Hangzhou Private Day Tour: West Lake, Temple & Pagoda

Shape your own day around Hangzhou's most famous sites, with a private guide and car

This is a private 8-hour day tour of Hangzhou where you choose the attractions and pace with a dedicated guide and air-conditioned vehicle. You'll visit top sites like West Lake, Lingyin Temple, and Leifeng Pagoda, with lunch and hotel or railway station pickup included. Entrance fees are separate. The guide speaks English or Chinese and adapts the itinerary to your interests in real time.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. West Lake1h
2. Lingyin Temple1h 30m
3. Leifeng Pagoda1h

Private Hangzhou sightseeing tour

• Meet guide at hotel or station
• Discuss personalized itinerary
• Visit West Lake and boat ride
• Explore Longjin tea plantation
• Tour Lingyin Temple and grottoes
• Climb Leifeng Pagoda for views
• Visit Hefang Street and optional sites
• Return to hotel or station

The experience

You start the morning or afternoon at your Hangzhou hotel or the railway station, where your private guide meets you to discuss what you want to see. The two of you then ride in a comfortable, air-conditioned car to begin the day. Unlike a fixed itinerary, this tour lets you follow a suggested route or build your own based on what interests you most, whether that's the lake, temples, tea plantations, historic streets or the lesser-known sites the guide can suggest. The flexibility means you move at your own pace and spend time where it matters to you.

Most travelers start with West Lake, where a boat ride lets you see the shoreline and famous spots like Su Causeway and Three Pools Mirroring the Moon. From there, you might head to the Longjing tea plantation in the countryside to walk the tea terraces, taste dragon well tea, and eat lunch there. Lingyin Temple, one of China's ten most important ancient Buddhist monasteries built in 326 AD, sits next on many itineraries. You'll see the Peak Flown from Afar rock formation and learn the religious history from your guide. Leifeng Pagoda, an eight-sided tower from 975 AD, offers a view of the whole city from the top. Hefang Street, the historic heart of old Hangzhou, rounds out the core stops. Beyond these, you can choose to add Liuhe Pagoda, Chenghuang Pagoda, the Silk Museum, a bamboo forest hike, or other sites depending on what time remains and what appeals to you.

The tour runs 6 to 8 hours depending on how many stops you make and how long you linger at each one. Lunch is included and typically eaten at the tea farm, though you can adjust based on your preferences. Your guide handles the driving and navigation. You just decide where to go next. At the end of the day, the driver takes you back to your hotel or the railway station. Entrance fees to attractions are not included, so budget separately for each site you enter.

What’s included

• Private English or Chinese-speaking guide.
• hotel or railway station pickup and drop-off in Hangzhou.
• private air-conditioned vehicle for the full day.
• lunch at the tea plantation or your choice of location.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day7 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 11:00

AgesAdult (3 and older) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Chinese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Amazing Shanghai Trip

Is this one for you?Choose this if you're staying near the railway station or a hotel and want a private guide who adjusts the pace to your interests: spend longer at West Lake or skip ahead to Lingyin Temple based on what appeals to you.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Chinese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Infant (under 3): free.

Can I customize the itinerary, or do I have to follow a set route?

The tour is fully flexible. You can follow the suggested itinerary or build your own based on your interests. Discuss your preferences with the guide at the start, and you can adjust the plan as the day goes on.

What is Lingyin Temple like, and what will I see there?

Lingyin Temple is one of the ten most famous ancient Buddhist monasteries in China, originally built in 326 AD. Inside you'll see numerous pagodas and Buddhist grottoes, including the Peak Flown from Afar rock formation. Your guide will explain the religious significance and history of the site.

Does the tour include entrance fees to the attractions?

No, entrance fees are at your own cost. The tour includes the guide, vehicle, and lunch, but you pay separately to enter each attraction you choose to visit.

What happens if I arrive by train instead of staying at a hotel?

The pickup includes Hangzhou Railway Station as well as hotels. Let the operator know your arrival details when you book, and the guide will meet you at the station in the morning or afternoon.

Is lunch included, and can I request dietary changes?

Yes, lunch is included and typically served at the Longjing tea plantation. Advise any dietary requirements or preferences at the time of booking so the operator can arrange accordingly.

How long does the tour take, and can I choose the start time?

The tour runs 6 to 8 hours depending on how many stops you make. You can start in the morning or afternoon. Confirm your preferred time when you book.