From Shanghai: Hangzhou West Lake & Lingyin Temple & Longjing Village Private Day Tour

Travel from Shanghai to Hangzhou
by bullet train or private car

Your English-speaking guide picks you up at your downtown Shanghai hotel. When booking, you can choose between the bullet train and an air-conditioned private car; either way, the one-way journey takes about 3 hours.

With the bullet train option, it takes about 1 hour by taxi or Didi to the Shanghai station, at least 30 minutes of waiting, about 1 hour on the train and about 45 minutes from Hangzhou station to the West Lake area. Round-trip second-class bullet train tickets and a private vehicle in Hangzhou are included. With the private car option, an English-speaking driver and guide accompany you all day between Shanghai and Hangzhou.

Discover Buddhist culture at Lingyin Temple and Feilai Peak

Your first stop is Lingyin Temple, one of Hangzhou's oldest and most famous Buddhist temples. Set in a forested valley, it features centuries-old halls, pagodas and Buddha statues. Just outside the temple, explore Feilai Peak, where Buddhist rock carvings and grottoes dating back to the 10th century offer a glimpse into China's religious art and history.

Enjoy a tea tasting in Longjing Village

Next, head to Longjing Village, a center of Chinese tea culture, for a tea tasting at a teahouse. Afterwards, stroll through the surrounding tea fields and learn about tea picking and tea making. Lunch is optional; if you wish, your guide can recommend a local restaurant serving Hangzhou cuisine.

End the day at West Lake and Hefang Street

In the afternoon, explore West Lake, Hangzhou's best-known landmark. Walk along willow-lined paths, take in views of the lake and its small islands, and hear the legends and stories of West Lake. Finally, explore Hefang Street, a pedestrian street full of traditional shops, local snacks and handicrafts, with your guide.

At the end of the day, with the bullet train option you return to Shanghai by train with your guide and take a taxi to your hotel; with the private car option you are driven straight to your hotel in Shanghai.

※ This is a full-day tour, and the one-way journey between Shanghai and Hangzhou alone takes about 3 hours. Please check the travel time before booking.