2 Days Hangzhou Essence Tour (Most Time-Efficient)
Savor Best Highlights of “Heaven City”
Savor Best Highlights of “Heaven City”
Hangzhou favored by many people as the “Heavenly City on Earth” is bestowed with paradisal sceneries and romantic poetic culture since many centuries ago. This 2 Days Hangzhou Essence Tour is the best package to catch all best nature, culture, history and life pace of Hangzhou. You will achieve the No.1 dream of discovering fabulous West Lake with admiration of this famous ten sceneries by cruising, walking and vehicle riding. Also, you’ll have great fun walking among the real lush green Dragon Well tea plantation to feel the refreshing aroma from nature and learn the interesting Chinese tea culture. Besides, you will not miss the popular and holy temple, ancient street, various themed museums and displays to travel back to the prosperous Hangzhou in its period as the capital of the state 800 years ago and lost in the charming art of various handicrafts used in daily life! Let’s go and know why Hangzhou is called “Heaven City”!
We will help you enjoy a real Hangzhou with avoiding the crowds, please feel free to inquire for the best price of our valuable Hangzhou tour package which covers pick-up / drop-off service, professional guide caring service, a non-smoking private vehicle with an experience driver, etc. to enjoy your trip to Hangzhou! (The tour itinerary can be adjusted or tailored based on your schedule and interests!)
Day 1 Hangzhou Arrival & Tour (L)
Today’s highlights: West Lake, Lingyin Temple, Feilai Peak, Meijia Dock Dragon Well Tea Village, China National Tea Museum
Welcome to Hangzhou! Your local travel guide and driver will meet you at Hangzhou airport / train station or your hotel and escort you to start today’s Hangzhou exploration! (Note: the number and order of attractions can be adjusted based on your schedule and interests.)
First, make the symbolic visit to the picturesque West Lake, which is the iconic site of Hangzhou and a pretty UNESCO World Heritage. Just as the famous traveler Marco Polo did and wrote: “A voyage on this lake offers more refreshment and pleasure than any other experience on earth”, you will start with a 45-minute leisure cruise to enjoy the tranquil lake views as well as the ancient pagodas, traditional arched bridges, tree-lined walkways, beautiful hills, green islands and lush gardens including visit to the beautiful Three Ponds Mirroring the Moon. After the cruise, stroll or take a sightseeing vehicle leisurely around to pass the famous Su Causeway, Bai Causeway, Broken Bridge, Gushan Hill, parks of Fish Viewing at the Flower Pond, Lotus Swaying in the Breeze, Orioles Singing in the Willows, etc. (As the lake is too large, you can take the sightseeing vehicle at any place on the route to save energy. The fee is included.)
Next, go to Feilai Peak (Peak Flying from Afar), which flew to China to spread Buddhism from India according to the legend. It features in over 300 Buddhist carvings lining the riverbanks and hillsides and tucked away inside grottoes. With over 1,000 years, it is the precious fresco treasure in the whole regions south of Yangtze River. Continue to the adjacent Lingyin Temple of nearly 1,700 year, which is the oldest and one of the most popular temples in Hangzhou. Hidden in the luxurious forest, it offers charming and peaceful landscape mixed with the strong Buddhist atmosphere among the large scaled of magnificent and antique temple clusters.
Then, drive uphill to Meijiawu Tea Village, a refreshing wonderland surrounded by mountains with a large area of emerald Dragon Well tea plantations in neat lines and curves. Walk among the tea plantations with fun and take beautiful photos (Optional activity: you can pay a visit to the local tea grower’s family and experience picking tea leaves, watching stir-drying tea leaves, enjoying tea ceremony, tasting Dragon Well tea, etc., which needs extra payment.). After that, go to China National Tea Museum to learn systematically about Chinese tea culture including the history, procession, customs and classification of tea, and admire diverse kinds of tea wares, machines, displays, etc.
After today’s visiting, be escorted back to your hotel in Hangzhou downtown. Have a good sleep!
Evening Ideas: 1) watch a magnificent night show - Enduring Memories of Hangzhou, a live performance by Yimou Zhang with changing lights, music and dancing on the West Lake, which usually starts at 7pm, needs extra payment; 2) feast your eyes with an amazing Music Fountain Show at Third Park, near the eastern lakeside of West Lake, free charged.
Picturesque West Lake with Lotus Flowers in Summer
Day 2 Hangzhou Tour & Hangzhou Departure (B, L)
Today’s highlights: Hefang Street, Hu Qing Yu Tang, Beijing Hangzhou Grand Canal Cruise, Qiaoxi Conservation Area
Good morning! After breakfast, your guide and driver will meet at your hotel and then escort you to enjoy a nice historical walk at Hefang Street, a unique pedestrian street to see the typical old and prosperous Hangzhou in South Song era. Stroll to admire the ornate old styled Chinese architectures, interesting local handicrafts, delicious snacks, etc. Then, walk to the century-old Chinese pharmacy on the street - Hu Qing Yu Tang, which is also known as Traditional Chinese Medicine Museum and was built by Xueyan Hu, a famous merchant in late Qing dynasty. Many locals still visit senior doctors there for treatment today. Marvel at the magic of traditional Chinese medicine by looking at the countless traditional Chinese medicines and herbs, various traditional tools and watch the live processing of medicines.
Later, go to Wulinmen to take the 0.5 hour’s sightseeing cruise on Beijing Hangzhou Grand Canal. That great canal dug from Spring and Autumn period is over 2,500 years old, which is one of the three greatest projects in China and a World Cultural Heritage. Appreciate the view of the modern and old houses on banks passing by and see the vibrant scene of different cargo ships and passenger ships coming and going just like that in the past centuries.
Disembark at Gongchen Bridge and have an interesting cultural visit to Qiaoxi Conservation Area which was called “Little Shanghai” for its prosperity in Ming and Qing era due to the convenient linking by the Grand Canal. Now, this cultural street block preserves lots of old folk dwellings and industrial sites and has a series of themed museums and exhibitions to introduce the culture and history of the Grand Canal, Hangzhou and China. Go to China Museum of Knives, Scissors & Swords to admire various scissors used in daily life and learn the developing story of Zhang Xiao Quan. It is a nationally renowned brand of knives and scissors of nearly 400 years old and still favored by lots of domestic consumers. Besides, have a great look at plentiful of swords for military defense and knives from ancient to now! Walk to the adjacent China Umbrella Museum. You will know how the world first umbrella was inspired from lotus leaves, their special status in Chinese literature, irreplaceable meanings in the wedding and marriage in China, detailed processing, etc. with displays of rich types and colors of umbrellas of different materials in China and the world. Then, go to the nearby Workmanship Demonstration Pavilion to watch the live demonstration of painting on oiled paper umbrellas and various handicrafts, such as making potteries, embroideries, bamboo weaving, etc. (Optional activities: You can experience one of the handcrafting activities if you are interested and time permits, which needs extra payment.)
After the visiting, your guide and driver will escort you to Hangzhou airport / train station to catch your flight / train to your next destination or home! Tour ends!
1. This price is for one person, based on a group of 2 adults sharing one standard double-bed room in a 4-star hotel and traveling with our private tour in low seasons.
2. This price is subject to change according your traveling season, group size, hotel class, change of activities in your itinerary and possible fluctuation of currency exchange rate. If you want a lower price, you can get more people to join you, or use economy class hotels.
3. This price is only valid to March 31, 2025.
4. Reference exchange rate of USD 1=RMB 7.00. The final quote is based on current exchange rate. It may change according to the currency fluctuation, while the RMB quotation will be remained the same.
Thank you Rita.
We are very sad that our trip is coming to an end. So far we have had a fantastic time and seen and done some amazing things.
I had a bit of spare time on the high-speed train so came up with this to help your customers. Up to you if you want to use it or make any adjustments (but I think it would be most helpful once people have booked) it reads as follows...
As part of your journey around fascinating and spectacular China, you will most likely take one or more of China Railways High Speed Trains.
These trains are both fast and efficient, enabling you to cover great distances quickly and in comfort.
You may be required to board the train without the assistance of a guide. This may occur depending on station regulations.
The following is suggested as information for travelers. Please note that this is not a definitive guide, as there may be differences depending on station and location, and may be subject to change.
First and most importantly, there are plenty of clean toilets at the stations, and the trains also have Western toilets in each carriage.
Whether you travel First or Second Class is up to you, but there is plenty of leg room in both classes. All trains are non smoking.
AT THE STATION.
Once at the station you will be required to go through security. You will need your passport for this. Your passport is linked to your ticket. We recommend wheeled suitcases or suchlike as luggage trolleys are not provided. Please note that your main bag will travel with you on the train. Unlike a plane where certain items can travel in the hold, prohibited items will be confiscated. Eg. Knives or souvenir swords.Check ahead for prohibited items to avoid disappointment.
You will need your passport, the train number, carriage number and seat allocation for your journey. This will be provided by your guide or on your itinerary. It will also pay to know your departure time.
There are departure boards in multiple places in the stations. These will link your train number with a boarding gate.
Your trains details will be in one of 3 colours.
Yellow: information stage
Green: boarding stage
Red: departure stage.
In order to run efficiently the trains do not wait. Please be in the correct place ready to board. Depending on the number of train carriages, there may be 2 boarding gates. Eg. 4A and 4B. These will correspond to the carriage number. Don't panic if you get it wrong, but it may result in having to walk a little further on the platform to get to your carriage.
You will need your passport to leave the station to go to the platform. There are lines for self check-in and another for passports/ assisted check-in. This may be detailed overhead, or look for the person manning the assisted check-in line. Use this line to proceed to the platform.
PLATFORM / TRAIN
If no train in platform: There are markings on the ground showing the approximate carriage location. You should wait there. If in doubt you can ask for help.
If train is at platform: Check the train number on the side of carriage.(in case two trains either side of platform)
Find your carriage number and board. Seat numbers are clearly labeled. Place your big luggage overhead. Some trains have additional storage at carriage end. Do not store drink bottles overhead as they may leak, due to cabin pressure.
Depending on the length of your journey some basic food may be available (cashless transactions.) You can take your own food if you wish. Hot water is also available on board.
Enjoy your safe and comfortable journey. Be sure to take in the scenery as you travel.
ARRIVAL
Not all train services may terminate at your destination. The next station is shown on a display at both carriage ends (in English also) . Knowing your arrival time will further assist you in getting off at the correct station.
If you are being met at the station your previous guide should give you directions where to meet, as the stations are normally large with multiple exits. You can also have your next guides name and phone number if you wish. You will need your passport again to exit the station terminal, at the manned checkout line.
Depending on the station layout you will be met at the terminal exit, or the arranged location. Your happy, smiling guide will have your name on a signboard to welcome you, and be ready to assist as required.
Dave
Hi Ariel,
It was really great! Thank you for organising!
Fritz
Hello Jack,
Good Morning!
Just a note to say thank you for organizing our Xinjiang tour from 9 April 24 to 24 April 24. We are now in Perth Australia.
Overall this was an amazing trip, we all enjoyed it so much. We are now working on a return visit to China and is looking forward to use your services again soon.
We will recommend you and your company to my family and friends.
Best regards
Alan and Lily
Dear Leo
I am writing this letter to express our thanks and gratitude to you for making our recent trip an unforgettable one.
The guides provided (David,Gila & Sally) were very professional and exhibited excellent attitude in providing a great service to us taking into consideration our needs and preferences. The group had a wonderful time thanks to your organisation and arrangement of the efficient team for us in this trip,
Overall this was an amazing trip, we all enjoyed it so much. We are now working on a return visit to China and is looking forward to use your services again soon.
On behalf of our group of 11 pax, we sincerely thank you for organising this wonderful trip for us.
Looking forward to more trips to China in the future with your company.
Best regards
Chan
Dear Rita,
Thank you for organising our tour.
We are satisfied with the service, especially day 1 tour in Beijing.
The guide was very professional and we enjoined the tour.
Wish you many more successful tours.
Best regards
Katarina
We are one of the few China travel agencies who have kept active and received lots of feedbacks and reviews during pandemic years
"Highest Standards of Quality and Honesty" is the core value of each specialized team at China Discovery.
Eveyone in our company is working hard for only one goal, which is to ensure the highest level of service, luxury, and attention to detail from the minute you begin planning your trip, to the day you return home.
Our travel consultants are professional, experienced and responsible, helping you from the very beginning to the end of your China trip!
After sending us an inquiry, one of our travel consultants will get back to you within 0.5~23.5 hrs. In the next few days, he/she will be working closely with you to formulate a customized tour plan, as well as providing professional suggestions based on your travel interests, time, and budget.
Beside, he/she will keep in contact with you during your entire tour in China, continually checking if everything is going well as planned.
We're working at Chengdu Bamboo International Tours, local based in Chengdu.
Our local guide in every destination is not only very friendly, enthusiastic but also very informative and knowledgeable.
Once you arrive in the destination, the patient and punctual guides will pick you up and take you to get under skin of the city at your own pace. By in-depth discovery and explanation, they’ll show you more about the history, culture, customs and authentic local life. Throughout the journey, they're not only expert guides who take care of all the details but also fellow travelers who are dedicated to help you explore in comfort and style.
Our guides are passionate about what they do, and it shows all the way!
Using our private transfer service makes you comfortable, relaxed and worry free all the way!
Our private service includes licensed drivers with many years’ driving experience and air-conditioned, non-smoking, clean and well-maintained cars/vans. Drivers are local, polite, friendly and helpful, taking you to your tourist sites, hotels, airport/train stations in safety. All kinds of vehicle are offered, and yours depends on the size of your group. Usually, we offer sedan cars, SUVs, business vans (MPV) and different types of buses, all with extra space for your luggage.
Our private transfer service guarantees you the highest comfort!
In each destination, you’ll enjoy a comfortable stay in a great location!
The hotels we choose are based on star rating, great locations, well-equipped facilities, cozy bed, high quality service and guests’ feedbacks. Choices are a lot ranging from luxury 5 star, comfortable 4 star to budget 3 star. You could decide where to stay to best suit for your budget and likes. Generally, the hotels have both Western and Chinese breakfast with a wide choices.
If you have already got an ideal hotel, please feel free to tell our travel consultants and they'll book the hotel for you.
Have good sleep in our well-selected hotels in all the destinations of China.
We can satisfy all the dietary requirements no matter you want Chinese local food, western food, vegetarian food or muslin food.
The restaurants we will take you for lunch or dinner are all designated tourist restaurants approved by local tourist administration bureau. They have very good sanitary conditions and the food is prepared fresh and clean.
There will be some meals excluded in your itinerary as you like, and your private guide will be delighted to give you some suggestions and take you to the local restaurants to taste like Beijing Roast Duck, Xian Dumpling Dinner, Sichuan Hotpot, etc., if you are interested in local food tasting.
All the dining options will satisfy your stomach!
Picturesque West Lake with Lotus Flowers in Summer
Leifeng Pagoda at Sunset
West Lake Boating Experience
Lingyin Temple
Hangzhou Dragon Well Tea Plantation
Lawson Family from UK - Meijiawu Tea Plantation, Hangzhou, Zhejiang
Hefang Street
Beijing Hangzhou Grand Canal - Gongchen Bridge Section
China Umbrella Museum
China Museum of Knives, Scissors & Swords
Workmanship Demonstration Pavilion
Shanghai / Hangzhou / Suzhou / Shanghai
Hangzhou / Wuzhen
Hangzhou / Suzhou
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