Hangzhou Lake Cycling - Half-day Local-Guided West Lake Cycling Tour
Active
3h - 5h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Spend a half-day on two wheels for a taste of true Hangzhou.
Ride the willow-lined banks West Lake, try a vegetarian Buddhist temple snack, visit thousand-year-old relic sites and see instagrammable old-time streets and alleys with real ‘Hangzhou Feel’ seldom visited by the average tourist.
Make use of our local knowledge and bicycle to help you get the most out of Hangzhou.
Available options
2021 - 2022 Viator Pricing
What's included
English-Proficient Local Hangzhou Guide
Temple Admission + Vegetarian Snack
Accident Insurance
Cycling Equipment
Detailed itinerary
1
Meet up. Choose your bicycle.
In the morning, meet up at the cycling base at the edge of West Lake. Bikes will be ready and waiting for you. Choose your machine, adjust, test ride and get comfortable.
We have two default routes to choose from, each with different levels of difficulty and scenery.
2
Stop 2
Pass by
Option 1) Scenic West Lake Loop Leisure Ride
This is Hangzhou’s most scenically stunning route. Be shown the beauty of West Lake, discover the architectural masterpiece that is the China Academy of Art and tour Jingci Temple – the most famous in the region, tasting the monastery-made vegetarian roast Goose inside. See the hundred-year villas on Beishan Street and breathe in the artistic feels of Nanshan Road.
Total Distance: 14KM
Estimated Time: 3 HOURS
Road and Route: 95% Flat 5% Hills
3
Stop 3
Option 2) Old Hangzhou Exploration Tour (with Jingci Temple)
A variation on the classic West Lake Loop Leisure Ride that gives you the chance to see the face of old Hangzhou. Visit a string of relic sites with close to a thousand years’ history, including the Eight Diagrams Field, the old Ceramics Workshop ruins and the Water City Gate. You will also pay a visit to the antiquated lanes and alleys of old Hangzhou – the perfect place to feel the real atmosphere of the local lifestyle, unpolluted by tourist crowds.
Total Distance: 20KM
Estimated Time: 5 HOURS
Road and Route: 70% Flat 30% Hills
4
Return bicycles. Tour end.
Return bikes and equipment to the cycling base. This concludes the tour.
What's not included
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
TA customer support can supply location and access advice tailored to your plans on the day - just contact us.
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
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