Best Hangzhou City Tour with West Lake, Grand Canal China & Xixi Wetland (3 Options)

Your amazing Hangzhou City Tour begins! The highlights today include China National Tea Museum, Meijiawu Tea Culture Village, Lingyin Temple, West Lake (Route A or B), Optional Hangzhou Hefang Street (Hu Qing Yu Tang Chinese Medicine Museum, Former Residence of Huxueyan, etc.), Optional Impression West Lake Show, Optional Grand Canal Night Cruise.

Welcome to Hangzhou, the Paradise on Earth with a history of over 5,000 years.

Upon arrival, your Hangzhou guide/driver will escort you to explore the China National Tea Museum. The museum has two branches. The Shuangfeng Branch showcases Longjing history and ancient utensils in a classic garden. Nearby, the hillside Longjing Branch offers West Lake views and "Dian Cha" demonstrations. Together, they house 3,865 artifacts documenting the global evolution of China’s rich tea heritage.

Next, visit Meijiawu Tea Culture Village, the premier producer of Longjing Tea with 600 years of history. Discover the craft where 30,000 hand-picked buds create 1 kg of tea. Explore the Lu Zhenghao Plantation and Premier Zhou Memorial Hall, then enjoy fresh tea paired with authentic Hangzhou cuisine amidst ancient architecture and scenic workshops.

After lunch, visit Lingyin Temple (灵隐寺), a 1,700-year-old Zen landmark nestled by Feilai Peak’s limestone cliffs. It houses ancient stone pagodas and China’s largest seated Buddha. Explore the legendary home of the "mad monk" Jigong and soak in the spiritual atmosphere of this sanctuary, famously known as a popular spot to pray for romance.

Then, explore the UNESCO-listed West Lake by foot, bike (self-pay), boat or public sightseeing bus. For Chinese people, West Lake is the most romantic place, inspired by poems written by Su Dongpo (苏东坡, The Gay Genius), the classic legend of "The White Snake" (白蛇传), and the tragic romance of "The Butterfly Lovers" (梁祝), whose fame rivals that of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet."

Hangzhou West Lake Visiting Route A (South Bank + North Bank):

Highlights: Three Ponds Mirroring the Moon Cruise (20 minutes), Chinese One Yuan Note, Watching Fish at Flower Harbor, Su Causeway, West Lake Sightseeing Bus (5km, 0.5h), Broken Bridge, Optional Leifeng Pagoda

Your journey begins at the Park Pier (公园码头), where a West Lake Ferry carries you to the island of Three Pools Mirroring the Moon (三潭印月). Along the way, you will capture the iconic One Yuan Note photo, aligning the ancient pagodas exactly as they appear on the banknote.

After a peaceful boat ride back to the south shore, you’ll find yourself at Flower Harbor, a classic garden where thousands of red carp gather beneath peony pavilions in a vibrant display of life.

The path continues to the legendary Leifeng Pagoda, where you have the option to ascend for a 360-degree panorama of the entire lake basin. To round out the experience, board a sightseeing buggy for a breezy ride along the willow-lined Su and Bai Causeways. This effortless tour glides through centuries of history, concluding near the Broken Bridge, where you can disembark to enjoy the romantic atmosphere of one of Hangzhou’s most celebrated vistas.

Note: Prepare a one-yuan paper banknote in advance for viewing the Three Pools Mirroring the Moon.

Hangzhou West Lake Visiting Route B (South Bank):

Highlights: Secluded Boat Cruise Rowing by Hand (2h), Optional Taizi Bay Park Hiking (0.5h to the Top - Jiudi Pavilion) & West Lake Paramona View, Long Bridge Park West Lake Sunset, Jixian Pavilion

You’ll start your West Lake Boat Tour from Majiawan Wharf and embark on a relaxing two-hour hand-rowed boat ride. Glide through the secluded, lesser-known waters of West Lake to embrace peaceful lakeside scenery hidden from the usual tourist crowds.

After disembarking, you’ll pass by Prince Bay Park. If you still have energy, you may climb up to Jiuyao Pavilion at the hilltop for a stunning full panoramic overlook of West Lake.

Then, take a leisurely stroll along the southern bank of West Lake. At Long Bridge Park, you’ll stay to capture the gorgeous sunset with Long Bridge and Leifeng Pagoda forming a perfect backdrop. Our route continues to Jixian Pavilion, which is especially breathtaking in summer when lotus flowers are in full bloom all around.

Later, be escorted to the railway station or airport in Hangzhou for your departure.

Optional Hangzhou Evening Activities:

• Hefang Street: Blending ancient architecture, time-honored brands and local folk culture, it is the most representative old street in downtown Hangzhou. You can wander among red lanterns, taste authentic Hangzhou snacks and experience the charm of traditional Jiangnan nightlife.
• Impression West Lake Show (19:40): A world-class outdoor spectacle directed by Zhang Yimou on a natural lake stage. Advance booking required; refunds issued for weather cancellations.
• Grand Canal Night Cruise (1-hour): Sail this 2,500-year-old UNESCO site to see illuminated landmarks like Gongchen Bridge. Best April–October; winter schedules (Dec to Feb) may be reduced.

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT) for your China Hangzhou City Tour From Shanghai. We hope to welcome you back to China or Asia again soon!

Your amazing Hangzhou City Tour begins! Today you are going to visit the two icons of Hangzhou: West lake and Grand Canal China.

The highlights today include West Lake (Route A or B), Grand Canal China Riverbank Walking, Gongchen Bridge, China Grand Canal Museum, Handicraft Living Heritage Museum, Chinese Knives, Scissors, Swords, Fans, and Umbrellas Museum, Optional Hangzhou Hefang Street (Hu Qing Yu Tang Chinese Medicine Museum, Former Residence of Huxueyan, etc.), Optional Impression West Lake Show, Optional Grand Canal Night Cruise.

Welcome to Hangzhou, the Paradise on Earth with a history of over 5,000 years. Upon arrival, you will be escorted to Hangzhou’s landmark: West Lake.

For Chinese people, West Lake is the most romantic place, inspired by poems written by Su Dongpo (苏东坡, The Gay Genius), the classic legend of "The White Snake" (白蛇传), and the tragic romance of "The Butterfly Lovers" (梁祝), whose fame rivals that of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet."

Hangzhou West Lake Visiting Route A (South Bank + North Bank):

Highlights: Three Ponds Mirroring the Moon Cruise (20 minutes), Chinese One Yuan Note, Watching Fish at Flower Harbor, Su Causeway, West Lake Sightseeing Bus (5km, 0.5h), Broken Bridge, Optional Leifeng Pagoda

Your journey begins at the Park Pier (公园码头), where a West Lake Ferry carries you to the island of Three Pools Mirroring the Moon (三潭印月). Along the way, you will capture the iconic One Yuan Note photo, aligning the ancient pagodas exactly as they appear on the banknote.

After a peaceful boat ride back to the south shore, you’ll find yourself at Flower Harbor, a classic garden where thousands of red carp gather beneath peony pavilions in a vibrant display of life.

The path continues to the legendary Leifeng Pagoda, where you have the option to ascend for a 360-degree panorama of the entire lake basin. To round out the experience, board a sightseeing buggy for a breezy ride along the willow-lined Su and Bai Causeways. This effortless tour glides through centuries of history, concluding near the Broken Bridge, where you can disembark to enjoy the romantic atmosphere of one of Hangzhou’s most celebrated vistas.

Note: Prepare a one-yuan paper banknote in advance for viewing the Three Pools Mirroring the Moon.

Hangzhou West Lake Visiting Route B (South Bank):

Highlights: Secluded Boat Cruise Rowing by Hand (2h), Optional Taizi Bay Park Hiking (0.5h to the Top - Jiudi Pavilion) & West Lake Paramona View, Long Bridge Park West Lake Sunset, Jixian Pavilion

You’ll start your West Lake Boat Tour from Majiawan Wharf and embark on a relaxing two-hour hand-rowed boat ride. Glide through the secluded, lesser-known waters of West Lake to embrace peaceful lakeside scenery hidden from the usual tourist crowds.

After disembarking, you’ll pass by Prince Bay Park. If you still have energy, you may climb up to Jiuyao Pavilion at the hilltop for a stunning full panoramic overlook of West Lake.

Then, take a leisurely stroll along the southern bank of West Lake. At Long Bridge Park, you’ll stay to capture the gorgeous sunset with Long Bridge and Leifeng Pagoda forming a perfect backdrop. Our route continues to Jixian Pavilion, which is especially breathtaking in summer when lotus flowers are in full bloom all around.

In the afternoon, you are going to explore the Hangzhou part of the Grand Canal China.

First, take a leisurely stroll along the China Grand Canal and visit the iconic Gongchen Bridge. The Chinese character Gong means greeting with folded hands, while Chen refers to the imperial North Star, symbolizing a warm welcome to emperors in ancient times.

Standing in the middle of the bridge, you can capture wonderful moments as cargo ships sail past against the backdrop of the canal, feeling the perfect fusion of ancient history and modern daily life.

Then visit the Knife, Scissors, Sword, Fan and Umbrella Museums. This cultural cluster gathers Hangzhou’s time-honored craft treasures, where you can find the world-famous Zhang Xiaoquan scissors and classic Wang Xingji fans. Wander through exquisite exhibitions of traditional knives, scissors, swords, folding fans and silk umbrellas, and appreciate the ingenuity and heritage of local intangible craftsmanship.

Next, head to the Grand Canal Museum to explore the profound history of this World Cultural Heritage site. You will learn about its excavation story, geographical coverage including the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, the Sui-Tang Grand Canal and the Eastern Zhejiang Canal, as well as its world heritage inscription journey through rich historical displays and cultural relics.

Afterwards, proceed to the Handicraft Living Heritage Museum to experience traditional DIY crafts. Over 20 intangible cultural heritage items are available for you to choose from, such as oil-paper umbrella painting, bamboo weaving, tie-dyeing, traditional DingSheng cake making, pottery art, lacquer fan decoration, paper-cutting and woodworking.

Professional instructors will guide you step by step throughout the experience, and you can take all your handmade creations home as unique souvenirs.

Later, be escorted to the railway station or airport in Hangzhou for your departure.

Optional Hangzhou Evening Activities:

• Hefang Street: Blending ancient architecture, time-honored brands and local folk culture, it is the most representative old street in downtown Hangzhou. You can wander among red lanterns, taste authentic Hangzhou snacks and experience the charm of traditional Jiangnan nightlife.
• Impression West Lake Show (19:40): A world-class outdoor spectacle directed by Zhang Yimou on a natural lake stage. Advance booking required; refunds issued for weather cancellations.
• Grand Canal Night Cruise (1-hour): Sail this 2,500-year-old UNESCO site to see illuminated landmarks like Gongchen Bridge. Best April–October; winter schedules (Dec to Feb) may be reduced.

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT) for your China Hangzhou City Tour From Shanghai. We hope to welcome you back to China or Asia again soon!

Your amazing Hangzhou City Tour begins! The highlights today include China National Tea Museum, Meijiawu Tea Culture Village, Xixi Wetland, Optional Hangzhou Hefang Street (Hu Qing Yu Tang Chinese Medicine Museum, Former Residence of Huxueyan, etc.), Optional Impression West Lake Show, Optional Grand Canal Night Cruise.

Welcome to Hangzhou, the Paradise on Earth with a history of over 5,000 years. Upon arrival, your Hangzhou guide/driver will escort you to explore the China National Tea Museum. The museum has two branches. The Shuangfeng Branch showcases Longjing history and ancient utensils in a classic garden. Nearby, the hillside Longjing Branch offers West Lake views and "Dian Cha" demonstrations. Together, they house 3,865 artifacts documenting the global evolution of China’s rich tea heritage.

Next, visit Meijiawu Tea Culture Village, the premier producer of Longjing Tea with 600 years of history. Discover the craft where 30,000 hand-picked buds create 1 kg of tea. Explore the Lu Zhenghao Plantation and Premier Zhou Memorial Hall, then enjoy fresh tea paired with authentic Hangzhou cuisine amidst ancient architecture and scenic workshops.

After lunch, you will be escorted to Xixi National Wetland Park, which features a peaceful rural charm quite different from the classical urban grace of West Lake.

You will start your journey from Zhoujiacun Entrance and board a traditional punt boat for a relaxing 2-hour cruise. The route covers Zhoujiacun, Yanshui Fishing Village and Shentankou. As you glide along the quiet waterways, you can enjoy the original wetland scenery, while the boatman narrates local legends and cultural stories along the way.

Disembark midway at Yanshui Fishing Village for a leisurely stroll. Explore the Silkworm & Silk Culture Exhibition Hall and the Xixi Wedding Custom Museum to discover local sericulture traditions and time-honored folk customs.

After arriving at Shentankou, you will walk to Hezhu Street. Wander along the ancient pedestrian street to experience local lifestyle and characteristic shops. After the sightseeing, you will walk to the nearby pick-up point and take the shuttle back to Zhoujiacun Entrance to finish the Xixi Wetland tour.

Later, be escorted to the railway station or airport in Hangzhou for your departure.

Optional Hangzhou Evening Activities:

• Hefang Street: Blending ancient architecture, time-honored brands and local folk culture, it is the most representative old street in downtown Hangzhou. You can wander among red lanterns, taste authentic Hangzhou snacks and experience the charm of traditional Jiangnan nightlife.
• Impression West Lake Show (19:40): A world-class outdoor spectacle directed by Zhang Yimou on a natural lake stage. Advance booking required; refunds issued for weather cancellations.
• Grand Canal Night Cruise (1-hour): Sail this 2,500-year-old UNESCO site to see illuminated landmarks like Gongchen Bridge. Best April–October; winter schedules (Dec to Feb) may be reduced.

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT) for your China Hangzhou City Tour From Shanghai. We hope to welcome you back to China or Asia again soon!