Hangzhou is one of seven ancient cities in China with a history of more than 2200 years. It was once the capital city in Southern Song Dynasty, today it is not only has incredible natural views, it is also one of the electronic business centers of China and home to e-commerce giant Alibaba.
Its rich human cultural relics and fertile land make it outstanding in China along with its rich West Lake, silk, and tea cultures. A must see destination just one hour from Shanghai by high-speed train.
What you can expect
As this is a private tour, you can choose your desired starting point and time: Typically, your guide will pick you up at your centrally located hotel in Shanghai between 7 and 9 am where you'll head to the high-speed train station.
You'll first relax on the 1-hour train ride at speeds of over 300KPH to the ancient, but modern city of Hangzhou. Along the way you'll see urban Shanghai melt into suburban and then rural areas until arrive in Hangzhou.
Once arriving in Hangzhou, your private car and driver will pick you up (along with your tour guide) to enjoy a short ride to West Lake, the most famous area of Hangzhou. It attracts vast of people from all over the world to visit. You will take a boat ride on the lake. This boat ride is 30 minutes long and you will feel you are riding in heaven, surrounding by many islets. It is a very impressive experience.
After here, if you are not too hungry, continue to visit the beautiful natural scenery--Lingyin Temple, the most influential Buddhist temple in China along with various pagodas and other cultural sites. It is the biggest Buddhist Temple in Southern China, the richest and very solemn.
You'll also stop to experience "Peak Flying From Afar," a massive stone sculpture made from WuDai to Yuan Dynasty. From here you'll enjoy lunch, based on your interests and budget, in the tea plantation or a very famous (and delicious) restaurant. Your guide can help you choose.
After lunch, it is your tea time. Drink the most famous imperial green tea. You will not only learn the history about the Dragon Well Green Tea, but you will also taste it and learn how to make your tea. For sure, you can bring some home.
After that, you'll take the high-speed train to back to Shanghai and be taken back to your hotel.You'll be back at your hotel (or your chosen downtown Shanghai destination) after this 11 hours long tour.
Please don't forget to add your hotel address in Shanghai for a pickup and drop off. You can add the details in the "notes" section when booking.
This tour also requires your passport information, to book the high-speed train ticket. You also need to bring your passport on the day of the tour to get your ticket.
The difference between private tours and join in (group) tours
Private Tour
High quality tour with a more personal experience. Your guide will be available for any questions you have. Furthermore, there is much more flexibility with your itinerary.
Join in (Group) Tour
Mostly more affordable tours that have more inclusions and will allow you to meet new people and make some friends. Check out other joining tours in China here.
