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Home/China/Eastern China/Hangzhou/West Lake (Xi Hu)

Explore West Lake: Hangzhou's Iconic Scenic Wonder

Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of West Lake (Xi Hu), Hangzhou's crown jewel and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Discover breathtaking scenic views through tranquil boat tours, explore ancient pagodas, and wander through lush tea plantations like Meijiawu. Whether you are seeking a romantic sunset cruise, a deep cultural tour of Lingyin Temple, or a guided walking journey through historic Hefang Street, our curated experiences offer something for every traveler. From private luxury transfers to authentic local food tours, unlock the best of Hangzhou's natural landscapes and rich historical heritage. Book your unforgettable West Lake adventure today!

4.87/5 avg ratingTours from $64165+ unique experiences67% private tours available

At a glance

Rating

Rating

4.87★ average

Based on 1,188 pooled reviews with ~88% positive sentiment

Tour Price

Tour Price

$130–$289 typical

Median price is $208, with a full range of $65–$454

Tour Length

Tour Length

2.9–10.6 hours

Median duration is 8 hours

Best Value

Best Value

Cultural Tours

Averages 4.87★ at $197, which is at or below typical pricing

Tour Type

Tour Type

Mostly Private

67% of options are private tours, with 66% being guided

Flexibility

Flexibility

61% free cancellation

Most options allow for easy booking changes

191 Products

Flexible Hangzhou Private Tour from Shanghai by Bullet Train

Flexible Hangzhou Private Tour from Shanghai by Bullet Train

11 hrsPrivate tourFree cancellation
4.99 (247 reviews)
97.82%
2.18%
amazingGreat tourhighly recommend
Viator
$331
Book now
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Flexible Hangzhou Private Tour from Shanghai by Bullet Train
Summary

Discover the famous Paradise City of Hangzhou on a fully customized sightseeing day trip from Shanghai by bullet train. Accompanied by your private guide, stroll around Flower Harbor Park and take a relaxing boat on the West Lake. Visit the famous Lingyin temple; see the traditional Meijiawu tea mou...

Inclusions
  • Private guide
  • Private air-conditioned comfortable car
  • Round trip bullet train fare
  • Hotel pick up and drop off (Shanghai downtown hotels only)
  • West Lake Boat Ride and 1 local attraction ticket (for All Inclusive Package)
Exclusions
  • Hotel pick-up does not include hotels in the outskirts such as Jiading, Songjiang ,Qingpu ,Jinqiao, Chuansha in Pudong areas, etc. If your hotel is not in the downtown your guide will provide instructions on where to meet downtown
  • West Lake Boat Ride and local attraction ticket (if All Inclusive Package is not selected)
Itinerary
  • Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station
  • West Lake (Xi Hu)
  • Hangzhou Longjingshan Tea Cultural Village
  • Lingyin Temple
Good to know
  • Wheelchair accessible, Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, Specialized infant seats are available, Suitable for all physical fitness levels, Passport name and number is required at time of booking for all participants (for getting your bullet train ticket in advance), Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking, Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately, Please wear comfortable shoes, Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Best of Hangzhou: A Comprehensive Tour of the City's Top Sights

Best of Hangzhou: A Comprehensive Tour of the City's Top Sights

8 hrsPrivate tourFree cancellation
4.9 (244 reviews)
95.4%
4.6%
excellentexcellent tourexcellent guide
Viator
$179
Book now
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Best of Hangzhou: A Comprehensive Tour of the City's Top Sights
Summary

1. Personalized & Private Experience: Enjoy a flexible, intimate journey tailored to your interests. 2. Iconic Highlights of Hangzhou: Visit the city’s most stunning landmarks, showcasing its natural beauty and cultural charm. 3. Authentic Tea Culture: Explore a traditional tea plantation, meet lo...

Inclusions
  • Professional English Speaking Expert Guide: Personalized experience, tailored to you.
  • Entrance Fee if you book the package tour option
  • Seamless Transfer: Elevating Your Experience with Hotel or Train Station Pickup and Drop-off Service
  • Boat ride on West Lake if you book the package tour option
  • Cozy Ride: Our AC car offers scenic views, ensuring comfort and spaciousness
  • Savor authentic Chinese tea at a traditional Tea Village and stay refreshed
  • WIFI Seamlessly: Enjoy complimentary WiFi onboard to share your experiences in real-time.
  • Delicious Local Lunch: A Carefully selected local lunch of authentic flavors (All inclusive tour)
Itinerary
  • West Lake (Xi Hu)
  • Lingyin Temple
  • Longjing tea fields
  • Southern Song Imperial Street
Good to know
  • Wheelchair accessible, Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, Service animals allowed, Public transportation options are available nearby, Specialized infant seats are available, Transportation options are wheelchair accessible, All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible, Suitable for all physical fitness levels, Lunch options: Learn to cook your own Chinese lunch from local tea farmers or eat at a popular local restaurant, Range of children's height is between 3'3" (1 meter) and 4'6" (1.4 meter), Please provide train station(trainNo.) or hotel information in "special requirement" at time of booking
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Half-Day Flexible Private Hangzhou Highlight Tour

Half-Day Flexible Private Hangzhou Highlight Tour

5 hrsPrivate tourFree cancellation
5 (55 reviews)
99.42%
0.58%
amazingbest tour guidehighly recommend
Viator
$146
Book now
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Half-Day Flexible Private Hangzhou Highlight Tour
Summary

Choose two or three of Hangzhou’s top attractions based on your personal preferences during this flexible 4-hour private tour. Whether you want to explore West Lake, visit Lingyin Temple, stroll through Longjing Tea Fields, or wander along the historic Hefang Street, your private guide will tailor t...

Inclusions
  • Private guide
  • Private air-conditioned comfortable car
  • Hotel or Railway Station pick up and drop off
  • Lin Yin Temple Entrance Ticket (Included with All-Inclusive Tour Option)
Itinerary
  • West Lake (Xi Hu)
  • Longjing tea fields
  • Lingyin Temple
Good to know
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, Service animals allowed, Public transportation options are available nearby, Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap, Specialized infant seats are available, Suitable for all physical fitness levels, Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking if choose lunch or dinner option, Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately, Please wear comfortable shoes
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Hangzhou Private Flexible Day Tour with West Lake Boat Cruise

Hangzhou Private Flexible Day Tour with West Lake Boat Cruise

8 hrsPrivate tourFree cancellation
5 (15 reviews)
96.15%
3.85%
fantastichighly recommendseamless
Viator
$150
Book now
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Hangzhou Private Flexible Day Tour with West Lake Boat Cruise
Summary

Enjoy this full day 8-hour private Hangzhou city sightseeing tour with a local expert guide. Spend some quality time visit the city’s top attractions inline with your own styles. Cruise around the UNESCO West Lake, one of the China’s famed natural wonders, appreciate the charming scenery along the l...

Inclusions
  • Local private driver with air-conditioned vehicle
  • Downtown Hangzhou or Hangzhou Railway Station pick up and drop off
  • 2x attraction tickets (Only " All Incluisve Private Tour" is booked)
  • Boat cruise on the West Lake
  • Local tasty lunch and tea tasting (If " All Inclusive Private Tour and Tour with Lunch is booked)
  • Great local guide
Exclusions
  • Food and drinks ( If "All Inclusive Private Tour " or " Tour with Lunch" is not booked)
  • Entrance fees ( If "All Inclusive Tour " is not booked)
Itinerary
  • Fei Lai Feng
  • Lingyin Temple
  • Longjing tea fields
  • West Lake (Xi Hu)
  • Hefang Street
Good to know
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels, Children must be accompanied by an adult, Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately, Please advise any specific dietary requirements if have at time of booking
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

4-Hour Hangzhou City Private Customized Tour with Options

4-Hour Hangzhou City Private Customized Tour with Options

5 hrsPrivate tourFree cancellation
5 (16 reviews)
93.44%
6.56%
gorgeousExcellent touraccommodating
Viator
$131
Book now
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4-Hour Hangzhou City Private Customized Tour with Options
Summary

During this haf-day fully customizable, private Hangzhou sightseeing tour, you get to call the shots. Enjoy a tailor-made itinerary,designed with your unique interests in mind, visit some of city’s must-see top attractions such as West Lake, Longjing Tea Plantation, Linyin temple and Peak fly from a...

Inclusions
  • Local tasty dinner(If " Afternoon Tour with Dinner is booked")
  • Comfortable car with experienced driver
  • Downtown Hangzhou hotel pick up and drop off
  • Local tasty lunch ( If "Morning Tour with Lunch is booked")
  • Great local guide
Exclusions
  • Entrance fees to the selected sites
  • Food or drinks ( If "Morning Tour with Lunch" or " Afternoon Tour with Dinner" is not booked)
  • Outskits hotel pick up&drop off ( as Lingping,Xiaoshan,Yuhang etc,can be arranged at surcharge)
Itinerary
  • West Lake (Xi Hu)
  • Fei Lai Feng
  • Lingyin Temple
  • Longjing tea fields
Good to know
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels, Children must be accompanied by an adult, Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately, Please advise any specific dietary requirements if have at time of booking, Since the itinerary is fully customized based on your personal interests, all attraction fees are at your own cost, The tour is for about 4 hour customized if need extend over 4 hour extra hour USD 25.00 per hour will be apply
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Hangzhou Private One Day Trip from Shanghai by Bullet Train

Hangzhou Private One Day Trip from Shanghai by Bullet Train

9 hrsPrivate tour
5 (13 reviews)
GetYourGuide
$270
Book now
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Hangzhou Private One Day Trip from Shanghai by Bullet Train
Summary

Travel by the modern bullet train to paradise city on fully escorted private day trip,visit UNESCO West Lake, Lingyin Temple with amazing stone grottoes, picturesque tea village and lively old street.

Remarkable Hangzhou Day Tour Of Serenity and Beauty of Nature

Remarkable Hangzhou Day Tour Of Serenity and Beauty of Nature

8 hrsPrivate tourFree cancellation
5 (11 reviews)
95.74%
4.26%
greatpleasurablecourteous
Viator
$182
Book now
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Remarkable Hangzhou Day Tour Of Serenity and Beauty of Nature
Summary

What truly sets this tour apart is the exceptional insight and flexibility offered by your local guide, who transforms a typical visit into a deeply immersive experience. Rather than following fixed, crowded routes, your guide will thoughtfully adapt the journey in real time—leading you through quie...

Inclusions
  • Professional English-speaking guide
  • Simple tea performance and delightful tea tastings.
  • Anthentic Local Tasty Lunch
  • Bottled Water/Soda Drinks/Cold Drinks
  • Free WiFi: The vehicle is equipped with free WiFi. You can Share your experience in real time.
  • Hotel and railway station pickup and drop-off in Hangzhou downtown
  • Air-conditioned private vehicle
  • Entrance fees listed in the itinerary & Boat Ride
Itinerary
  • West Lake (Xi Hu)
  • Guo's Garden
  • Longjing tea fields
  • Yunxi Zhujing Scenic Resort
  • Hefang Street
Good to know
  • Wheelchair accessible, Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, Service animals allowed, Public transportation options are available nearby, Specialized infant seats are available, Transportation options are wheelchair accessible, All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible, Suitable for all physical fitness levels, Children must be accompanied by an adult, Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required, Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking, Please provide round-trip train itinerary in "special requirement" block if pickup from Hangzhou Train Station is required
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Enduring Memories of Hangzhou West Lake Show VIP Ticket with Private Transfer

Enduring Memories of Hangzhou West Lake Show VIP Ticket with Private Transfer

2 hrsPrivate tourFree cancellation
5 (12 reviews)
97.59%
2.41%
amazingAmazing showcomfortable
Viator
$128
Book now
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Enduring Memories of Hangzhou West Lake Show VIP Ticket with Private Transfer
Summary

Enjoy a fun and memorable night out by watching the famous water show in Hangzhou - Impression West Lake also called" Enduring Memories of Hangzhou". Sit in the VIP seating area and immerse yourself in the spectacular show combined with dance, singing, orchestral music, opera on the water stage with...

Inclusions
  • VIP Show Ticket
  • Air-conditioned car
  • Experienced driver
  • Great local guide
Itinerary
  • Zuiyi Hangzhou
  • West Lake (Xi Hu)
Good to know
  • Wheelchair accessible, Suitable for all physical fitness levels, Children must be accompanied by an adult, Dress code is smart causal, make sure to dress warm if come for the show during the winter time, In case tickets sold out, please make your booking at early stage
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

One-Day Hangzhou Dragon Well Tea Culture & West Lake Private Tour

One-Day Hangzhou Dragon Well Tea Culture & West Lake Private Tour

8 hrsPrivate tourFree cancellation
4.94 (98 reviews)
97.27%
2.73%
beautifulexcellent guidehighly recommend
Viator
$270
Book now
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One-Day Hangzhou Dragon Well Tea Culture & West Lake Private Tour
Summary

Dragon Well (Longjing) tea is the most famous green tea in China, and it is also ranked No. 1 among China's top 10 teas. Hangzhou, as the birth place of Dragon Well tea, is full of tea culture. If you are a tea fan, this tea culture tour will thoroughly satisfy your thirst. You will have the chance ...

Inclusions
  • Traditional Chinese lunch.
  • All entrance tickets as listed in the itinerary.
  • Well-trained, versatile and knowledgeable English-speaking guide.
  • Bottled water.
  • Your own chauffeured and comfortable vehicle, chosen for ample space.
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Hangzhou
Exclusions
  • Gratuities (recommended).
  • Airport transfer.
  • Personal expenses
Itinerary
  • National Tea Museum
  • West Lake (Xi Hu)
Good to know
  • Public transportation options are available nearby, Specialized infant seats are available, Suitable for all physical fitness levels, Please wear comfortable walking shoes., You will receive details about tour guide and exact pickup time in your voucher the day before. And the tour guide will also call you via hotel or leave a message for you about pickup time the night before tour., Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking. We try to meet individual requirement but can NOT 100% satisfy. Thank you for your understanding., If you want to be picked up from Hangzhou Train Stations, please enter your train details at the time of booking.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Private Full Day Tour : Customizable Hangzhou City Highlights with Multi Options

Private Full Day Tour : Customizable Hangzhou City Highlights with Multi Options

8 hrsPrivate tourFree cancellation
4.95 (55 reviews)
96.13%
3.87%
awesomehighly recommendvery knowledgeable
Viator
$148
Book now
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Private Full Day Tour : Customizable Hangzhou City Highlights with Multi Options
Summary

Discover the splendid Hangzhou city highlights on this fully flexible 8-hour private tour with a knowledgeable local guide. Tick off the must-see highlights such as UNSECO site West Lake, Linyin Scenic Spot and famous Green Tea plantation, famed Leifeng Pagoda or local historic street, enjoy a delig...

Inclusions
  • Local tasty lunch (If " Tour with Lunch " is booked)
  • Comfortable car with experienced driver
  • Local tasty dinner( If Tour with Dinner option is booked)
  • Great private guide
Exclusions
  • Food & Drinks( If Tour with Lunch or Dinner is not booked)
Itinerary
  • West Lake (Xi Hu)
  • Longjing tea fields
  • Fei Lai Feng
  • Lingyin Temple
  • Hefang Street
Good to know
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels, Children must be accompanied by an adult, Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately, Please advise any specific dietary requirements if have at time of booking, Since all itinerary can be customized based on your personal interests, all attraction entrance fees are at your own cost, Linyin temple and Feilai peak is free entry to gurantee the spots, advise make reservation 7 days in advance
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

...

Pairs well with

Landmarks travelers visit on the same route as West Lake (Xi Hu).

Red Carp Pond
Learn more

Red Carp Pond

1.4 km away • from $221

Leifeng Pagoda
Learn more

Leifeng Pagoda

2.0 km away • from $79

Qinghefang Ancient Street
Learn more

Qinghefang Ancient Street

2.7 km away • from $79

China National Silk Museum (NSM)
Learn more

China National Silk Museum (NSM)

3.0 km away • from $79

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to the most common questions travelers ask before visiting.

About 68% of the options we compare are private tours, which makes West Lake stand out compared to many other attractions. This reflects how the lake's beauty and layout suit personalized experiences: you can move at your own pace, skip crowded spots, and customize stops around your interests. Private tours range from a few hours to full-day explorations, so they work whether you want a quick morning visit or a deeper dive into the lake's temples, gardens, and history.

Most tours across booking platforms cost between $106 and $247, with a median price of $182. The full range spans $74–$357, so there's flexibility depending on duration, group size, and what's included. Longer full-day private tours sit toward the higher end, while shorter group options tend to be more affordable. It's worth comparing across platforms since pricing and inclusions vary.

Reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with an average rating of 4.79 stars across 940 combined reviews. Travellers repeatedly use words like fantastic, beautiful, and highly recommended when describing the lake. The consistent praise reflects both the natural scenery and the quality of guided experiences, whether you're exploring by boat, walking the shoreline, or visiting the temples and pavilions that dot the area.

Only a small number of the options we compare include skip-the-line access, so this isn't a major focus for West Lake tours. Most experiences don't require advance queue management. If cutting lines is important to you, it's worth filtering for that feature when browsing, but the lake's layout and visitor flow mean you typically won't face the same bottlenecks as at major museums or attractions.

Tours typically range from 2 hours to 11 hours, with most falling around 8 hours. Shorter options work if you want a quick scenic boat ride or a focused walk around one area, while full-day tours let you explore multiple temples, gardens, and viewpoints at a more leisurely pace. Check the duration when booking to match your schedule and energy level.

About 59% of the options we compare offer free cancellation, and 61% provide instant confirmation, so you have flexibility when planning. Free cancellation means you can book with confidence if your plans might shift, and instant confirmation lets you lock in your spot right away without waiting for approval. These features are common enough that you should be able to find a tour that suits your booking style.

Tours are available in 7 languages: English, Chinese, Spanish, French, German, Japanese, and Simplified Chinese. English and Chinese options are widely available across the options we compare, making it easy to find a guide in your preferred language whether you're an international visitor or a Chinese-speaking traveller.

About 14% of the options we compare are tagged as eco-friendly, reflecting growing interest in sustainable visits to the lake. These tours typically emphasize low-impact exploration, whether through electric boats, walking routes, or guides trained in environmental awareness. If sustainability matters to you, filter for these options when browsing, though keep in mind platform eco-friendly tags are applied loosely rather than as formal certifications.

Take the Airport Bus Line 1 directly to West Lake (30 mins), or use Metro Line 1 to City Center Station, then transfer to other lines. Taxis and ride-sharing apps are also available.

Visit on weekday mornings before 9 AM. Rent a bicycle to access quieter paths. Early spring and late fall seasons have fewer tourists than summer and holidays.

Yes. West Lake parks are free to enter. Leifeng Pagoda park, Qiandao Lake viewpoints, and many temple areas offer free access. Only paid attractions like museums charge entrance fees.

Leifeng Pagoda2kmQinghefang Ancient Street2.7kmChina National Silk Museum (NSM)3kmNational Tea Museum (Zhongguo Chaye Bowuguan)3.4kmMeijiawu Tea Village3.4kmLingyin Temple4.8kmFei Lai Feng (Flying Peak)4.9kmSix Harmonies Pagoda (Liuhe Pagoda)6.2kmMuseum of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Hu Qing Yu Tang)8kmQiantang River Bridge8.3kmWuzhen Water Town63.7kmFengjing Ancient Town109.2km
Hangzhou Day Tour - HangzhouHangzhou Airport TransferImpression West Lake ShowWuzhen Water Town Tour - HangzhouHangzhou West Lake TourHangzhou Tea Culture TourHangzhou Night Markets TourWest Lake Cruise - HangzhouShanghai Huangshan Hangzhou Wuzhen TourXitang Water Town Night TourXixi Wetland Park TourHangzhou Day Trip from Shanghai - Hangzhou