Hangzhou Private Flexible Day Tour with West Lake Boat Cruise

Hangzhou , China

Hangzhou Private Flexible Day Tour with West Lake Boat Cruise

Active

(8 reviews)

6h - 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

Enjoy this full day 8-hour private Hangzhou city sightseeing tour with a local expert guide. Spend some quality time visit the city’s top attractions inline with your own styles. Cruise around the UNESCO West Lake, one of the China’s famed natural wonders, appreciate the charming scenery along the lake. Visit the impressive stone Buddha Grottos in Fei Lai Peak, admire the Grand Lingyin Buddhist temple while visiting different sections of the area. Sample some famed green tea and freshly prepared home dish at the local tea farmer’s house while enjoying the amazing view of the green tea terrace and countryside scenery. Customizable itinerary catering to your own preferences, enjoy convenient and comfortable door to door transfer from Hangzhou hotel or Hangzhou Train Station.

Available options

Tour with Boat Cruise & Lunch

Great guide, driver with car, boat cruise, Hangzhou hotel, railway station pick up and drop off ,tasty lunch are included. <br/>Pickup included

All Inclusive Tour

Great guide, car with driver, 2 selected attraction tickets, west lake boat cruise ticket, tasty lunch are all included.<br/>Pickup included

Tour with Boat Cruise Only

Tour with Cruise Only: Great guide, driver with car,boat cruise, Hangzhou hotel , railway station pick up and drop off are included. <br/>Pickup included

What's included

Local private driver with air-conditioned vehicle

Downtown Hangzhou or Hangzhou Railway Station pick up and drop off

2x attraction tickets (Only " All Incluisve Private Tour" is booked)

Boat cruise on the West Lake

Local tasty lunch and tea tasting (If " All Inclusive Private Tour and Tour with Lunch is booked)

Great local guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Your professional guide and driver will meet at your downtown Hangzhou hotel or railway station if you travel by train. Spend few mins to discuss with your guide the sites you are interested to visit. Since it is the private tour, the itinerary can be fully customized and totally flexible. Following is the suggested itinerary, be sure to let your guide know if you need make any changes. Typically, start the tour at Lingyin scenic area, visit the largest stone grottoes in southern China, walk along the caves while marvel at over 300 different sizes of exquisite stone carved buddha statues from thousand years ago.

Stop 2

Next, make your way to Lingyin Temple, one of the ten most famous Buddhist temple in China, visit different sections of the temple with grand architectures, admire the Four Heavenly Kings, Happy Buddha as well as other religious artifacts, learn about the locals go about their religious culture and custom.

Then follow your guide to Longjing tea fields, known as the base for producing the famous Green tea in China ,immerse yourself in the tranquil countryside scenery and lush green tea terrace , learn how to pick the tea leaves and get great understand of the local tea culture. Take a break and savor a delightful lunch at the home-made restaurant, your guide will recommend you the dishes base on your dietary requests.

Stop 4

Continue your afternoon tour to UNESCO site- West Lake, enjoy a nice walk along the lotus park ,Su-causeway ,fish pond, gardens while learn the interesting history and folklores from your guide. Board the sightseeing boat and enjoy a relaxing cruise along the picturesque lake and get on to the Island to see Three Pools Mirroring the Moon , fully appreciate the amazing natural beauty of the whole area.

Make a stop at Qing Dynasty old street , enjoy fun explore include the street food , arts, handicrafts, trinkets, you may also enjoy souvenir shopping with the assistance from you guide. Since this is a fully customized tour, If you have been to the above-suggested sites, please feel free to choose some of the following other sites :1) Amazing bird-eye view of the West Lake from Leifeng Pagoda or ChengHuang Pagoda from Wu Shan (Wu Hill);2) Local famous museums : China National Tea Museum, China Silk Museum, China Traditional Medicine Museum; 3) Former Residence of Huxueyan; 4)Yunqi Bamboo Forest; 4) Xixi Wet Land etc. After the wonderful tour you will be dropped off at your Hangzhou hotel or other places you prefer in the city center.

What's not included

Gratuities

Food and drinks ( If "All Inclusive Private Tour " or " Tour with Lunch" is not booked)

Entrance fees ( If "All Inclusive Tour " is not booked)

Available languages

Guide guide

CMN EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

4 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

4 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

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

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