Shanghai and Hangzhou Essence Tour

Welcome to China’s most advanced city, Shanghai. You will be met in the train station or airport by your private tour guide and driver. After check in the hotel, you will have the rest of the day free to explore the neighborhood on your own. Your guide will recommend some interesting places and restaurants nearby.

The Lingyin Temple

After breakfast, your Shanghai guide will accompany you to Hongqiao Train Station with your return train tickets. Get on board and you will experience the most advanced railway system. During this 1 hour ride, you can relax, do some reading or talk to the locals sitting next to you – you won’t be bored. Upon arrival at Hangzhou East Station, just follow the stream of people to find your way out. Your private guide and driver will be waiting for you outside the exit. West Lake is your first stop. Numbers of temples, pagodas, gardens and man-made islands on the lake make it the most popular scenic spot in Hangzhou. Taking a boat ride on the lake to admire the beauty of it is relaxing and enjoyable. If you want something more challenging, you may choose to ride a bike around for one or two hours. Then head to Lingyin Temple on the west side of the Lake. This thousand-year-old temple is one of the ten most sacred Buddhist temples in China. It is now a popular place not only for Buddhists but also for visitors. The vegetarian food nearby is highly recommended. You will pass Flying Peak, a park where Lingyin Temple is located. There are many legends about how this peak was formed. Here you could worship at some incredible Buddha grottos. You will taste some classic Hangzhou delicacies during today’s lunch. Chinese tea is not only a popular daily drink for Chinese but also considered as an herbal medicine. It helps with digestion and can refresh you. It is a great idea to stop by a tea plantation village after lunch. A brief demonstration about how the tea is made out of fresh tea leaves will be provided. You will also have chance to try different types of tea. There is also a chance to purchase some tea you like but there is no pressure to buy. After the tour is completed, your guide and driver will take you to Hangzhou Eastern Station. Board the train for your journey back to Shanghai. Your Shanghai guide and driver will take you back to the hotel.

Shanghai's Longtang

Shanghai’s Longtang (Old Alley), like Hutongs in Beijing, represents traditional local people’s life style. You will spend the whole morning wandering around Longtang and its neighborhood, including a family visit. If you would prefer an early start, your guide will take you to practice Taichi in a nearby park. Then walk to Longtang by 9:00am. The traditional housing with its peace and slow pace is in conflict with the busy city itself, but also in great harmony. Strolling down the antique alley will be a unique experience. We will choose a local family for you to visit. Your host is happy to talk with you and share their daily life. You will learn to make some handcraft with them and then have a home-made lunch there. Your day trip continues to Shanghai World Financial Center (SWFC), the third tallest building in China. It only takes a few minutes to go up to the 94th floor in the speed elevator. Visit floor 94, 97 and 100 to enjoy different views of the city and Huangpu River. Driving past the Oriental Pearl Tower, Jinmao Tower, Shanghai Tower – the main skyscrapers – and the Bund Tunnel, you will arrive back to the west side of the river to The Bund. The 52 buildings of international architecture along the street side is the symbol of Shanghai city. These 100-year old buildings have witnessed Shanghai’s prosperity in times gone by. Fine restaurants on The Bund are highly recommended for good food and a nice view. You could extend your day trip by walking ten minutes to Nanjing West Road. It is the most famous shopping paradise for luxury.

You may enjoy a leisurely breakfast and pack up your luggage before your guide comes to pick you up. They will take you to the train station or airport, based on your travel plan.