Hangzhou in April: A Treasure Trove of Scenic Beauty, Delicious Food, and Comfortable Accommodation
Recommended Attractions
- West Lake Scenic Area: Stroll along Su Causeway and Bai Causeway, admire the picturesque scenery of West Lake, and take a hand-rowed boat tour to experience the beauty of the lake up close. In April, the peach blossoms, willows, and other lush greenery around the lake create a picturesque landscape.
- Xixi Wetland: In April, Xixi Wetland is home to blooming hydrangeas and the Flower Dynasty Festival, offering breathtaking views.
- Liangzhu Archaeological Ruins Park: Spot deer, rapeseed flowers, cherry blossoms, and numerous ancient ruins amidst beautiful natural scenery, perfect for capturing stunning photos.
- Jing Mountain Flower Sea: Admire a fairyland-like landscape with a variety of flowers, including corn poppies, tulips, and rapeseed flowers.
- Xiang Lake: Navigate to Maya Island or Xiang Lake Big Yellow Duck Paradise to see vast fields of beautiful hydrangeas.
Local Specialties
- Hangzhou Cuisine Representatives: West Lake Fish in Vinegar Gravy, Dongpo Pork, and Crab Stuffed Orange are classic Hangzhou dishes, featuring tender meat and sweet and sour flavors.
- Specialty Noodles: Shrimp and Eel Noodles, with tender eel, springy shrimp, and chewy noodles; and Spicy Sichuan Noodles with Tomato Sauce, a sweet and sour appetizer loved by locals.
- Street Food: Dingsheng Cake, soft, glutinous, and sweet but not greasy; Cong Bao Gui, a savory pancake with fried dough sticks, scallions, and sweet bean sauce; and Wushan Shortening Cake, crispy, fragrant, and melt-in-your-mouth.
Accommodation Recommendations
- Luxury: Amanfayun, located at No. 22 Fayun Lane, West Lake Street, is a Zen tea garden village lost in time; Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake, a garden wonderland hidden in the depths of West Lake, located at No. 5 Lingyin Road.
- Family-friendly: Grand Hyatt Hangzhou, with comfortable family villas and pleasant scenery, located at No. 256 Yuewang Road; Millennium Resort Hangzhou, with well-equipped family rooms, located at No. 15 Jiuxi Road.
- Budget-friendly: Marco Polo Holiday Inn Hangzhou, near Longxiangqiao subway station and the West Lake lakeside shopping district; Zhongshan West Lake Hotel Hangzhou, near Hangzhou Hubin Yintai in77.
Itinerary
- Day 1: West Lake Scenic Area Day Trip. In the morning, take a boat tour to visit Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, then stroll along Su Causeway, enjoying the beautiful scenery on both sides of West Lake. In the afternoon, visit Flower Harbor to watch the fish, and then head to Prince Bay Park to encounter a sea of tulips.
- Day 2: Xixi Wetland—Hefang Street. In the morning, explore Xixi Wetland, experiencing the wetland scenery and the beauty of flowers. In the afternoon, visit Hefang Street to sample local snacks and explore time-honored shops like Hu Qing Yu Tang.
- Day 3: Liangzhu Archaeological Ruins Park—Dadou Road Historical District. In the morning, visit Liangzhu Archaeological Ruins Park to see deer and flower fields. In the afternoon, explore the Dadou Road Historical District, experiencing the charm of the ancient streets, and try the hairpin flower experience at Xiaohe Straight Street.