My day trip from Shanghai to Hangzhou was everything I hoped for and more! Our guide, Autumn, made sure the experience was as smooth as possible. We started our day at Westlake, and it truly lived up to its reputation as one of China’s most iconic destinations. The highlight was Three Ponds Mirroring the Moon, where we got to enjoy the mesmerizing reflections of the surrounding landscape. Autumn gave us fantastic historical context about the lake’s importance in Chinese culture, making the view even more special.

From there, we went to Guo Garden, a peaceful escape with beautiful traditional Chinese landscaping. The intricate details of the garden were stunning, and Autumn’s explanation about the different elements of Chinese garden design was fascinating. We continued to the Dragon Well Tea Plantation, where we learned about tea cultivation and even had the chance to try some freshly brewed Longjing tea—it was delicious!

Finally, we strolled along the Bamboo-lined Path at Yunqi, a serene walk through nature that was the perfect way to end the day. The peaceful ambiance made it feel like we were miles away from the hustle and bustle of Shanghai.

This tour was the perfect balance of nature, culture, and history. Thanks to Autumn, who was so knowledgeable and friendly, and Your Way Holiday for such a well-organized trip. I highly recommend this tour for anyone looking for a peaceful day out of Shanghai.

Reviewed to: Scenic Day Trip to Hangzhou from Shanghai: Explore West Lake & Tea Plantations