Authentic tour in Hangzhou with authentic lunch and boat ride

Hangzhou is in Zhejiang Province, China. It is one of the most important tourist cities in China, famous for its natural beauty and historical and cultural heritage. It is the political, economic and cultural center of Zhejiang province as well. It's worthwhile to know that it's extremely humid in summertime, which is from early June to early September. The city was the capital of the Southern Song Dynasty from 1127 until the Mongol invasion of 1276. This historic city is a showcase for traditional medicine, religion and art as well as a shining example of China’s rapid economic development. Combining idyllic natural beauty, a grand heritage through the ages and an air of affluence, Hangzhou is one of the country’s most livable and pleasant cities to linger in.

Hefang Street, once called Taiping Street, dates back to the time South Song Dynasty when Hangzhou was the capital city. Nowadays, Hefang Street is the most famous and the only well-preserved ancient street in Hangzhou. It represents the old story and showcases the folk culture of Hangzhou. The cobbled street is lined with lots of time-honored stores from which you will get a better understanding of ancient Hangzhou and Ancient China. You could explore the traditional Chinese Medicine Culture, enjoy the delicate handicrafts, taste the delicious Hangzhou dishes.

You will find Lingyin Temple (Temple of Soul's Retreat) in a long, narrow valley between Peak Flown From Afar (Fei Lai Feng) and North Peak to the northwest of the West Lake at Hangzhou in Zhejiang Province. It is without doubt a premier showpiece in the West Lake environs and is notable also as one of the ten most famous Buddhist temples of China. In 1961 it was listed for protection as a key provincial historical and cultural site and is considered a leading centre for research relative to Chinese Buddhist culture. The Chinese name is translated into English as either 'Temple of the Soul's Retreat' or 'Temple of Inspired Seclusion' for the setting has a quiet and beautiful grandeur that encourages a feeling of peace and for contemplation. The main building that can be seen today is a result of the restoration that was carried out in 1974 following the ten-year Chinese Cultural Revolution.

Longjing Tea or dragon well tea of more than 1200 years old is the No. 1 tea in China. With verdant color on the leaves, strong fragrance, sweet flavor and elegant form, Longjign tea is given the reputable name of the "Green Queen" and the "Golden Card" of Hangzhou city. Since its surrounding area has fertile land, multiple high mountains and very good climate, the Longjing Tea could grow under the God-given natural condition. Therefore, you can visit the plantation to appreciate a full land of Longjing Tea and know the essence of this precious and valuable tea in Chinese culture.

There are two well-known causeways running across West Lake in Hangzhou – Bai Causeway and Su Causeway, which are both named after the poet-governors of Hangzhou – Bai Juyi (772–846) in Tang Dynasty and Su Dongpo ( 1037 – 1101) in Song Dynasty respectively. Su Causeway is a great place for walking or biking. It is a 2800-meter scenic walk or bike belt crossing the lake from the south to the north on the west side of West Lake. There are six stone moon bridges numbered from the Bridge No.01 in the south ( Leifeng Pagoda side ) to the Bridge No.06 in the north ( near Tomb of General Yue Fei or Shangri-la Hotel). Dawn on the Su Causeway in spring is one of the top 10 classical attractions in Hangzhou.

West Lake is an iconic, symbolic sight in Hangzhou and is regarded as one of the most beautiful sights in China. Its beauty is the subject of many poems and paintings. Legends originating in West Lake add to it an aura of romance. West Lake is divided into five sections by a mountain and three causeways. Three islands stand in the lake. Two pagodas face each other across the lake. Xi Hu is a good place for observing the life-style of local people. It is the main recreational area in Hangzhou. It occupies an important place in the hearts of Hangzhou people. The construction and maintenance of West Lake involved the wisdom and effort of generations. Its beauty reflects “an idyllic fusion between humanity and nature”.