2-Night Shanghai and Hangzhou Private Tour

When you arrive in Shanghai, you’ll be met by your guide at the airport or railway station and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel. After a short rest, embark on a guided walking tour of Shanghai’s Puxi area, strolling along Nanjing Pedestrian Road down to the famous historical Bund riverfront.

Enjoy views across the river of the ultra-modern skyline in the Pudong area before continuing your walk through the historical old city to Yu Yuan Gardens. Complete your walking tour with a visit to the Shanghai Museum, which boasts a collection of more than 120,000 pieces of art and cultural relics, making it the biggest museum in China.

Your evening is yours to explore the city at leisure. For dinner, your guide will recommend venues where you can enjoy an authentic meal.

In the morning, your private guide will accompany you on the bullet train to Hangzhou. Begin your tour with a boat ride on West Lake, whose perimeter is ringed on three sides by mountains and on one side by the city proper. The enchanting sight of West Lake’s green hills, willow trees, elegant bridges and clear spring water provides great photo ops!

Continue to the nearby Lingyin Temple (also called Temple of Soul's Retreat), a celebrated Zen Buddhist temple founded in 326 AD. Considered one of China’s ten most famous temples, Lingyin’s quiet grandeur offers a place of solace, peace and contemplation. When you enter the Hall of the Heavenly Kings, you’ll be greeted by sight of a laughing Buddha with a huge belly. Your guide will point out the dragons and phoenixes on the painted ceiling above.

After lunch (own expense), head to a Chinese green tea plantation where you can try your hand at picking tealeaves, taste a refreshing cup of tea, and learn about its history and production.

Finish your time in Hangzhou with a privately guided tour of Liuhe Pagoda, also called Six Harmonies Pagoda. Situated on Yuelun Hill south of West Lake, the reconstructed red and brick pagoda was originally built during the Northern Song Dynasty (386-581 AD). Ascend the spiral staircase inside the pagoda for an impressive view of the Qiantang River, as well as the seven ceilings carved and painted with figures of animals, flowers and birds.

In the evening, head to the railway station and board the train for the return trip to Shanghai with your guide.

You are free to depart from your hotel at any time. When you’re ready, you’ll be transferred back to the airport or train station by private vehicle.