Hangzhou Day Trip by Train

Huangshan is well connected to the rest of eastern China by high-speed rail, and Hangzhou, one of the country's most admired cities, is a short train ride away. This private day tour makes the journey easy: you travel by bullet train with a guide, see the highlights of Hangzhou and return the same day. It is mainly a convenience for travelers who do not have time for a separate trip, or who want to experience the contrast of a lake-side city after the mountains and villages.

Hangzhou's most famous feature is West Lake, a landscape of water, causeways, pagodas and willows that has inspired poets and painters for centuries. A guide can introduce its story and take you along some of the best known walks and viewpoints. Depending on the itinerary, the day may also include a temple, a tea village or a garden, so that you get a flavor of the city beyond the lake. Hangzhou is also known for its tea, Longjing, which you may have a chance to taste.

A single day is not enough to do Hangzhou justice, and the tour is best seen as a sampler. If Hangzhou is a main destination in your trip, give it its own time. For visitors to Huangshan who have a spare day or are heading on to eastern China, however, the bullet train day trip is a neat way to combine two regions. The train ride itself, fast and comfortable, passes through hills and countryside, and is an easy introduction to China's rail network.

Planning is straightforward but time sensitive. Train tickets are tied to ID, so bring your passport, and arrive at the station in good time, since security checks and ticket gates take a little while. Your guide will usually meet you and handle the details. The day is long, with an early start and a late return, so wear comfortable shoes and pack a light bag. West Lake is crowded on weekends and holidays, so a weekday visit is better.

This tour suits first-time visitors to China who want to see more than one region, and those who like efficient sightseeing. It is a poor fit for travelers who prefer to linger. Because Hangzhou has so much to see, you may find yourself wanting more time, in which case consider continuing your trip there rather than returning to Huangshan. Either way, the rail link makes the region easy to explore.

Think about practicalities that save time. Station security lines can be long at peak hours, and ticket gates close a few minutes before departure, so follow your guide closely. Carry a small bag rather than a large suitcase, and keep your passport handy. On arrival, Hangzhou's roads can be busy, and a private vehicle helps with the distances between sights.

If you love tea, ask to stop at a tea house with a view of the water, and take a few minutes to sit and watch the boats. Remember that you are on a sampler, and choose two or three priorities rather than trying to see everything.