Classic Private Hangzhou Day Tour

In the morning, your guide and the driver will pick you up from your hotel in downtown Hangzhou and escort you to start this private Hangzhou day tour! Hangzhou was initially introduced to the world by Marco Polo, who described it as the finest and noblest city in the world. His hometown, Venice, is also known for the water town charm, lending credibility to this description.

Let’s first head to Peak Flown From Afar. Despite the height of only 168 meters (551 ft.), its granite rocks were utilized by ancient artists to carve 338 stunning stone Buddha statues, with the youngest one over 700 years old. A highlight is the Laughing Buddha Statue, which holds a big bag in his right hand. Guess what will be inside? Money, food, or pearls? No, it’s something far more valuable, your worries and frustrations, as gazing at him makes you genuinely smile and feel happiness! Surrounded by a circle of Arhat statues, he looks extremely kind and sacred. It’s no wonder scenes from the game “Black Myth: Wukong” were filmed here!

Facing the peak lies the Lingyin Temple, your next destination. With a name literally meaning ‘Soul’s Retreat’, the temple has been enveloped by dense trees, thick mist, and chirping birds for about 1,700 years. Visitors here often light three incense sticks to communicate with the Buddha, each representing essential courses for Buddhist believers: self-discipline, focused meditation to achieve inner peace, and reflection to develop wisdom. Following the spiritual repose, let’s head to Meijiawu Tea Plantation to explore one of Hangzhou’s golden brands, Dragon Well Green Tea. For many Chinese, spring nearly comes with a cup of new tea, which is often harvested in the first few days of April and boasts a delightful sweetness. You’ll be captivated by lush tea terraces and savor a freshly brewed cup of tea.

Then, the big gun of Hangzhou tour awaits you ahead, cruising on West Lake! While there are 36 lakes sharing the name ‘West Lake’ across China, this one reigns supreme, celebrated for its seamless blend of stunning natural beauty and rich cultural significance. During the 1-to-2-hour boat journey, you’ll glimpse some of the lake’s top 10 scenic views, often adorned with graceful willow trees that define its soul. These trees were chosen for their resilience and a deep symbolic meaning: in Chinese culture, the word for willow sounds like ‘stay’, representing hopes for long-lasting friendships during farewells. Each willow tree has its own admirers, because locals ardently love walking around the lake to find new perspectives of Hangzhou through the lens of these trees. Such affection is so cherished by the scenic area’s management that they even issue obituaries for fallen trees, detailing their location, species, and the time of their passing.

Your final stop will be the Six Harmonies Pagoda, whose name reflects the Taoist understanding of nature, harmonizing the four directions, Heaven, and Earth to achieve balance. The pagoda was originally built to control the powerful tides of the facing Qiantang River, which boasts the world’s second-largest tides after the Amazon due to its connection between the sea and inland rivers. At night, the illuminated pagoda also provides guidance for ships to navigate safely through the waters. 

It’s time to bid farewell to your Hangzhou one day trip. Your guide and the driver will then escort you back to your hotel. If you want to explore more of Hangzhou or extend your journey to cities like Shanghai and Suzhou, please feel free to contact our travel consultant to tailor your trip!