Hangzhou Day Trip from Shanghai/Hangzhou | West Lake + Lingyin Temple + High-Speed Rail Round Trip · English Small Group Tour
- Essential Condensed Tour: Unlock Hangzhou's core landmarks in one day, enjoy a West Lake boat trip to view Three Ponds Mirroring the Moon and Spring Dawn at Su Causeway, experience Zen at Lingyin Temple, without rushing, and fully appreciate the essence of Jiangnan.
- Experience China Speed: High-speed rail round trip between Shanghai and Hangzhou, a 1-hour direct journey, feel the convenience, comfort, and technology of China's high-speed rail, adding a unique experience to your trip.
- English Small Group Guarantee: Led by a professional English-speaking guide, small group travel offers high flexibility, detailed explanations, and worry-free communication. Daily departures and flexible registration.
- Worry-Free All-Inclusive Fees: Departures from Shanghai include round-trip high-speed rail tickets. Departures from both locations include West Lake boat tickets, Lingyin Temple + Feilai Peak tickets, itinerary transportation, and guide services, with no hidden costs.
What to expect
Recommended Reasons
- Experience the unique charm of Hangzhou, the "Heaven on Earth," in just one day, perfect for fast-paced travel needs.
- Immerse yourself in the "speed and passion" of China's high-speed rail and feel the strength of China's infrastructure.
- Includes high-speed rail tickets, core scenic spot tickets, and car service, an all-inclusive price for more peace of mind, no need for tedious self-booking.
- English-speaking guide + small group model, professional explanations, flexible itinerary, daily departures without waiting.
West Lake Scenic Area As the core of “Heaven on Earth,” West Lake is surrounded by mountains on three sides and faces the city on one side. Its waters are clear, with Su Causeway and Bai Causeway running through it. Boating on the lake allows you to appreciate the beautiful scenery of “mountains on three sides and a city on one side,” making it an iconic landscape of Jiangnan water towns.
Detailed Itinerary Shanghai Departure Version (Meet at Hongqiao Railway Station) • 07:30: Meet at McDonald’s at Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station, where an English-speaking guide will assist in exchanging high-speed rail tickets. • Around 08:00: Take the high-speed train to Hangzhou (approximately 1 hour travel time). • Around 09:00: Arrive in Hangzhou, take a car to the West Lake Scenic Area. • 09:30-12:00: Visit West Lake, take a boat (boat ticket included, approximately 30 minutes experience) to admire attractions such as Three Ponds Mirroring the Moon and Su Causeway, and stroll along the lake to enjoy the lake and mountain scenery. • 12:00-13:30: Enjoy lunch at your leisure (cost not included, the guide can recommend local specialty restaurants). • 13:30-15:30: Head to Lingyin Temple and Feilai Peak Scenic Area, visit the thousand-year-old Lingyin Temple, and admire the unique scenery and stone carvings of Feilai Peak (approximately 2 hours visit). • Around 15:30: Take a car to Hangzhou Railway Station, then take the high-speed train back to Shanghai. • Around 17:30: Arrive at Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station, end of the trip.
Hangzhou Departure Version • 09:00: Pick up from a designated hotel in Hangzhou (or meet at an agreed location in West Lake Scenic Area), an English-speaking guide will lead the tour. • 09:30-12:00: Visit West Lake, take a boat (boat ticket included, approximately 30 minutes experience) to admire attractions such as Three Ponds Mirroring the Moon and Su Causeway. • 12:00-13:30: Enjoy lunch at your leisure (cost not included, the guide can recommend specialty restaurants). • 13:30-15:30: Visit Lingyin Temple and Feilai Peak Scenic Area (approximately 2 hours visit). • Around 15:30: End of the trip, drop off at a designated hotel in Hangzhou or a core urban area. • (Free pick-up and drop-off areas in Hangzhou: Shangcheng District, Gongshu District, Xihu District, Binjiang District)
Reviews
My son and I enjoyed our private tour by our guide Dannie who has been nothing but the best. She made this trip relxing and enjoyable for us, taking away the guess work had we chose to DIY Hangzhou. She is knowledgeable with history and made our trip meaningful. She managed our time well, avoiding the crowd and traffic. She met us upon gate exit and gate entry at the end of the trip. We look forward to coming back with the rest of the family next time around.
Good to know
Warm Reminders and Precautions
- High-speed rail ticket booking: For departures from Shanghai, passport information must be provided in advance. We will book high-speed rail tickets 15 days before departure; high-speed rail ticket refund and change rules are strict, and it is difficult to change or refund close to departure, so please plan your itinerary carefully.
- Meeting instructions: For departures from Shanghai, please gather at McDonald's at Hongqiao Railway Station on time. Lateness will result in missing the high-speed rail; for departures from Hangzhou, please wait at the hotel for pick-up at the agreed time.
- Traffic control reminder: During holidays and peak seasons, traffic control is implemented around Lingyin Temple. Vehicles must be parked in designated areas, and it is necessary to walk for about 10-15 minutes to enter the scenic area. Thank you for your understanding.
- Crowd flow reminder: West Lake and Lingyin Temple are popular attractions. During holidays, there may be large crowds, leading to queuing or a slower pace of sightseeing. The guide will reasonably adjust the itinerary.
- Dress code suggestions: It is recommended to wear comfortable, non-slip shoes. Please keep quiet when visiting Lingyin Temple and respect religious customs; wear sun protection in summer and carry a raincoat on rainy days.
- Small group explanation: The tour starts with 2 people, departs daily, ensuring comfort and quality of guide service.
- Products require a minimum of two people to book;
Two tour options:
- Hangzhou departure: Guide pick-up available.
2 Shanghai departure: Meet at Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station.
Booking note:
• Hangzhou departure: Please provide your hotel address.
• Shanghai departure: Please check the meeting time.
During holidays & peak seasons, traffic control applies near West Lake & Lingyin Temple. No vehicles allowed. We will walk or take public transport. Thank you for your understanding.
Contact us
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