Hangzhou Qiantang River Cycling and Photography Day Trip

Tour Itinerary

Your guide will pick you up from your hotel in downtown Hangzhou or from the Hangzhou Train Station, where you will be warmly welcomed with a “Your Way Holiday” sign. From there, you will take a short taxi ride to the bike rental site, where you’ll choose a comfortable bike for a four-hour self-guided cycling adventure. This relaxed ride along the scenic Qiantang River allows you to explore Hangzhou’s natural beauty at your own pace while enjoying the fresh air and peaceful river views.

As you pedal along the scenic riverbanks, your guide will highlight some of the most picturesque and culturally significant spots along the Qiantang River, the largest river in Zhejiang Province. This river is world-renowned for the spectacular Qiantang Tide, famously known as “the Biggest Tide in the World.” This impressive natural tidal bore occurs annually between the 15th and 18th days of the eighth lunar month in China, attracting visitors eager to witness this breathtaking event. Learning about the tide’s history and impact adds a rich cultural and environmental dimension to your cycling adventure, making it not only enjoyable but deeply educational as well.

During your ride, you’ll take a leisurely break at White Pagoda Park, a perfect place to relax and explore Hangzhou’s fascinating railway heritage. The park showcases several historic trains, including a long green train that offers fantastic photo opportunities for visitors and photography enthusiasts. Nearby, the black train at the Xiangshan Campus of the China Academy of Art has been transformed into a stylish coffee shop, blending historical charm with contemporary culture. This harmonious mix of nature, history, and art creates a memorable and enriching experience as you cycle along the beautiful Qiantang River.

Continuing your cycling tour along the scenic Qiantang River, you will soon approach the impressive Qiantang River Bridge, a landmark of Chinese engineering history. Constructed between April 1934 and September 1937, it holds the distinction of being China’s first self-designed and self-built bridge. Stretching a remarkable 1,453 meters (4,767 feet) in length, the bridge is a unique double-layer structure: the upper deck serves as a highway for vehicles while the lower deck accommodates a railway line. This innovative design not only revolutionized regional transport but also symbolizes a significant milestone in China’s industrial progress, offering a fascinating glimpse into the country’s modernization efforts during the early 20th century.

Following the bridge visit, your guide will lead you to climb the magnificent Six Harmony Pagoda, an ancient architectural marvel standing at nearly 60 meters tall. Although the pagoda appears to have thirteen stories from the outside, it contains seven interior floors accessible via a spiral staircase. Each ceiling inside is exquisitely decorated with carved and painted figures depicting animals, flowers, birds, and symbolic characters, reflecting the artistry and spiritual significance of the structure. From the top, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Qiantang River and its lush surroundings, creating perfect photo opportunities that capture both natural beauty and historic grandeur.

After descending from the pagoda, the journey continues to the Zhijiang Campus of Zhejiang University, a place renowned for its serene atmosphere and rich cultural heritage. Nestled near the historic Liuhe Pagoda and enveloped in dense woodlands, the campus offers a peaceful retreat where nature and education coexist harmoniously. The western-style buildings here date back to the Republic of China era, showcasing a unique architectural blend of Eastern and Western influences. This campus, with its historical significance and tranquil beauty, provides a fitting conclusion to your cycling tour, leaving you with lasting impressions of Hangzhou’s deep cultural roots and scenic charm.

After the tour concludes, our attentive guide will assist you in arranging a comfortable taxi ride back to your hotel, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free transfer. Whether you are returning to your accommodation in downtown Hangzhou or heading to the train station or airport, your guide will make sure you reach your destination safely and on time. This thoughtful service allows you to relax and reflect on the day’s memorable experiences without worrying about transportation logistics.

Price Per Person in US Dollars