Tour Overview
A swift high-speed rail journey from Shanghai to Hangzhou, the legendary “Paradise on Earth”. Glide along the millennial Grand Canal, craft traditional oilpaper umbrellas in an intangible heritage workshop, cruise the poetic West Lake, and taste authentic Longjing tea in misty Meijiawu Tea Village. This one-day tour perfectly combines profound cultural heritage, exquisite craftsmanship and classic natural scenery, offering an immersive experience of Jiangnan’s timeless charm.
Highlights
Detailed Itinerary
07:30–08:00 | Board the high-speed rail from Shanghai Hongqiao/South Station to Hangzhou East Station (34–59 minutes); your guide greets you at the station exit.
08:30–09:30 | Take the Grand Canal Tour Bus along the 13km circular route, passing Gongchen Bridge, Qiaoxi Historic Block and Xiaohe Ancient Street, experiencing the ancient canal culture.
10:00–11:30 | Intangible Heritage Oilpaper Umbrella Workshop — learn from master craftsmen, experience the traditional 106-step making process, and create your own themed oilpaper umbrella as a souvenir.
12:00–13:00 | Lunch at Shenglihe Food Street near the canal; enjoy classic Hangzhou dishes such as Beggar’s Chicken and West Lake Vinegar Fish. 13:30–15:30 | West Lake Cruise from Er Gongyuan Pier — cruise past Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, Su Causeway and Bai Causeway, enjoying lakeside scenery and cultural storytelling.
16:00–17:30 | Meijiawu Tea Village — walk through Longjing tea gardens, experience tea art and brewing, and taste premium Longjing tea with local snacks.
18:00 onwards | Your guide escorts you to Hangzhou East Station for the high-speed rail back to Shanghai; dinner will be arranged on your own after returning to Shanghai. Recommended trains: G1369 (dep. 19:44), G7595 (dep. 20:00).
