Hangzhou
Hangzhou: Paradise On Earth
Tea terraces, West Lake backwaters, silk craft, and quiet local communities in a three-day city immersion.
About this trip
A short, anthropology-informed journey into Hangzhou beyond the standard postcard. Walk Longjing tea terraces with local harvesters, learn how silk is made in a village setting, and see how ancient practice and modern urban life coexist around West Lake.
What you'll do
- Walk Longjing tea terraces away from the busiest tourist routes
- Wok-fry tea leaves and taste tea with local harvesters
- Explore quieter stretches of West Lake by wooden boat
- Learn living silk craft from cocoon to silk pad
- Practice Tai Chi, Qigong, or Zen meditation with local context
- Decode Hangzhou as both historic landscape and modern city
Day by day
Arrive in Hangzhou and begin with the lake, quieter lanes, and an introduction to the city’s poetic landscape.
- West Lake walk
- Wooden boat experience
- Local noodle dinner
Your Local Guide
Yaqi
Yaqi studied anthropology at LSE, has practiced Daoism and Tai Chi for more than ten years, and has lived in Hangzhou for years. She designs the route around daily life, local homes, and the people whose hands keep Hangzhou’s traditions alive.
What's included
Included
- Local host and English-language facilitation
- Private transport during planned activities
- Tea, silk, and cultural experiences listed in the itinerary
- Meals mentioned in the final itinerary
- Planning support before arrival
Not Included
- Flights or trains to/from Hangzhou
- Travel insurance
- Personal spending
- Tips
Custom pricing - enquire below
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