I'm a freelance writer with a deep passion for cultural heritage. I've become quite skeptical of tours that merely rush from one landmark to another without delving into the background—until I took a trip to Hangzhou with Autumn. Her two-day itinerary felt less like a schedule and more like a curated journey through the city’s soul, starting with the serene Westlake Boat Ride. Gliding across the water, Autumn wove tales of Song Dynasty poets who once wandered these shores, making the mist-kissed islands feel like living chapters of history rather than just photo spots.

At Guo's Garden, her eye for detail turned a stroll into a masterclass: she pointed out how the rock arrangements mirrored classical ink paintings, and how the pond’s layout was designed to frame the moon during mid-autumn. Fish Viewing at the Flower Pond became magical under her guidance too—she explained the tradition of keeping koi here as symbols of prosperity, and even noticed the rare calico specimens most visitors overlook.

The China National Tea Museum and Meijiawu Plantation formed the heart of our cultural deep dive. Autumn didn’t just talk about Longjing tea—she showed us how to distinguish spring-picked leaves by their silvery down, and traced the museum’s antique tea sets to specific dynasties. At the plantation, she led us to an old tea farmer’s cottage, where we learned to brew tea the traditional way, her explanations bridging ancient rituals and modern appreciation.

Even bustling spots felt meaningful with her. Hefang Street wasn’t just for shopping: she directed us to a 100-year-old fan shop and explained the craft’s decline, while at the Morning Market, she highlighted how local vendors preserved recipes from the Qing Dynasty. Lingyin Temple and Six Harmony Pagoda closed the trip with reverence—Autumn walked us through the temple’s hidden grottoes and explained the pagoda’s architectural role in calming the Qiantang River tides, turning awe into understanding.

Autumn didn’t just guide—she translated Hangzhou’s layers, making this two-day trip a treasure trove of stories I’ll be writing about for months.

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