Food is a VERY important part of a tour. We arrange A La Carte Chinese Food - Escape Junk Tourist Food. Hangzhou has its own unique cuisine – Zhejiang cuisine is one of the eight culinary traditions of China,Hangzhou food is lovely: succulent Longjing prawns, fragrant, full-bodied Longjing roast chicken, lusciously fatty Dongpo pork, West Lake fish in vinegar, floral osmanthus rice cake – and more. Hangzhou Private Tour is honored to be the first agency offering a la carte meals for its valued clients during their trip to Hangzhou. It offers you a great deal of freedom: select the menu items as you wish! Our guides are the local experts, so you can always ask him/her about what to eat and where to eat, they can give you some advice. Our arrangement for meals in the tour will doubtlessly give you a great opportunity to experience authentic Hangzhou and Chinese Cuisine. In particular it will ensure satisfaction if you happen to be a vegetarian.

Traditional Dishes:

Dongpo Rou (Dongpo Pork): This dish features braised pork belly that is perfectly balanced between sweet and savory flavors. Legend has it that it was created by Su Dongpo, an ancient mayor of Hangzhou who was also a celebrated poet. Its rich, tender texture makes it a must-try specialty.

Jiaohua Ji (Beggar’s Chicken): Beggar’s Chicken is a whole chicken wrapped in clay and slow-cooked, which locks in all the juices and aromas. According to a popular story, an emperor once got lost near Hangzhou and was hungry. He encountered a beggar roasting a chicken wrapped in hot clay over a fire. After tasting it, the emperor was so impressed that he brought the recipe back to the royal court.

Cong Bao Hui (Fried Dough with Green Onion): This snack consists of crispy fried dough filled with fresh green onions, often served with either a sweet or spicy sauce. The name has a colorful backstory—Qin Hui, a widely despised but powerful prime minister, was symbolically “wrapped” in the dough and “eaten” by the people as a form of protest. Thus, the dish’s name literally means “green onion wrapping Hui.”

Longjing Xia Ren (Dragon Well Tea Shrimp): Combining Hangzhou’s most famous tea, Dragon Well (Longjing) tea, with tender shelled shrimp, this dish is light, flavorful, and easy for all ages to enjoy. The subtle aroma of the tea complements the sweetness of the shrimp perfectly.

Xi Hu Cu Yu (West Lake Vinegar Fish): This dish is famous, or rather infamous, across China. It features steamed fish served with a vinegar-based sauce. While some find the flavor unusual or even off-putting, it’s a classic Hangzhou dish that locals and visitors alike try at least once. A heads-up: the fish is served whole with bones, so be cautious while eating. If you prefer something easier, try the “Song Sao Yu Geng,” a flavorful fish stew without bones that many find more enjoyable.

Restaurants:

For authentic Hangzhou cuisine near West Lake, you can visit Lou Wai Lou, Xin Xin Fan Dian, or Shan Wai Shan. These places are known for serving the city’s most traditional dishes in classic settings.

Other notable restaurants include Hangzhou Jiu Jia, which offers local traditional food; Kui Yuan Guan, famous for its handmade noodles; and Zhi Wei Guan, where you can enjoy delicious dumplings and steamed buns.

For a more budget-friendly local experience, De Ming Fan Dian is a good choice, though it typically operates on a walk-in basis without reservations.

If you prefer fusion and more contemporary Hangzhou flavors, chains like Grandma’s House (Wai Po Jia), Xin Bai Lu, and Qi Yuan can be found in many shopping centers across the city, offering a modern twist on classic dishes.

1 Day tour

If you only have one day in Hangzhou, we recommend a carefully planned itinerary that covers the city’s most iconic and memorable highlights, so you get a rich experience without feeling rushed.

Start your day early at West Lake, the heart of Hangzhou’s charm. Take a relaxing boat ride to enjoy the scenic beauty and famous spots like the Broken Bridge and Su Causeway. The morning light makes the lake especially picturesque. After the boat ride, a walk along the lakeside paths lets you soak in gardens, pagodas, and cultural sites.

Next, head to the Longjing tea plantations nearby, such as Meijiawu Village. Here you can learn about China’s famous green tea, see tea picking and processing, and enjoy a traditional tea tasting session. This visit provides a peaceful contrast to the city and connects you to local culture.

After lunch, visit Lingyin Temple, one of China’s most famous Buddhist temples. The temple complex, surrounded by forested hills, is both spiritual and historically rich. Don’t miss the nearby Fei Lai Feng grottoes with ancient stone carvings.

If time allows, finish your day at Hefang Street. This historic pedestrian street is perfect for strolling, shopping for souvenirs, and tasting local snacks. The vibrant atmosphere gives a feel of traditional Hangzhou life.

Our tours can arrange all transportation and tickets so you can relax and focus on enjoying the day. With expert local guides, you’ll get insights and stories that bring these sites to life. Even with just one day, this itinerary offers a deep and rewarding glimpse of Hangzhou.

2 Day tour

With two full days to explore, we recommend an itinerary that highlights the city's most iconic scenery, cultural richness, and authentic local life, all at a comfortable pace. This plan allows you to enjoy both the natural charm and historical depth of Hangzhou while avoiding the rush.

On your first day, start with a peaceful boat ride on West Lake, the heart of Hangzhou’s beauty and a symbol of classical Chinese landscape design. As you glide across the calm waters, you’ll pass scenic landmarks, willow-lined banks, and traditional bridges, all framed by distant hills. After the boat ride, visit Guo’s Villa, a refined private garden that offers an intimate glimpse into classical garden architecture with beautiful pavilions, rockeries, and calm reflecting pools. It’s quiet and elegant, perfect for those who appreciate fine details. From there, continue to Fish Viewing at the Flower Pond, another famous lakeside garden known for its seasonal blooms and colorful koi ponds, offering a poetic and relaxing atmosphere.

In the afternoon, head out to Meijiawu Tea Plantation, nestled in the hills west of the lake. This traditional tea village is home to Longjing (Dragon Well) tea, one of China’s most renowned green teas. Stroll through the lush tea fields, see how the tea leaves are harvested and roasted, and enjoy a tea tasting with local farmers. It’s a cultural highlight and a calming escape from the city. To finish the day, take a short walk through a nearby bamboo forest, where the tall green stalks sway gently in the wind. The peaceful trails and fresh air offer a perfect way to end your first day in Hangzhou.

On your second day, begin your morning with a visit to a local Hangzhou morning market. These lively markets are full of fresh produce, tofu stalls, handmade snacks, and steaming breakfast dishes. Walking through the market gives you a window into local daily life, and you’ll have the chance to try local breakfast items like sesame flatbread, sticky rice dumplings, or soy milk with fried dough. It’s an immersive, down-to-earth start to the day.

Next, explore the Grand Canal Historic Blocks. This area, once a major hub along the ancient Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, still retains many historical buildings, stone lanes, and cultural museums. You’ll learn about the city’s merchant past and how canal trade shaped Hangzhou’s prosperity. The quiet canalside paths are perfect for walking and photography.

In the late afternoon, head to Chenghuang Pavilion on Wushan Hill, a beautiful multi-level wooden structure with panoramic views of Hangzhou. It’s especially worth visiting at sunset, when the city skyline and West Lake begin to glow in the golden light. Watching the sun dip behind the hills from the top floor of the pavilion is a peaceful and memorable moment that many travelers cherish.

To end your day, stroll along Hefang Street, one of Hangzhou’s oldest commercial streets. The road is lined with traditional-style buildings, shops selling handmade crafts and tea, and stalls offering street snacks like sweet glutinous rice cakes and beggar’s chicken. It’s the perfect place to enjoy dinner, pick up souvenirs, and take in the historic atmosphere under the lantern-lit streets.

As your travel agency, we take care of every detail for your two-day journey, including private transportation, expert guides, entrance tickets, and customized pacing based on your preferences. Whether you’re a culture lover, a nature enthusiast, or simply curious to experience authentic Chinese city life, this itinerary gives you the best of Hangzhou in just two days.

Tea Culture is an indispensable part if you want to experience the local culture of hangzhou.With sprawling tea plantations, countless refined tea houses and the biggest tea museum on earth, Hangzhou is the place to pick a handful of dewy tea leaves, enjoy a cup of authentic Dragon Well Tea and demystify the intriguing tea ceremony.Your stay in Hangzhou won’t be complete without a visit to the tea plantations. This is the cradle of Dragon Well Tea, and it is known for producing the best green tea in China. Hangzhou Private Tour 100 percent guarantees we will not take you to spend more time and money at any pre-arranged mandatory shopping stops or factory stores for overpriced goods. If you are a tea fan and want to bring some tea back as gifts, our guides and experts will give you the recommendations on where to buy the best quality tea and other souvenirs from hangzhou . And you don’t need to worry at all, because you only purchase items of your own will.

Auctually, travel from Hangzhou to Shanghai and Suzhou quite easy. As the three cities are close to each other, the best way to get around is by train. You can take high speed train, normal train and intercity bus to travel. However, we highly recommend you to take high speed train to travel. The running time of high speed train between Shanghai and Suzhou is only 0.5h, between Shanghai and Hangzhou is 1h, while between Suzhou and Hangzhou is 1.5h.

Your Way Holiday is a leading travel agency in Hangzhou provides customized Hangzhou Tour Service. We are happy to create the best tour for your needs and preferences. Either you are a private person, a group, a company or a school, give us your inputs and we do the rest. The tour is 100% flexible for you, just tell us where you want in Hangzhou, and our 1-on-1 travel consultant will offer you a most suitable tailor-made itinerary at the best price within 24 hours. We will create a Hangzhou trip 100% fits your specific needs.

Shanghai: 

Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station is the main high speed railway station in Shanghai. It runs high speed trains to Beijing, Wuhan, Nanjing, Hanghzou, Suzhou Kunming, etc. Close to Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, it can be reached easily by Maglev Train, metro Line 2, metro Line 10, taxi and public bus.

Shanghai Railway Station located in the city center, Shanghai Railway Station can be reached by subway (metro Line 1, Line 3 and Line 4) conveniently. It operates some high speed trains as well as the majority of regular trains to/from 70 domestic large and middle-sized cities. 

You can choose the train station based on your hotel location. 

Hangzhou: 

We suggest Hangzhou Dong Station (Hangzhou East Railway Station) if you travel from Shanghai to Hangzhou by train. Most high-speed trains reach hangzhou east railway station. 

For example: 

Shanghai to Hangzhou

Option1: G1509 Shanghai Hongqiao Station to Hangzhou East Station: Departs at 08:42AM and arrives at 09:32AM.

Option 2: G7317 Shanghai  Station to Hangzhou East Station: Depart at 08:05AM and arrive at 09:46AM.

Please choose one of the above options according to your hotel location.

Hangzhou to Shanghai

G7312 Depart at 18:12 from Hangzhou East Station and arrive at Shanghai Hongqiao Station at 19:09. 

You can book other trains arrives Hangzhou around 10:00, and back to Shanghai around 6:00pm are all fine. 

Please kindly note, book the round way train tickets IN ADVANCE in case sould out. 1),You can book the tickets online (www.trip.com). 2) You can book from your hotel in Shanghai. 3) We can help you book the tickets and delivery it to your hotel.  

Our guide will pick up from the exit of train station with a welcome sign "Your Way Holiday" when you arrive.

We provide group tour in some other cities but few group tour (Not daily) in Hangzhou since less tourists in Hangzhou and people like do a private tour in Hangzhou. Book a Hangzhou Priavte Tour can let you enjoy the benefits of having your own private vehicle and your own local Hangzhou English speaking guide.

The tour are more flexible for you, a private tour is run exclusively for you, your own families or friends with no other strangers.You will get an unforgettable and memorable tour experience.

Round-trip train transportation in Shanghai can be arranged as well for your Shanghai Hangzhou tour. Our Shanghai local driver will meet you at your hotel on time then transfer to Shanghai train station, you will be picked up from train station by our driver once you back in Shanghai.We provides a secure, reliable, fast and serene airport,train, port, transfer and taxi tour service in Shanghai with experienced drivers.

Our Hangzhou car Service is dedicated to provide professional car rental services in Hangzhou with Chinese speaking and English speaking drivers. All our drivers poses rich driving experience and most of them are over 10 years experience in driving. They are most careful, courteous and well trained. All our vehicles are kept in good condition, which insures our customers very safe, smooth trips in Hangzhou.We have different types of Cars  Mini vans  limousine to cater different cusotmers, from economic vehicles to luxury ones, Santana Passat  Buick  Benz  B.M..W. , Luxuty Sports car etc. Seats available from 5 to 40.

We provide knowledgeable and reputable private guides for your Hangzhou trip or business. All of our tour guide are professional licensed tour guides, they are university graduates. What's more, our Hangzhou tour guides have received very good professional training in hospitality industry. All of them love their work and are ready to render their good services to you. A professional local guide can direct you to the best hotels and restaurants, show you the most fascinating attractions and smooth the way through local customs and travel arrangements.

We have Shopping tour and No shopping tour in Hangzhou. No shopping tour is for the travelers who are not willing to take a tour with a tourist souvenir shop. We guarantee that there is no shopping stop during the tour. Therefore, the cost of a no-shopping tour is higher than a normal tour.With our"No shopping" promise, you would enjoy more time to visit without going to any shops and factories. You will have a letter of guarantee with your confirmation when you booked a no-shopping tour.

Yes, it’s very easy to travel between Hangzhou, Shanghai, and Suzhou. These three cities are located close to each other in eastern China and are all well connected by a fast and reliable high-speed rail network. Taking the high-speed train is definitely the most convenient and recommended way to get around.

High-speed trains operate frequently on all three routes:

From Shanghai to Hangzhou, trains run from around 6:00 am to 10:00 pm, departing every 5 to 15 minutes during the day. The journey takes about 1 hour, making it perfect even for a day trip.

From Shanghai to Suzhou, high-speed trains are even more frequent. They operate from about 6:00 am to 10:00 pm, with departures every few minutes. The travel time is only around 30 minutes, making it one of the busiest and most convenient routes in China.

From Hangzhou to Suzhou, trains run from approximately 7:00 am to 8:30 pm, with departures roughly every 20 to 30 minutes. The ride takes about 1.5 hours, and seats are usually available even on short notice.

All three cities have modern train stations and smooth transfer connections. We’re happy to help with booking train tickets and arranging transfers, so you won’t need to worry about the details. With flexible departure times and short travel durations, getting around is fast, easy, and comfortable.

Yes, definitely! When traveling in Hangzhou, many guests like to include a visit to one of the nearby water towns to experience the traditional Jiangnan canal lifestyle. These towns are all within easy reach by car and offer a peaceful contrast to the city. Here are three of the most popular options:

Wuzhen Water Town
Located about 1.5 hours from Hangzhou, Wuzhen is one of the most famous and well-preserved ancient water towns in China. The town is divided into East and West Scenic Areas, each offering a different experience. You’ll find cobblestone alleys, arched stone bridges, old wooden houses, and canals running right through local homes and shops. The West Scenic Area especially comes alive at night with beautiful lighting and reflections on the water—perfect for a magical evening stroll or a traditional shadow puppet show. Wuzhen also features small museums, traditional workshops, and tea houses that help you get a deeper understanding of local culture.

Xitang Water Town
About 1.5 to 2 hours from Hangzhou, Xitang is known for its charming network of waterways, 9 rivers, and over 100 bridges. It’s famous for its covered corridors, which allow you to walk along the canals even on rainy days. Xitang has a more relaxed, lived-in feel, with locals playing cards by the water and small cafés lining the riverside. It’s also a great place for photography lovers, especially in the early morning or late afternoon when the light hits the water just right. The town has appeared in films like Mission Impossible III, adding to its popularity.

Nanxun Water Town
A hidden gem about 1.5 hours from Hangzhou, Nanxun is less touristy and more tranquil compared to Wuzhen or Xitang. It blends Jiangnan charm with unique Western influences, thanks to its history as a wealthy silk trading center. You’ll find beautiful private gardens, traditional Chinese mansions, and even Western-style villas from the late Qing period. Highlights include the famous Little Lotus Garden, Liu’s Family Compound, and peaceful canals where you can enjoy a quiet boat ride. If you're looking for a more authentic and crowd-free water town experience, Nanxun is a perfect choice.

We can help arrange day trips or even overnight stays in these water towns, with comfortable transport and professional guides who bring the history and culture to life. Just let us know your interests, and we’ll customize the perfect escape for you!

Shanghai: 
Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station is the main high speed railway station in Shanghai. It runs high speed trains to Beijing, Wuhan, Nanjing, Hanghzou, Suzhou Kunming, etc. Close to Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, it can be reached easily by Maglev Train, metro Line 2, metro Line 10, taxi and public bus. 

Shanghai Railway Station located in the city center, Shanghai Railway Station can be reached by subway (metro Line 1, Line 3 and Line 4) conveniently. It operates some high speed trains as well as the majority of regular trains to/from 70 domestic large and middle-sized cities.  

You can choose the train station based on your hotel location.  

Hangzhou:  
We suggest Hangzhou Dong Station (Hangzhou East Railway Station) if you travel from Shanghai to Hangzhou by train. Most high-speed trains reach hangzhou east railway station.  

For example:  Shanghai to Hangzhou 
Option1: G1509 Shanghai Hongqiao Station to Hangzhou East Station: Departs at 08:42AM and arrives at 09:32AM. 
Option 2: G7317 Shanghai  Station to Hangzhou East Station: Depart at 08:05AM and arrive at 09:46AM. 
Please choose one of the above options according to your hotel location. 

Hangzhou to Shanghai:
G7312 Depart at 18:12 from Hangzhou East Station and arrive at Shanghai Hongqiao Station at 19:09.  You can book other trains arrives Hangzhou around 10:00, and back to Shanghai around 6:00pm are all fine.  

Please kindly note, book the round way train tickets IN ADVANCE in case sould out.
1.You can book the tickets online (www.trip.com).
2. You can book from your hotel in Shanghai.
3. We can help you book the tickets and delivery it to your hotel.   

Our guide will pick up from the exit of train station with a welcome sign "Your Way Holiday" when you arrive. 

To ensure the best experience and availability, we recommend booking your customized Hangzhou tour at least 3 to 4 weeks in advance. This lead time allows us to tailor every detail to your preferences—from private guides and luxury transport to exclusive experiences like tea tastings or artisan visits.

For peak seasons like spring and autumn, or during major holidays, booking even earlier—around 6 weeks ahead—is ideal to secure top accommodations and skip-the-line access.

If you’re planning last minute, don’t worry; we’ll do our best to craft a memorable itinerary, but advance booking always guarantees more flexibility and a smoother trip. Just let us know your travel dates and interests, and we’ll take care of the rest!

Absolutely! Our customized tour packages include airport and train station pickups for your convenience. Upon your arrival in Hangzhou, our professional guide will be waiting for you at the designated meeting point, holding a clearly marked “Your Way Holiday” sign to make it easy to find them. From there, you’ll be smoothly escorted to your hotel or directly to the start of your tour in a comfortable private vehicle. We take care of these details so you can relax and start enjoying your trip right away!

We would highly recommend driver and guide tour (based on 2 people),There were some serious traffic accident caused by a driver guide because the driver guide was giving the explanation to tourists and driving at the same time from another travel agency in Hangzhou in the past. Besides that, 1, the traffic in china is not very satisfying, the quality of the tour experience will not be as good as the one guide and one driver option. 2, not easy to find a parking lot at at the senic area in hangzhou. Driver/guide tour, have to find a parking lot first then start the tour. Driver and guide tour, the driver drop you off at the entrance of the senic spot starting the tour with guide. Driver and guide tour options saves you a lot of time if you only have one day in hangzhou or tight on schedule. Time is money!!! 

Hefang Street: The most iconic and tourist-friendly food street in Hangzhou. You’ll find traditional local snacks like beggar’s chicken, stinky tofu, walnut cakes, and osmanthus pastries alongside charming shops and historic architecture.

Wulin Night Market: A lively and modern night market loved by locals. Great for late-night eats including skewers, spicy noodles, grilled seafood, bubble tea, and trendy street food. A fun spot to soak in local energy.

Fengqi Night Market: Smaller and more low-key than others, but packed with authentic flavors. Think grilled meats, pancakes, sweet tofu pudding, and regional snacks in a laid-back setting.

Wushan Night Market: A casual evening market offering a mix of local bites and small souvenirs. It’s great for wandering and trying things like dumplings, spicy duck neck, and sweet sticky rice.

We’d be happy to include any of these food adventures in your customized itinerary—just let us know your taste and vibe.

Absolutely! We can include Michelin-recommended and other top fine dining restaurants in your Hangzhou itinerary. The city boasts a growing culinary scene that blends traditional Zhejiang flavors with innovative cooking techniques, perfect for travelers seeking exceptional dining experiences.

Some Michelin-starred restaurants you might enjoy are Jin Sha, known for its refined Hangzhou cuisine and elegant setting; Silk Road, which offers creative dishes inspired by Silk Road flavors; and Yu Yue Heen, famous for its exquisite Cantonese and seafood specialties.

In addition to Michelin picks, we can also recommend highly regarded local fine dining spots that showcase Hangzhou’s unique culinary heritage, such as Lou Wai Lou—a classic restaurant famous for dishes like West Lake Vinegar Fish and Dongpo Pork.

Just let us know your preferences and dietary needs, and we’ll tailor your itinerary to include memorable meals at these exceptional restaurants.

As a travel agency committed to making your experience comfortable and enjoyable, we can accommodate special dietary needs like vegetarian, halal, and gluten-free meals during your Hangzhou trip.

Many restaurants in Hangzhou, especially those we work with, offer delicious vegetarian options featuring fresh local vegetables, tofu, and traditional dishes adapted without meat. For halal travelers, there are certified halal restaurants and Muslim-friendly eateries that serve authentic cuisine prepared according to Islamic dietary laws.?

Gluten-free options are becoming more common too, and we’ll make sure to select dining spots where your dietary restrictions can be fully respected without compromising on taste or quality. Just let us know your specific needs when planning, and we’ll take care of the rest so you can enjoy every meal worry-free.

For first-timers, it’s highly recommended to stay as close to the West Lake Scenic Area as possible. This area allows a convenient exploration of the lake and its surrounding attractions both during the day and at night. And major attractions in the city area are concentrated around West Lake. Even the farther Songcheng and Xixi National Wetland Park are within a half-hour drive.

Shangcheng District is also a great choice for accommodation. As the old town of Hangzhou, it is home to the historical South Song Imperial Street and Hefang Street and is bordered by West Lake to the west.

Recommended Hotels

East of West Lake (along Hubin Road): Hyatt Regency, Lakeside Village

North of West Lake (along Beishan Street): Xinxin Hotel, West Lake State Guesthouse, Qiushui Villa

West of West Lake (along Yang Gong Causeway): West Lake State Guesthouse, Relais & Châteaux Chaptel Hangzhou, Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake, Nine Li Yun Song

South of West Lake (along Nanshan Road): Xizi Hotel, Liuying Hotel

For the confirmation, we require 20% of total amount in advance as deposit and pay the rest balance before the tour ends. For the payment,we accept Paypal,Bank transfer,Alipay and Wechat, the credit card is not available at the moment. 

West Lake was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011 because of its outstanding cultural significance and natural beauty. It is more than just a scenic lake; it has inspired poets, painters, scholars, and emperors for over a thousand years. The landscape represents the traditional Chinese ideal of harmony between people and nature, which is deeply rooted in the country’s aesthetics and philosophy.

The area features temples, pagodas, stone bridges, classical gardens, and causeways that all blend beautifully into the natural surroundings. Its influence on landscape design throughout East Asia also played an important role in its UNESCO recognition. Visiting West Lake means experiencing a living piece of cultural history that continues to shape Chinese art and identity.

There are around 3 ancient water towns around Hangzhou, such as Wuzhen Water Town-known as one of the six famous ancient water towns, Tangqi Water Town-The nearest water town to Hangzhou without tickets, Nanxun Water Town-the Most Authentic and Tranquil Town.

(1) Xitang Water Town

Distance: About 90 km (~1.5 hours by car)

Vibe: Romantic and atmospheric, especially at night with lantern-lit canals

Highlights: Ancient covered corridors, bridges, riverside bars, film location for Mission: Impossible III

(2) Wuzhen Water Town

Distance: Around 80 km (~1.5 hours drive)

Vibe: Classy and cultural, with a mix of restored elegance and folk charm

Highlights: Museums, traditional performances, scenic boat rides, boutique hotels in West Scenic Zone

Note: More developed than Xitang, great for first-time visitors

(3) Nanxun Water Town

Distance: About 100 km (~1.5–2 hours by car)

Vibe: Quiet, less touristy, perfect if you want authenticity without big crowds

Highlights: Old libraries, gardens, and beautiful mansions with East-meets-West architecture

The nearest water town is Tangqi water town, which is the only one free of antrance ticket. Only 28 kilometers away from Hangzhou downtown. There are many buses from Hangzhou to Tangqi water town.

Wuzhen is the best Water town you should visit during your stay in Hangzhou since it's a historic water town which lies in the center of a triangle formed by Hangzhou, Suzhou and Shanghai.It is 80 km from Hangzhou, with its thousands of years of history and culture; its honest and beautiful scenery of rivers and lakes; its unique flavor of the cuisines, colorful folk festivals, deep heritage and timeless lifestyle, Wuzhen has become a living fossil of ancient oriental civilization. The water town will show tourists a fascinating historical picture which is an innate beauty. You can leave Hangzhou for Wuzhen in the morning and back to Hangzhou in the afternoon. If you want to experience the quietness at Wuzhen in the morning, you should stay one night closeby the canal in the water town.  

For a romantic and visually stunning experience, we recommend the Impression West Lake Show, a lakeside performance that blends lights, music, and natural scenery. If you prefer something more relaxed, a night cruise along the Grand Canal offers peaceful views of historic bridges and riverside buildings, all beautifully illuminated after sunset.

For food lovers, Hangzhou has some excellent night markets and snack streets to explore. Hefang Street is the most iconic, filled with traditional snacks, herbal shops, and street performers. Wushan Night Market offers a casual mix of local food and souvenir vendors. Fengqi Night Market is a favorite for skewers, sweet pancakes, and a lively local atmosphere. Wulin Night Market is also a great choice, known for its energetic vibe, variety of late-night bites, and trendy street snacks. Whether you are into culture, lakeside views, or delicious food adventures, we can help you plan a night that perfectly fits your travel style.

One of the most iconic choices is West Lake Dragon Well Tea (Longjing tea) — it’s hand-picked, locally grown, and perfect for tea lovers. For something artistic, Hangzhou silk products like scarves, fans, or embroidered pieces make elegant gifts. You can also find beautiful hand-painted oil-paper umbrellas and bamboo crafts in places like Hefang Street.

If you’re looking for something edible, try osmanthus-flavored pastries, West Lake lotus root starch, or green tea-flavored snacks. These are great for sharing with friends back home. And for a personalized touch, we can also arrange visits to local workshops where you can create your own fan or seal carving to take home. Just let us know what you’re interested in, and we’ll help you find the perfect keepsake.

One of the most popular options is fan making at a local studio, where you can design and paint your own traditional silk folding fan with guidance from a local artisan. If you're interested in Chinese calligraphy or seal carving, we can arrange a visit to a personalized seal workshop, where you’ll learn to carve your name or a meaningful symbol into stone, creating a one-of-a-kind souvenir.

For those who love textiles, Hangzhou silk embroidery workshops offer the chance to try hand-stitching techniques used in traditional Chinese clothing and art. There are also tea-related workshops where you can learn to roast and package your own Longjing tea leaves.

These experiences are not only interactive and fun, but also give you a deeper connection to Hangzhou’s rich cultural heritage. Let us know your interests, and we’ll customize a hands-on activity just for you.

(1) West Lake Loop  

Distance: ~10-15 km (depending on detours)  

Route: Start at Hubin Road ? Nanshan Road ? Sudi or Baidi ? Beishan Road ? Back to Hubin.  

Highlights: Scenic views of West Lake, Leifeng Pagoda, Lingyin Temple, and Broken Bridge. Best at sunrise or sunset.  

(2) Longjing Tea Plantations  

Distance: ~15-20 km (hilly)  

Route: West Lake ? Longjing Village ? Meijiawu ? Return via Jiuxi.  

Highlights: Tea fields, countryside roads, and a refreshing ride through Jiuxi’s streams. 

(3) Hangzhou Grand Canal Ride  

Distance: ~10-15 km (one way)  

Route: Start at Gongchen Bridge ? Ride along the canal toward Xiaoshan.  

Highlights: Historic canalside scenery, museums, and old industrial sites.  

Hangzhou offers many safe, family-friendly cycling routes with dedicated bike lanes and scenic paths. Most lakeside and riverside routes are flat and well-maintained, perfect for beginners. For kids, shorter loops around West Lake or Xixi Wetland are ideal, while Qiantang River's car-free paths suit longer rides. Avoid rush hours and steep tea plantation routes with young children. Shared bikes like Hellobike make cycling convenient, though helmets are recommended for kids. Morning rides are best for light traffic and cooler weather.

(1) Hangzhou East Railway Station

Best choice for high-speed trains, especially if you're coming from major cities like Shanghai, Beijing, or Ningbo.

Located about 8 km northeast of downtown Hangzhou.

Connected by Metro Lines 1 and 4, making it easy to get to West Lake, downtown, or the airport.

A modern station with excellent facilities, including lounges, shops, restaurants, and plenty of taxi access.

(2) Hangzhou Railway Station (Chengzhan Station)

Centrally located, just 2 km southeast of West Lake and downtown.

Handles both conventional and some high-speed trains.

Connected to Metro Lines 1 and 5, offering fast and easy access to many city attractions.

Ideal if you want to stay near West Lake or explore the old city quickly.

(3) Other Stations: Hangzhou South & Hangzhou West

These are farther out from the city center and mainly serve certain regional or long-distance routes.

Not recommended unless your train specifically arrives there or you're staying nearby.

Hangzhou is a very safe city for solo female travelers.

Low crime rate: Violent crime is rare, and street crime like pickpocketing is minimal in most tourist areas.

Modern infrastructure: Well-lit streets, reliable metro system, and lots of surveillance (CCTV is everywhere — it’s China).

Friendly locals: People are generally helpful and curious, and it’s not unusual for someone to offer assistance, even with limited English.

Active police presence: Tourist sites, transport hubs, and shopping areas usually have uniformed officers around.