Hangzhou is an exciting destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Hangzhou?
A typical traveler spends $80 (¥568) per day on a trip to Hangzhou. This is the average daily price for a vacation in Hangzhou based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $31 (¥223) on meals
- $8.24 (¥59) on local transportation
- $47 (¥336) on hotels
A one-week trip to Hangzhou for two people costs, on average, $1,115 (¥7,952). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$557
¥3,976
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$1,115
¥7,952
-
One Month
Per person
$2,389
¥17,040
-
One Week
For a couple
$1,115
¥7,952
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$2,229
¥15,904
-
One Month
For a couple
$4,777
¥34,080
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Hangzhou cost?
A one week trip to Hangzhou usually costs around $557 (¥3,976) for one person and $1,115 (¥7,952) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Hangzhou on average costs around $1,115 (¥7,952) for one person and $2,229 (¥15,904) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Hangzhou will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Hangzhou on average costs around $2,389 (¥17,040) for one person and $4,777 (¥34,080) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Hangzhou expensive to visit?
In Hangzhou, budget travelers spend $34 (¥247) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $79 (¥568) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $154 (¥1,106) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Hangzhou.
Hangzhou is a smaller destination that attracts a range of visitors, each with distinct travel styles, spending habits, and budgetary requirements. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
You may find Hangzhou to be expensive in some places, but there are ways to keep your budget in check, like looking for discounts and coupons.
Within Asia, Hangzhou is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Zhangjiajie or Cebu.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Hangzhou Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Hangzhou?
The average Hangzhou trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Hangzhou travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Hangzhou cost?
Hangzhou on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$10
(¥73)
|
$24
(¥168)
|
$47
(¥333)
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$4
(¥26)
|
$8
(¥59)
|
$15
(¥105)
|
|
Food2
|
$13
(¥95)
|
$31
(¥223)
|
$64
(¥456)
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$9
(¥63)
|
$20
(¥145)
|
$39
(¥277)
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$2-7
(¥16-49)
|
$5-16
(¥37-111)
|
$10-30
(¥71-213)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Setting realistic expectations for your travel budget is important. Many people think they can visit Hangzhou on a tight budget, but most travelers aren't comfortable with a low "shoestring" budget. Think about what you enjoy during your vacations and how you typically travel. Do you prefer resorts, vacation rentals, or hostels? Do you want to visit museums, sights, and participate in activities? Is dining out a priority? These factors will shape both your budget and your itinerary.
Who Exactly is a Budget Traveler?
You might think that you're a budget traveler. But unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a lot more than the daily average of $34 that backpackers often get by on.
Young backpackers often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.
Fortunately, you can find plenty of hostels in Hangzhou, including Hangzhou Hofang International Youth Hostel, Hangzhou Desti Youth Park Hostel West Lake, and Hangzhou Wulin International City Camps Hostel. These hostels offer inexpensive dorm lodging and a lively social scene, but amenities are often minimal.
Is Your Travel Style Average?
Couples and families on a fun trip will likely choose a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at popular dining spots, and visit significant museums and attractions that have entry fees. Most guests in Hangzhou will want to take in the essential attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. After all, most activities are not free. So, it's realistic to expect your actual daily budget to be about $79 per person, per day.
Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?
If you're used to premier amenities and elevated service, prepare to spend about $154 per day. Choosing comfortable hotels, dining at award-winning establishments, indulging in extravagant excursions, and relying on taxis or private drivers to explore the destination will demand a higher price range. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Jack HangZhou Private Tour - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Hangzhou
The hotel prices in Hangzhou might surprise you. Some places charge much more for added luxury and amenities, especially during peak season. In the off-season, a room averages $, but during peak season, expect to pay around $. Prices vary from $ to $, but hostels are often cheaper. Booking in advance and traveling during the low season can help save you money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Hangzhou for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $47 (¥336). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $24 (¥168) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Hangzhou? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
By skipping and traveling during the low or shoulder season, you'll enjoy lower accommodation rates and fewer crowds.
Transportation Budget in Hangzhou
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $8.24 (¥59) per person, per day, on local transportation in Hangzhou. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Hangzhou is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$8.24
¥59
The nearest airport is Xiaoshan International Airport located about 17 miles (27km) from the downtown. It mainly serves Hangzhou and nearby cities like Huzhou, Shaoxing, Jiaxing, and Zhuji. Besides Hong Kong, Macau and Taipei, the international destinations include Singapore, Souel, Amsterdam, Pattaya, Phuket Island, Osaka, Tokyo, and Chiengmai. Domestic air routes to and from Beijing, Chengdu, Jiuzhaigou, Guangzhou, Guilin, Xian, Kunming, Lhasa, and Xiamen are also available.
By train, there are three railways stations in the city: Hangzhou Railway Station, East Railway Station, and South Railway Station. High speed lines to and from Shanghai, Nanjing, Ningbo, and Changsha transport the most passengers.
Long distance bus stations include Passenger Transport Central Station (Jiubao Passenger Transport Center), West Bus Station, North Bus Station, South Bus Station and Hangzhou East Railway Highway Bus Station. There is also a city bus system that includes downtown lines, suburban lines, night lines, and Bus Rapid Transit routes.
Bicycle rentals and taxis are also available.
A few of the typical transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Enduring Memories of Hangzhou West Lake Show VIP Ticket with Private Transfer for $128 details
- Wuzhen Water Town Self-Guided Tour with Private Transfer from Hangzhou for $87 details
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Area for $29 details
How much does it cost to go to Hangzhou? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Hangzhou will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Listed below are some transit expenses in Hangzhou, taken from reports by other travelers. These costs offer a snapshot of transportation prices in the city to give you an idea of what to expect. Keep in mind that your costs may differ, especially if you opt for more expensive options like taxis, which typically cost more than public transportation.
Food Budget in Hangzhou
Cuisine is one of the main reasons people travel, so don't miss out on the local fare.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Hangzhou can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Hangzhou is $31 (¥223) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$31
¥223
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Hangzhou is around $31 (¥223) per person, with previous travelers spending from $13 to $64. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Hangzhou are as follows:
- Breakfast: $3 to $9
- Lunch: $5 to $12
- Dinner: $9 to $22
- Coffee: $2
- Fast Food or Street Food: $5
Though the Hangzhou dining scene consists of a mix of local cuisine, western fare, and eats from other parts of China there are some specialties native to the people of Hangzhou. Some of these include West Lake Fish in Vinegar Gravy, Braised Dong Po Pork, Beggar's Chicken, and Fried Shrimps with Long Jing Tea Leaves. Hangzhou also boasts a variety of local snacks like steamed stuffed buns, noodles with seafood, shrimp wontons, and smoked fish. Snack Streets are very popular for visitors to frequent, the most famous being He Fang Jie (Qing He Fang). Not only does this street feature some of the best ethnic food, but also teahouses, restaurants, antiques, and handicrafts. Some other great sources for dining include Hedong Road Snack Street, Jingzhou Road Snack Street, Gaoyin Street, Jin Jiang Seafood Snack Street, and Baochu Road Snack Street.
Many accommodations throw in breakfast at no extra cost, though others might charge you for it. The price and quality can greatly vary by hotel. Knowing this in advance can help you figure out if you need to spend more money. You might find the hotel's buffet is worth it, or you may prefer to grab a cheaper bite at a local bakery or cafe.
Opt for a reusable water bottle to avoid buying drinks everywhere. It's beneficial for the earth as well.
Before you head out on a tour, be sure to find out which meals are included. You could end up paying for some meals out of pocket, which can impact your budget.
If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in Hangzhou, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:
- All Inclusive Night Tour with Impression West Lake Show VIP Ticket and Dinner for $117 details
- Private Amazing Hangzhou Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner Option for $170 details
- Hangzhou One Day Local Food Tour for $124 details
Listed below are typical food prices in Hangzhou, based on the actual spending of previous travelers. These figures provide an estimate of what you might expect to pay for meals. However, your personal expenses will depend on your dining preferences, the restaurants you choose, and what you decide to order.
-
Breakfast Pastries
¥17
-
Pizza Hut Lunch
¥79
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Hangzhou
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Hangzhou typically cost an average of $20 (¥145) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$20
¥145
The big eye-catcher of Hangzhou is, by far, West Lake. Covering an area of about 2.5 square miles, the lake is surrounded by mountains on three sides. Because of its beauty and grandeur, West Lake has become a setting for many local legends. Whether you choose to watch the autumn moon glimmer on its surface, look for orioles singing in the willows, view fish in the flower pond, or appreciate its snow-covered bridges in winter, West Lake is a backdrop of natural beauty from all kinds of perspectives. The mountains add to the allure on a misty day, while surrounding structures like the The Leifeng Pagoda pay homage to the region's historical merit. From the top of the pagoda, visitors can capture a panoramic view of the lake below. The lake and its neighboring park areas are also host to shows and performances like the Impression West Lake Show in the Yuehu Lake Scenic Area, showcasing ancient folklore through dance and music.
Beyond shopping, dining, and sight-seeing, Hangzhou is a city of culture and history. The Six Harmonies Pagoda, Grand Canal, and Tomb of General Yue Fei are just a few more of the city's most popular attractions. All three are located within the vicinity of West Lake, surrounded by the beauty of mountains and waterways. One could also spend an entire week of exploring museums with the collections that Hangzhou has to offer. Some of these include the China National Silk Museum, National Tea Museum, Southern Song Dynasty Kiln Museum, Traditional Chinese Medicine Museum, and the Zhejiang Provincial Museum. If that doesn't satisfy your cultural palette, there are many traditional villages throughout the region that put on cultural performances, serve local cuisine, and sell ethnic handicrafts. The Hengdian World Studios is also a neat place to see as it is the largest film studio in Asia, and the largest film and television series theme park in China.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Hangzhou. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Flexible Hangzhou Private Tour from Shanghai by Bullet Train for $276 details
- Half-Day Flexible Private Hangzhou Highlight Tour for $146 details
- Zuiyi Hangzhou Impression West Lake Show Ticket for $75 details
Nightlife Budget in Hangzhou
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $10 (¥74) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Hangzhou per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$10
¥74
The nightlife is always tempting, but cutting down on drinks is an effective way to manage your travel spending.
Travel cost data last updated: Aug 10, 2025
Traveling in Hangzhou
Hangzhou, China
Hangzhou is a city in Eastern China, about an hour by train from Shanghai, renowned for its historic relics and natural beauty. Each year it attracts more than 20 million tourists who come to see what the city has to offer. Set amongst the natural scenery of lakes and mountains, Hangzhou is modern city that coexists with the old. Historic pagodas and cultural sites built around the central lake sit like they belong amidst the skyscrapers and bustling markets of today.
Neighborhoods & Around
The city itself is a hub for shopping and dining. It has become a commercial center with markets selling specialties like silks and satins, Hangzhou Longjing Tea (Dragon Well Tea), and other local handicrafts like parasols and fans. Qinghefang Street, one of the most famous historic streets in the city, reflects features of the Southern Song Dynasty with preserved buildings as a backdrop for the bustling atmosphere. The true commercial center, however, lies along Yanan Road which is home to many public buildings, mansions, theatres, department stores, and restaurants.
As far as cultural neighborhoods go, there are many ancient villages dotted throughout the region. Wuzhen Water Town, for example, boasts more than six thousand years of history and has always been a fertile land with abundant rice, fish and silk. 50 miles from the city, Wuzhen is set amongst picturesque scenery of wandering rivers. The charming town also has many shops, museums, and restaurants. Xitang Water Town is another famous village with a long history and cultural charm.
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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.