5 Days Private Hangzhou and Huangshan Tour

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Hangzhou Arrival
   Explore Historical Pagoda and Local Culture

   Upon your arrival in Hangzhou, your local guide will greet you at the exit of the airport/train station and start a wonderful time in Hangzhou.

   We will visit Six Harmonies Pagoda on the bank of the Qiantang River first. Built in the Northern Song Dynasty to suppress the tide of the Qiantang River, the pagoda is about 60 meters high, and it seems, to have 13 stories from outside but actually only 7 stories inside. You can optionally choose to explore the interior of the pagoda. There are many vivid brick carvings inside it.

   Next stroll on Hefang Street, one of the oldest streets in Hangzhou, where you can find authentic local snacks, century-old shops, tea houses, and various handicrafts.

   After all the activities on today's Hangzhou tour, your guide and driver will escort you to your downtown hotel for a good rest.

   Meal: N/A

   Accommodation: Hangzhou

   

2. Day 2: Hangzhou Highlights Tour
   Cruise West Lake, Explore Ancient Temples, Enjoy Tea Culture

   Your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel in the morning after breakfast and transfer you to West Lake, one of the top sought-after scenic spots in China which has been praised by many Chinese literati. The scenery in all four seasons is beautiful and worthy of visiting. You will take a cruise on the lake to meet the highlight mini scenery sites of the area like Three Pagoda Mirroring the Moon, Solitary Hill, and Leifeng Pagoda.

   After the cruising, wander around the lake and there are also other optional activities such as fishing and riding bikes. Next, head to Lingyin Temple. The temple has a history of about 1,700 years and is considered one of the most significant Buddhist temples in China. Listen to your guide about its history and stories, and admire various buildings.

   After lunch, move to Feilai Peak which is a pure limestone mountain and different from the sandstone mountains around. You will see many grotesque stones of various shapes such as running elephants, startled monkeys, and crouching tigers. You also can appreciate the exquisite Buddhist stone statues from ancient times scattered on the caves and cliffs.

   

   Then, go to visit the first-class protected area of West Lake Longjing tea, Meijiawu Tea Village. The village also is the main source of the Longjing tea. Just walk around the village, smell the faint aroma of tea in the air, and try some fine tea. If you come here in spring, you even can join the locals to pick up tea leaves.

   Today's last stop is the China National Tea Museum, the only national museum focusing on tea and tea culture in China. Be surprised to see there's no wall inside the museum as if saying "We have no threshold. Everyone is welcomed here". You can learn the history of tea and tea customs of different areas in China and admire delicate tea wares.

   At the end of the tour in Hangzhou, you will go back to your hotel.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: Hangzhou

   

3. Day 3: Hangzhou to Huangshan Tour by Bullet Train
   Stroll Ancient Streets, Explore Traditional Ink-making

   Say goodbye to Hangzhou. Today you will take a bullet train to Huangshan. Your private driver will pick you up at the hotel and transfer you to the train station.

   When you arrive at Huangshan North Railway Station, your Huangshan guide will greet you at the exit of the train station.

   Start your guided Huangshan tour at the Tunxi Ancient Street, China's most well-preserved ancient street combining the architectural style of the Southern Song Dynasty, Ming Dynasty, and Qing Dynasty. Just stroll on the street leisurely and appreciate the Hui-style buildings.

   

   After lunch, transfer to Hu Kaiwen Ink-stick Factory, located in Shexian County, a long-established ink-making brand with a history of more than two hundred years, established since the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty. The factory retains the traditional ink-making process, and visitors can visit the purely handmade production process and feel the fragrance of ink. Visitors can also buy various ink sticks and ink slabs in the showroom, enjoying a dual experience of culture and art.

   After the tour, check in at the Huangshan City local hotel.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: Huangshan

4. Day 4: Huangshan Mountain Tour
   See Scenic Peaks and Witness a Breathtaking Sunset View

   Your private guide and driver today will take you to visit the famous Hongcun Village. This ancient village is representative of Huizhou-style architecture, and is known as "the countryside in Chinese paintings". You will admire over 140 well-preserved Ming and Qing Dynasty residential buildings. Attractions such as the South Lake and the Moon Pond add to the charm of this scenic spot. Strolling in Hongcun is like being in a beautiful painting, perfect for sketching.

   

   After that, transfer you to Yellow Mountain. Upon arrival, follow your guide to take the shuttle bus to Yungu Station and then take a cable car up the mountain. Start your Mount Huangshan hiking through the Beihai Scenic Area, passing Begin-to-Believe Peak, Black Tiger Pine and other attractions, and finally arrive at the Cloud-Dispelling Pavilion to enjoy the sunset. This is one of the classic routes for hiking in Huangshan Mountain. Visitors can overlook the magnificent view of the West Sea Grand Canyon here.

   If physical strength permits, it is worthwhile to continue to the Bright Summit, where you can not only enjoy the wonders of the Flying-over Rock, but also have a great view of the main peak of Mount Huangshan.

   After all the visits, return your hotel and have a good rest.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: Yellow Mountain

   

5. Day 5: Huangshan Departure
   Watch the Sunrise and Enjoy Strange Rocks

   Early in the morning, go to Refreshing Terrance, which is the perfect place to watch the sunrise, the first light of the sun. Return to the hotel for breakfast. Continue hiking to Lion Peak, along the way to enjoy the wonders of the Monkey Watching the Sea, the spirit monkey life-like, the sea of clouds tumbling like a fairyland. At the end of the Huangshan Mountain tour, take the cable car from Yungu Station and go down the mountain.

   After lunch, it's time to say goodbye to this 5-day Hangzhou and Huangshan tour. Your guide and driver will transfer you to the train station/airport for your departure train/flight. Our service will end here.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: N/A