Private Full Day Tour : Customizable Hangzhou City Highlights with Multi Options
Active
7h - 8h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Discover the splendid Hangzhou city highlights on this fully flexible 8-hour private tour with a knowledgeable local guide. Tick off the must-see highlights such as UNSECO site West Lake, Linyin Scenic Spot and famous Green Tea plantation, famed Leifeng Pagoda or local historic street, enjoy a delightful lunch at the local tea famer’s house. Customizable itinerary catering to your own preferences, enjoy convenient and comfortable door to door transfer from Hangzhou hotel or Hangzhou train station.
Available options
Morning Departure -Tour Only
Morning Departure-Tour Only: Great guide,driver with car are included.Your tour departure is in morning. <br/>Pickup included
Morning Departure with Lunch
Great guide,driver with car ,tasty lunch are included.Your tour departure is in morning. <br/>Pickup included
Afternoon Departure withDinner
Afternoon Tour with Dinner: Great guide, driver with car , tasty dinner are included. Your tour departure is in the afternoon.<br/>Pickup included
Afternoon Departure-Tour Only
Great guide, driver with car are included. Your tour departure is in the afternoon.<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Local tasty lunch (If " Tour with Lunch " is booked)
Comfortable car with experienced driver
Local tasty dinner( If Tour with Dinner option is booked)
Great private guide
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Your great local guide and the driver will meet you at your downtown Hangzhou hotel or train station if you travel by train, spend few mins to discuss with your guide the sites you are interested to visit or follow the following recommended itinerary. As private customized tour, the itinerary is totally flexible and can be 100% customized around you. Be sure to tell your guide if you need make any changes. Typically, start the visit at the UNESCO site West Lake ,enjoy a nice walk along Su causeway ,see some of the top 10 famed sites such as the Lotus park, Flower and fish pond which used to be a private imperial garden while learning the interesting folklores and history from your guide, you may choose to enjoy a relaxing boat cruise to fully appreciate the tranquility and beauty of the Lake.
2
Next, head to the famous Longjin tea plantation, where you will enjoy the spectacular countryside view with vast tea terrace, enjoy a short hike along the lush green plantation and learn how to pick the tea leaves and learn the local fascinating tea culture and produce. Here you will take a break and visit a local tea farmer’s house and savor a delightful home cooked lunch based on your own dietary requests.
3
Stop 3
In the afternoon, continue the tour to famous Lingyin scenic area, where you will admire the impressive and the largest stone grottoes in southern China ,with over 300 stone Buddhas along the Fei Lai Peak which was carved around 10th century, marvel at the beautiful craftsmanship from the ancient times while walking through different caves.
4
Stop 4
Then pay a visit to Lingyin temple, one of the top 10 Buddhist temples in China, explore the grand temple with different complexs and get a great insight into local religious culture, custom and history from your guide.
5
After that enjoy a fun walk along Hefang old street, designed in the southern song dynasty; full of art hawkers, candy sculptors, pillow shops, caricaturists, old-fashioned movie players, storytellers, bonsai shops, teahouses, and an array of street food. Explore the colorful streets with the assistance from your local guide, you may enjoy some souvenir shopping here
If you have already visited the sites mentioned above, you may substitute from the following popular attractions depends on the time you have:1) Pagodas: Leifeng Pagoda, Liuhe Pagoda, Chenghuang Pagoda on Wuhill;2) Museums: China National Tea Museum, China National Silk Museum, Chinese Medicine Museum; 3) Former Residence of Hu Xueyan; 4) Yunqi Bamboo Forest etc.
After the enjoyable day you will get dropped off at your Hangzhou downtown hotel or other downtown area as per your request.
What's not included
Gratuities
Food & Drinks( If Tour with Lunch or Dinner is not booked)
Entrance fee if apply
Available languages
Guide guide
CMN
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
20 reviews
5★
19
4★
1
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
4.9
11 reviews
5★
10
4★
1
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Please advise any specific dietary requirements if have at time of booking
Since all itinerary can be customized based on your personal interests, all attraction entrance fees are at your own cost
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
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
