Hangzhou Day Trip: Beishan Street – the Republican China Tour

Tour Itinerary

Our professional local guide will warmly greet you at the airport holding a clear “Your Way Holiday” sign, ensuring you find them easily without any hassle. From there, you will be comfortably driven to your hotel, allowing you to relax after your journey and begin your immersive Hangzhou experience. Our guides are not only experts in local culture and history but also attentive to your needs, making sure your trip flows smoothly from the very first moment. This personal touch is part of our mission to help travelers truly travel like a local and experience deeper, authentic connections with the destinations they visit.

The first stop on your tour is the Jiang Jingguo Old Residence, a charming site consisting of two well-preserved western-style buildings constructed in the 1930s. Situated between the scenic Broken Bridge and Stone Reservoir, this residence offers a rare glimpse into the life of Jiang Jingguo, the president of Republican China, who stayed here with his family for over a month following the Anti-Japanese War. The architecture reflects a unique blend of East and West, featuring spacious courtyards, elegant white walls, and traditional dark-tiled roofs that harmonize with the natural surroundings. Inside, a cultural gallery has been carefully curated to narrate the historical evolution of West Lake and significant events tied to Jiang Jingguo, providing visitors with deep insights into the political and social changes of that era. Throughout your visit, your knowledgeable guide will enrich your experience by sharing captivating stories and answering any questions, making history come alive.

Next, you will visit the Zhejiang-Jiangxi Railway Bureau Former Site, a place of both historical and industrial significance. Originally, this location housed a hospital established by a British doctor in the nineteenth century, highlighting early international influences in Hangzhou’s development. In 1929, the Zhejiang provincial government allocated 14 acres of land near Baojiao Tower along with 19 houses to the railway bureau, marking a milestone in the rapid growth of the province’s transportation network. The site features several historic buildings and exhibitions that chronicle the birth and expansion of railways in Zhejiang, showcasing the engineering feats and social impact that rail transportation brought to the region. Your guide will carefully lead you through the site, providing detailed commentary on the historical context and helping you understand the profound role this railway development played in shaping modern Hangzhou. 

For lunch, you will visit Xinxin Restaurant, a charming spot where you can enjoy more than just a meal. The restaurant is set within beautifully preserved buildings that showcase the elegant Republican architectural style, offering a unique atmosphere filled with historical character and cultural depth. As you dine on delicious local dishes crafted from fresh ingredients, you can take in the intricate design details of the surroundings, from the vintage façades to the spacious, airy interiors that transport you back in time. This setting provides a perfect blend of culinary delight and cultural appreciation, allowing you to savor authentic flavors while immersing yourself in the ambiance of Hangzhou’s rich history. Although lunch is at your own expense, the experience of dining in such a distinctive venue adds a memorable layer to your journey, making it a worthwhile stop that combines gastronomy and heritage in one inviting place.(Own expense)

After lunch, you will be guided to explore Qiushui Mountain Villa, a remarkable part of the Xinxin Restaurant complex and a fine example of Republican-era Jiangnan courtyard architecture. Built in the 1930s by Shi Liangcai, a prominent newspaper magnate and head of the influential Shun Pao newspaper during Republican China, the villa was named in honor of his wife, Qiushui. This elegant residence reflects the cultural sophistication and personal stories behind one of China’s most influential media figures. As you wander through its tranquil gardens, refined wood carvings, and spacious courtyards, your guide will share insights into Shi Liangcai’s life and the important role Qiushui played as a steadfast supporter during a turbulent era.

In the afternoon, the tour continues with a visit to Baoqing Villa, an impressive historical mansion built in 1907 by Xing Gengxing, a wealthy businessman originally from Nanxun Ancient Town in Zhejiang Province. This three-storey bungalow is a stunning example of Baroque architecture, blended harmoniously with traditional Chinese elements. Its bold red and dark green color palette highlights the fusion of Western and Eastern styles, reflecting the multicultural influences and architectural transitions during the early 20th century in China. As you explore the villa’s grand rooms, ornate details, and lush gardens, your guide will provide a deeper understanding of the cultural significance and historical context that make Baoqing Villa a unique and inspiring destination.

At the conclusion of your visit, you will be comfortably driven back to your hotel or dropped off at the Hangzhou Train Station, completing a full day of immersive exploration and cultural discovery. Throughout the tour, our professional guide offers personalized service, rich storytelling, and attentive care, ensuring that you experience Hangzhou not just as a tourist, but as someone truly connected to the city’s heritage and local way of life. This thoughtful approach aligns with our vision to help visitors travel like a local, creating lasting memories through meaningful interactions and deep cultural engagement.

Price Per Person in US Dollars