- Highlights
- Itinerary
- Accommodation
- Inclusions/Exclusions
- Important Info
Highlights
There is much to enjoy in this tour of immersion into ancient Chinese architecture, craft and culture, when you can try your hand at traditional skills. Whether picking tea, making an umbrella or kite, wondering at the skill of monks’ carvings or being enchanted by the picture post-card beauty of the lake, there are so many memorable experiences.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive in Hangzhou
Upon arrival in Hangzhou (before 13:00 is recommended) you will be picked up by your travel guide and transferred to the old block of Hangzhou to begin exploration of the city’s colorful folk culture. The tour begins at the Workmanship Demonstration Pavilion, a craft center where you can experience making such things as a kite or an oiled paper umbrella, while learning about folk art and culture of Hangzhou (optional*).
Outside the pavilion you will board a cruise to travel across the longest and oldest Grand Canal in the world to arrive at the Dadou Road Historic Block. Strolling the cobbled streets in this revitalized residential area discover fine examples of architecture from the Ming and Qing dynasties, peek into the past in the museums and displays of traditional crafts or indulge yourself at the cafes, restaurants and gift shops.
At the end of the day, it is time to head to the pre-booked hotel to enjoy free time at night.
Meals included: None
*Optional activities incur additional charges.
Tips: Make the most of your tour by enjoying some of the wonderful Hangzhou evening entertainment. Options include the Enduring Memories of Hangzhou show (West Lake Impression) or the spectacular night view at Qiantang River on weekends.
Day 2 - Hangzhou and departure
After breakfast, pay a visit to the most sacred Buddhist center in southern China, Lingyin Temple, the main hall housing 500 statues of sitting Arhats. You will be amazed by the massive number and scale of Buddha statues carved in Feilai Peak and the exquisite carvings on the approach to the Temple. History and legends of the sites will be revealed by your guide along the way.
Next follows a relaxing cruise on West Lake aboard an ornate boat. Cruising the water you can appreciate fully the beauty of this man-made lake, designed for poetic serenity in the tradition of Chinese gardens, which forms the scene printed on the one yuan banknote. Magical views of hills, willows, bridges and well-placed structures, invite photographic and artistic endeavor, especially at sunrise or sunset. Cycling around this symbol of Hangzhou is another way to capture its beauty(at your own cost).
Lunch is left to your own arrangement. Your guide may offer suggestions to try some genuine local cuisine.
In the afternoon on a visit to a tea plantation, the whole cycle of tea production will be revealed as you get a close look at how tea grows and even pick some leaves if your visit coincides with the harvest season. Further understanding of Chinese tea history and culture can be gained at the China National Tea Museum that holds collections of tea varieties, tea sets and machines for making tea.
The tour ends here and you will be transferred to the airport or railway station for your next destination. Alternatively, you can start your own exploration journey in Hangzhou.
Travel Note: We love helping our customers make the most of their available travel time. Need help planning your next destination? We can help. With a network that extends all over China, we can take care of every detail and arrange your departure train or flight from Hangzhou – or anywhere else while you’re in China. Kindly note a surcharge will apply.
Accommodation
Inclusions / Exclusions
Inclusions
- Admission fees: to sightseeing spots & activities specified.
- Activities specified in the itinerary.
- Excellent professional English-speaking guide.
- Ground transport in an air-conditioned vehicle with licensed driver as specified.
- Accommodation: 4-star or 5-star hotels with breakfast based on double/twin occupancy as specified.
- Boat rides on Grand Canal and West Lake.
- Travel Agency Liability Insurance during the tour.
- Government taxes & fees.
Exclusions
- International/domestic flights and trains to/from Hangzhou.
- China visa.
- Gratuities to guides and drivers and any expense of personal nature.
- Meals: Meals are excluded. Your guide will make recommendations and order for you, if required.
- Cycling around the lake.
- Optional evening entertainment.
- Our tour package does not include travel insurance. Please purchase travel insurance before your trip to protect for any unforeseen circumstances.
Important Information
- This is a private tour for your group of family or friends. No other travelers will join you. It's always available for your schedule!
- Smart casual dress and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
- Prices based on twin occupancy.
- The prices shown above are not valid during China's Official Holidays (such as National Day and Chinese Spring Festival etc.).
Mervyn with China Tours was a fabulous tour guide.
