Hangzhou Day Tour: Market, West Lake Cruise & Lingyin Temple

Explore Hangzhou in a day—visit Dama Lane market, Huqingyutang pharmacy, cruise West Lake, and discover Lingyin Temple and Feilai Peak—then return to your hotel or train station.
You’ll be greeted by your guide and picked up from your hotel or train station before setting off for Dama Lane. Tucked away in an old residential neighborhood, this rare surviving street market offers a vivid glimpse into authentic local life. Locals have shopped here for generations, and as you wander through the lively stalls you’ll find everything from fresh vegetables and seasonal fruits to the day’s catch, traditional dishes, and tempting snacks—an energizing introduction to the city’s everyday rhythms.

Next, you’ll proceed to Huqingyutang, the most famous traditional Chinese pharmacy in southern China. With a history of more than 100 years, it remains a working apothecary stocked with a remarkable variety of herbs. Upstairs, the museum brings the story of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to life, and your guide will explain the philosophies and principles behind the practice. If you’re interested—and if doctors are available—you may also choose to have a TCM check-up at the pharmacy (at your own expense).

Afterwards, you’ll drive to the pier to board a boat for a relaxing cruise on West Lake, the city’s iconic landmark. From the water, take in the green, hillside scenery alongside the city skyline, graceful arched bridges, and ancient pagodas that have defined Hangzhou’s landscape for centuries.

Your day continues with a visit to Lingyin Temple, also known as the Temple of the Soul’s Retreat—one of the largest, oldest, and most influential Buddhist temples in southern China. Set in a tranquil forested valley, it has inspired pilgrims and travelers for over 1,700 years. Facing the temple is Feilai Peak (“Peak Flying from Afar”), a 168-meter limestone hill celebrated for its unusual rock formations, lush woods, and a stream that winds along its base. The peak is also home to 338 ancient Buddhist stone carvings and grottoes dating from the 10th to 14th centuries, making it a rare and precious grotto-art treasure in southern China.

At the end of the tour, you’ll be driven back to your hotel or train station.

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.