Over the centuries, Hangzhou has mesmorized thousands of poets and artists who composed some of their most memorable works in praise of the city's unique southern charm. The capital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou is located by the Qiantang River at the southern end of the Grand Canal on the east coast of China. It is regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in China with its West Lake and all year-round green surroundings. The city was founded over 2000 years ago. It began to prosper as a trading center after the completion of the Grand Canal in 610 AD when Emperor Yangdi of the Sui Dynasty extended the construction of the canal from Suzhou to Hangzhou. Marco Polo visited this city by the end of the 13th century. The Venetian explorer admired its beauty and prosperity to such an extent that he praised it as "the most beautiful and magnificent city in the world".

The literatis came seeking inspiration, while the rich and powerful crowded to the city for the comfort and serenity. Hangzhou is also popular for its silk products and the much sought after Longching Tea.

1.  Hangzhou Landscape (1 Day)  RMB1400/2pax

Cruise tour on West Lake, Temple of the Soul's Retreat, The Pagoda of Six Harmonies, General Yue Fei's Tomb, Mei Jia Wu Tea Garden (Hotel pick-up at 8:30 am and back to hotel before dinner, including lunch)

 2.  Classic Hangzhou (1.5 Day)  RMB2160/2pax

Cruise tour on West Lake, Temple of the Soul’s Retreat, The Pagoda of Six Harmonies, General Yue Fei's Tomb, Viewing Fish in the Flower Harbor, Hu Qingyu's Hall (Hotel pick-up on first day at 8:30am and back to hotel after dinner the next day, including 2 lunches)

 3. Ancient Water Towns (1 Day): A: RMB2200/2pax, B:3200/2PAX

Hotel pick-up at 8:30 am and back to hotel before dinner, including lunch, but excluding cruising and boat rental (Capacity for 6 persons in each boat, RMB 80 Yuan per person)

A: Hangzhou – Wuzhen (or Xitang) - Hangzhou

B: Hangzhou – Wuzhen (or Xitang) - Shanghai

West Lake

Surrounded by gentle hills on three sides, West Lake is the centerpiece of this panorama of timeless beauty. The West Lake was originally part of the Qitang River until its outlet became silted up. It is now 15 kilometers in circumference with an average depth of 1.8 meters. Luxiant groves and beautiful flowers dress the lake in playful colors all year round. It has been a scenic resort since the Tang Dynasty (618 AD - 906 AD). The Su and Bai Causeways divide the lake into three parts.

The best way to enjoy the lake is to take a cruise so that you can sail by Three Pools Mirroring the Moon and tour the scenic sports en route to Ping Hu Qiu Yue (peaceful lake and autumn moon) at the southeastern end of Gu Shan Hill and Hua Gang Guan Yu (Viewing Fish in the Flower Harbor) on the other side of the lake.

Lingyin Monastery

The Lingyin Monastery is regarded as one of the four most famous Monasteries on the banks of West Lake. It is also one of the ten most well-known Buddhist temples in China for its 82 feet high gilded camphor wood Buddha and the many intricately carved images of Buddha on the bas-reliefs. The temple rose to prominence during the reign of Empress Wu Ze-tian of Tang Dynasty (684 AD - 705 AD). There are many poems dedicated to Lingyin Monastery composed by famous poets of Tang and Song Dynasty. This monastery is also one of the most popular Buddhist temples still functioning today, attracting thousands of believers on special occasions each year.

Fish & Flower Harbor

Huagang Fish Pond is situated on Solitary Island between the Su Causeway, Yinbo Bridge and Solan Bridge. In the Lu Garden at the foot of the Huajia Hill is a pond originally used for fishing. Now it is a huge pond filled with fishes of the most pleasant colors. The pond is inside the Zhongshan Park, itself a lovely place to visit or simply rest beneath the umbrage of the trees. The park is immaculately maintained.

Six Harmonies Pagoda

To the south of the lake stands the Six Harmonies Pagoda that overlooks both the lake itself and the nearby Qiantang River. Built by a Wu king during the Song Dynasty, the pagoda was intendd to demonstrate the king's power to the evil spirits wreaking havoc on the waters in his domain, thereby warding off floods and tidal waves that threaten the Qiantang River on a yearly basis.