Hangzhou Day Trip from Shanghai: Explore Alibaba's Headquarters & West Lake

Tour Itinerary

Your exciting journey begins as you arrive at Hangzhou High-Speed Train Station, where a warm greeting awaits you. Your expert guide, holding a clear "Your Way Holiday" sign, will be waiting for you at the station exit, ensuring a seamless transition to the start of your day. From there, you’ll embark on a delightful tour of Hangzhou's breathtaking landscapes and cultural landmarks, with your guide offering insightful commentary and personalized service throughout the day.

Upon arrival in Hangzhou, your first stop will be a mesmerizing West Lake boat cruise. West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is often compared to a traditional Chinese painting, inviting you to step into its serene beauty. As you cruise along the tranquil waters, your knowledgeable guide will share fascinating stories about the lake's history, legends, and cultural significance. The cruise offers a unique perspective of the lake, allowing you to fully appreciate its picturesque landscapes, iconic bridges, and lush islands. You'll gain a deeper understanding of why West Lake has inspired countless poets and artists throughout history and how it continues to be a cherished destination for both locals and visitors.

Next, you'll visit Guo's Villa, known as Guo Zhuang, the best-preserved traditional private residence in Hangzhou, built during the late Qing Dynasty. Nestled between a mountain and the West Lake, this exquisite garden is often referred to as the "Number One Garden of the West Lake." Your guide will provide detailed explanations of the villa's unique layout, historical significance, and architectural features. You'll wander through the tranquil environment, marvel at the well-preserved buildings, and admire the tasteful landscaping that includes meticulously arranged rockeries, ponds, and lush greenery. The serene atmosphere and beautiful surroundings will transport you back in time, offering a glimpse into the elegant lifestyle of ancient Chinese nobility.

Following your visit to Guo's Villa, you'll be taken to Meijiawu Tea Village, the largest production base of Longjing Tea in Hangzhou. This picturesque village combines stunning landscapes with rich tea culture, providing a perfect setting for relaxation and cultural immersion. Your guide will lead you through the tranquil tea plantations, where you can soak in the serene ambiance and lush greenery. You'll have the opportunity to taste freshly brewed Longjing Green Tea, renowned for its delicate flavor and refreshing aroma. The village also offers insights into the traditional tea-making process, with locals engaging in tea cultivation practices. Your guide will share fascinating stories about the cultural significance of Longjing Tea and its historical roots, enriching your experience and appreciation of this enchanting destination.

After exploring the tea village, your guide will recommend a local restaurant where you can enjoy an authentic Hangzhou lunch. The restaurant will offer a variety of Hangzhou cuisine, known for its fresh, delicate flavors and artistic presentation. Dishes might include Dongpo Pork, West Lake Fish in Vinegar Gravy, Longjing Shrimp, Beggar's Chicken, and Braised Bamboo Shoots. Each dish is carefully prepared using fresh, seasonal ingredients, providing a delightful culinary experience that complements your exploration of Hangzhou's cultural and natural beauty.

After lunch, you'll continue your tour with a visit to the headquarters of Alibaba, one of the world's largest and most valuable retailers. Founded by Jack Ma, Alibaba has revolutionized global e-commerce and significantly impacted the internet industry. Your guide will provide insights into the company's history, achievements, and future aspirations. You'll learn about Alibaba's extensive operations, which span over 200 countries, and its expansion into various sectors, including cloud computing, digital entertainment, and artificial intelligence. This visit offers a unique perspective on modern China's technological advancements and entrepreneurial spirit, highlighting Hangzhou's role as a hub for innovation and business development.

During your visit to Alibaba, you will have the opportunity to explore the company's state-of-the-art facilities and see firsthand the cutting-edge technology that drives its operations. Your guide will take you through the innovation center, where you can witness demonstrations of Alibaba's latest advancements in artificial intelligence, big data, and cloud computing. You'll see how these technologies are integrated into their e-commerce platforms, providing seamless and efficient services to millions of users worldwide. Additionally, you'll get a glimpse of Alibaba's logistics and supply chain management systems, which are critical in supporting their vast network of online marketplaces and ensuring timely delivery of products.

Your tour will also include a visit to Alibaba's cultural and experience center, where you can immerse yourself in the company's unique corporate culture and values. You'll learn about the "Alibaba Ecosystem," which encompasses a wide range of businesses and services, from digital entertainment and fintech to health tech and smart cities. Interactive exhibits and multimedia presentations will showcase Alibaba's impact on various industries and highlight their commitment to innovation and sustainability. This comprehensive tour will give you an in-depth understanding of how Alibaba continues to shape the future of e-commerce and technology on a global scale, making it a must-see destination for anyone interested in the intersection of business and technology.

The final stop of your tour is the Hangzhou Qianjiang CBD, strategically located next to the Qiantang River and just 4.5 km from the West Lake Scenic Spot. This central business district is poised to become Hangzhou's future business, political, and cultural center. Your guide will provide a comprehensive overview of the area's development plans, which include Grade-A offices, luxury hotels, shopping malls, and high-end residences. As you explore the district, you'll gain a deeper understanding of Hangzhou's vision for the future and its potential for growth and development. The Qianjiang CBD showcases the city's dynamic evolution and its commitment to becoming a leading global city.

After an enriching day of exploration, your guide will drive you to the Hangzhou train station for your return trip to Shanghai. Upon arrival at the station, your guide will greet you and assist with your luggage, ensuring you have everything you need for your return trip. With your tickets in hand, you’ll board the comfortable train, where you can sit back and relax, reminiscing about the highlights of your day in Hangzhou as you head back to Shanghai.

Price Per Person in US Dollars