Xitang Ancient Water Town Private Day Tour from Hangzhou
Active
6h - 8h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Enjoy a relaxing day tour to the thousand-year-old water town Xitang, explore the remarkable township scenery full of the ancient old architecture, stone bridges, calm canal streams as well as the active and tantalizing alley streets, travel with your own local knowledgeable guide to gain a great insight to the local culture and tastes. Enjoy the flexible departure time in the morning or afternoon and convenient door to door private transfer.
Available options
All Inclusive Afternoon Tour
All Inclusive Afternoon tour: Great guide, comfortable car with driver ,entrance fees to Xitang ,boat ride ,tasty dinner are all included. <br/>Pickup included
Afternoon Tour Only
Great guide, comfortable car with driver ,entrance fees to Xitang are included.<br/>Pickup included
Morning Tour Only
This option includes a great guide, comfortable car with driver , entrance fees to Xitang( Lunch and optional boat ride al your own costs)<br/>Pickup included
All Inclusive Morning Tour
Great guide, comfortable car with driver ,entrance fees to Xitang ,boat ride, tasty lunch are all included. <br/>Pickup included
What's included
Gondola ride in the canal(If All Inclusive Tour is booked)
Entrance fee to Xitang
Tasty lunch or dinner (If All Inclusive Tour is booked))
Air conditioned vehicle with experienced driver
Great local guide
Detailed itinerary
1
Your friendly private guide and the driver will pick up at your Hanghzou hotel or railway station if you travel by train. Hop on to the comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle and enjoy a nice ride to the town. Regarded as a "Living Thousand-Year-Old Town". You will find the well-preserved traditional ancient residences along the river canals and stone bridges. Take a stroll along the old alley streets and explore the local colorful neighbors and appreciate the traditional water market while appreciate the beautiful” Oriental Venice” township scenery. Follow the footprints of Tom Cruise once traveled in the famous movie "Mission impossible III" and admire the intact Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture and visit the local well-preserved garden house as well as the famous temple and interesting Chinese Wine Museum and Bouton Museum based on your own preferences. You may choose to take a relaxing gondola ride along the river stream and savor the delightful lunch or dinner with the recommendation from your guide. If you choose the afternoon departure, you will also see the lively night colors when it's lit up with the traditional lanterns.
After a wonderful day excursion, you will get dropped off at your Hangzhou hotel or other city center as per your request.
What's not included
Gratuities
Food or Drink ( All Inclusive Tour is not booked)
Available languages
Guide guide
DE
CMN
EN
Important information
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Please wear comfortable walking shoes
Please advise any specific dietary requirements 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
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
