A short break from Shanghai to Hangzhou is really recommended for you who have long spare time after finish your Shanghai trip, like me, Based on my experience, as I heard from my friend travel to Hangzhou would be great choice. With this 1 day Hangzhou day tour, we can explore Hangzhou more personalized. The itinerary included a short visit to West Lake, Ling Yin Temple, Six Harmonies Pagoda, Longjing Tea Plantation, and at the end it was all places that we did visit. We even experienced a lot more than we expected before, saw beautiful sceneries all along the way and enjoy the city peaceful atmosphere. So for you who travel in Shanghai, since Hangzhou also located nearby there is no better option than visit this peaceful town for while. You can have a short relaxing escape from vibrant city Shanghai to Hangzhou.

Classical Structure of Six Harmonies Pagoda

Of course West Lake is beautiful, like everyone says come to Hangzhou never missed West Lake. But it might because of the weather, we cannot enjoy all stunning sceneries of this Chinese classical garden. It such a pity, the weather was too cold, might located near the lake. Besides a visit to West Lake, we also could have the best look at Six Harmonies Pagoda, a best preserved Chinese architecture which was first built in AD 960. Visitors can climb the pagoda, while behind stretches a charming walk through terraces dotted with sculptures, bells, shrines and inscriptions. The sturdy structure of the pagoda itself is a masterpiece of ancient Chinese architecture, overlooking the Qiantang River.

Apart from West Lake, Hangzhou actually known as a hometown, birthplace of the most famous Chinese tea has its part to play in Hangzhou's excellent reputation, Longjing tea. While similar teas are grown elsewhere in China, true Longjing teas always come from the outskirts of Hangzhou's West Lake, one of the most storied places in Chinese history and mythology. With this tour, we had a happy walk through Longjing Tea Plantation. There are also people working in the fields and so we can walk into the tea terraces and get a close up of them picking the leaves and so on.

People Working in Longjing Tea Plantation

It is also possible to enjoy the atmosphere while tasting a remarkable, freshly-harvested green Longjing tea. For me who love Chinese tea, this tour is an ideal tour. Why I pick this Hangzhou tour, is also because of this short itinerary. At the end of the tour, it was such a blessed since we can look some excellent views of the countryside surroundings by tea terraces.

After a tour in Shanghai, it was the time for us moved to Beijing, other modern city of China where plenty of historical sites stand. So our tour in Beijing should need some period of time for explore all of them, at least longer than 3 days (time when I did stay in Shanghai). So, here we go, we did reserve 4 days Beijing tour from Shanghai, guaranteed all of the accommodation, transportation and schedule of the tour. All organized and went well.

So here I would like to share my experience while travelling Beijing. My decision to take this local tour was great. No hassle around and truly impressed with the service. We did visit almost all cultural and historical attractions including Great Wall, Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, Hutong, etc. Of course hike on Great Wall was priceless experience for me, first time come to Beijing could not say it complete without hiking trip to Great Wall. But for me, personally I really like these two attractions among all, which are Forbidden City and Summer Palace.

Crowded Forbidden City

Forbidden City was used as the imperial palace in Ming and Qing Dynasty of China, so because of that, it really has a significant place of historic importance. Here is the place where foreigners could find treasures of China. The palace which is more like than a city has even known as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world. Tour guide brought us to explore several important sites around the palace for about 2 hours. Actually, it was a really quick trip but we satisfied enough. Tour guide explained some stories behind while exploring.

I think a little bit boring travel Forbidden City with travel agency but however there are a positive and negative for choose a group tour. By travel independently, I might enjoy the detail of palace architecture more. Another place I like most is Summer Palace, is the largest former royal garden, and is extremely peaceful and charming.

One Cultural Relic inside Summer Palace

The photo above is one of my best photo when explore the garden. The garden was like a living place when summer comes in ancient times of China. Emperor and his family moved here and escape from summer heat, handled court business here. What a perfect garden! Filled of beautiful sceneries, garden, lake and cultural relics combined into a great best preserved classical Chinese garden.

A week that I spend in both cities Shanghai and Hong Kong was not enough. Two modern cities in China filled with plenty of interesting places to shopping and hanging out. My friends and I, we were very happy to finally able visit two cities full of highlights. Then, here I would like to share you my experience in Hong Kong because personally I love the city and its atmosphere. There are lots of cheap cosmetics, branded bags, shopping malls, parks, and others. So, a total 4 days in Hong Kong was not enough for me.

A journey to Hong Kong is not complete without experiencing Victoria Peak.The Peak is the highest point on Hong Kong Island, this has been the city most exclusive neighbourhood since colonial times. This is where you get the best views of Hong Kong Island. The best way to go to The Peak is by Tram Peak. Most visitors would take the Peak Tram to reach the Peak including us. The ride is quite steep and it climbs up to 396 metres above sea level. We could see a spectacular panorama view over the northern coast of Hong Kong Island, Victoria Harbour and Kowloon. Trams operate at about 10 till 15 minute frequency and the journey from terminus to terminus takes about 7 minutes.

The Famous Tram Peak

Located at Lower Terminus, The Peak Tram Historical Gallery features fifteen window displays with memorabilia illustrating the history of the Peak Tram during the 19th and 20th centuries. It is also become a witness for Hong Kong history of 120 years city's changes. A visit to the gallery will bring back some memories to local or foreigner travelers about the development of the city. It is free for all passengers using the Lower Peak Tram Terminus.

Clear View from The Peak

When we arrived at the Peak Tower, I could see the Viewing Terrace on top of the building. We could admire Hong Kong best view at night or daylight with its different atmosphere. More than that, there also boasts Hong Kong Madame Tussauds, plenty of souvenir shops, restaurants, coffee shops and etc. At the peak, you will also find an open square garden, the Peak Lookout restaurant, The Peak Gelleria Shopping Mall and Visitor Information Counter. It is also a very ideal place for couple who comes at night to have a romantic dinner.