Hangzhou Private Day Trip by Bullet Train From Shanghai

Hangzhou, the serene gem nestled west of Shanghai, beckons visitors to experience its beauty. A private day trip by high-speed bullet train offers the perfect opportunity to take in the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. From a tranquil boat cruise on the iconic West Lake to a delectable local lunch, this excursion promises an unforgettable journey. Exploring the historic Faxi Temple and delving into the renowned Longjing tea tradition add layers of authenticity to the experience. With seamless transportation and a knowledgeable guide, this day trip allows travelers to uncover the captivating essence of Hangzhou. What awaits beyond the train ride is a world of wonder and cultural exploration.

Good To Know

Explore Hangzhou’s natural beauty and cultural heritage on a private day trip from Shanghai, including a boat cruise on West Lake and a visit to Faxi Temple.
Experience Longjing tea culture by participating in a traditional tea ceremony and sampling the renowned Dragon Well green tea.
Convenient transportation via high-speed bullet train, with hotel pickup and drop-off, maximizing sightseeing time in Hangzhou.
Enjoy a local Hangzhou-style lunch featuring regional specialties like West Lake beef soup and dongpo pork.
The tour is not suitable for travelers with limited mobility or wheelchair users, as it involves walking and navigating uneven terrain.

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Trip Overview

This private day trip from Shanghai to Hangzhou lasts 11 hours and costs from £6,934 per person.

It offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before for a full refund, and a reserve now & pay later option is available.

Hotel pickup is included, and the tour features a private English and Chinese-speaking guide.

Highlights of the itinerary include a boat cruise on West Lake, visiting Faxi Temple, and experiencing Hangzhou’s renowned tea culture at Longjing village.

However, the trip isn’t suitable for those with mobility issues or wheelchair users.

Travelers will need to provide their passport information and hotel details when booking.

Transportation Details

The tour includes hotel pickup, where a guide will greet you in the lobby with a name sign.

You’ll then transfer to Hongqiao Railway Station to board the high-speed bullet train to Hangzhou. Reaching speeds up to 300 km/h, the train journey is included in the tour price.

At the end of your day in Hangzhou, you’ll take the return train journey back to Shanghai. Second-class return train tickets are provided, costing $25 per person.

The smooth transportation by high-speed rail allows you to maximize your sightseeing time in Hangzhou without the hassle of driving.

West Lake Exploration

Upon arrival in Hangzhou, the group embarks on a leisurely boat cruise across the serene West Lake. This iconic body of water is renowned for its natural beauty, with ten scenic spots that captivate visitors.

During the cruise, the group admires:

Pagodas and gardens along the shoreline
Willow-lined causeways and bridges
Majestic mountains in the distance

The peaceful ambiance and stunning vistas make this an unforgettable experience, allowing the group to fully enjoy Hangzhou’s picturesque landscape.

After the cruise, the exploration of West Lake continues on foot, with the guide providing insights into the lake’s rich history and cultural significance.

Lunch in Hangzhou

After the captivating exploration of West Lake, the group heads to a local restaurant in Hangzhou.

The guide leads them to an authentic hotel known for its delectable regional cuisine. Diners savor a delicious lunch featuring Hangzhou specialties like West Lake beef soup, dongpo pork, and longjing tea-infused dishes.

The flavors are a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, and umami, showcasing the culinary artistry of Hangzhou. Guests enjoy the lively atmosphere and engage in lively conversation with the guide, learning more about the local food culture.

This hearty meal provides the energy needed for the subsequent visit to Faxi Temple and the tea appreciation experience.

Faxi Temple Visit

Next, the group makes their way to the renowned Faxi Temple. This historic Buddhist temple is known for its impressive wooden Buddha statue, which stands over 20 feet tall.

Visitors can explore the temple’s ornate architecture, admire the intricate carvings, and learn about its rich cultural heritage.

The highlights of the Faxi Temple visit include:

Viewing the magnificent wooden Buddha statue
Wandering through the temple’s courtyards and halls
Discovering the temple’s fascinating history and significance
Experiencing the serene and spiritual atmosphere of the site

After the temple visit, the group continues their Hangzhou adventure by exploring the renowned Longjing tea-growing region.

Longjing Tea Experience

From the serene atmosphere of Faxi Temple, the group continues their Hangzhou adventure by exploring the renowned Longjing tea-growing region.

The tour takes them to the picturesque Longjing village, where they’ll experience the rich tea culture of the area. Guests partake in a traditional tea ceremony, learning about the intricate process of cultivating and preparing the renowned Dragon Well (Longjing) green tea.

They’ll then have the opportunity to sample the fragrant, delicate tea, gaining a deeper appreciation for this iconic Chinese beverage.

This immersive tea experience provides a fitting finale to the Hangzhou day trip, leaving travelers with a lasting impression of the region’s cultural heritage.

Inclusions and Highlights

The private day trip from Shanghai to Hangzhou includes a hotel pickup and drop-off, providing a seamless start and end to the excursion.

The guided tour features an English and Chinese-speaking guide to enhance the experience.

Key highlights include:

Exploring the iconic West Lake with a scenic boat cruise, taking in the top ten sights.
Enjoying a delicious local lunch in Hangzhou.
Visiting the Faxi Temple to marvel at the famous wooden Buddha and learning about the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Taking in Longjing village’s renowned tea culture, participating in a tea ceremony and tasting the renowned green tea.

High-speed train tickets to and from Hangzhou are also included, ensuring a hassle-free and efficient journey.

Important Considerations

Catering to travelers with limited mobility may prove challenging, as this day trip isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

Participants must be able to walk comfortably for extended periods and navigate stairs and uneven terrain.

Guests should bring their passport and provide a photocopy, as well as hotel details, at the time of booking. This ensures a smooth check-in process and allows the tour operator to coordinate pickup from the hotel.

With these important considerations in mind, travelers can look forward to an immersive cultural experience exploring the highlights of Hangzhou by high-speed rail.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Train Ride Comfortable and Safe?

The high-speed bullet train is comfortable and safe, with speeds up to 300 km/h. It offers a smooth, efficient journey, making the trip from Shanghai to Hangzhou convenient and enjoyable.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Trip?

Passengers can bring their own food and drinks on the trip. However, consuming hot meals or alcoholic beverages may not be allowed on the high-speed train. It’s best to check with the tour operator for any specific restrictions.

Is There a Discount for Children or Seniors?

The private day trip from Shanghai to Hangzhou doesn’t offer any discounts for children or seniors. The price is the same for all passengers regardless of age.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to Suit My Interests?

The tour can be customized to suit your interests. Speak with the tour provider to adjust the itinerary or focus areas, such as adding or removing specific attractions. They’ll work to personalize the experience based on your preferences.

What Happens if I Get Delayed and Miss the Train Back?

If a traveler misses the return train, they can contact the tour operator for assistance. The operator will help them make alternative arrangements, such as booking a later train or providing transportation back to Shanghai, at an additional cost.

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The Sum Up

This private day trip from Shanghai to Hangzhou offers a well-rounded cultural experience. Travelers can enjoy the scenic beauty of West Lake, savor local cuisine, explore a historic temple, and enjoy Hangzhou’s renowned tea culture. With seamless transportation and a knowledgeable guide, this trip provides an unforgettable opportunity to discover the highlights of this picturesque Chinese city.