A first-timer’s guide to travel, timing, and top experiences with Your Way Holiday
Visit Shanghai for a peaceful escape. Choose Hangzhou for your trip. Tour the quiet tea fields, ancient temples, and take slow walks along stone paths.
It only takes one hour by high-speed train to reach Hangzhou. It makes for the perfect day trip. When planned right with Your Way Holiday, it is a wonderful experience.
This guide covers everything: how to get there, when to go, and what not to miss. Let’s make your Hangzhou day trip unforgettable.
How to Get from Shanghai to Hangzhou
Fastest Route: High-speed train from Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station to Hangzhou East.
Duration: 55 minutes
Frequency: Every 15–20 minutes during peak hours
Book tickets early (especially on weekends)
Your Way Holiday handles all the logistics. Train tickets, transfers, even a local guide waiting for you at the station—it’s seamless.
Want something more private? Ask us about door-to-door private car tours. They’re ideal if you want more flexibility, especially for families or couples.
Best Time to Go
Hangzhou is beautiful throughout the year. However, for the best weather throughout the year, choose spring.
- Spring (March–May): Flowers, tea harvests, and crisp air
- Autumn (September–November): Fewer tourists, golden trees, and calm skies
Avoid major holidays: Like National Day week or Chinese New Year
With Your Way Holiday, we time your tour to avoid peak spots during peak hours. That way, you enjoy the scenery beyond the camera.
Your Ideal Day Trip Itinerary
Let’s break down a sample itinerary with Your Way Holiday—designed for comfort and flow.
9:00 AM – Arrival in Hangzhou + Meet Your Guide
You’ll be greeted at Hangzhou East Station by your private local guide. No stress, no map-checking.
9:30 AM – West Lake Stroll + Boat Ride
This is Hangzhou’s heart. West Lake is a scenic location. It has arched bridges, willow trees, and distant pagodas reflected in still waters.
Your Way Holiday includes a private boat ride for quiet views and great photos. Your guide shares legends as you drift across the lake.
11:00 AM – Lingyin Temple
Next stop: Lingyin Temple, one of China’s most revered Buddhist sites. Surrounded by forest and stone carvings, it feels far from the modern world.
We help you explore the Feilai Feng grottoes (over 300 Buddha carvings!), the incense-filled main halls, and hidden monk paths.
12:30 PM – Lunch in a Garden Courtyard
Skip the tourist buffets. Your Way Holiday books you a table at a traditional Hangzhou restaurant—often in a restored villa or garden courtyard.
Dishes may include:
- West Lake vinegar fish
- Dongpo pork (slow-braised and flavorful)
- Seasonal greens with Longjing tea leaves
2:00 PM – Longjing Tea Village
After lunch, we head to Meijiawu or Longjing Tea Village—both surrounded by terraced hills and a tea-scented breeze.
Here, you’ll:
- Visit a local family farm
- Watch tea-picking (in season)
- Sip freshly brewed Longjing (Dragon Well) tea
Learn how to properly pour and taste
With Your Way Holiday, you’ll get access to quiet spots off the usual route. No pressure to buy—just real conversation and warm hospitality.
4:00 PM – Bamboo-Lined Paths & Scenic Stops
Depending on your pace and interest, we can add:
Nine Creeks Trail: A short scenic walk through bamboo groves
Peak Flown From Afar: More carvings and peaceful forest trails
Liuhe Pagoda: A towering structure with river views
Your Way Holiday adapts the plan on the go. If you’d rather stop for a second tea break, we’ll take you to a hidden teahouse locals love.
5:30 PM – Return to Train Station or Drive Back
After a full day of art, nature, and tea, you’ll be dropped off at the station or chauffeured back to your hotel in Shanghai.
Insider Tips from Your Way Holiday
1. Wear comfortable shoes
You’ll be walking along stone paths, hills, and temple stairs.
2. Don’t overpack your schedule
Hangzhou is about slowing down. Trust us—it’s better to fully enjoy three places than rush through six.
3. Bring cash or WeChat Pay
Small shops and teahouses may not take international cards.
4. Let us handle the timing
Our guides adjust plans based on crowd levels, weather, and your energy. You relax—we’ll guide.
Optional Add-ons for Deeper Experiences
Want to personalize your Hangzhou day trip? Your Way Holiday offers custom extras like:
- Calligraphy lesson in a temple courtyard
- Bamboo raft ride in the nearby Fuchun River
- Professional photoshoot at West Lake
- Private cooking class in a tea farmer’s home
Just let us know what excites you—we build the day around you.
What You’ll Take Home
Hangzhou gives you beauty and calm. You’ll leave with:
- Scenic photos with no crowds in the background
- A real understanding of tea culture
- Moments of quiet you’ll think about for months
- A full belly and a full heart
With Your Way Holiday, everything is arranged so you can truly enjoy.
What to Pack for a Smooth Hangzhou Day Trip
A memorable Hangzhou day trip from Shanghai is more than just the journey. It is about packing smart. It takes one day to explore. Being prepared helps you stay relaxed and enjoy every moment. Here’s what Your Way Holiday recommends:
Comfortable Shoes
You’ll walk through gardens, temples, and tea villages — sometimes on cobbled paths or stairs. Lightweight walking shoes or sneakers are best. Avoid heels or sandals.
Weather Protection
Hangzhou’s weather changes fast, especially near West Lake. Pack a foldable umbrella or a light rain jacket. In summer, bring a hat and sunglasses. Your Way Holiday always checks the forecast and adjusts your route, but having these on hand is smart.
- Travel Essentials
- Sunscreen
- Portable phone charger
- Tissues or wet wipes (for public restrooms)
- A reusable water bottle — or we’ll have bottled water ready for you.
Cash or Mobile Payment
Some smaller shops in tea villages or local markets only take WeChat Pay or cash. Bring 100–200 RMB in small bills just in case.
Optional, But Fun
- A small notebook for tea tasting notes
- Space in your bag for a tea or silk souvenir
- A camera, if you want better photos than your phone allows
With Your Way Holiday, we make sure your journey is smooth, but packing light and right makes your day even better. No need to overthink it. We’ve got you covered.
Just come ready to stroll, sip, and soak in the charm of Hangzhou.
Final Thoughts
A Hangzhou day trip from Shanghai is more than a checklist. It’s a pause. A poem. A sip of calm in the middle of your busy itinerary.
And when you travel with Your Way Holiday, you experience it the right way. Smooth transfers. Thoughtful pacing. Local flavor. No stress.
Whether you’re visiting China for the first time or the fifth, Hangzhou will stay with you. Book your private day tour with us, and discover just how perfect one day can feel.
