Hangzhou Cultural Day Tour by Mini Coach

Hangzhou , China

Hangzhou Cultural Day Tour by Mini Coach

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

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

This Hangzhou Cultural Tour ( departs every Tuesday and Thursday ) unfolds Hangzhou’s time-honored connotation in history, culture and scenery. Climb up Leifeng Pagoda for fine views of gorgeous West Lake, learn silk culture in National Silk Museum, admire Qing Dynasty structure in Former Residence of Hu Xueyan, dive into Hangzhou’s most famed historical business block, Qinghefang for handcrafts and snacks.

Available options

Hangzhou Culture Tour

It includes Leifeng Pagoda, National Silk Museum, Former Residence House visit, and Qinghefang Old Street.

What's included

Hotel Pickup from 60+ hotels in downtown Hangzhou. or train station pickup from Hangzhou East Railway Station

English-speaking tour guide

Transfers between attractions

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Your tour starts with hotel pickup, or railway station pickup in Hangzhou. You will head to Leifeng Pagoda. In this time-honored attraction featured in household folklore Madame White Snake, you could expect a high-up view of the West Lake from the pagoda top. Leifeng Pagoda is a five story tall tower with eight sides. It was originally constructed in the year AD 975, it collapsed in 1924 but was rebuilt in 2002.

Stop 2

Enjoy quality exploring in this Silk Museum with diverse silk exhibitions and compelling Silk Road history narrative.

an old house built in 1875. Its layout, the building’s style and the furniture, are known as the best in Hangzhou.

Stop 4

a popular historical block of the city. Make the most of your time to browse delicacies and souvenirs in eateries and stores lining both sides.

Your tour concludes with drop-off at your hotel in downtown Hangzhou, or at Hangzhou Railway Station.

What's not included

Accommodation

Lunch & Dinner

Gratuities for the guide and driver (recommended)

Train ticket to and from Hangzhou

Hotel pickup from outskirt Hangzhou, or from a hotel in Shanghai

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

This tour is a SIC tour, meaning seat-in-coach, with a driver and a tour guide. You will share a coach with other passengers. This is no refund for no show. Please be punctual. Your tour guide will take off with other passengers without you.

The scheduled hotel pickup time is between 8:30am. Please offer your hotel name and address for pickup arrangement 24 hours prior.

Pickup service is for hotels in downtown area of Hangzhou only. Downtown Hangzhou includes 5 districts of Shangcheng, Xiacheng, Xihu, Gongshu, Jianggan. Other districts are named as Outskirts Hangzhou. Hotels in Outskirts Hangzhou will cost additional charge. Please check if your hotel is located in downtown Hangzhou before you make a booking.

If you live in the outskirt of Hangzhou please go to Sofitel West Lake Hangzhou to join in this tour. The hotel pickup time is 8:30am.

The scheduled hotel pickup time is between 8am and 8:30am. Please offer your hotel name and address for pickup arrangement 24 hours prior.

Please note that pickup service is only available to guests staying at downtown Hangzhou hotels.

If you live in the outskirt of Hangzhou please go to Sofitel West Lake Hangzhou to join in this tour. The hotel pickup time is 8:30am.

If you take bullet train from Shanghai to Hangzhou, you will be picked up from Hangzhou East Railway Station. Your tour guide will hold a sign with your name waiting at the exit of the station. Please save the cell phone number of your guide which can be found on your confirmation voucher.

There are 9 trains running in between Shanghai Hongqiao Station and Hangzhou East Station every morning. In China, train tickets can be purchased 30 days prior. Please buy your train ticket and inform the local tour supplier the train information at least one day prior. Your booking will be automatically cancelled if the train information is not received 24 hours to the tour starting time.

If you miss the original train, please change to another train at the ticketing office. Then telephone the local tour operator for a revised arrival time for pickup arrangement immediately.

No tours on Chinese national public holidays, including New Year, 7 days before and after Chinese New Year's Day, Easter Holidays, Labor Day Holidays from May 1 to May 7, National Day Holidays from Oct 1 to Oct 7.

About Hangzhou

Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang Province, is renowned for its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. It's home to the iconic West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and offers a blend of historical landmarks, modern attractions, and serene landscapes.

Top Attractions

West Lake

West Lake is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most famous attraction in Hangzhou. This picturesque lake is surrounded by scenic gardens, temples, and pagodas, offering a serene escape from the city.

Nature Half day to full day Free to enter the lake area, but individual attractions may have entrance fees (¥30-¥100)

Lingyin Temple

Lingyin Temple is one of the largest and wealthiest Buddhist temples in China, dating back to the Tang Dynasty. It is renowned for its ancient architecture, Buddhist artifacts, and serene atmosphere.

Historical/Religious 2-3 hours ¥30

Hefang Street

Hefang Street is a bustling pedestrian street lined with traditional buildings, shops, and restaurants. It offers a glimpse into Hangzhou's rich history and is a great place to shop for souvenirs and local snacks.

Cultural/Shopping 1-2 hours Free to enter, but budget for shopping and snacks

Xixi Wetland Park

Xixi Wetland Park is a unique urban wetland park that offers a serene escape from the city. It is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, and visitors can explore the park by boat or on foot.

Nature Half day ¥100 (including boat tour)

Hangzhou Botanical Garden

The Hangzhou Botanical Garden is a vast and beautifully landscaped garden that showcases a wide variety of plants and flowers. It is a peaceful and scenic spot to relax and enjoy nature.

Nature 1-2 hours ¥30

Must-Try Local Dishes

Dongpo Pork

A braised pork belly dish that is tender, succulent, and slightly sweet. It is named after the famous Song Dynasty poet Su Dongpo, who is said to have created the dish.

Main dish Contains pork

Beggar's Chicken

A dish made with a whole chicken wrapped in clay and baked, resulting in a crispy exterior and tender, flavorful meat inside. The legend goes that a beggar wrapped a stolen chicken in clay to hide it from his pursuers, and the resulting dish was so delicious that it became a local specialty.

Main dish Contains chicken

West Lake Fish in Vinegar Gravy

A dish made with fresh river fish, cooked in a tangy vinegar-based sauce. The dish is named after the famous West Lake in Hangzhou and is known for its delicate flavors and tender fish.

Main dish Contains fish, may contain gluten

Bamboo Shoot Dishes

Hangzhou is famous for its bamboo shoots, which are used in a variety of dishes. They can be stir-fried, braised, or steamed, and are often served as a side dish or incorporated into other dishes.

Side dish Vegetarian, may contain gluten

Popular Activities

Hiking Biking Boat tours Kayaking Tea tasting Spas and wellness centers Parks and gardens Cultural performances

Best Time to Visit

March to May, September to November

Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather with comfortable temperatures, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The city is vibrant with blooming flowers in spring and colorful foliage in autumn.

15°C to 28°C 59°F to 82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Chinese (Mandarin)
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited

Currency

Chinese Yuan (CNY)

Time Zone

GMT+8

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Hangzhou is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates and a well-developed tourism infrastructure. However, as with any destination, it is essential to take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas
• Use metered taxis or ride-hailing apps to avoid overcharging
• Bargain for better prices in markets and street stalls

Getting there

By air

Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport • 26 km from city center

By train

Hangzhou East Railway Station, Hangzhou Railway Station

By bus

Hangzhou Bus Terminal, East Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The Hangzhou Metro is efficient, clean, and easy to navigate. It consists of multiple lines that connect key points in the city. Signs are in both Chinese and English.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Didi Chuxing

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Qinghefang Ancient Street Binjiang District Xiacheng District Gongshu District

Day trips

Xitang Ancient Water Town

120 km from Hangzhou • Full day

Xitang is a picturesque ancient water town known for its well-preserved Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture, canals, and bridges. It is often compared to Venice for its charming waterways and historic buildings.

Wuzhen Ancient Water Town

140 km from Hangzhou • Full day

Wuzhen is another well-preserved ancient water town, known for its traditional architecture, canals, and bridges. It is less touristy than Xitang and offers a more authentic experience.

Tianmu Mountain

90 km from Hangzhou • Full day

Tianmu Mountain is a scenic area known for its lush forests, waterfalls, and hiking trails. It is a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Festivals

West Lake International Music Festival • September Hangzhou Tea and Culture Festival • March Qingming Festival • Early April

Pro tips

Visit West Lake early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the best views
Explore the ancient water towns of Xitang and Wuzhen for a unique and authentic experience
Sample local snacks and street food at the night markets, such as Hefang Street and Wulin Square
Take a tea plantation tour to learn about the history and culture of tea in Hangzhou
Experience a traditional Chinese medicine treatment or massage for a relaxing and rejuvenating experience