24 Hours Hotline: +86 137-3541-1378
Email:info@tripstoshanghai.com
24 Hours Hotline: +86 137-3541-1378
Email:info@tripstoshanghai.com
Tour Style:
See the softer side of Hangzhou on a full day built around its gardens, lake and tea villages. Your own guide and driver take you and your party by private air-conditioned car, starting with a quiet boat ride across West Lake, then a wander through the ponds of Flower Pond Park and the tucked-away pavilions of Guo’s Garden. Lunch is at a farmhouse table in the Longjing tea village of Meijiawu, with time among the terraces and the shaded Bamboo-lined Path at Yunqi, and the day closes at the old shopfronts of Hefang Street. Pickup is at your Hangzhou hotel, the pace is yours, and there is no forced shopping — just a private guide who knows where the crowds are, and where they are not.
Duration: 6-8 Hours
Attractions(Cities):
West Lake Boat Cruise, Viewing Fish at the Flower Pond, Guo Garden, Meijiawu Tea Plantation, Bamboo-lined Path at Yunqi, Hefang Street
Pick-up point:
Airport, train station or your hotel in Hangzhou (based on your requirement)
Finishing point:
Airport, train station or your hotel in Hangzhou (based on your requirement)
Tour Customizable:
Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry)
Payment Types:
Cash, Wire, Paypal, WesternUnion, Wechat, Alipay
Available: Daily
Your guide meets you at your Hangzhou hotel lobby, the airport or Hangzhou train station — or at another central spot you agree on in advance — holding a Your Way Holiday sign. From there it is your own air-conditioned car and your own driver for the whole day, so nothing runs on a bus timetable or a stranger’s schedule. Tell your guide early what you care about — gardens, tea, history, photography — and the order and the time you spend at each stop bend around that.
West Lake is easiest to enjoy away from the shore crowds, so the morning starts on the water. Your guide sorts the boat and the tickets while you settle in and take in the willows, the low stone causeways and the pagodas that have made this lake a subject of Chinese painting for a thousand years.
On board, your guide fills in the stories behind the view — the poets and lovers the lake is named for, why the causeways were built, and where to stand for the best photograph. It is the kind of context you miss when you wander alone, and every drive between stops is done at your own pace, in your own car.
A short drive brings you to Huagang Park and the pond locals call Viewing Fish at Flower Pond. It is quieter than the lakefront — ponds, carp and flower beds laid out along a slow path you can walk at whatever speed you like.
Your guide points out the koi and the seasonal plantings and explains why this spot has been a painter’s subject since the Southern Song. It is a good place for photographs, and your driver waits close by, so there is no need to hurry on someone else’s clock.
Guo’s Garden is the stop most visitors have never heard of and end up liking best. A private scholar’s garden built in the 1930s by a businessman named Guo Shilin, it packs ponds, rockeries, courtyards and pavilions into a compact, uncrowded space right beside West Lake.
Your guide walks the layout with you and shows how each window, bridge and planted corner was composed to frame a different view — the logic behind Chinese garden design seen up close rather than through a rope barrier. Give this one the extra time; it is the part people tell their friends about.
Midday you head out to Meijiawu, a tea village in the Longjing growing area, where lunch is at a farmhouse table rather than a tour-bus canteen. Your guide books the table and orders with you — Hangzhou home cooking, and vegetarian, lighter or non-spicy dishes are easy to arrange if you mention it before the day.
After eating, the village is yours to walk: tea terraces running up the hillside and the smell of leaves being pan-fired in the roadside workshops. Your guide explains what makes Longjing different, how to judge a good batch, and what pre-Qingming picking actually means. If you have added the tea-farmer’s-house visit, this is where you sit down for it; if not, there is still plenty to taste and see.
Yunqi’s bamboo walk is the calmest hour of the day — a shaded track under tall bamboo that shuts the city out completely. Your guide talks you through the different species and why bamboo matters in Chinese culture, though it is just as good to walk part of it in silence.
It is an easy, low-effort stroll with soft light for photographs, and it pairs naturally with Meijiawu because both sit in the same green belt southwest of the lake.
The afternoon wraps up at Hefang Street, Hangzhou’s old pedestrian quarter — a lane of timber shopfronts selling tea, silk, snacks and handicrafts, with a few working artisans along the way. Your guide shows you what is worth your money and what is only for tourists, which is the useful part of having someone local with you.
There is time to browse, pick up gifts, or try a snack standing at a stall. It is an easy place to end the sightseeing because you can move on whenever you have had enough.
Your driver brings you back to your Hangzhou hotel at the end of the day, or to the airport or Hangzhou train station if you are on the move, or another point in the city if you let your guide know earlier. The whole day is one private rate quoted up front for your own car and guide — no forced shopping stops and no bus timetable to meet.
Yes. Your guide and driver collect you at your Hangzhou hotel, the airport or Hangzhou train station, or another central meeting point you agree on in advance, at a time that suits the day. You never have to find a group yourself.
Yes. It is just your party in your own air-conditioned car with your own guide and driver. You set the pace, and the order and length of each stop can be adjusted to what your group wants to see.
It is a fixed per-group price for your own private car, driver and licensed local guide. Ticket costs for the sights on this page are arranged for the day so they match what you actually visit, and your guide walks you through them before you set off.
Yes. West Lake boat, Flower Pond, Guo’s Garden, Meijiawu, the Yunqi bamboo path and Hefang Street are a strong default, but tell your guide what you would rather see more or less of and you can reshape the day around it.
Easily. Lunch at Meijiawu is a farmhouse meal with real choice, so vegetarian, lighter or non-spicy dishes can be arranged by your guide if you mention it ahead of the day.
No forced shopping. Hefang Street is free to browse and you only buy if you want to. The day is timed for the sights, not for pushing you into shops.
At Your Way Holiday, we strive to enhance the depth and flexibility of your travel experience by offering a range of optional additions to our core tour itineraries. Our itineraries are designed to provide exceptional flexibility, allowing you to tailor your journey according to your preferences. Select from a variety of activities and experiences to enrich your itinerary, ensuring a personalized adventure that perfectly aligns with your interests. With Your Way Holiday, you have the freedom to create a memorable travel experience that is uniquely yours.
Morning Market & Breakfast Experience
Indulge in the vibrant Local Breakfast Experience, especially tailored for those seeking an authentic taste of Hangzhou's local life. If your hotel doesn't offer breakfast or you're a food enthusiast eager to explore real Hangzhou, seize this opportunity to witness the city waking up.Navigate through the charming old streets, alleys, and bustling morning markets. Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and flavors that define Hangzhou's mornings. Our guide will lead you to hidden gems where you'll savor the most authentic breakfast, carefully curated at places not easily discovered on your own. This is not just a culinary adventure; it's a journey into the heart of Hangzhou's daily life, allowing you to experience the city's essence through its diverse and delectable breakfast offerings.
Blind Date Culture at Wangsong Campus
Explore the fascinating local dating culture at Wansong Academy with our free-of-charge Blind Date Culture experience. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of the blind date fair, known as "Chinese Matchmaking Day," where locals gather each Saturday morning. Witness the participation of thousands of young singles and their parents, providing a unique glimpse into contemporary Hangzhou society. It's an opportunity to feel the vibrancy of local dating customs, adding an intriguing cultural dimension to your Hangzhou experience. ( Available on each Saturday morning)
Captivating West Lake Sunset Views from Chenghuang Pavilion
Join our expert guide for an unforgettable sunset experience at Chenghuang Pavilion, celebrated for its stunning panoramic views of West Lake. As we ascend to the pavilion, your guide will provide intriguing insights into its historical significance, revealing how it once served as a retreat for ancient scholars and poets who found inspiration in the lake's serene beauty. Upon arrival, take in the breathtaking vista as the setting sun bathes West Lake in a golden glow, casting a magical light over distant pagodas and lush islands. Capture the beauty of this enchanting moment with your camera while your guide highlights notable landmarks and shares fascinating stories about the lake’s rich cultural and natural heritage.
Local Tea Farmer's House Visiting
For an authentic taste of Hangzhou's culture, visit a local tea farmer's home. You'll be warmly welcomed into a traditional setting where you can savor Longjing tea, known for its delicate flavor and storied history. Engage with friendly residents who are eager to share their daily lives and customs. This immersive experience offers valuable insights into the warmth and hospitality of Hangzhou's community, enriching your understanding of local traditions. From enjoying tea to learning traditional cooking techniques, this visit provides a genuine glimpse into Hangzhou’s vibrant lifestyle.
Price Per Person in US Dollars
Personalized Travel Consultant
Experience the best of China with our expert travel consultants by your side. With years of local tourism experience, they are not only professional and knowledgeable but also deeply committed to making your trip unforgettable. Your dedicated consultant will craft a bespoke tour plan tailored to your unique interests, schedule, and budget, offering you the utmost flexibility. From the moment you start planning until the end of your journey, they will be in touch, ensuring every detail is perfect and that your trip runs smoothly.
Exceptional Local Guides
Discover it through the eyes of our exceptional local guides. All certified and experienced, they are passionate about sharing their deep knowledge of attractions, history, and culture. Whether you're interested in hidden gems or popular sites, they know the best places to visit. They can recommend top local restaurants, unique shopping spots, and must-see shows. Beyond just guiding, they provide enriching insights into the history, customs, and authentic daily life, making your experience truly immersive.
Premium Private Transportation
Travel in comfort and style with our premium private transportation. We offer a fleet of air-conditioned, non-smoking, clean, and meticulously maintained vehicles, all less than four years old. Our professional drivers, all locals with over a decade of driving experience, are friendly, courteous, and dedicated to your safety and comfort. Depending on your group's size, we provide a range of vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, business vans (MPVs), and spacious buses, all with ample luggage space.
Authentic Dining Experiences
We prioritize genuine local culinary experiences over pre-arranged tourist restaurants. Our local guides will recommend the best local restaurants where you can savor authentic flavors. This approach ensures you enjoy the freshest, most authentic meals, tailored to your preferences, and experience the true essence of the local cuisine. Whether your dietary needs are vegetarian, Muslim, Chinese, Western, Jewish, or Indian, we have excellent options to make every meal a delightful part of your journey.
Duration：6-8 Hours
Attractions(Cities)：West Lake Boat Cruise, Viewing Fish at the Flower Pond, China National Tea Museum, Meijiawu Tea Plantation, Longjing Imperial Tea Garden
Tour Style：Hangzhou is China’s tea capital, and this private day tour is built around the Longjing (Dragon Well) that made it famous. You start with a quiet boat across West Lake and the koi ponds at Flower Pond, then get into tea in earnest: the China National Tea Museum near Longjing village, a farmhouse lunch in the tea hills, and time walking the working terraces at Meijiawu. The day closes at the Imperial Tea Garden and its legendary eighteen bushes. Your own guide and driver take you around in a private air-conditioned car from your Hangzhou hotel, the pace is yours, and there is no forced shopping — just honest help tasting, judging grade and season, and buying only what you actually like.
Duration：5 Days, 4 Nights
Attractions(Cities)：Hangzhou, Suzhou
Tour Style：Five unhurried days across what the Chinese call heaven on earth - Hangzhou, the canal town of Wuzhen and the garden city of Suzhou - in one private trip. You move between the three by car and high-speed rail, with tickets and transfers arranged for you, so the logistics stay invisible and each place gets the time it deserves: lakes and tea villages in Hangzhou, water-town museums and crafts in Wuzhen, classical gardens and old streets in Suzhou. Every day is led by a local guide and a private driver who flex the pace to how your group feels.
Duration：6-8 Hours
Attractions(Cities)：West Lake Boat Cruise, Viewing Fish at the Flower Pond, Lingyin Temple, Anmanfayun Village, Meijiawu Tea Plantation, Southern Song Imperial Street
Tour Style：A private, full-day look at Hangzhou's must-see sights, with no bus crowds and no fixed schedule. Your English-speaking local guide meets you at your hotel, and you travel in a private air-conditioned car with your own driver, so your bags stay in the car and you can stop whenever you like. Over 6-8 hours you cruise West Lake by boat, watch the carp at Viewing Fish at Flower Harbor Park, wander the incense halls of Lingyin Temple, drink fresh Longjing tea with farmers at Meijiawu Tea Village, and finish on the old Southern Song Imperial Street. Your guide prebooks entry tickets and manages the timing so you walk past the lines, and your driver handles every transfer between stops, so you just enjoy the day.
Duration：10+ Hours
Attractions(Cities)：West Lake Boat Cruise, Guo Garden, Meijiawu Tea Plantation, Bamboo-lined Path at Yunqi, Hefang Street, Impression West Lake Show
Tour Style：A private day in Hangzhou that ends with its most famous spectacle. Your guide meets you at your hotel in central Hangzhou and takes your party around in your own car — a boat across West Lake, the tucked-away Guo’s Garden, a Longjing tasting at Meijiawu, a lunch of Hangzhou’s signature fish soup and cat-ear noodles, the bamboo path at Yunqi and the old lanes of Hefang Street — and after dark the Impression West Lake show, Enduring Memories of Hangzhou, staged on the lake itself. Coming from Shanghai? The high-speed train is about an hour and we can add first-class seats. As an official ticket agent we secure your show seats, and there is no forced shopping.
Duration：2 Days, 1 Night
Attractions(Cities)：West Lake Boat Cruise, Viewing Fish at the Flower Pond, Guo Garden, Lingyin Temple, Meijiawu Tea Plantation, Bamboo-lined Path at Yunqi, Morning Wet & Food Market, Grand Canal & Gongcheng Bridge, Southern Song Imperial Street,ect
Tour Style：Two days is enough to get under Hangzhou skin. This private tour gives you the lake and the temples everyone comes for, then opens onto the side locals prefer - a morning wet market, the old Grand Canal, a Qing-Dynasty medicine hall, and the modern skyline after dark. Your guide meets you at your hotel, the train station or the airport, and a private car handles the getting around each day, so you set the pace. The Impression West Lake show, staged right on the water, is an easy optional finish.
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We had one day in Hangzhou on a layover and this private tour made it count. Our guide June set a gentle pace, West Lake boat first while the light was soft, then a stroll along the Su causeway before the crowds reached it. She read that we liked quiet over checklist and quietly dropped a minor stop so we could sit by a pavilion with tea. Lunch was a small restaurant serving West Lake vinegar fish and longjing shrimp, not the loud tourist hall I feared. The driver was smooth and careful in the afternoon traffic back. Felt looked after the whole day.
Replied:28 October 2026
Making a layover count without a stopwatch is a fine art - glad June set the right pace and got you onto the Su causeway before the crowds, Sarah. Reading that you preferred quiet over busy is the kind of thing a good guide picks up fast. Thanks.
Your Way Holiday - Your trusted partner for private tours in China!
Our tour was on a public holiday long weekend; the scenic spots were teeming with
tourists. Our guide, Leo, did his best to lead us to
less crowded areas. However, the traffic was
horrendous, and regrettably, we didn't manage
to visit Meijiawu. On a positive note, we did get to see the magnificent Guozhuang and Huagang Park, and the West Lake cruise went off without a hitch. Highly recommend getting a tour guide to help navigate crowds on high volume periods of travel.
Replied:27 October 2026
Thanks so much for the honest review, Dianna! Yeah, public holidays in China are... intense ?? We totally get the traffic frustration. Glad Leo got you to some quieter spots though, and that you still enjoyed Guozhuang and the cruise. Noted on your suggestion — we'll make sure to flag holiday-week crowds more clearly for future guests. Hope you're back home safe!
Your Way Holiday - Your trusted partner for private tours in China!
Can you email the itinerary in details including time spent in each locations? Please confirm the price per person.
What is the number for this tour? Is this tour available everyday
Can you recommend a hotel near restaurants and night market around west lake?
We plan to be in Hangzhou for 2 days. BTW, we both speak Chinese. Thanks
Philip Leung
Replied:14 April 2026
Hi Philip,
Thank you for reaching out! I’m glad to hear about your upcoming trip to Hangzhou.
At the moment, we do not have any group tours available, and other tour suppliers in the market also do not offer group tours during this period. Tthe number of tourists is relatively small, and group tours are generally not arranged.Private tours offer a more personalized and flexible travel experience. You can customize your itinerary to match your interests and pace, ensuring you see exactly what you want without being rushed. With a private guide, you'll receive more in-depth knowledge and attention, allowing for a deeper understanding of the destinations you visit. Additionally, private tours provide a more intimate and comfortable setting, making it easier to adhere to health and safety protocols.
If a private tour suits your travel style and budget, we can provide you with detailed itineraries and quotations tailored to your preferences.
Your Way Holiday - Your trusted partner for private tours in China!
I had an amazing time exploring Hangzhou and this itinerary was absolutely perfect! The West Lake Boat Cruise was the highlight of the trip. The views of the lake and surrounding mountains were just breathtaking. I felt like I was floating through a painting. The peaceful moment spent at the Flower Pond, watching the koi fish swim gracefully, was so serene and beautiful. Guo Garden was a lovely surprise with its intricate design, and Meijiawu Tea Plantation offered a fantastic experience where I learned about the local tea-making process and tasted some delicious fresh tea. The Bamboo-lined Path at Yunqi was a dream. The cool, shaded path surrounded by tall bamboo created such a peaceful, almost magical atmosphere. Finally, walking through Hefang Street was a great way to experience the vibrant culture of Hangzhou, with so many local snacks and unique souvenirs. Overall, this tour gave me the perfect mix of nature, culture, and relaxation. Highly recommend it for anyone visiting Hangzhou!
Replied:27 October 2026
Thanks Lisa! So glad the day tour hit the perfect balance for you. Hangzhou really rewards people who take their time around the lake. Hope to welcome you back next time — maybe add a cycling route along the west side, it's gorgeous!
Your Way Holiday - Your trusted partner for private tours in China!
We had such a smooth day exploring Hangzhou! The itinerary was perfect—within a short time we managed to enjoy all the highlights, from the peaceful West Lake cruise to the charming Guo Garden and the tea fields of Meijiawu. Our guide spoke excellent English, was very knowledgeable, and always made sure everyone in the group was comfortable. The driver deserves praise too—the car was spotless, smelled fresh, and the ride was steady, which was especially reassuring since I was traveling with my parents. Overall, it felt well-organized and senior-friendly, with no rushing yet no wasted time.
Replied:27 October 2026
Thanks for taking the time to write this! Glad we could make your China trip special.
Your Way Holiday - Your trusted partner for private tours in China!
Our favorite part was definitely the boat ride on West Lake — peaceful, scenic, and exactly what we hoped for. The itinerary was so well put together that we got to see all the highlights of Hangzhou in just one day without ever feeling rushed. The guide was fantastic, fluent in English, full of stories and insights, and always attentive. Booking was smooth from the start, the company responded quickly and even helped us adjust our pickup time. It felt like everything was taken care of so we could just relax and enjoy the city.
Replied:27 October 2026
Thanks for taking the time to write this! Glad we could make your China trip special.
Your Way Holiday - Your trusted partner for private tours in China!
Hello, we're interested in booking this private day tour for July 7th, 2025 for two adults, and customize a few things as well. We'd like to visit LingYin Temple and Feilai Feng instead of Guo's Garden. We also would prefer if you could take us on a tour of Hu Xueyan's Former Residence instead of Hefang Street! Please let me know of an estimated price per person. Thank you!
Replied:29 June 2025
Dear Ms. Tiffany Ning,
Thank you for reaching out to us and for your interest in our private Hangzhou day tour. We're delighted to assist you with this customized experience.
We’ve carefully noted your preferences to replace Guo’s Garden with Lingyin Temple and Feilai Feng, and to visit Hu Xueyan’s Former Residence instead of Hefang Street. Your personalized itinerary has been adjusted accordingly to ensure a seamless and meaningful day in Hangzhou.
We’ve sent the detailed itinerary and quotation to your email. Kindly check your inbox (and spam folder just in case), and feel free to let us know if you have any questions or would like to proceed with the booking.
We look forward to welcoming you to Hangzhou and creating a memorable travel experience.
Your Way Holiday - Your trusted partner for private tours in China!
I recently took a one-day tour in Hangzhou, and it was such a memorable experience. From the very beginning, I felt well taken care of. Our guide was friendly, knowledgeable, and had a great way of making everything feel personal. She didn’t just tell us about the places we visited; she shared stories that brought the city to life, making it feel like we were truly connecting with Hangzhou.
The itinerary was thoughtfully crafted, with just the right mix of sightseeing and relaxation. West Lake was as stunning as I’d imagined, and the boat ride was a peaceful way to take in the surroundings. Longjing Village was another highlight — walking among the lush tea fields was calming, and learning about the tea-making process added a special touch to the visit. The trip to Lingyin Temple gave us a chance to reflect and appreciate the serenity of the place, which was a nice change of pace.
The transportation was smooth and comfortable, and our driver ensured we were always on time and never felt rushed. That made the day much more enjoyable since we didn’t have to worry about the details.
Lunch was fantastic — we had the chance to try local dishes like the famous *West Lake Fish in Vinegar Gravy*, which was delicious and perfectly prepared. The restaurant was cozy and added to the local experience, making the meal even more enjoyable.
All in all, the tour gave me a deep and enriching experience of Hangzhou. It was a perfect blend of culture, nature, and local cuisine, and I felt like I truly got to experience the essence of the city. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for a more authentic and relaxed way to explore Hangzhou.
Replied:27 October 2026
Thanks so much! Really glad the guide, the boat ride, and that plate of West Lake vinegar fish hit the spot. A full day in Hangzhou only works when it flows like that. Until next time!
Your Way Holiday - Your trusted partner for private tours in China!
Would like to tour West Lake, tea plantation etc . We need to board our plane at 11pm at night on MOnday 11 Nov from Hangzhou airport.
We are happy to join a small tour group too if that is another option but prefer our own private group.
I have emailed too
Replied:15 April 2026
Hi SP Choo,
Thank you for reaching out! I can certainly help organize your private tour of West Lake, the tea plantations, and other scenic spots in Hangzhou.
Since you need to catch your flight, we can plan a tour that allows you to enjoy the major attractions in the morning and early afternoon. Here's a rough outline for the day:
Proposed Itinerary:
Morning:
West Lake: A private boat ride on West Lake, visiting key scenic spots like Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, Bai Causeway, and Leifeng Pagoda.
Tea Plantation: Visit Longjing Tea Village, where you can experience tea picking and enjoy a traditional tea-tasting session.
Lunch: Enjoy a local Hangzhou meal at a restaurant near the lake or tea village.
Afternoon:
If time permits, we can also visit Lingyin Temple or other peaceful locations around the lake before heading to Hangzhou Airport.
Tour Options:
Private Tour: We’ll tailor the itinerary to your preferences and ensure that the timing fits your flight schedule.
I’ll send you the detailed proposal and pricing shortly via email with all the relevant details. Let me know if you have any preferences for the day, and I’ll make sure the itinerary works for you!
Your Way Holiday - Your trusted partner for private tours in China!
We were a party of 3 with my 91 year mother in law who had mobility issues. May was our guide. She went the extra mile to make our private tour a memorable experience. Wang, the driver, did a great job of navigating difficult traffic conditions.
Replied:15 July 2025
Dear Andrew Ong
Thank you so much for your kind feedback. We are truly happy to hear that you had a wonderful experience with May and Wang during your private tour. It means a lot to us to know that May took great care of your family and ensured your mother-in-law felt comfortable throughout the trip, and that Wang provided safe and smooth transportation despite the traffic.
We will certainly pass along your lovely comments to both May and Wang, as they will be delighted to know their efforts made your journey special. If you plan to travel with us again in the future, we would be very happy to welcome you back and assist with any arrangements to make your experience just as enjoyable. Wishing you and your family all the best and we hope to see you again soon!
Your Way Holiday - Your trusted partner for private tours in China!
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