Back from Hangzhou with the kids, and my budget is blown! I came to this city because of a song.

Hey everyone 👋, is there a song that, like a gentle breeze carrying the soft ripples of West Lake and the Zen of Lingyin Temple, stirs your yearning for this paradise on earth? It was the song "Hangzhou" for me: "The water of Hangzhou, so clear it pierces the eyes, the willows of West Lake, swaying gently, the snow on the Broken Bridge, hides a touch of sorrow, the bells of Lingyin, ringing through the ages, Leifeng Pagoda, overlooking the romantic scene, the tea of Longjing, its fragrance overflowing the heart, the beauty of Hangzhou, lies within the painting, waiting for you to encounter, this poetic Hangzhou." These picturesque and charming lyrics perfectly showcase Hangzhou's unique charm, making me eager to embrace this city. In March, filled with anticipation, I embarked on my Hangzhou journey. Check out my travel guide! 🗺Recommended Itinerary Day1️⃣: West Lake - Broken Bridge - Bai Causeway - Solitary Hill - Yue Fei Temple (Stroll along West Lake in the morning, starting from the Broken Bridge, enjoy the scenery along the Bai Causeway, and experience the spring lake view. In the afternoon, climb Solitary Hill for panoramic views and visit Yue Fei Temple to commemorate the hero.) Day2️⃣: Lingyin Temple - Feilai Peak - Yongfu Temple - Faxi Temple - Hubin Yintai (Visit Lingyin Temple in the morning for blessings, explore the stone carvings of Feilai Peak, and experience the Zen atmosphere. In the afternoon, visit Yongfu Temple and Faxi Temple. In the evening, go to Hubin Yintai for delicious food, shopping, and leisure.) Day3️⃣: Hefang Street - Southern Song Dynasty Imperial Street - Hangzhou Museum - Hu Xueyan's Former Residence (Explore Hefang Street and Southern Song Dynasty Imperial Street in the morning to experience the charm of old Hangzhou. Visit the museum in the afternoon to learn about history. In the evening, visit Hu Xueyan's Former Residence to admire the mansion of a wealthy late Qing Dynasty merchant.) 🌟Must-See Attractions 📍West Lake: From any angle, West Lake resembles a beautiful ink painting. Take a boat tour on the lake, and scenic spots such as Three Pools Mirroring the Moon and Lake Heart Pavilion will come into view one by one. With a gentle breeze and rippling blue waves, every photo is a masterpiece📷. 📍Lingyin Temple: Stepping into the temple, you'll be greeted by the scent of incense, towering ancient trees, and the solemn atmosphere between the yellow walls and black tiles. The Grand Hall and Hall of Heavenly Kings are magnificent. Listening to the echoing bells, it feels as if the hustle and bustle of the world has faded away. 📌Practical Tips 1. Most areas of West Lake are free, but some boat tours charge a fee. You can choose a suitable route for your lake tour. The Broken Bridge and Bai Causeway are crowded, so be sure to keep your belongings safe. Tickets for Yue Fei Temple can be purchased on-site or online. Learning about the historical stories makes the visit more meaningful. 2. The Lingyin Temple ticket includes Feilai Peak. An additional ticket is required to enter the temple. It is recommended to book online in advance, dress respectfully, and maintain a quiet demeanor. Hubin Yintai offers a wide variety of food. Enjoy snacks while shopping, but pay attention to food hygiene. 3. Hefang Street and Southern Song Dynasty Imperial Street are free to visit and offer a rich selection of snacks. You can also find unique souvenirs. The Hangzhou Museum is free but requires advance booking. Tickets for Hu Xueyan's Former Residence can be purchased on-site or online. Admire the details of the ancient architecture. 🍜Local Food Recommendations 🥘Pian Er Chuan: This is Hangzhou's signature noodle dish. Pickled vegetables, bamboo shoots, and noodles are cooked together in a delicious and savory broth. A bowl in the morning is both warming and appetizing👍. 🥮Dingsheng Cake: Shaped like a small pillow, this traditional Hangzhou snack is made of glutinous rice flour with a sweet red bean paste filling. It has a soft and chewy texture with a subtle osmanthus fragrance. 🏨Hotel Accommodation 📍West Lake District: Shangri-La Hotel, Hangzhou. It boasts a prime location by the lake, with some rooms offering stunning lake views. It's extremely convenient for travel and shopping, with spacious and comfortable rooms, complete facilities, and attentive service, allowing you to fully experience the charm of West Lake. 📍Shangcheng District: New Century Grand Hotel Hangzhou. Located in the city center, it offers convenient transportation and is surrounded by various dining and shopping options. After a day of sightseeing, you can quickly return to your room to relax and enjoy a pleasant vacation. It's also convenient for visiting Hefang Street and other attractions. 💖Travel Experience During these three days in March in Hangzhou, I felt immersed in a world of poetic charm and ancient elegance. The beauty of West Lake, the tranquility of Lingyin Temple, and the delicious cuisine captivated me. Humming "Hangzhou" while strolling through the streets, I truly felt the city's allure. Everything here is like an endless poem of the Jiangnan region, a never-ending painting of paradise. I'm looking forward to my next visit to continue exploring this enchanting land of Hangzhou💕.