Classic Hangzhou Two-Day Tour Plus Tea Plantation Exploration

Your trip starts with a pickup at your Hangzhou downtown hotel or Hangzhou train station. Then count on our comfortable vehicle with licensed driver who will help you with your luggage and take you to the first attraction-Leifeng Pagoda, which was an octagonal, five-storeyed structure built of brick and wood. The body of the pagoda was made of brick, but the eaves, balconies, inside landings and balustrades were made of wood. Stones with the Huayan Scriptures inscribed on them were inlaid on the inner walls of the pagoda. There used to be sixteen sculptures of vajra arhats at the foot of the pagoda, but they were later moved to Jingci Temple. The pagoda became a household name in China thanks to the popular folk tale, "The Legend of the White Snake", a touching love story about a girl who changed into a snake and a young man. The story has been repeatedly adapted for traditional operas and also for modern movies and TV series.

Then take a stroll along the Su Causeway. The peach blossoms, willows trees, plum blossoms and beautiful flowers make the causeway a fairyland, which entices a consistent flow of modern tourists as it did in the ancient times.

After the wander, relax yourself with a 40-minute private boat sailing on the picturesque West Lake to enjoy and appreciate the beautiful scenery with its islands, causeways, temples, pagodas and ornamental planting. More luckily, you can catch the rare chance to enjoy “Three Pools Mirroring the Moon”.

Later, head to Viewing Fish at Flower Harbor which is one of the top10 scenes of West Lake. Featured with flower harbor, red carps, flowers, lawn and forests, Viewing Fish at Flower Harbor is one of the most enjoyable leisure activities for you visiting the West Lake. Then you have ample time to go to a local restaurant to try any authentic food you are interested in and take a rest.

In the afternoon, you’ll transfer to visit adjacent Feilai Peak, about 3 km west away from the West Lake. It's also known as Peak Flying from Afar, which flew to China to spread Buddhism from India according to the legend. It features in uncountable Buddhist carvings lining the riverbanks and hillsides and tucked away inside grottoes. Being 168 meters tall, Peak Flown From Afar (Feilai Peak) is composed of limestones and is home to various fantastic caves owing to the long-term ground water solution, including Longhong Cave, Jade Breast (Yuru) Cave, Shooting Sun (Shexu) Cave and Roaring Ape (Huyuan) Cave. The grotesque rocks of the caves are of various shapes, and some are like flying dragons, some like running elephants, some like frightened apes and some like crouching tigers. After the tour, escort you to your downtown hotel.

After breakfast, head to Fayun Ancient Village, which is connected with Lingyin Temple. A stream called Cold Spring is moving forward side by side with Fayunnan Lane, the main road in the ancient village. Fayun Ancient Village was the earliest inhabitant settlement in Hangzhou in history. Now the old village has all been run by the Aman Hotel, turning into a luxury low-key rural resort hotel. Under the shade of ancient trees, the grass is green, the brook is murmuring, several birds are singing, and summer cicadas are rising and falling. Ancient and simple dwellings are perfectly combined with modern craftsmanship after being renovated by designers. Ancient villages are far away from annoyance, quiet and simple, just like places out of the world.

Next stop is Hangzhou's Meijiawu Longjing Tea Plantation which is a famous Dragon Well tea plantation nestled in the hills surrounding West Lake.This is the place where the most famous tea in China comes from. You can go to the mountains to pick tea with a local tea grower, who will teach you some tea-picking tips. Then go to the tea farmer’s home to learn the process of stir-frying. Have a try under the farmer’s guidance. After practicing all these tea-making processes, you can taste the authentic Hangzhou longjing tea.

Your final stop is Hefang Street which is the most famous and the only well-preserved ancient street in Hangzhou. It represents the old story and showcases the folk culture of Hangzhou. The cobbled street is lined with lots of time-honored stores from which you will get a better understanding of ancient Hangzhou and Ancient China. You could explore the traditional Chinese Medicine Culture, enjoy the delicate handicrafts and taste the delicious Hangzhou dishes. After the tour, escort you to catch your train or back to your downtown hotel.