price.

Eating Like a Local in Zhejiang

You haven’t tasted Zhejiang until you’ve tried the hangzhou-style dumplings shaped like a boat. Skip the tourist chain "Waipoja" (Grandma’s Home) if you’re short on time — there’s always a 30-minute queue. Instead, find a local eatery with a picture menu; the staff will usually guide you to the braised pork (hongshaorou).

Here are three dishes I insist every foreigner try:

• Dongpo Pork: a melt-in-your-mouth square of pork belly, heavily sauced and sweet. Best at any old-school restaurant near the lake. Expect around 40–50 RMB.
• Westlake Vinegar Fish: fresh fish with a sweet and sour glaze that stings a bit. The version at Louwailou is famous but pricey. A local chain like “Xindalu” does it right for half the price.
• Vegetable rice (Cai Fan): a humble dish of rice, preserved meat, and leafy greens. The best in Hangzhou is served at a tiny stall in the Jianqiao area, but any small eatery will have it for 15 RMB.

I always carry a physical card as backup. Many street stalls only accept WeChat Pay or Alipay. But the newer QR code terminals still work with international cards — just scan and pay. If you see a sign saying “Cash Only,” no worries. Just hand over small notes; they'll get change.

How to Handle Payments, Maps & Wi-Fi in Zhejiang

Your Google Maps will lie to you in Zhejiang — the GPS coordinates are often scrambled. I use Apple Maps or AMap Global (it now offers English). For offline navigation, download the map of Hangzhou in advance. Taxi and DiDi drivers rarely understand English; always show the Chinese address. I keep a screenshot of the hotel name in Chinese on my phone.

For payments, you need Alipay or WeChat Pay — there’s no way around it. Link your foreign Visa or Mastercard to the app. Set up the international card before you fly, since account verification takes a day or two. PayPal won’t work. Also, keep 500 RMB in cash for street vendors and small restaurants that don't accept cards.

VPN is non-negotiable. Without it, you’ll be blocked from Gmail, Google Maps, and many booking sites. Purchase a reputable VPN before you arrive, and set up your phone in airplane mode to test it. For offline translation, use Apple Translate offline packs — much faster than typing.

For official visa and entry rules, check the National Immigration Administration for updates. And for train schedules, always refer to the 12306 official site. You can also verify West Lake's UNESCO status on the UNESCO World Heritage Centre.

Weekend in Zhejiang: Your FAQs, Answered

Verified and fact-checked by the editorial team.