5-Day Hangzhou & Mt. Huangshan Tour

After breakfast, you’ll be collected from the hotel to commence today’s exploration. First stop is the Hangzhou’s famous landmark, West Lake. There will be a stop here to observe Red Carp Pond, one of top ten famous views of the West Lake. So named for the thousands of red carp that inhabit the waters there, Red Carp Pond is a definite photo opportunity.

West Lake is ideal for a leisurely boat cruise that affords a different perspective of the serenity provided by the natural scenery, historic pagodas, and stunning pavilions. Scenes that conjure up images portrayed by scholars and philosophers are inspired by spots along the way: the Three Pools Mirroring the Moon and Su Causeway.

From West Lake, enjoy a relaxed drive to Feilai Peak. Wonder at the persistence of many who’ve created the hundreds of ancient Buddhist rock carvings over various different time periods. A visit to Lingyin Temple will impress. As one of the most famous Buddhist temples in China, it is impressive in size and design. Marvel at ornately painted halls and ceilings in the smell of incense. Your guide will share the compelling historical legends behind the temple.

The final stop on today’s adventure offers picturesque views of an operating tea plantation surrounded by verdant tea fields. Get a close look at how tea grows on the rolling terraces and even pick some leaves if your visit coincides with the harvest season. Learn about how integral tea is to Chinese culture and custom at the China National Tea Museum where collections of tea varieties, tea sets and machines for making tea can be found.

Meals included: Breakfast

Note: While no evening meal is included in today’s itinerary, consult with your guide who can provide advice about suitable dining options, including local restaurants offering authentic local cuisine.

Today’s morning allows you to immerse yourself in Hangzhou culture. Get ready to be amazed by 20 kinds of traditional Chinese crafts at the Workmanship Demonstration Pavilion. Watch skilled craftsmen at work or join in to paint your own oil-paper umbrella or make a flying kite*. Step outside to board a boat for a cruise down the Grand Canal, passing ancient residences, bridges and red lanterns creating an enduring travel memory of your visit here.

Later, wander the lanes of Dadou Road Historic Block, a visitor-friendly area packed full of quaint shops built in traditional in Ming and Qing dynasty styles, selling various crafts and local snacks. From Hangzhou, you will board the highspeed train to Huangshan.

On arrival in Huangshan, there is time to roam Tunxi Old Street with the local guide. Be sure to take advantage of the opportunity to immerse yourself in local culture, sample delicacies or tea, investigate the local crafts, or perhaps even have a calligraphy memento prepared to order.

Meals included: Breakfast

*Optional activities incur an additional cost.

Wake early enough to enjoy breakfast before driving with your guide for an hour to Mount Huangshan, one of the most iconically beautiful mountains in China. Think eerie mist covered mountains covered with willows. Certainly the stuff of poems and film sets. Board a shuttle bus and then ride the Yungu Cable Car up to the mountain. Follow your guide to explore major viewing sites like the towering Begin-to-Believe Peak, the majestic Lion Peak, and the Writing-Brush Peak for splendid sightseeing and photo opportunities while hiking.

Enjoy the buffet lunch and then continue your adventure to the West Sea Grand Canyon, a hiker’s dream. With its miraculous scenery of steep precipices, peculiarly-shaped rocks, ancient pine trees, and sea of clouds, your exploration will be rewarded with the stunning vistas. The 4.5 km trail penetrates deep into the ravine and can be a difficult trek. You’re free to choose whether to follow the winding path down to the bottom, or only walk a small section of it, for example to finish the First Ring or Second Ring. At the end of the hike, enjoy the buffet dinner and overnight stay at the pre-booked hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast, Buffet Lunch & Dinner

Note: As part of today’s itinerary, there is an overnight stay on the mountain. For this reason, it is recommended you travel light by carrying only essential items when hiking, including a jacket. Your guide will assist with storage of heavy luggage during the hike. In addition, for environmental protection hotels on the mountain will not provide disposable toiletries, so it is necessary for you to bring your own.

If weather permits, rise early and start your day with the stunning sunrise on the top of Mount Huangshan. Later, descend by cable car for the drive to Hongcun Village, deemed by locals to be as pretty as “a village in Chinese painting". Discover why as you wander along flagstone lanes, see well preserved residences from Ming and Qing Dynasties and soak up picturesque rural scenery featured in the movie "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon".

Following this exploration, you will be transferred to the airport or railway station for your next destination. The tour concludes today.

Meals included: Breakfast

Note: If you would like to make beautiful travel memories anywhere else in China, please let us know. Our expert travel consultants can assist with travel bookings and arrangements, including the purchase of train tickets and other tours from or around Huangshan. We can customize every detail, so there’s no need to worry about a thing. Just ask us.