West Lake, Hangzhou

With its inviting views and outstanding scenery, Hangzhou is one of the leading tourist destinations in all of China. It is a city rich with history and was once the capital of China in the 12th Century. After a 3-hour drive, you will first cruise across the West Lake to view unforgettable scenery such as the Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, the Bai Causeway and Solitary Hill. After a traditional Chinese lunch, you will visit Guo’s Villa, one of the best traditional private gardens in the city. Hangzhou is also famous for its Dragon Well tea and you can discover the history of Chinese tea and the traditional tea ceremony on a visit to the Meijiawu Tea Village. Before returning to Shanghai, you will enjoy a drive along the Qiantang River where you can view the Liuhe Pagoda, also known as the Six Harmonies Pagoda. On this tour, you can immerse yourself in the history of Shanghai with the assistance of your own personal guide.

Meet your guide upon pick-up at around 9:30 AM in downtown Hangzhou. Then visit West Lake, which was awarded as an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011 because it reflects "an ideal fusion of humans and nature." Take a boat cruise to fully experience the serenity and beautiful nature of West Lake. Next visit Guo's Classic Garden, considered to be the best existing traditional private garden in Hangzhou and a great place to relax and revel in the beauty of Song-era tea houses and pavilions.  Enjoy your lunch at a local Chinese restaurant and then experience a culinary adventure in a tea farmer’s house. The most delicious part of your day will be the meal of your choice served family style and enjoy the beautiful tea village while eating. Continue to Meijiawu green tea plantation and village, the origin place of the most famous variety of green tea, Longjing, with beautiful natural scenery. There are many tea houses in the tea village and you will have a chance to sample local tea. You can also learn how the farmer produce the tea. Later, explore Bamboo Lined Path at Yunqi, which is a 1 kilometer stone-paved path that cuts through a dense bamboo forest all the way to Yunqi Valley, which is an ideal and quiet place to get away from the crowds for you to relax. Your final stop is Qinghefang Old Street, a good place to experience the lifestyle of old Hangzhou since it is the epitome of historic Hangzhou. You can see well-preserved old buildings, explore interesting boutiques and shop for unique souvenirs. At around 5:00 PM, when the tour is concluded, you will dropped off again at Hangzhou Train Station or your hotel in Hangzhou.