
Tour overview
- Tour Code
- CN-SH-005
- Rating
- 4.9
- Duration
- 2 Days
- Destination
- Shanghai+Wuzhen+Hangzhou
- Tour Type
- Private for you only
- Suitable For
- China Culture Lovers
Starting from
$428 p.p
A private tour based on a stay in a 4-star hotel with double occupancy. The price is subject to the travel dates, the number of people, and the selected hotel.
Highlights
2-day Shanghai-Wuzhen-Hangzhou private tour: Free all-day private pick-up ; pre-booked high-speed train Shanghai-Tongxiang for smooth transfers.
Covers key spots: Wuzhen West Gate Scenic Spot, Hangzhou’s West Lake, Meijiawu, Lingyin Feilai Peak, Liuhe Pagoda—mixes water town & natural/cultural sites.
Convenient details: Breakfast included for all; driver-assisted transfers; only lunch self-paid, balancing comfort and flexibility.

Your experience
Itinerary & tour details
Begin your journey with a fascinating excursion from Shanghai to Wuzhen Water Town, one of the most charming ancient water towns in the Yangtze River Delta. Famous for its traditional black-tiled houses, stone bridges, winding canals, and historic lanes, Wuzhen offers a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle and architectural heritage of Jiangnan, the region south of the Yangtze River.
In the morning, enjoy a private pick-up from your designated location in Shanghai, according to the confirmed service area. If your accommodation is outside the complimentary pick-up zone, you may arrange to meet the driver at an agreed location. Your driver will assist with the transfer to the railway station, where you will board your pre-booked high-speed train from Shanghai to Tongxiang.
During the train journey, enjoy views of the changing scenery as you leave the bustling metropolis behind and travel toward the quieter towns and waterways of Zhejiang Province. High-speed rail provides a convenient and comfortable connection between Shanghai and the Wuzhen area.
Upon arrival at Tongxiang Railway Station, meet your local driver for the onward transfer to Wuzhen West Gate Scenic Area (Xizha). After arriving, begin exploring this beautifully preserved water town, where traditional Chinese architecture and waterways create an atmosphere that feels distinctly different from modern Shanghai.
Wander along the ancient stone-paved lanes and admire the traditional wooden houses built beside the canals. The town's distinctive black-tiled roofs, whitewashed walls, wooden balconies, and waterside terraces reflect the architectural style of the Jiangnan region. Small bridges connect the narrow streets, while boats glide along the waterways, offering attractive views of the historic town.
Spend time exploring the scenic area at a comfortable pace. Cross traditional stone bridges, stroll beside the canals, and discover historic residences, old workshops, cultural exhibition spaces, and small specialty shops. Depending on the sites open during your visit, you may encounter displays introducing traditional crafts, local customs, and the history of water-town life.
One of the highlights of Wuzhen West Gate is its network of waterways and narrow lanes. Take a leisurely walk along the riverbanks to appreciate how daily life developed around the canals, which historically served as important routes for transportation, trade, and communication. The combination of water, architecture, and quiet courtyards makes the area particularly appealing for photography.
As you continue through the town, look for traditional wooden facades, riverside tea houses, and small bridges that provide different perspectives of the surrounding scenery. Take a break at a local café or teahouse if you wish to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. You can also browse for locally made handicrafts and souvenirs that reflect the area's traditional culture.
For lunch, explore the local dining options within or near the scenic area. Wuzhen is known for regional Jiangnan flavors, including freshwater fish, traditional noodles, seasonal vegetables, and local specialties. Meals are not included in this itinerary, allowing you to choose your preferred restaurant and dining style according to your interests and budget.
In the afternoon, continue exploring the West Gate Scenic Area. If time permits, visit additional cultural attractions or simply enjoy a slower walk through the quieter lanes away from the busiest sections. The atmosphere can change throughout the day, with soft daylight illuminating the old buildings and reflections dancing across the canals.
If you prefer a different perspective, a traditional boat ride may be available as an optional activity, subject to local operating schedules and ticket arrangements. Viewing the town from the water offers an alternative way to appreciate the riverside architecture, stone bridges, and closely spaced historic buildings.
After completing your visit, meet your driver at the designated pick-up point for the journey to Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang Province. The drive takes you from the historic waterways of Wuzhen to a city renowned for its scenic lake, tea-growing hills, temples, and cultural heritage.
Upon arrival in Hangzhou, transfer to your selected hotel and complete the check-in procedures. Depending on your arrival time and energy level, you may choose to relax at the hotel or take a short walk around the surrounding neighborhood to become familiar with local restaurants and shops.
Enjoy dinner at your own expense. Hangzhou's cuisine features delicate flavors and regional specialties, making it an excellent place to sample local dishes after a day of sightseeing. After dinner, return to the hotel for a restful evening in preparation for the following day's exploration of West Lake and Hangzhou's cultural landmarks.
Meals: All meals are self-arranged.
Transportation: Private pick-up in Shanghai within the confirmed service area, pre-booked high-speed train to Tongxiang, local pick-up at Tongxiang Railway Station, transfer to Wuzhen West Gate, and onward private transfer to Hangzhou.
Important information: Please confirm your train departure time, station meeting point, and luggage arrangements in advance. Train tickets should match the passenger's identification details. The duration of sightseeing in Wuzhen depends on train schedules, traffic, and the agreed transfer arrangements. Optional boat rides and certain attractions may require additional fees.
Accommodation: Hangzhou.
After breakfast at your hotel, embark on a full day of sightseeing in Hangzhou, a city celebrated for its natural scenery, Buddhist heritage, traditional tea culture, and elegant landscapes. Today's itinerary combines the picturesque beauty of West Lake with the peaceful atmosphere of Meijiawu Tea Village, the historic Buddhist complex of Lingyin Temple and Feilai Peak, and the architectural landmark of Liuhe Pagoda.
Begin your morning at West Lake (Xi Hu), Hangzhou's most famous natural attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Surrounded by wooded hills, historic pagodas, traditional gardens, and elegant causeways, the lake has inspired Chinese poets, painters, and scholars for centuries.
Take a leisurely walk along the lakeside paths and enjoy views of the water, distant hills, and traditional pavilions. Depending on the route and available time, you may explore sections of Su Causeway or other scenic lakeside areas, where willow trees, flowering plants, and carefully landscaped gardens create a tranquil atmosphere.
As you stroll beside the lake, your guide or driver can help you identify notable viewpoints and suggest suitable places for photographs, depending on your confirmed service arrangements. On clear days, the lake reflects the surrounding hills and historic structures, while misty weather can lend the landscape a softer and more atmospheric appearance.
West Lake is also associated with several famous traditional legends and historical stories. As you explore the scenic area, discover how the lake's landscape, cultural traditions, and literary associations have contributed to Hangzhou's reputation as one of China's most celebrated scenic cities.
If time and local conditions permit, you may enjoy an optional sightseeing boat ride on the lake. A boat excursion offers a different perspective of the shoreline, islands, bridges, and surrounding hills. Boat services, departure points, and ticket arrangements vary, so any additional activity should be confirmed locally.
After enjoying the lakeside scenery, continue to Meijiawu Tea Village, a traditional tea-growing settlement nestled among the green hills on the outskirts of Hangzhou. The village is well known for its connection with Longjing tea, one of China's most famous green teas, and provides an opportunity to discover the relationship between tea cultivation, local livelihoods, and the surrounding landscape.
Upon arrival, enjoy the peaceful rural scenery, with rows of tea bushes covering the slopes and narrow paths winding between the plantations. Depending on the season, you may see fresh tea shoots, workers tending the bushes, or local farmers participating in tea-related activities.
Learn about the basic stages of tea production, from harvesting fresh leaves to processing and preparation. If a suitable tea demonstration or tasting is available, you may have the opportunity to sample locally produced tea and learn how its aroma, flavor, and appearance can vary according to the leaves and processing techniques.
Take time to appreciate the village's relaxed atmosphere and traditional tea culture. You may also browse local tea shops for packaged Longjing tea and other regional products. Purchases and any optional tea experiences are at your own expense unless specifically included in your booking.
For lunch, choose from the local restaurants in Meijiawu or along the route to your next attraction. Hangzhou-style cuisine often emphasizes fresh ingredients and balanced flavors. Meals are not included, so your driver or guide can suggest suitable dining options according to your preferences, available time, and budget.
In the afternoon, proceed to Lingyin Temple and Feilai Peak, one of Hangzhou's most important Buddhist cultural destinations. Set amid wooded hills, this historic temple complex is known for its religious heritage, traditional halls, incense-filled courtyards, and peaceful natural surroundings.
Begin by exploring the designated areas around Feilai Peak, a landscape celebrated for its unusual rock formations and Buddhist stone carvings. The rock faces and sheltered niches contain numerous sculptures carved over different historical periods, creating an important collection of religious art integrated into the natural environment.
As you follow the walking paths, observe the details of the stone figures and the way the surrounding vegetation and rock formations frame the carvings. The site provides insight into the development of Buddhist art and devotional traditions in the Hangzhou region.
Continue to Lingyin Temple, subject to the confirmed admission arrangements and opening hours. With a history extending back more than a thousand years, the temple is among the best-known Buddhist monasteries in the region. Its halls, courtyards, traditional roofs, and religious statues reflect the long-standing role of Buddhism in Chinese cultural life.
Walk respectfully through the permitted areas, observe the temple's architectural details, and take a moment to appreciate the quieter atmosphere of the complex. Visitors should follow local rules concerning photography, religious ceremonies, incense, and access to individual halls.
The temple grounds and surrounding hills also provide a scenic setting for a gentle walk. Take your time when moving between the main areas, as the route may include steps, uneven surfaces, and sloping paths. Comfortable footwear is recommended, particularly if you plan to explore both the temple and the nearby stone carvings.
After your visit to Lingyin Temple, continue to Liuhe Pagoda, another significant landmark in Hangzhou. Located near the Qiantang River, the pagoda is celebrated for its traditional Chinese architectural design and historical association with the river landscape.
Admire the pagoda's multi-tiered exterior and decorative details, which reflect the architectural traditions of ancient China. The structure has long served as one of the area's most recognizable landmarks, and its elevated setting offers an opportunity to appreciate the relationship between Hangzhou's historic buildings and the surrounding natural environment.
Depending on opening hours, ticket arrangements, and the time available, you may be able to explore designated areas around the pagoda and enjoy views of the nearby Qiantang River. The surrounding grounds offer a pleasant setting for photography and a final opportunity to appreciate Hangzhou's blend of natural scenery and cultural heritage.
After completing the day's sightseeing, return to your hotel. If time and energy permit, you may choose to enjoy an evening walk or dinner in the city. Hangzhou offers a wide variety of dining options, from traditional local restaurants to modern cafés and international cuisine.
Spend the evening at leisure, reflecting on the day's experiences, from the peaceful scenery of West Lake and the tea plantations of Meijiawu to the Buddhist heritage of Lingyin Temple and the historic silhouette of Liuhe Pagoda.
Meals: Breakfast included; lunch and dinner are self-arranged.
Transportation: Driver-arranged transfers between West Lake, Meijiawu Tea Village, Lingyin Temple and Feilai Peak, Liuhe Pagoda, and your hotel, according to the confirmed itinerary.
Important information: The order of sightseeing may be adjusted according to traffic, weather, opening hours, and local conditions. Admission to individual attractions, boat rides, tea tastings, and other optional activities should be confirmed in advance. Lingyin Temple and Feilai Peak may have separate admission or reservation requirements. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and dress respectfully when visiting religious sites.
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