Hangzhou 3-Day Tour
Spend three magical days in Hangzhou, a perfect mix of nature and culture. Day 1: Discover West Lake, cycling or boating past iconic sights like Leifeng Pagoda and Broken Bridge. Enjoy sunset views before exploring Hefang Street for local snacks and souvenirs. Day 2: Visit Lingyin Temple, a serene Buddhist site with ancient rock carvings, then head to Meijiawu Tea Village to taste fresh Longjing tea. Day 3: Wander through Xixi Wetland, a peaceful maze of waterways and gardens. Don’t miss Hangzhou’s cuisine—try Dongpo Pork, West Lake Fish, and Beggar’s Chicken. A trip blending history, scenery, and flavor!
Included with every escorted tour
Day 1: Hangzhou Arrival
West Lake
4-Stars Hotel
After breakfast, visit West Lake—a UNESCO World Heritage Site originally named Wulin Water, later known as Qiantang Lake (after Hangzhou’s ancient name). Celebrated by poets like Bai Juyi and Su Dongpo, it’s steeped in legends (e.g., Madam White Snake, Leifeng Pagoda). The lake also functions as a vital irrigation reservoir, preventing urban floods.
Top Attractions (West Lake Ten Scenes):
Melting Snow at Broken Bridge (断桥残雪) : Winter’s end—snow melts on the bridge while lingering at its ends, creating an illusion of a “broken” bridge.
Three Pools Mirroring the Moon (三潭印月): Moonlit nights reflect triple stone pagodas, blurring reality and illusion.
Other highlights: Spring Dawn at Su Causeway, Lotus in the Breeze at Quyuan Garden, Leifeng Pagoda in Sunset Glow.
Experiences (Self-funded):
Luxury Painted Boat Cruise: Glide past willow-draped shores in ornate vessels.
Traditional Rowboat: Drift with storytelling boatmen through hidden waterways.
West Lake Intangible Cultural Heritage: Try fan-making (Wangxingji) or scissor-forging (Zhangxiaoquan) with master artisans.
Route: Broken Bridge → Autumn Moon over Calm Lake → Lotus in Breeze Courtyard → Leifeng Pagoda Sunset.
Day 2: Hangzhou
Lingyin Temple-Feilai Peak-Faxi Temple-Song Dynasty Town-Xiaohe Straight Street
4-Stars Hotel
Breakfast&Lunch
Morning:
Lingyin Temple: Founded by Indian monk Huili (326 AD), expanded by emperors and kings. A Zen Buddhism pinnacle among Jiangnan’s “Five Great Mountains.”
Feilai Peak: Opposite Lingyin, featuring 340+ cliff carvings (10th-14th c.), China’s largest grotto complex south of Yangtze.
Faxi Temple: Origin of China’s White-Robed Guanyin cult (est. 936 AD). See its 500-year-old magnolia (blooms March).
Note: Free incense at temples; candles/lighters prohibited.
Afternoon:
Song Dynasty Town: A living museum replicating 12th-c. Kaifeng from Along the River During Qingming Festival scroll.
Hands-on (Self-funded): Embroidery, movable-type printing, pottery.
Performances: Eternal Song Dynasty multimedia show (lights/robotics).
Xiaohe Straight Street: Historic canal trade hub. Stroll tea houses, boutiques in preserved Republic-era shophouses (shops below, residences above).
Day 3: Hangzhou Departure
Hefang Street-Water Bus-Wansong Academy-City Balcony
4-Stars Hotel
Breakfast
Morning:
Hefang Street: Hangzhou’s 1,000-year-old commercial heart. Explore:
Century shops: Hu Qingyu Pharmacy, Wangxingji Fans, Zhangxiaoquan Scissors.
Water Bus: Cruise the Grand Canal (Line 1: Wulinmen → Gongchen Bridge). Rent bikes for “land-water transfers.” Night cruises available in summer.
Afternoon:
Wansong Academy: Ming-Qing dynasty’s elite academy (fostered scholars like Yuan Mei). Romanticized as Liang Shanbo & Zhu Yingtai’s love story setting.
City Balcony: Qiantang CBD’s landmark. By night, admire:
“Sun & Moon” duo: Golden International Convention Center + silver Grand Theatre.
River views: Olympic Sports Center and Hangzhou Gate skyscrapers glittering across the Qiantang River.
