A traditional Chinese proverb states that “above there is Heaven; below there is Hangzhou,” a reference to the captivating beauty of Hangzhou, West Lake and the surrounding countryside! In the engaging company of your own personal guide, your sightseeing of the region begins at Lingyin Temple, an important Buddhist temple founded more than a thousand years ago in a picturesque valley of the Wulin Mountains. At Lei Feng Pagoda, an impressive 5-story octagonal tower set on a forested hill overlooking West Lake, our native guide will share dramatic legends of the pagoda’s colorful history.
Then spend time with farmers at a local tea plantation to learn about their daily life and the generations-old techniques that ensure the esteemed quality of the region’s fine teas. Later, a guided stroll along the shores of West Lake is the best way to take in the ethereal beauty that so captivated Marco Polo centuries ago. End your sightseeing along Hefang Street, where charming centuries-old buildings have been restored to house a unique collection of teahouses, shops and merchant stalls that specialize in traditional Chinese crafts and foods.
Meals B+L