Fast Pass Priority: Hangzhou Essential Day Tour with Authentic Lunch

Hangzhou , China

Fast Pass Priority: Hangzhou Essential Day Tour with Authentic Lunch

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

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About this experience

8-hours tour in Hangzhou is precious, so don't waste the time standing in line, avoid crowded tour buses and slow-moving tour groups accompanied by your knowledgeable private guide over 5+ years guiding experience and skillful driver over 10 + years driving experice to take you to the famous attractions in Hangzhou. We handpicked the best skip-the-line tour so you can see all the top Hangzhou sites without the long lines. You have the options to have lunch at the local restaurant recommend by our guides (THEY ARE FOODIES, they really know where to eat in the city) or have an authentic home-cooked meal at a local famer's home. To make your trip convenient, we provide FREE COLD DRINKS, FREE-WIFI, UMBRELLA & PHONE CHARGER during the tour.

Note: If you come from Shanghai, recommended timing: Arrival: Around 9:30am, Departure: Around 18:00pm. Both Hangzhou East train station and Hangzhou railway station are work for this tour. Free charge of train station pick up & drop off service.

Available options

Guide with Private Transfer

.: This private tour offers knowledgeable guide,private car service and driver.(Local lunch,entrance fee are at your own cost.)<br/>Pickup included

All Inclusive Private Tour

.: Authentic Lunch,local guide,private car service,skillful driver and entrance fees are all included.<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Entrance fees if you book the all inclusive tour option

Bottled water

English & Chinese speaking tour guide

Transportation by air-conditioned private vehicle

Lunch if you book the all inclusive tour option

Private Boat ride on West Lake if you book the all inclusive tour option

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

In the morning, your tour guide will wait fo you in the lobby of your hotel in downtown Hangzhou or Hangzhou train station and head for West Lake by private car.

Upon arrival, visit the famous Hangzhou West Lake-one of world UNESCO Sites. We special arrange a private boat for you since the public tourist boat are very crowded and noisy and sail to the secret parts of the westlake only known by local people. It's an enjoyable and relaxing way for you to appreciate the beautiful scenery with its islands, causeways, temples, pagodas and ornamental planting.

Next visit Guo's Villa. Considered to be the best existing traditional private garden in Hangzhou and a great place to relax and revel in the beauty of Song-era tea houses and pavilions. Only local people come to this garden to enjoy their leisure time. The villa not only provides you with a better understanding on this Asian " Leisure capital" but also an idea place for photography.

After lunch, continue to Meijiawu Longjiang Tea Village, the origin of the best green tee in China, Longjing, with beautiful natural scenery. Interestingly, many tea houses in the village and you will have a chance to sample local tea). Interestingly, at a local tea grower's tea house, you could learn how to prepare local delicacies if you are interested. Learn to cook beggar's Chicken, Westlake carp fish in vinegar source, lotus roots, bamboo shoot and many other fresh vegetables. If you don’t wish to cook, just sit back and their flavors.

Stop 4

Lateron, you will vist Six Harmonies Pagoda, it's a representative ancient pavilion-style tower in China, you'll get to know how the famous pagodas of China are scaled down and delicately sculptured, fully displaying the great achievements in ancient architecture. Moreover, the Six Harmonies Pagoda is a wonderful place for appreciating during the Mid-Autumn Festival. It has become a tradition for the locals to appreciate the spectacular scene since the Song Dynasty.

Stop 5

Your final stop is Qinghefang Ancient Street, a good place to experience the lifestyle of Old Hangzhou since it is the epitome of historic Hangzhou. It is also a great place fo shopping, food and sightseeing. You could see well-preserved old buildings, epxlore interesting boutiques and shop for unique souvenirs.

When the tour is conclued, we will drop you off at Hangzhou train station or your Hangzhou downtown hotel.

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

7 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Wheelchair accessible

Please provide hotel information in "special requirement" at time of booking

Important notes

Hotel pickups commence prior to this time

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