Hang Zhou - Heaven on Earth
Full-day chauffeur-driven private car excursion with lunch
A two-and-a-half hour drive from Shanghai, Hang Zhou, was described by Marco Polo as ‘beyond dispute the finest and the noblest in the world’. Seven centuries later Hang Zhou is still one of the most fascinating cities in all of China.
Hang Zhou was settled as early as 4,700 years ago, but gained importance with the opening in the sixth century of the Grand Canal, which linked the area with other trading centres.
Starting with a cruise on the West Lake, immortalised by countless painters and artists who found their inspiration in this ‘little bit of paradise’, you will see a host of ornate pagodas and unforgettable scenery including the Three Pools mirroring the Moon, the Fish & Flower harbour, the Bai and Su Causeways and Solitary Hill.
After lunch we take you to Guo’s Villa, one of the garden masterpieces of the region. The garden, cleverly juxtaposing shade and light, and yin and yang, is a wonderful embodiment of the Chinese wisdom of Tao.
Before returning to Shanghai you visit the China Tea Museum, where you will learn about the history of Chinese tea and the traditional tea ceremony and the Six Harmonies Pagoda, a truly magnificent example of ancient Chinese architecture.