West Lake and the tea hills
One hour from Shanghai by high-speed rail, and the prettiest city in eastern China. West Lake has been the subject of Chinese painting and poetry for a thousand years, which is why its causeways, pagodas and willow-lined shores look composed rather than accidental. They are.
Inland from the lake are the Longjing tea hills, where the best green tea in China is grown on terraces above Lingyin Temple — one of the largest Buddhist complexes in the country, with rock carvings in the cliffs around it.
Hangzhou needs two days, or one as a day trip from Shanghai. Most guests tell us afterwards that they wished they had stayed a night.
Tap any one open for the practical detail — how long to allow, and how we work it into your day.
Hangzhou has a smaller Muslim population than Xi'an, but halal restaurants exist in the city and we confirm them in advance. There is also a historic mosque near the lake, and the vegetarian kitchen at Lingyin Temple is a genuine highlight for anyone, Muslim or not — no meat, no alcohol, and delicious. For longer stays we pair Hangzhou restaurants with halal-prepared meals at your hotel.
Each of these is a starting point. We reshape every one around your dates, your group and your pace.
Tell us your dates and who is travelling, and we will send a day-by-day Hangzhou itinerary with halal dining marked, hotel options and an itemised quotation within 24 hours.
Monday–Sunday, 09:00–21:00 Beijing time (UTC+8)
Free written itinerary within 24 hours
