This 2-day, 1-night trip from Shanghai to Hangzhou was exactly what my family and I needed—a blend of serene nature and rich culture, tailored perfectly to our request for “less crowds, more local experiences.” From the moment we contacted the company, their flexibility stood out: we mentioned we were traveling with my 70-year-old mother (who prefers gentle walks over long hikes) and wanted to skip busy tourist shops, and they revised the initial itinerary within a day. They also arranged a comfortable 2-hour private transfer from Shanghai (instead of the train we’d originally considered) and booked a lake-view hotel near West Lake with elevator access—small adjustments that made a world of difference for my mom.

Our guide, Lily, was a local Hangzhou native with a warmth and expertise that made the trip feel personal. Fluent in both English and Mandarin, she had a knack for weaving stories into every stop. On our first day, we visited West Lake, and Lily arranged a private wooden boat (instead of the crowded group ferries) for us to glide across the water. As we passed Broken Bridge, she shared the “Legend of the White Snake” with such vivid detail that my mom—who loves Chinese folklore—was completely absorbed. She also steered us to a quiet teahouse on the lake’s edge, where she explained the history of Longjing tea (Hangzhou’s famous green tea) and showed us how to brew it properly. When my mom mentioned she was tired, Lily suggested a leisurely stroll through the nearby Taiziwan Park (filled with cherry blossoms during our visit) instead of the planned mountain hike— a flexible switch that let us all relax and enjoy the scenery.

The driver, Mr. Chen, was equally fantastic. His minivan was spotlessly clean, with plush seats and no trace of odors, and he drove with remarkable smoothness, even on the winding roads around West Lake. He always arrived 10 minutes early for pickups, helped my mom with her bag, and kept the car stocked with bottled water and umbrellas (handy when a light rain fell on our second day). When we mentioned craving Hangzhou’s famous “Dongpo pork” for dinner, he recommended a family-run restaurant off the beaten path and even called ahead to reserve a table with a view.

The customized itinerary balanced nature and culture seamlessly: Day 1 began with the private West Lake boat tour, followed by Taiziwan Park and a traditional Hangzhou dinner. Day 2 included a visit to Lingyin Temple (one of China’s most ancient Buddhist temples), where Lily explained the stories behind the stone carvings and arranged for us to join a short meditation session with a monk—something we’d never have experienced on a standard tour. We then explored Meijiawu Tea Village, where we walked through tea plantations and tasted fresh Longjing tea at a local farmer’s home. Before heading back to Shanghai, Lily added a quick stop at a small market for us to buy tea as souvenirs—exactly what we’d asked for.

What made this trip unforgettable was how the company and Lily adapted to our needs. They didn’t just check off “must-see” spots—they created moments that felt meaningful to our family. My mom still talks about the boat ride and tea ceremony, and we all left with a deeper love for Hangzhou’s quiet charm. For anyone wanting a flexible, personalized trip from Shanghai to Hangzhou, this is the team to book with.

Reviewed to: Enchanting Hangzhou Tour from Shanghai: Two-Day Exploration of Scenic Beauty and Culture