Hangzhou: Heaven on Earth Day Trip from Shanghai

Hangzhou: Heaven on Earth Day Trip from Shanghai

Travel to Hangzhou, a city rich in culture, history and scenery, on a day trip from Shanghai. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, admire the architecture of Six Harmonies Pagoda, learn about China's most renowned tea at Meijiawu Tea Village, and cruise on West Lake where the views have inspired poets and artists for centuries. You'll come to appreciate why Marco Polo sang the praises of Hangzhou and UNESCO designated the city a World Heritage site. Includes all entrance fees, lunch, transportation, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

Your air-conditioned coach picks you up at your centrally located Shanghai hotel in the early morning to start the 3-hour drive from Shanghai to Hangzhou.

During the drive, your guide introduces you to the rich history and culture of Hangzhou, which dates back more than 2,000 years.

When you arrive in Hangzhou, start at the renowned Six Harmonies Pagoda (Liuhe Pagoda), a masterpiece of Chinese architecture. The towering 196 foot (60 meter) octagonal pagoda overlooks the Qiantang River, and inside a spiral staircase ascends to the top of the seven story building, providing sweeping views of the lush surroundings. Next to the pagoda, visit a small museum with replicas of various ancient Chinese pagoda styles.

Continue to Meijiawu Tea Village, located in the rural foothills of the West Lake district. The village showcases one of the finest tea varieties in the world, Xihu Longjing Tea, aka Dragon Well Tea, and Meijiawu is said to grow the best Longjing tea. During your visit, experience the art of a traditional tea ceremony and gain insight into this important part of Chinese culture.

Afterward have lunch, then drive over to West Lake, an expansive lake surrounded by gardens, pagodas, temples and mountains. A UNESCO World Heritage site, West Lake has inspired artists and influenced garden design in China, Japan and Korea over the centuries.

Board a boat for a cruise on the lake that ends at Flower Harbor. Disembark and stroll around the lush gardens and Red Carp Pond, where multitudes of fish swim frenetically, creating a contrast to the serene forest surroundings.

If time allows, your guide takes you to a scenic area called 9 Creeks and 18 Gullies. Walk along a path that passes picturesque tea plantations on terraced hills, streams, waterfalls, and quaint rest stops such as a pond with small pavilion and tea house.

Throughout the day, your guide shares fascinating details about Hangzhou's long history and cultural significance. In the late afternoon, relax during the return drive to Shanghai, where your tour ends with drop-off at your hotel.