Spring has arrived, and the willow catkins are floating by West Lake, making it a perfect time for travel. For college students on a tight budget, Hangzhou not only boasts beautiful scenery but also numerous cultural relics and an affordable cost of living. So, how can we spend an unforgettable two days and one night in Hangzhou on a limited budget? Follow our footsteps and explore this budget travel journey in Hangzhou!
**I. Itinerary Planning**
**Day One: West Lake and Southern Song Dynasty Royal Street**
**Morning**: Arrive in Hangzhou by high-speed train or bullet train, and choose an economical hotel or youth hostel near West Lake as your base. After a short rest, head to the West Lake scenic area.
**Morning**: Stroll along Su Causeway in the early spring, enjoying the beautiful views of West Lake. As you walk along Su Causeway, you can appreciate the charm of the lake and mountains, and along the way, you can also taste some local snacks by the lake.
**Noon**: Dine at a nearby restaurant to savor local delicacies such as West Lake vinegar fish and Longjing shrimp. Remember to choose restaurants with good value for money to avoid unnecessary expenses.
**Afternoon**: Visit Southern Song Dynasty Royal Street to experience the historical culture of the ancient capital. Here, you can buy some souvenirs like silk and tea as mementos.
**Evening**: Enjoy local snacks on Southern Song Dynasty Royal Street, such as stinky tofu and sugar fire cakes. At the same time, you can explore the night market and feel the vibrant nightlife of Hangzhou.
**Day Two: Lingyin Temple and Song City**
Morning: Wake up early and head to Lingyin Temple to experience the tranquility and solemnity of Buddhist culture. Here, you can visit temples and appreciate the charm of Buddhist art.
Morning: Visit Feilai Peak to appreciate the perfect combination of nature and humanity. Walking along the mountain road, you can enjoy a unique view of Hiraifeng.
Noon: Taste the local specialty vegetarian food at a restaurant near Lingyin Temple to experience the freshness and health of vegetarian culture.
Afternoon: Go to Song City to feel the customs of the Song Dynasty. Here, you can watch the live performance “Song City Eternal Love” and appreciate the charm of Song Dynasty culture.
Evening: At the end of the two-day journey, return to the hotel to pack your luggage. If you have time left, you can take a walk by the West Lake and feel the night and tranquility of the West Lake.
Tips
1. Plan your itinerary well in advance and know the opening hours and ticket prices of attractions so that you can plan your time and budget wisely.
2. Taking public transportation is a great way to save money. Hangzhou has a well-developed subway and bus network, which makes it easy to reach various attractions.
3. In terms of accommodation, if you choose a budget hotel or youth hostel, you can compare prices and reviews on major booking platforms in advance to find a cost-effective place to stay.
4. When it comes to dining, try local snacks and specialties to not only save money but also experience the local food culture.
5. Carry some common medicines and first aid supplies with you in case you need them.
Hangzhou, this beautiful city is waiting for us to explore. As university students, we have unlimited passions and dreams. In the process of traveling on a budget, we can not only enjoy the beautiful scenery and experience the local culture, but also exercise our ability and courage. So, this spring, you might as well pack your bags and start this two-day and one-night trip with your friends! Let the footsteps of youth stay on the shore of West Lake and leave unforgettable memories.
