While West Lake is undoubtedly the calling card of Hangzhou, the city offers far more than just the lake, Lingyin Temple, and its tea plantations. By extending your travel radius—whether by five, ten, or even a hundred kilometers beyond the lakeside area—you can uncover deeper layers of Hangzhou’s culture. This guide explores what you can discover in and around Hangzhou when traveling by private car, taking you well beyond the typical tourist attractions.
I. Beyond West Lake: Eight Distinctive Attractions Worth a Special Trip
1. Xixi National Wetland Park
Located just about 5 kilometers from West Lake, Xixi feels like another world—a place of crisscrossing waterways and vast reed beds, where traditional sculled boats navigate narrow channels and egrets glide past the bow. It is an ideal spot for a boat tour.
How to explore by chartered vehicle: Xixi National Wetland Park has multiple entrances and a vast layout. Public transport typically drops you off at one of the outer gates, from which it is a long walk to reach the piers. A chartered vehicle, however, can take you directly to the Zhoujia Village Pier or the Fu Causeway Pier—the primary boarding points for traditional sculling boats—both of which have parking facilities nearby.
How to play
In Xixi, taking a boat is far more important than walking. Walking only allows you to see the banks, whereas a boat can carry you deep into the wetland’s network of waterways.
Electric Boats (Recommended for first-time visitors, those with limited time, or travelers accompanied by elderly family members or children.)
Oar-Powered Wooden Boats (Recommended for couples, families, and those looking to capture the "quintessential Jiangnan" aesthetic.): These are traditional, human-powered wooden boats that drift leisurely through narrow waterways; the boatwomen may occasionally sing folk tunes in the local Wu dialect. (The route from Zhoujia Village to Qiuxue Nunnery is highly recommended—it is less crowded, lined with dense reed beds, and offers the most evocative atmosphere.)
Practical Information: Some areas of Hangzhou Xixi National Wetland Park are free to enter, while others require an admission fee (80 RMB per person).
2. Misty Trees at Nine Streams (Jiuxi Yanshu)
A stream flows down from the direction of Longjing Village, winding through tea plantations, maple trees, and stone-paved paths; shaded by trees for nearly its entire course, it feels several degrees cooler here in the summer than it does in the city.
How to explore via chartered car: Jiuxi is a route, not a single destination. If you take a regular taxi, you’ll have to get off at either the start or the end of the trail—meaning you’d eventually have to retrace your steps to retrieve your vehicle, which really dampens the experience. With a chartered car, however, the driver can drop you off at the entrance near Longjing Village; you can then hike downhill unencumbered, while the driver waits for you at the exit of the Jiuxi area. Once you finish the full route, you simply hop into the car and head off—no need to turn back.
How to play：The least strenuous approach is the downhill route: entering via Longjing Village and exiting at the Jiuxi bus stop.
Best seasons: Summer (June–September) is perfect for wading in the water to escape the heat; mid-November brings the peak of the red maples, showcasing the most vibrant colors of the year in Jiuxi; spring offers a soothing, fresh green landscape across the tea plantations.
3. Thousand Island Lake
The quintessential experience at Thousand Island Lake (Qiandao Lake) is taking a boat out onto a vast expanse of water dotted with countless islands. For first-time visitors, the central lake area is the best place to start; boat tours typically connect key islands such as Meifeng Island—where you can ascend to a vantage point for a panoramic view of the archipelago—and Moonlight Island.
How to explore by chartered car: Among the destinations on this list, Qiandao Lake is the one that most warrants hiring a car. While it is accessible by high-speed rail, getting from Qiandao Lake Station to the lakeside piers—and subsequently traveling between the various islands—can be quite a hassle. In contrast, a chartered car service offers a seamless, end-to-end experience: you are picked up from your hotel, taken directly to the pier, and after your boat tour, your driver will be waiting to take you back to Hangzhou.
A one-day trip to Qiandao Lake requires a firm commitment of time; it is not worth attempting if you only have half a day. However, if you have a full day to spare, it stands out as one of the best natural attractions to visit outside of Hangzhou.
4. Faxi Temple
With its yellow walls and omamori (amulets), Faxi Temple has become a go-to "prayer destination" for young people—and, in recent years, the most talked-about temple in Hangzhou. Its charm lies not in grandeur, but in an inviting religious atmosphere that resonates with the younger generation.
How to explore by chartered car: Faxi Temple and Lingyin Temple are both located in the Tianzhu Road area, but there is no direct public transport between them, and walking the distance can be quite a trek. A chartered car allows you to combine both temples into a single, seamless itinerary: you can visit Lingyin Temple in the morning to beat the initial crowds, and then have your driver take you to Faxi Temple in just a few minutes—saving you the time and effort of waiting for transport or walking between the two sites.
How to visit: Admission is 10 yuan, and you receive three sticks of incense upon entry. It is recommended to take your time walking up the steps, spend some time around the Yuantong Treasure Hall (Main Hall), and then browse the amulets and charms at the temple’s gift shop. The vegetarian meals served within the temple are affordably priced and make for a simple, convenient meal.
A quick tip: Both Faxi Temple and Lingyin Temple are located in the valley to the west of West Lake. If you hire a car, you can easily visit both in a single half-day, as the drive between them is quite short.
5. Songcheng
Songcheng is a theme park centered around its grand-scale performance, "The Song Dynasty Eternal Love." Even without prior knowledge of Chinese history, one can easily follow the visual storytelling. The park itself is designed to resemble a Song Dynasty-era town, making it a perfect spot for taking photos and enjoying a leisurely stroll with plenty of food options.
How to make the most of a chartered car: The main drawback at Songcheng is the post-show exit. When the 19:30 performance ends, a massive crowd pours out all at once, and the wait for a taxi can sometimes be even longer than the show itself. With a chartered car, your driver will be waiting in the parking lot before the performance concludes; you can hop straight into the vehicle upon exiting. On the way back to your hotel, you can even make a quick stop at the Liuhe Pagoda or along the banks of the Qiantang River to take in the night scenery.
How to Visit
When purchasing tickets, opt for the package that includes both park admission and the "Romance of the Song Dynasty" (*Songcheng Qianguqing*) show. Adult tickets start at approximately 320 RMB; VIP seats offer a better view but come at a higher price. There are multiple showtimes throughout the day. If you only plan to watch the performance and stroll along the main street, 2.5 to 3 hours is sufficient; if you wish to catch various street performances or take your time with photography, you might want to set aside up to 4 hours.
Ideal for: Visitors who enjoy stage performances, those traveling with children, or anyone looking to include an evening activity in their itinerary that requires no walking—simply sit back and enjoy.
6. Xiaohe Straight Street
If Qinghefang is a "commercial street with a Song-dynasty aesthetic designed for tourists," then Xiaohe Zhijie is an "old canal-side street where the locals themselves go for a stroll." It retains its traditional layout—a canal flanked by two streets—complete with bluestone-paved paths, historic timber-framed residences, and old canal wharves, all still inhabited by original local residents.
How to explore via chartered car: It is best to visit Xiaohe Straight Street and the Grand Canal (Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal) on the same day. A smooth itinerary using a chartered car would be: have your driver drop you off at Wulinmen Pier, then take Water Bus Line 1 (the fare is only 3 yuan; the trip takes about 30–40 minutes) along the canal to Gongchen Bridge. From there, walk through the Qiaoxi Historical District and continue on foot at a leisurely pace until you reach Xiaohe Straight Street.
How to visit: The best time to go is between 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM. You can explore by taking a water bus or by enjoying a leisurely stroll along the canal-side paths.
7. Nanxun Ancient Town
Nanxun is one of the six great ancient water towns in the Jiangnan region, yet it possesses a character distinct from the others. Here, the historic town districts and the "Baijianlou" (Hundred-Room Buildings) residential complex are open to the public free of charge all day, offering a glimpse of authentic scenes—small bridges over flowing water and the everyday lives of the local residents.
How to make the most of a chartered car: Reaching Nanxun via public transport requires a high-speed train followed by a bus or taxi—a rather inconvenient process if you are traveling with luggage or as a family. Hiring a car for a round-trip day excursion is the most hassle-free option.
How to Visit
Exploring the neighborhood, taking photos, and strolling along the river are all free of charge. If you wish to visit the five key historical sites—including Xiaolian Zhuang, the Jiaye Library, and the Former Residence of Zhang Shiming—you can purchase a combined ticket online for approximately 80 yuan. You can also charter a traditional sculling boat for about 160 yuan (seating up to 8 people); a night cruise offers a particularly wonderful atmosphere.
A note on hiring a car: Nanxun is best suited as a full-day destination; it is not advisable to pack too many Hangzhou attractions into the same day.
8. Zhejiang Museum(Zhijiang Pavilion)
For foreign visitors, the Zhijiang Branch of the Zhejiang Museum is the place to establish a "cultural frame of reference for Zhejiang" in the shortest possible time.
How to explore with a chartered car: If your primary goal is to see the exhibitions, have your driver take you directly to the Zhijiang branch, and then pick you up once you’ve finished. Parking at the Zhijiang branch is convenient; simply set your navigation to "Zhijiang Cultural Center" (Zhijiang Wenhua Zhongxin). The underground parking garage has a clearly marked section for the museum (Zone A, color-coded pink).
How to Visit
Admission is free. For the Zhijiang Pavilion, however, you must book a visit in advance via the "Zhejiang Provincial Museum" (浙江省博物馆) WeChat official account. Opening hours are Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00–17:00 (last entry at 16:30); the museum is closed on Mondays.
II. Suggested One-Day Chartered Car Itineraries
Route A: Nature and the Fragrance of Tea Beyond the Classics
West Lake (a brief morning stop) → Longjing Village (tea plantations and lunch) → Jiuxi Yanshu (a downhill hike) → Faxi Temple (amulets and iconic yellow walls)
Ideal for: First-time visitors to Hangzhou who have already seen West Lake—or wish to avoid spending the entire day in its crowded areas—and would like to experience the essence of Hangzhou—tea, streams, and temples—all in a single day.
Route B: The "Water Route" – Wetlands and Canals
Xixi National Wetland Park (electric boat or traditional sculling boat; 2.5–3 hours) → Xiaohe Straight Street (afternoon tea and a stroll through a historic canal-side neighborhood) → Grand Canal (water bus or an evening boat cruise)
Ideal for: International visitors who enjoy water, boats, historic streets, and a leisurely pace, and who prefer to avoid mountain climbing or long-distance walking. This route is also a great choice for rainy days or during periods of high heat.
Route C: A Concentrated Cultural Experience
Zhejiang Provincial Museum (Zhijiang Branch) — featuring a "trio" of highlights (2-hour visit) → Songcheng (afternoon performance of The Eternal Love of the Song Dynasty + Song-dynasty-style streets)
Best for: Visitors looking to enjoy both historical culture and stage entertainment within a single afternoon-to-evening timeframe; also ideal for families traveling with teenagers.
Route D: A Day Trip Beyond the City – Twilight in the Water Town of Nanxun
Depart from Hangzhou → Nanxun Ancient Town (arrive around midday; visit the Small Lotus Villa, the Library, and the Former Residence of Zhang Shiming) → Sunset at the "Hundred-Room Buildings" (Baijianlou) → Return to Hangzhou (optional stop at Xiaohe Straight Street for dinner).
Best for: Travelers who have already explored the main attractions in downtown Hangzhou and are keen to spend a full day in an authentic Jiangnan water town—specifically those who value architecture and history over mere photo opportunities.
Route E: A Day Trip Out of the City – Thousand Island Lake (Qiandao Lake) Cruise
Depart from Hangzhou → Arrive at the Central Lake Area Pier of Thousand Island Lake → Take a cruise to visit Meifeng Island and Moonlight Island → Return to Hangzhou
Best for: Travelers who have a full day to spare, enjoy expansive natural scenery, and don’t mind a longer drive. It is not recommended to schedule this for the final day of your trip, as it could lead to unnecessary stress when trying to catch a flight or high-speed train.
If you are interested in the itinerary above, please feel free to contact us at RideCN—we would be happy to assist you.
Some recommended routes:
Hangzhou Lingyin Temple West Lake Private Day Tour
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