Hangzhou
Day 1: Arrival, Grand Canal
Accommodation in: Sofitel Westlake Hangzhou (5-star)/ Haihua Hotel Hangzhou (4-star)
Welcome to Hangzhou! Your tour guide will wait for you at the airport/train hall. Please make sure that your flight/train arrives in Hangzhou no later than 11 am. After having lunch at a local restaurant, we'll start our trip today!
First we will visit the China Knives, Scissors and Swords Museum. The museum is located next to the Grand Canal. You can learn more about the techniques of making knives, scissors and swords in ancient China. In addition, you can experience some DIY activities in the museum. You can make your own oiled-paper umbrella at the Workmanship Demonstration Pavilion with the help of an oiled-paper craftsman. In the Pavilion, you can observe other traditional craftsmen making their work: hand-made teapots, fans, umbrellas and even scissors.
After visiting the museum, we have arranged for you the Junk Cruise on the Grand Canal. Enjoy the view of the canal bank on the cruise and get a taste of local people’s daily life. The cruise trip stops at Xiangji Temple. In ancient times, people believed that if you prayed to the Kitchen God in Xiangji Temple, you would never have to worry about suffering from starvation. But now, due to the improvement of material life, local people go to the temple no longer to pray not to starve, but to have good health and a successful career.
Your last stop today is Dadou Road Historic Block, which is a historical and cultural block located on the bank of the Grand Canal, just behind the Xiangji Temple. On Dadou Road, you can see a number of small shops with local characteristics, selling handicrafts and local snacks. This is a relaxing road. If you feel a little tired, find a quiet shop and sit down for a cool cup of tea.
After the tour, we will take you back to the hotel. Have a rest tonight and prepare for your new journey tomorrow!
1.Impression of the West Lake. This is a large-scale outdoor performance based on the history, culture and beautiful natural scenery of West Lake. With the combination of lights, music and dance, it tells the beautiful love story of Xu Xian and White Lady. If you are interested, feel free to ask your guide to arrange tickets for you.
2.West Lake Music Fountain. This is a free show by the West Lake, which usually starts at 7 pm and 8 pm every night. The highest height of the fountain is 126m. It moves up and down with the music, spraying into the sky.