Hangzhou Day Tour: Ancient Hangzhou Arts & Architecture Tour

Tour Itinerary

Our friendly and professional Hangzhou tour guide will personally greet you either at your hotel lobby in Hangzhou or upon your arrival at the Hangzhou train station, holding a clearly visible welcome sign that reads "Your Way Holiday" to ensure a smooth and easy meet-up. From there, your carefully planned Hangzhou day tour begins, featuring a full day of enriching cultural experiences, scenic beauty, and personalized service designed to help you explore the charm and depth of this historic city at your own pace and comfort.

The first stop is the Guo's Villa, situated by the Sleeping Dragon Bridge on Yanggong Causeway, right next to the famous “Breeze-ruffled Lotus at Quyuan Garden”. It is a special garden-like villa featuring elegance and quietness. As it is named after a certain Guo Shilin, it is called Guo’s Villa. Dating back nearly 140 years to the Qing Dynasty, it covers an area of 9,800 square meters.The villa consists of two sections: the northern section and the southern section. The northern section is a garden section called Sky in the Mirror. In the center of the section is a pond. And a pavilion on water separates the garden villa into the northern section and the southern section. Both sections are always pleasant to the eye both on sunny days and rainy days.The southern one is a residential section, called Living in Quietness. It features a pavilion-style house with a courtyard. The house consists of two halls and two wing-rooms, forming a little courtyard with a golden lily pond in the center. Known as a Zhejiang-style quadrangle, it is where the host used to live and receive guests and friends. The house is furnished in the Qing style.

Next, you will head to the picturesque Meijiawu Tea Culture Village, nestled in the western part of the West Lake Scenic Area. With a history of more than 600 years, Meijiawu is not only the largest natural village in the region but also one of the most important production areas for the world-renowned West Lake Dragon Well (Longjing) Tea. This charming village is steeped in tradition, where generations of tea farmers have cultivated and passed down their craft. Visitors can enjoy not only the fresh aroma of authentic hand-roasted tea but also the tranquil countryside views that are increasingly rare in today's fast-paced, urbanized world. Lush tea terraces, gentle hills, and peaceful surroundings create a truly relaxing atmosphere. Today, Meijiawu has evolved into a rich cultural and ecological destination, consisting of eight themed tourist sections, including a tea culture exhibition center, a rural leisure tourism zone, and a quaint fishing village. Whether you’re here to taste freshly brewed tea, learn about its fascinating production process, or simply soak in the natural beauty, Meijiawu offers a uniquely immersive experience.

After lunch, visit the Former Residence of Hu Xueyan. Situated in downtown Hangzhou, the Former Residence of Hu Xueyan is a place to peek into the aristocracy of Hangzhou’s richest merchant, hailing from the Qing Dynasty. It is a maze of towers, gardens, pavilions, terraces, arched bridges, palatial halls and serene living quarters. Several hours spent here will bestow you with cherished memories of ancient Chinese culture manifested by its stunning architecture, philosophy and bewildering folklore customs, which are still alive.Hu Xueyan (1823-1885), a Hangzhou celebrity, was one of the richest and most famous businessmen in the Qing Dynasty (1636-1911). He started his business with support from the Governor, Wang Youling. As an early entrepreneur, Hu Xueyan founded businesses in the fields of food, real estate, hock, weapons, silk and traditional Chinese medicine (which subsequently created a famous brand "Hu Qing Yu Tang"). After his success, he donated much money and time to the Qing government. Because of this, Hu was renowned throughout the country and was called the Hongding merchant. His legendary life was mostly related with the destiny of the late Qing Dynasty.

After lunch, continue your Hangzhou day tour with a visit to the Southern Song Imperial Street, a historic avenue that dates back to the Southern Song Dynasty. This grand stone-paved street, once the central axis of ancient Lin’an City, stretches approximately 4,185 meters and was constructed using more than 10,000 flagstones according to historical records. It served not only as a bustling thoroughfare but also as the ceremonial road emperors used when worshipping their ancestors. As you stroll along this atmospheric street, which runs from Wansong Mountain and Phoenix Hill Road through Zhongshan Road to Fengqi Road and Wulin Road, you’ll discover the heart of Southern Song urban planning and culture. The area is home to 13 preserved historical and cultural relics, including the impressive Phoenix Temple, a national key cultural heritage site. With its rich blend of history, architecture, and tradition, this stop offers an authentic glimpse into Hangzhou’s imperial past and its enduring cultural legacy.

The last stop is Qianjiang New City. known as the central business district of Hangzhou, which perfectly infuses the features of the historical and cultural city - Hangzhou with the grandeur of the Qiantang River. It features high-rise modern buildings, the tallest measuring over 300 meters. Such landmarks of Hangzhou as Hangzhou Grand Theater, Hangzhou International Conference Center and Hangzhou Civic Culture Tower are all located inside, which play an important role in the modernization of the city.Over the years, Qianjiang New City has contributed a lot to the development of the city in multiple fields like business, finance, trade and tourism. Still, it is trying its best to become a gold name card of the city, showing the world modernity, broad view, grandness and new level from different aspects, revealing the uniqueness and characteristics of the ancient Hangzhou City.

After the tour concludes, your guide and driver will escort you comfortably back to your hotel in Hangzhou or to the Hangzhou train station, depending on your travel plans. Sit back, relax, and take a moment to reflect on the day’s unforgettable experiences — from scenic boat rides and cultural landmarks to immersive tea tastings and ancient streets full of history. With thoughtful service and seamless coordination from start to finish, your Hangzhou day tour ends on a smooth and satisfying note, leaving you with lasting memories of this remarkable city.

Price Per Person in US Dollars

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a private tour or a shared group?
It is private. Only your party joins, with your own car, driver, and guide, so you set the pace and can stop when you like.

Where do you pick us up?
We meet you at your hotel in Hangzhou. Just tell us your preference in the inquiry and we arrange it.

How long does the tour last?
About 7 to 8 hours, door to door.

What is included in the price?
The private car and driver, fuel and parking, and an English-speaking guide for the sightseeing listed above. Entry tickets and any extras are confirmed in your quote, so you always know what you are paying for.

Can we change the sights or pace on the day?
Yes. It is a private tour, so you can spend longer at one stop, skip another, or swap an attraction. Tell us in advance or ask your guide on the day.

Do I need to book a set date?
You choose the date. The guide and driver are arranged for your group, and mornings or later starts can be set to fit your schedule and energy.