Highly recommend the trip! It was easy to connect with the tour agency ahead of time, and I was reminded to bring an umbrella and my passport in order to board the train to HangZhou the next day. The attention to detail was appreciated and everything on the day of the trip ran smoothly (from the driver pick-ups to getting to the station with time to spare). My guide’s name was Bonnie and she was very knowledgeable and easy to make conversation with. Not only did I learn about HangZhou, but I also got insights into daily Chinese life from the dating scene to apartment prices in Shanghai. Although the weather was horrible with nonstop rain in HangZhou, I enjoyed my private day trip and Bonnie was able to think of alternative activities when the rain got too heavy to walk outside. The trip is pricey but I personally thought it’s a great way to see and learn about the famed West Lake and surroundings if you are not familiar with transport in China or do not have the time/energy to research and navigate on your own.

Reviewed to: ‘Heaven On Earth’ Hangzhou Day Trip from Shanghai by Bullet Train