Hangzhou: West Lake and Tea Plantation Day Trip

Hangzhou’s West Lake and tea plantations offer a captivating day trip for visitors. This 8-hour tour provides a scenic boat cruise, a visit to the renowned Lingyin Temple, and a chance to explore a renowned Longjing tea plantation. With convenient transportation and an English-speaking guide, the tour immerses travelers in the region’s rich culture and stunning natural beauty. Whether you’re a history buff or a nature lover, this day trip promises an unforgettable experience.

Key Points

• This day trip explores West Lake and tea plantations in Hangzhou, priced from €181.68 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• The 8-hour tour includes a scenic boat cruise on West Lake, a visit to Lingyin Temple, and a local lunch featuring regional specialties.
• Transportation and an English-speaking guide are provided, with pickup from downtown Hangzhou hotels.
• The tour covers the UNESCO-listed West Lake, offering views of renowned sites like Leifeng Pagoda and Solitary Hill.
• Entrance tickets to all scenic spots and meals throughout the day are included in the tour price.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This day trip offers an opportunity to explore the renowned West Lake and tea plantations of Hangzhou.

Priced from €181.68 per person, the 8-hour tour includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later.

This 8-hour tour is priced at €181.68 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a pay later option.

Highlights include a scenic boat cruise on West Lake, visits to Huagang Park and Lingyin Temple, a local lunch, and an immersive experience at a Longjing tea plantation.

Transportation and an English-speaking guide are provided throughout the tour. Personal expenses and optional programs are excluded.

Itinerary and Highlights

The tour begins with hotel pickup in downtown Hangzhou, followed by a visit to the UNESCO-listed West Lake.

During the 3-hour boat cruise, guests admire the lake’s scenic beauty. Next, they explore Huagang Park to view fish in the Flower Pond.

Then, the group travels to the famous Lingyin Temple, China’s largest Buddhist temple, to see its grottos and rock carvings.

Lunch features local specialties like West Lake fish and beggar’s chicken.

Afterwards, the tour visits a Longjing tea plantation where travelers learn traditional tea making and enjoy tastings before purchasing tea.

Finally, guests are transferred back to their hotels.

Transportation and Guide Services

As this is a private group tour, a local guide accompanies the participants throughout the day. The guide provides services in both English and Chinese, ensuring effective communication.

The transportation for the tour is a car or van that’s provided for the entire duration, allowing for a comfortable and efficient journey between the different attractions.

Pickup is included from hotels located in downtown Hangzhou, making it convenient for your to start their day trip.

The key transportation and guide service elements are:

1. Private group tour with English and Chinese-speaking local guide

2. Car or van transportation for the entire tour

3. Pickup included from downtown Hangzhou hotels

Inclusions and Exclusions

Included in the price of the West Lake and Tea Plantation Day Trip are the entrance tickets to all the scenic spots visited, as well as all meals provided throughout the day.

An English-speaking guide is also included to lead the group and provide commentary. However, the price doesn’t cover personal expenses or optional programs like night shows.

Travelers should bring their passport or ID card and be aware that the itinerary is subject to change. Availability for starting times and optional meals should be checked in advance.

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West Lake Cruise Experience

Visitors embark on a relaxing 3-hour boat cruise across the UNESCO-listed West Lake, offering unparalleled views of the scenic landscape. The tranquil waters reflect the surrounding pagodas, gardens, and hills, allowing guests to enjoy the natural beauty of the region.

A tranquil 3-hour boat cruise across the UNESCO-listed West Lake, immersing guests in the region’s natural splendor.

The cruise experience includes:

1. Passing by renowned sites like the Leifeng Pagoda and Broken Bridge.

2. Admiring the serene Solitary Hill and its idyllic gardens.

3. Experiencing the traditional culture and history of Hangzhou from the comfort of the boat.

The West Lake cruise is a highlight of the day trip, showcasing the natural splendor that has captivated visitors for centuries.

Lingyin Temple and Grottos

After the serene West Lake cruise, the next stop on the day trip is the renowned Lingyin Temple. Nestled in the lush Wulin Mountains, this is the largest Buddhist temple in China. Visitors can explore the expansive temple complex, featuring intricate stone carvings and grottos dating back to the 4th century. Highlights include:

| Feature | Description |

|———|————-|

| Main Hall | Impressive architecture with a gold-plated Buddha statue |

| Grottos | Carved statues of Buddha and Bodhisattvas in the cliffside |

| Ancient Trees | Towering gingko and camphor trees centuries old |

| Vegetarian Meals | Delicious temple cuisine in Lingyin’s restaurants |

| Souvenir Shop | Opportunity to purchase Buddhist trinkets and artworks |

Longjing Tea Plantation Visit

Next, the tour takes visitors to the renowned Longjing Tea Plantation. This historic site is known for producing some of the finest green tea in China.

The experience includes:

1. Traditional tea making demonstration, where guests witness the delicate process of hand-picking, pan-frying, and sorting the precious tea leaves.

2. Tea tasting, allowing visitors to sample the distinct, aromatic flavors of the locally grown Longjing tea.

3. Tea purchasing, with the opportunity to bring home high-quality, authentic Longjing tea leaves as a memento of the visit.

Local Cuisine and Dining

At lunch, visitors can sample some of the local Hangzhou specialties, such as the renowned West Lake Fish and the signature beggar’s chicken.

Visitors can sample local Hangzhou specialties like the renowned West Lake Fish and the signature beggar’s chicken at lunch.

The West Lake Fish is a regional dish featuring fresh fish from the nearby lake, seasoned with soy sauce, rice wine, and spices.

Beggar’s chicken is a unique dish where the chicken is wrapped in lotus leaves, sealed in a clay casing, and slowly baked until tender and juicy.

Local restaurants offer these classic Hangzhou delicacies, giving travelers an authentic taste of the region’s culinary heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to My Preferences?

Yes, you can customize the tour itinerary to your preferences. The tour provider offers flexibility to adjust the activities and schedule based on your interests and needs. Additional options or modifications can be discussed during the booking process.

Is There Flexibility in the Tour Start Time?

The tour has some flexibility in start times. Customers can check availability and request their preferred starting time, which the tour provider will accommodate if possible.

Are There Any Special Requirements for the Tea Tasting?

The tour includes a traditional tea tasting experience at the Longjing Tea Plantation. No special requirements are mentioned, simply an opportunity to experience the tea-making process and sample the local tea varieties.

Can I Bring My Own Food During the Tour?

No, you cannot bring your own food during the tour. The tour includes all meals, such as local dishes like West Lake Fish and beggar’s chicken. Personal expenses, including outside snacks or meals, are not covered in the tour cost.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour duration cannot be extended. However, customers can inquire about longer day trips or multi-day tours that cover additional attractions in the Hangzhou area. The standard 8-hour tour is fixed and cannot be customized.

The Sum Up

This day trip to Hangzhou offers a chance to take in the city’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. The scenic West Lake cruise, visits to Lingyin Temple and a tea plantation, and a local lunch provide a well-rounded experience. With convenient transportation and an English-speaking guide, this tour is an excellent way to discover the highlights of Hangzhou in a single day.

You can check availability for your dates here: