Best of Hangzhou: A Comprehensive Tour of the City's Top Sights

4.9 (246 reviews) Hangzhou, China
Duration6h - 8h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesChinese, English, Chinese
Private tourOnly your group will participate
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

Overview

1. Personalized & Private Experience: Enjoy a flexible, intimate journey tailored to your interests.

2. Iconic Highlights of Hangzhou: Visit the city’s most stunning landmarks, showcasing its natural beauty and cultural charm.

3. Authentic Tea Culture: Explore a traditional tea plantation, meet local tea farmers, learn about tea picking and processing, and taste Dragon Well tea at its source.

4. Expert Guide: Travel with a seasoned English-speaking guide (6+ years), offering engaging and professional insights.

5. Professional Driver & Vehicle: Relax in a private air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver, ensuring comfort and smooth travel throughout the day.

6. Seamless Transfers: Complimentary round-trip transfers from your hotel or train station make your journey hassle-free.

7. Cultural Connections: Visit Lingyin Temple and, if time allows, interact with monks. Connect with locals to experience authentic daily life.

Options

From Shanghai 2nd Class Train

Train Tickets Fom Shanghai: Includes: Private Transfer, Private Guide, All the entrance fees (No Night Show), 2nd Round Way Train Tickets from Shanghai
Pickup included

With Impression West Lake Show

Includes: Private Guide, Transfer, All the Tickets (VIP Tickets for the Impression Night Show), Pick up/Drop off in Hangzhou.
Pickup included

From Shanghai 2nd Class & Show

Includes: Round Way Train Tickets (2nd Class), All Entrance fee (VIP Show Tickets), Private Guide & Driver
Pickup included

Private Guide & Transfer Only

Includes: Professional guide, Private Transfer, Skillful driver
Pickup included

Private Tour With Local Lunch

Includes: Professional guide, Private Transfer, Skillful driver, Entrance tickets, Authentic Local Lunch
Pickup included

From Shanghai 1st Class & Show

Includes: 1st class round way train tickets from Shanghai, All entrance Fee (VIP Impression show), Guide & Driver
Pickup included

Package Tour Without Lunch

Without Lunch: Guide will suggest the best local restaurants based on traffic and your preferences; meals are at your own expense.
Private Tour Without Lunch: Includes: Professional Guide, Private Transfer, Entrance Tickets, Pick up/Drop off.
Pickup included

What's included

  • Professional English Speaking Expert Guide: Personalized experience, tailored to you.
  • Entrance Fee if you book the package tour option
  • Seamless Transfer: Elevating Your Experience with Hotel or Train Station Pickup and Drop-off Service
  • Boat ride on West Lake if you book the package tour option
  • Cozy Ride: Our AC car offers scenic views, ensuring comfort and spaciousness
  • Savor authentic Chinese tea at a traditional Tea Village and stay refreshed
  • WIFI Seamlessly: Enjoy complimentary WiFi onboard to share your experiences in real-time.
  • Delicious Local Lunch: A Carefully selected local lunch of authentic flavors (All inclusive tour)
  • Gratuities

What to expect

  1. West Lake (Xi Hu)
    1h · Admission ticket included
    Enjoy a relaxing cruise on West Lake, the most iconic symbol of Hangzhou and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you glide across the calm waters, surrounded by willow-lined shores, historic pagodas, and misty hills, your guide will share the stories, legends, and cultural significance behind each scenic spot. From the famous Three Pools Mirroring the Moon to the poetic inspirations of ancient scholars, every view comes alive through your guide’s engaging narration—turning a peaceful boat ride into a truly immersive cultural experience.
  2. 30m · Admission ticket included
    Stroll through the picturesque gardens of Huagang Guanyu, one of the most beloved scenic spots around West Lake. Known for its elegant landscaping, blooming flowers, and vibrant koi-filled ponds, this peaceful area perfectly captures the charm of classical Chinese garden design. As you walk along shaded paths and stone bridges, your guide will share the history behind the site, the symbolism of koi fish in Chinese culture, and the best viewpoints for photos. With insightful storytelling and a relaxed pace, this visit offers a tranquil and culturally rich moment in your Hangzhou journey.
  3. Lingyin Temple
    2h · Admission ticket included
    Discover the timeless serenity of Lingyin Temple, one of the most important and historic Buddhist temples in China. Surrounded by lush forested hills, the temple offers a peaceful escape from the city. As you explore its grand halls and sacred statues, your expert guide will provide in-depth explanations of Buddhist beliefs, temple rituals, and the stories behind each architectural detail. If time and conditions allow, you may also have the opportunity to interact with monks and gain a more personal insight into their daily practices and spiritual life, making the experience even more meaningful and unique.
  4. 30m · Admission ticket included
    From the Lingyin Temple, walk along a cobblestone pathway leading to Amanfayun Village, a restored Chinese village dating back hundreds of years and situated in a remote forest of camphor and bamboo. Immerse yourself in the tranquil atmosphere of the hamlet dotted with traditional dwellings and surrounded by tea fields.
  5. Longjing tea fields
    1h 50m · Admission ticket included
    For lunch you have two options: purchase your meal at a local restaurant recommended by your guide, or head to a local tea farmer's home to prepare a meal of local delicacies such as chicken, West Lake carp, lotus root, bamboo shoots and other tasty vegetables (own expense).

    After lunch, Escape to the Meijiawu Tea Village, nestled among rolling green hills and lush tea plantations. Known as one of the best places to experience authentic Longjing (Dragon Well) tea culture, the village offers a glimpse into local life and traditions. As you stroll through the tea fields and quiet lanes, your guide will introduce the history of tea cultivation, explain the tea-making process, and share insights into the cultural importance of tea in China. You’ll also have the chance to relax and enjoy a fresh cup of locally grown tea. If time permits, you may even have the opportunity to interact with local tea farmers or visit their homes, adding a more personal and authentic touch to your experience.
  6. Southern Song Imperial Street
    1h · Admission ticket included
    Your final stop is Song Dynasty Imperial Street, renamed Zhongshanlu Beiduan. Walk with your guide along this road that stretches 1,310 feet (400 meters) and leads to the imperial palace of the Northern Song Dynasty (AD 960–1127). If you wish, stop at any of the snack bars that offer local delicacies and shops that sell antiques, embroidered items and silk.

    End your private tour with a drive back to your Hangzhou downtown hotel or the Hangzhou Train station.

Meeting and pickup

Pickup details

Our pick-up locations can be hotels within the Hangzhou city, train stations, or other locations within the urban area.

Additional information

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Lunch options: Learn to cook your own Chinese lunch from local tea farmers or eat at a popular local restaurant
  • Range of children's height is between 3'3" (1 meter) and 4'6" (1.4 meter)
  • Please provide train station(trainNo.) or hotel information in "special requirement" at time of booking

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

4.9 (246)
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$179.00 per person
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  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
  • Instant confirmation
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
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