Hangzhou Day Tour

Private Day Tour to Lingyin Temple & Longjing Village

(5)
Beijing, China
Sightseeing Tours

About this activity

Explore two of Hangzhou's most iconic cultural landmarks on a private 9-hour guided tour: the 1,700-year-old Lingyin Temple with its carved rock sculptures and ornate Buddhist halls, followed by an immersive afternoon in Longjing Village's legendary green tea plantations. This combination lets you experience both spiritual heritage and rural tea culture without the crowds of group tours.

Discover the grand halls of Lingyin Temple on a private tour that lets you learn about its ancient history from a knowledgeable guide. With a lunch of traditional delicacies and a visit to the tea plantations of Longjing Village, your personal guide introduces you to the world of the rural Chinese countryside.

Once you're picked up from your Hangzhou hotel, a drive carries you out of the city for the visit to Lingyin Temple. Learn about the temple's history dating back to 326 AD, including the many times it has been rebuilt through the ages. View the impressive Flying Peak Sculptures, carved out of the rock along the southern Yangtze River, and visit the venerable Hall of the Medicine Buddha and Hall of the 500 Arhats.

Next, visit a local restaurant for lunch before you head to Longjing Village, set amid the region's famous green tea plantations. Hear the legend of the magic water well that provided irrigation for the tea before you return to your hotel in Hangzhou at the tour's end.

Highlights

  • ✓Ancient Lingyin Temple (founded 326 AD) with intricate Flying Peak rock carvings along the Yangtze River
  • ✓Hall of the Medicine Buddha and Hall of the 500 Arhats—two of the temple's most revered chambers
  • ✓Traditional lunch at a local restaurant featuring regional specialities
  • ✓Longjing Village tea plantations with stories of the legendary Dragon Well spring
  • ✓Private guide ensures personalised pace and deeper cultural insights

Insider tips

  • ★Visit early morning (before 10 AM) to catch the best light on the Flying Peak sculptures and avoid peak tourist crowds at the temple
  • ★Wear comfortable walking shoes; the temple grounds involve uneven stone paths and some stair climbing
  • ★Ask your guide about the tea-picking seasons (March–April for premium leaves)—timing your visit then enriches the Longjing experience
  • ★Bring a small bottle of water; the temple and tea village paths lack frequent refreshment stands

Good to know

  • •Hotel pickup and drop-off from Hangzhou included; confirm your accommodation address when booking
  • •9-hour tour typically runs 8:00 AM–5:00 PM (check exact times with supplier)
  • •Lingyin Temple has uneven terrain and stairs; moderate fitness recommended
  • •Lunch is included; notify the operator in advance of dietary restrictions
  • •Private tour means flexible pacing—guide can adjust time between sites based on your interests

Who it's for

Culture and history enthusiasts seeking deep dives into Buddhist heritage and ancient architectureTea lovers wanting hands-on exposure to China's most famous green tea regionsFamilies or small groups preferring private guides and flexible itineraries over group toursPhotographers drawn to dramatic landscapes and ornate temple interiors

Best time to visit

Visit between March and May (spring) or September to November (autumn) when the weather is mild, skies are clear for photography, and tea-picking season adds cultural richness. Midweek visits (Tuesday–Thursday) are quieter than weekends.

Frequently asked questions

From
€375
per person