My partner and I traveled from Australia to Hangzhou in July, greeted by slightly overcast yet refreshing weather after the previous hot days. Sofia, our guide from Your Way Holiday, promptly picked us up from our hotel, extending a warm welcome and immediately sharing insightful knowledge about the city. The comfortable car and thoughtfully provided water bottles were a nice touch that set a positive tone for the day.

Our journey commenced at West Lake with a serene boat cruise, where despite the haze, the vastness of the lake and its picturesque skyline left a lasting impression. Throughout the tour, Sofia's deep historical insights enriched our understanding of every site we visited, including the majestic Leifeng Pagoda, the tranquil Meijiawu Tea Plantation, the bamboo-lined paths at Yunqi, and the serene Yue Temple. Importantly, we appreciated that there were no aggressive sales pitches or detours to tourist shops, allowing us to focus fully on the cultural and natural beauty of Hangzhou.

Sofia's thoughtful planning extended to lunch, which she ordered based on her local recommendations, ensuring we enjoyed authentic cuisine without any language barriers. For our tea ceremony and tasting session, an English-speaking guide was arranged, enhancing our understanding of this integral aspect of Chinese culture. Sofia's flexibility was commendable as she allowed us to explore each site at our own pace, generously offering to capture memorable photos for us along the way. Her additional recommendations for places to visit in Hangzhou further enriched our travel plans.

Overall, our day with Sofia was nothing short of perfect—a tranquil and enlightening experience that allowed us to appreciate the significance of each location we visited. Hangzhou impressed us not only with its technological advancements but also with its commitment to preserving nature and green spaces amidst urban development.

Reviewed to: Hangzhou Cultural Legacies Tour for Asians and Overseas Chinese