2-Day Hangzhou Tour: West Lake, Tea Plantation, Bamboo Forest

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Hangzhou Arrival
   Appreciate the beautiful scenery of the lake and listen to the moving folk love legends

   Welcome to Hangzhou! Upon arrival at the Airport or Railway Station, you will be warmly greeted by the local tour guide and driver. They will accompany you throughout the day.

   On the first day of the trip, it would be a good idea to start from the most famous West Lake. It's not only a World Cultural Heritage site but also the birthplace and stage for one of China's four great folk legends, 'The Legend of the White Snake.'

   

   You can take a leisurely walk to Broken Bridge at West Lake, where the heroine Bai Suzhen and the hero Xu Xian first confessed their love under an umbrella and reunited in the rain. The willow branches by the bridge and the shimmering water seem to still tell the story of that touching first meeting.

   Afterwards, you can move to the pavilions and towers of Xiling Seal Art Society to find the classic spots where the young White and Green snakes once played and sparred.

   You can take a rowing boat to go deep into the lake. Bring some breadcrumbs. Large flocks of wild ducks and waterfowl will chase after the boat. The interaction is extremely intense!

   Then, walk into Guo's Villa, which was built in 1907 and is hailed as "the crown of classical gardens in West Lake". Its scenery is no less beautiful than that of the Jiangnan gardens in Suzhou.

   

   You can choose to visit the lakeside platform on the east side and the "Jingsu Pavilion" (additional fee), where the view is excellent, and you can overlook the Su Causeway. It is an ideal spot to enjoy the scenery of the Su Causeway in spring. Compared to the crowds along the West Lake, this place is quieter and more charming.

   Follow the light scent of sandalwood and head deep into the mountains to visit the ancient Lingyin Temple. There, you can get three sticks for free at the entrance. In front of the Great Hall, accompanied by the monks’ soft chanting and the lingering sandalwood, you can press your palms together and sincerely pray for blessings.

   After visiting Lingyin Temple, you might get hungry. The tour guide will take you to a nearby restaurant to try some local specialties. Taste the authentic Dongpo pork, this rich and flavorful braised pork, and the juicy Beggar’s Chicken, a delicious dish perfectly baked in lotus leaves.

   

   Special Note: The meal is at your own expense.

   Visit a tea plantation located in the suburbs of Hangzhou. You will see "greenery" all over the mountains. Walk slowly up the tea plantation path, and listen to the tea farmers explain the picking techniques of spring tea.

   Sit by the tea room window and watch the tea artist use mountain spring water to brew freshly roasted new tea for you. You can also taste different varieties of Longjing tea and learn how to appreciate a good cup of tea by observing the color, smelling the aroma, and tasting it.

   

   Move to the City God Pavilion, on the top of Wushan Mountain. It is a historical landmark located on the mountain top. From the pavilion, you can enjoy the panoramic view of the Hangzhou skyline, including the picturesque West Lake. Capture this beautiful scene with your camera, or simply spend some time immersing yourself in the breathtaking scenery.

   End today's exploration by heading to Hefang Street. Buy some Michelin-starred pan-fried dumplings, or take a bite of a fluffy, sweet Dingsheng cake. You can also interact with friendly locals and even get a chance to watch a fantastic show.

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   4-Star Hotel in Hangzhou
2. Day 2: Hangzhou Highlights
   Experience the daily life of locals and learn about its history and culture

   Go and visit the most bustling local market where locals are most active. Observe how locals haggle over prices and select fresh food, such as fruits, vegetables, and meats. It is really a good way to immerse yourself in local life.

   Next, take a stroll along the Grand Canal and stand on Gongchen Bridge to watch cargo ships pass through the bridge. The historical district preserves residential buildings and old factories from the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China. If you have time, visit the Chinese Umbrella Museum or experience oil paper umbrella painting.

   

   If you are tired, you can find a cafe near the river, an independent bookstore, a handmade shop, a pet shop, etc., or sit down at a tea stall and watch the sand boat slowly pass by.

   Afterwards, step into the bamboo forest and enjoy a peaceful respite away from the city. There are no crowds here, only the rustling sound of the wind blowing through the bamboo forest, and the greenery reflected on the road surface on rainy days. When you are tired from walking, you can rest in the pavilion, or you can capture some stunning photos on the trail beside the bamboo forest.

   

   Next, turn your gaze to the Six Harmonies Pagoda. From the outside, it appears to have more than ten layers, but there are only seven inside. Climbing the tower and looking into the distance, one side is the Qiantang River, which is golden by the setting sun, and the other side is the green and quiet mountains and forests (an extra charge applies for ascending to the top).  The stairs are fairly steep and can be a bit tough on your knees, so be sure to wear comfortable sneakers.

   

   Finally, you can explore Tianmuli Creative Area. The entire park is composed of 17 single buildings. The facade is full of high-grade gray fair-faced concrete, with minimalist lines and excellent light and shadow effects. Just find an angle to shoot, and it will feel like a blockbuster — an ideal spot for a city walk. You can relax in a cozy café, or wander through bookstores, art galleries, and curated boutiques.

   At the end of the tour, the guide will take you to the airport or train station to continue on your next journey.

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