Travel to Xiaoshan District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang

Xiaoshan District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang — a historically and culturally significant city on the south bank of the Qiantang River, featuring iconic attractions such as Xianghu Lake, Hangzhou Paradise, and the Kuahuqiao Ruins. Experience the perfect blend of history and modernity in a 2-day trip.

8000+
Kuahuqiao Culture History (years)
20+
Number of Xianghu Lake Attractions
50+
Number of Rides and Facilities
100+
Types of Specialty Foods
Panoramic view of Xianghu Lake, Xiaoshan, Hangzhou
Xianghu Lake Scenic Area – Landmark of Xiaoshan District
Xianghu Lake in Xiaoshan, Hangzhou is famous for its lake and mountain scenery. As the sister lake of West Lake, it boasts historical and cultural heritage such as the Kuahuqiao Ruins, with beautiful scenery in all four seasons.

Xiaoshan District Two-Day Historical Culture and Leisure Tour

Lake sightseeing, amusement park fun, ruins exploration, cultural experience

Duration
2 Days / 1 Night
Main Destinations
Xianghu Lake, Hangzhou Paradise, Kuahuqiao Ruins, Oriental Cultural Park, Qiantang River Tide Viewing City
Suitable For
Families with children, history and culture enthusiasts, leisure travelers, young people
Budget per Person
¥600-¥1500
01
Xianghu Lake Scenery & Amusement Park Fun
Xianghu Lake Scenic Area · Hangzhou Paradise
Highlights

In the morning, explore Xianghu Lake Scenic Area and enjoy the lake and mountain views. In the afternoon, have fun at Hangzhou Paradise and experience thrilling rides. In the evening, taste Xiaoshan's special cuisine.

Attractions
Xianghu Lake Scenic Area
A provincial-level tourist resort in Zhejiang, known as the sister lake of West Lake. The lake covers approximately 6.1 square kilometers and features historical sites such as Kuahu Bridge and Yuewangcheng Mountain, with charming lake and mountain scenery.
Hangzhou Paradise
A large theme park featuring multiple themed zones such as Adventure Island, Fairy Tale Kingdom, and Lost Jungle. It offers thrilling rides like roller coasters and giant pendulums, perfect for family fun.
Practical Info
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Resort hotels by Xianghu Lake
  • Themed hotels near Hangzhou Paradise
  • Business hotels in Xiaoshan city center
Food Recommendations
  • Xiaoshan Dried Turnip
  • Xianghu Fish Head
  • Sanhuang Chicken
  • Qiantang River Fresh Fish
  • Xiaoshan Glutinous Rice Meatballs
Travel Tips
  • Xianghu Lake is quite large; consider taking a sightseeing bus or boat.
  • Queues at Hangzhou Paradise can be long during peak season; consider purchasing a fast pass.
  • Xianghu Lake offers different boat routes; choose according to your schedule.
  • Remember sun protection and stay hydrated.
02
Cultural Exploration & Qiantang River Tide Watching
Kuahuqiao Site Museum · Oriental Cultural Park · Qiantang River Tide Viewing City
Highlights

In the morning, visit the Kuahuqiao Site Museum to learn about 8,000 years of civilization. At noon, explore the Oriental Cultural Park. In the afternoon, head to the Qiantang River Tide Viewing City to witness the spectacular Qiantang River tidal bore.

Attractions
Kuahuqiao Site Museum
A specialized museum showcasing the Kuahuqiao culture ruins, dating back approximately 8,000 years. It is one of the earliest Neolithic cultural heritage sites discovered in Zhejiang Province, where important artifacts such as a dugout canoe were unearthed.
Oriental Cultural Park
A large garden-style scenic area themed around traditional Chinese culture, integrating Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism. It features attractions such as the Manifestation of Guanyin and the Tai Chi Altar, making it an ideal place to learn about traditional Chinese culture.
Qiantang River Tide Viewing City
An excellent location for watching the Qiantang River tidal bore, with the most spectacular tides around the 18th day of the eighth lunar month. You can witness wonders such as the single-line bore and the returning bore, making it an important tourist attraction in Xiaoshan District.
Practical Info
Transportation Guide
  • Metro Line 1 Xianghu Station reaches Xianghu Lake Scenic Area directly.
  • Buses 716 and 707 reach Hangzhou Paradise.
  • Kuahuqiao Site Museum is located within the Xianghu Lake Scenic Area.
  • Qiantang River Tide Viewing City requires self-driving or chartered car.
Ticket Information
  • Xianghu Lake Scenic Area: Free
  • Hangzhou Paradise: ¥190
  • Kuahuqiao Site Museum: Free
  • Oriental Cultural Park: ¥128
  • Qiantang River Tide Viewing City: Free for tide viewing, paid for observation deck
Travel Tips
  • Check the tide timetable in advance for tide viewing and pay attention to safety.
  • The Oriental Cultural Park is large; consider taking the park's sightseeing bus.
  • Advance reservation is required for the Kuahuqiao Site Museum.
  • Recommended Xiaoshan specialties: dried turnip and Sanhuang chicken.

Must-Try Foods in Xiaoshan District

Xiaoshan Dried Turnip

A traditional Xiaoshan specialty made from high-quality turnips cured using traditional techniques. Crisp and tender, with a balanced salty-sweet flavor, it is an excellent side dish and enjoys the reputation of being one of the "Three Treasures of Xiaoshan".

Xianghu Fish Head

Made with fresh fish heads from Xianghu Lake, paired with tofu, mushrooms and other ingredients, cooked using local traditional methods. The fish is tender and the soup rich, making it a signature dish of the Xianghu area.

Sanhuang Chicken

A signature Xiaoshan poultry product named for its yellow beak, yellow feet and yellow skin. The meat is tender and delicious, commonly served at local banquets.

Glutinous Rice Meatballs

A traditional Xiaoshan snack with soft, chewy outer glutinous rice and flavorful meat filling. The round shape symbolizes reunion and happiness, traditionally served during festive occasions.

Xiaoshan District Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • Spring (Mar-May): Xianghu Lake spring scenery, pleasant weather
  • Summer (Jun-Aug): Water activities at Hangzhou Paradise open
  • Autumn (Sep-Nov): Best season for Qiantang River tide viewing
  • Winter (Dec-Feb): Fewer tourists, ideal for cultural experiences
Must-Do Experiences
  • Xianghu Lake boat tour
  • Hangzhou Paradise roller coaster
  • Visit Kuahuqiao Ruins
  • Watch Qiantang River tidal bore
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: approx. ¥300-500
  • Accommodation: ¥200-800/night
  • Meals: ¥150-300/day
  • Transport: ¥100-200
  • Total: ¥600-1500
FAQ
  • How to get to Xiaoshan District? → Take Metro Line 1 from Hangzhou East Station directly to Xianghu.
  • Best time to watch the Qiantang River tide? → Around the 1st to 5th and 15th to 20th of each lunar month.
  • How much are Xianghu Lake boat tickets? → Varies from ¥50-100 depending on the route.
  • What special souvenirs does Xiaoshan offer? → Xiaoshan dried turnip, Xianghu dried fish, Sanhuang chicken.