This 4-day tour offers an immersive experience in two of the most iconic destinations in eastern China—Putuoshan, a sacred Buddhist mountain, and Hangzhou, the cultural capital known for its scenic beauty and ancient traditions. This tour combines breathtaking landscapes, Buddhist heritage, tea culture, and local history, providing you with a diverse exploration of the region.

• Putuoshan: A pilgrimage destination for Buddhists, Putuoshan is one of China’s most important Buddhist mountains, known for its serene temples, majestic sea views, and tranquil landscapes.

• Hangzhou: Famous for its picturesque West Lake and rich history, Hangzhou is a city full of elegance and charm, offering cultural experiences, tea plantations, traditional architecture, and historical attractions.

Highlights of This Tour

Putuoshan: The Sacred Buddhist Island

• Puji Temple: The largest and most influential temple on Putuoshan, offering deep spiritual insights with impressive Buddhist sculptures and serene surroundings.
• Fayu Temple: A scenic temple surrounded by ancient trees and located in a peaceful mountain area, known for its Nine-Dragon Caisson and Buddhist carvings.
• The Goddess of Mercy Statue: A massive 33-meter statue overlooking the sea, dedicated to Avalokitesvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion.
• One Thousand-Step Beach: A beautiful beach that connects spirituality with nature, perfect for a leisurely walk or quiet reflection.
• Duobao Pagoda: A historical pagoda filled with Buddhist statues, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area.
• Unwilling-to-Leave Temple: Associated with a legendary story of a Japanese monk stranded on the island and the statue that remains there today.

Hangzhou: Scenic Beauty & Cultural Heritage

• West Lake: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, West Lake is renowned for its stunning landscapes, cultural landmarks, and poetic beauty. Enjoy a serene boat ride to witness the Three Ponds Mirroring the Moon and other scenic spots.
• Lingyin Temple: A historical Buddhist temple known for its ancient carvings and tranquil surroundings, it’s one of the most important temples in China.
• Feilai Peak: Famous for its Buddhist rock carvings that date back to the 10th century, this site offers a combination of natural beauty and ancient art.
• Dragon Well Tea Village: Explore the famed tea fields where the famous Longjing tea (Dragon Well tea) is grown, and learn about the traditional tea-making process.
• Ancient Hefang Street: A historical street lined with traditional shops, offering a unique chance to explore Hangzhou’s rich cultural heritage and taste local snacks.
• China National Tea Museum: Learn about the deep-rooted tea culture in China through engaging exhibits and tea ceremonies.
• Enduring Memories of Hangzhou Show: A spectacular night-time performance showcasing the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of Hangzhou through music, dance, and visual effects.

Unique Experiences

• Traditional Craft Museums: Visit museums dedicated to traditional Chinese crafts, such as the China Umbrella Museum and the Museum of Knives, Scissors, and Swords, for a deeper understanding of Chinese craftsmanship.
• Qiaoxi Conservation Area: A historical district where you can see preserved old dwellings, industrial sites, and a variety of themed museums celebrating Hangzhou’s past.

Culinary Delights

• Local Hangzhou Cuisine: The tour also offers opportunities to taste Hangzhou’s famous dishes, such as Dongpo Pork, West Lake Fish in Vinegar Gravy, and various local snacks.
• Tea Tasting: At Meijiawu Tea Village, you can taste the famous Longjing tea and see how it’s picked, dried, and prepared. Experience the local tea culture first-hand.

Additional Scenic Spots

• Wulinmen: Take a relaxing cruise on the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, one of the oldest and most significant waterways in China.
• Nanshan Garden: An ideal spot for a peaceful walk, known for its beautiful lakeside views and traditional Chinese gardens.

Full Itinerary Day by Day

Day 1: Shanghai – Putuoshan (L)

Morning: Your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel in Shanghai and take you on a 3.5-hour journey to Putuoshan by private car. Upon arrival at Zhu Sha Jian in Zhoushan City, you’ll embark on a 15-minute ferry ride to Putuoshan Island. After disembarking, check into your hotel and take a brief rest.

Afternoon: Start your visit with Puji Temple, the largest and oldest Buddhist temple on Putuoshan, established in 916. This sacred site often hosts major Buddhist ceremonies. The temple is surrounded by a pond where lotuses bloom in season. Close by, visit the Duobao Pagoda, a structure that houses Buddhist sculptures and dates back to the Yuan Dynasty.

Take a sightseeing bus to One Thousand-Step Beach, a beautiful stretch of beach over 2 kilometers long. Enjoy a peaceful walk on the beach, letting the waves touch your feet, and soak in the stunning sea and sky views.

Next, visit the Unwilling-to-Leave Temple, built after a Japanese monk, Hui’e, was stranded by a storm while carrying a statue of Avalokitesvara. He believed the statue didn’t want to leave and decided to leave it on Putuoshan. The temple is situated near Purple Bamboo Forest, believed to be the original ashram of the Goddess of Mercy.

Complete the visit with a stop at The Goddess of Mercy Statue, a 33-meter-tall copper statue, a landmark on the island.

Evening (Optional): Consider attending the Impression Putuo live show, a performance showcasing Buddhist art with a spectacular combination of light, shadow, and sound.

Day 2: Putuoshan – Hangzhou (B, L)

Morning: After breakfast, take a park bus to Fayu Temple, about 2.8 kilometers from Puji Temple. This grand temple features the Nine-Dragon Caisson on the ceiling and a Nine-Dragon Screen. The temple is also known for its ancient trees and peaceful atmosphere.

Continue with a hike (about 1.5 hours) to Huiji Temple on Buddha Peak Mountain. The temple offers panoramic views of Putuoshan, including the white beaches and blue seas. Alternatively, take a cableway (at your own expense) to the temple for a quicker and more relaxed trip.

Afternoon: Return to the dock by bus and catch a ferry back to Zhu Jia Jian. Afterward, drive for about 4 hours to Hangzhou, also known as the “City of Heaven,” according to Marco Polo.

Day 3: Hangzhou (B, L)

Morning: After breakfast, meet your guide for a scenic day in Hangzhou. Start with a visit to West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its serene beauty. Enjoy a 45-minute leisurely cruise on the lake, passing iconic sights like Su Causeway, Bai Causeway, Broken Bridge, and the beautiful Three Ponds Mirroring the Moon. Take a stroll around the lake and enjoy the surrounding parks and views.

Visit Feilai Peak, an area known for its Buddhist carvings dating back over 1,000 years. Continue to Lingyin Temple, one of the oldest and most renowned temples in Hangzhou, set in a lush forest with a peaceful atmosphere.

Afternoon: Next, drive to Meijiawu Tea Village, a scenic area surrounded by tea plantations. Walk among the Dragon Well Tea fields and capture beautiful photos. If you wish, you can participate in tea-picking and drying activities at a local tea grower’s house (optional, additional cost). Afterward, head to the China National Tea Museum to learn about Chinese tea culture, its history, and traditions.

Evening: For the evening, consider watching Enduring Memories of Hangzhou, a night show on West Lake by director Yimou Zhang. Alternatively, enjoy the free Music Fountain Show at Third Park, located on the eastern shore of West Lake.

Day 4: Hangzhou & Hangzhou Departure (B, L)

Morning: Start with a visit to Hefang Street, a historic pedestrian street in Hangzhou that reflects the city’s prosperity during the South Song Dynasty. Enjoy the traditional Chinese architecture, local handicrafts, and delicious street food. Stop at the Hu Qing Yu Tang, a traditional Chinese medicine museum, which has been in operation since the late Qing Dynasty.

Afternoon: Continue to Wulinmen, where you’ll board a 30-minute sightseeing cruise along the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, one of the oldest and most important waterways in China. The canal is over 2,500 years old and has been a significant trade route throughout China’s history.

Disembark at Gongchen Bridge and visit the Qiaoxi Conservation Area, a historical district preserving old dwellings and industrial sites. Explore various themed museums, including the China Museum of Knives, Scissors & Swords, where you can learn about the famous Zhang Xiao Quan brand. Walk to the China Umbrella Museum to discover the fascinating history of umbrellas and their cultural significance in China.

Before the end of the tour, if time permits, visit the Workmanship Demonstration Pavilion to watch live demonstrations of traditional crafts like oiled paper umbrella painting, pottery, embroidery, and bamboo weaving. (Optional: You can also try your hand at one of these crafts, for an additional fee.)

Departure: Your guide and driver will escort you to the airport or train station for your departure from Hangzhou, marking the end of your unforgettable 4-day tour.

Service Included:

• Admission fees for all of the sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary;
• Meals as listed in the itinerary;
• Hotels as listed in the itinerary;
• Private English-speaking tour guide;
• Private vehicle for transfers & sightseeing with skilled driver;
• Service charge & government taxes;
• Luggage transfers between airports and hotels;
• Domestic train tickets of soft sleeper.

Service Excluded:

• Any arrival and departure international airfares or train tickets;
• Single room supplement;
• Tips to guides and drivers;
• Personal expenses and gratuities to service staff;
• Personal travel accident insurance;
• All optional programs.