I'd always been a travel blogger with reservations about one-day trips, believing they couldn't possibly capture a destination's essence. However, my journey from Shanghai to Hangzhou, guided by Darcy, completely changed my perspective. The high-speed rail ride in luxurious business class was a great start, and Darcy's profound knowledge made every stop unforgettable. At Lingyin Temple, he regaled us with the temple's origin story and pointed out hidden stone carvings, making the visit feel like an exclusive tour. The Westlake hand-rowed boat ride was nothing short of enchanting, with Darcy spinning tales of the tragic love story between Bai Suzhen and Xu Xian as we drifted across the misty waters. At Meijiawu Tea Plantation and Longjing Village, Darcy delved deep into tea culture, educating us on everything from plucking techniques to the intricacies of tea tasting ceremonies. Amanfayun Village offered a tranquil glimpse into traditional architecture, and Hefang Street was the ideal finale for picking up souvenirs. Thanks to Darcy's expert guidance, this one-day trip turned into a rich and immersive exploration of Hangzhou's cultural soul.

Reviewed to: Luxurious Getaway: Comfortable Business-Class High-Speed Train Day Trip from Shanghai to Hangzhou