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Hangzhou Day Tour: Ancient Hangzhou Arts & Architecture Tour

From $80 per person
Hangzhou Day Tour: Ancient Hangzhou Arts & Architecture Tour
  • Hangzhou Day Tour: Ancient Hangzhou Arts & Architecture Tour
  • Hangzhou Day Tour: Ancient Hangzhou Arts & Architecture Tour
  • Hangzhou Day Tour: Ancient Hangzhou Arts & Architecture Tour
  • Hangzhou Day Tour: Ancient Hangzhou Arts & Architecture Tour
  • Hangzhou Day Tour: Ancient Hangzhou Arts & Architecture Tour

Tour Style:
This Hangzhou day tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and modern charm, taking you through some of the city's most iconic sites. Begin with the elegance of Guo’s Villa and the Former Residence of Hu Xueyan, where classical Chinese architecture and stories of ancient merchants come to life. Walk along the historic Southern Song Imperial Street to experience the heartbeat of old Hangzhou, then relax in the serene Meijiawu Tea Culture Village with a cup of freshly brewed Dragon Well tea. Finally, witness the dynamic energy of Qianjiang New City, showcasing Hangzhou’s modern development. With expert guidance, personalized service, and a well-paced itinerary, this travel Hangzhou experience lets you connect deeply with the city's timeless beauty and contemporary spirit.

Duration: 7-8 hours

Attractions(Cities):
Guo’s Villa, Former Residence of Hu Xueyan, Southern Song Imperial Street, Meijiawu Tea Culture Village, Qianjiang New City

Pick-up point:
Your hotel in Hangzhou (based on your requirement)

Finishing point:
Your hotel in Hangzhou (based on your requirement)

Tour Customizable:
Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry)

Payment Types:
Cash, Wire, Paypal, WesternUnion, Wechat, Alipay, Bank Transfer

Available: Daily

Tour Itinerary
Optional Activities
Price
Why Choose Us
Review

Tour Itinerary

  • Place&Transport: Hangzhou
  • Today's Activities: Guo’s Villa, Former Residence of Hu Xueyan,Southern Song Imperial Street,Meijiawu Tea Culture Village, Qianjiang New City
  • Accommodation: N/A
  • Meal: Our local guide will recommend popular local restaurants based on real-time traffic and your preferences, letting you enjoy authentic local cuisine away from touristy restaurants.

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.

Your Way Holiday in Hangzhou

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.

Guo's-villaGuo-Villa-Hangzhou

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.

Meijiawu-tea-culture-villageMeijiawu-Hangzhou

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.

Former-Residence-of-HuxueyanFormer-Residence-of-Hu-Xueyan-Hangzhou

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.

Qinghefang-StreetQinghefang-Street-Hangzhou

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.

Qianjiang-CBDQianjiang-New-City-Hangzhou

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.

From $80 per person
Free Inquiry

Price Per Person in US Dollars

Price Includes

1. Cozy Ride: Enjoy the comfort and spaciousness of our air-conditioned car, offering scenic views.
2. Bilingual Expert Guide: Benefit from a personalized experience with a guide fluent in your language, catering to your needs.
3. Entrance Fees: Access all attractions and activities mentioned in the itinerary without worrying about additional entrance fees.
4. Seamless Transfer: Enhance your experience with convenient hotel or train station pickup and drop-off service.
5. Connect Seamlessly: Stay connected with complimentary onboard WiFi, allowing you to share your experiences in real-time.
6. Complimentary Water: Receive a complimentary bottle of water for each person, keeping you refreshed throughout your journey.
7. Travel Agency Liability Insurance: Benefit from coverage under our travel agency liability insurance, providing added protection and peace of mind during your trip.


Price Excludes

1. Personal Expenses: This includes phone bills, laundry, additional tours, postage, and any entertainment fees not covered in the itinerary.
2. Meals: While meals are not included, our guide will recommend the best local food spots, giving you the chance to explore and choose based on your preferences. (Average cost per person for a regular meal at local eateries: 40RMB/6USD-80RMB/12USD)
3. Tips: Tips are not mandatory but are recommended for excellent service. If you feel satisfied with the service, you may consider leaving a tip. The tipping standards are as follows: Driver: 50-100 RMB per day/group; Guide: 100-200 RMB per day/group.
4. Insurance: Insurance coverage for personal loss, illness, or damages incurred during your trip is not included.
5. Optional Activities: Any optional activities listed in the itinerary are not included in the tour fees, allowing you to choose and participate based on your preferences.

How Our Teams Serve you at Your Way Holiday

Personalized Travel Consultant
Experience the best of China with our expert travel consultants by your side. With years of local tourism experience, they are not only professional and knowledgeable but also deeply committed to making your trip unforgettable. Your dedicated consultant will craft a bespoke tour plan tailored to your unique interests, schedule, and budget, offering you the utmost flexibility. From the moment you start planning until the end of your journey, they will be in touch, ensuring every detail is perfect and that your trip runs smoothly.

China-tour-Personalized-Travel-Consultant-Your-Way-holidayTour-Personalized-Travel-Consultant

Exceptional Local Guides
Discover it through the eyes of our exceptional local guides. All certified and experienced, they are passionate about sharing their deep knowledge of attractions, history, and culture. Whether you're interested in hidden gems or popular sites, they know the best places to visit. They can recommend top local restaurants, unique shopping spots, and must-see shows. Beyond just guiding, they provide enriching insights into the history, customs, and authentic daily life, making your experience truly immersive.

Exceptional-Local-Guides-China-tourExceptional-Local-Guides-china-tour-Your-way-holiday

Premium Private Transportation
Travel in comfort and style with our premium private transportation. We offer a fleet of air-conditioned, non-smoking, clean, and meticulously maintained vehicles, all less than four years old. Our professional drivers, all locals with over a decade of driving experience, are friendly, courteous, and dedicated to your safety and comfort. Depending on your group's size, we provide a range of vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, business vans (MPVs), and spacious buses, all with ample luggage space.

Premium-Private-Transportation-China-tourYour-Way-holiday-Premium-Private-Transportation

Authentic Dining Experiences
We prioritize genuine local culinary experiences over pre-arranged tourist restaurants. Our local guides will recommend the best local restaurants where you can savor authentic flavors. This approach ensures you enjoy the freshest, most authentic meals, tailored to your preferences, and experience the true essence of the local cuisine. Whether your dietary needs are vegetarian, Muslim, Chinese, Western, Jewish, or Indian, we have excellent options to make every meal a delightful part of your journey.

Authentic-Dining-Experiences-china-tourChina-Tour-Authentic-Dining-Experiences

Questions & Answers or Review
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J
Jane D
starstarstarstarstar
Reviewed on 22 June 2025

This Hangzhou day tour turned out to be one of the most enjoyable and well-organized travel experiences I’ve had in China. From the very beginning, the guide welcomed us warmly and made us feel relaxed and excited for the day ahead. Her English was excellent, and she explained the historical background of each place with so much passion and clarity that I felt genuinely connected to what we were seeing. Guo’s Villa was a peaceful and elegant introduction to classical Hangzhou architecture, and the Former Residence of Hu Xueyan gave a fascinating glimpse into the lifestyle and business spirit of a successful Qing Dynasty merchant. What I especially appreciated was how the guide gave context and insight without overwhelming us with too many facts, always allowing time to simply enjoy the scenery.

The pacing of the day was spot-on. We were able to explore so many aspects of the city from the calmness of Meijiawu Tea Culture Village to the energy of Qianjiang New City without ever feeling rushed. The tea village in particular was such a highlight, with lush green hills, fresh air, and a cozy tea tasting session. I really liked being able to step away from the tourist crowds and enjoy the more authentic side of Hangzhou. Our driver was also fantastic. The car was clean, quiet, and air-conditioned, and he drove smoothly throughout the day, making even the longer stretches between destinations feel restful. All in all, this tour gave me a deeper appreciation for Hangzhou’s rich past and its exciting present, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a balanced and insightful day in the city.

D
David
Reviewed on 01 June 2018

We are really like this hangzhou tour. If we travel from Shanghai to Hangzhou by the high speed train, when should we arrive Hangzhou? And which train station is better for this hangzhou tour?

Replied:24 April 2020

Dear David,

This Hangzhou tour lasts around 7 hours. Some useful tips for you to purchase the round way Shanghai Hangzhou train tciekts:

Shanghai to Hangzhou
Option1: G7357 Shanghai Station to Hangzhou Station: Depart 
at 08:05AM and arrive at 09:44AM.
Option 2: The above train will pass the Shanghai Hongqiao station as well, the departure time is: 
08:30AM and arrive at 09:50AM at Hangzhou Station.

Please choose one of the above options according to your hotel location.

Hangzhou to Shanghai
G7312 Depart 
at 18:00 from Hangzhou Station and arrive at Shanghai Hongqiao Station at 19:05.

Feel free to let us know if you have any questions or need any help. Thanks!

Your Way Holiday - Your trusted partner for private tours in China!

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Shanghai & Nearby: www.tripstoshanghai.com
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Beijing & Nearby: www.chinabeijingprivatetour.com
Chengdu & Nearby: www.chengduprivatetour.com

A
April J
starstarstarstarstar
Reviewed on 01 June 2018

Collected at Hangzhou shangrila Hotel by the wonderful tour guide David! So many highlights ! I don’t want to spoil the surprises David has in store for the day! Fun filled! Beautiful Guo' villa close by the westlake, tea gardens, private homes, history, the new town of Hangzhou,wisdom of our tour guide. Leisurely,Hangzhou is glorious! I was overwhelmed! Fantastic Thank you David for all you did for us! Loved your humour! Come and stay in nz with our family!!!

M
Marinela T
starstarstarstarstar
Reviewed on 01 June 2018

Just returned from our Hangzhou Architecture Day Tour with China Private Tour. What an awesome experience !!!, Sharon waited for us at the train station as we were arriving in Hangzhou from Shanghai on the day of our Hangzhou City Private Day Tour by train. The city is beautiful, the scenery is awesome there is plenty to see and learn, the tea plantation with the authentic lunch was so original, and our guide Sharon was the best she is very knowledgeable and speaks well English, she helped us “Travel back in time “by her knowledge and her enthusiastic passion for the history of the celestial city and regions We Highly recommend the tour and Sharon as a tour guide!!!

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