Cultural Journey杭州 · Hangzhou
Silk, tea and the art of the slow afternoon
Two journeys available/Small group/English-speaking local guide
Two crafts shaped Hangzhou for over a thousand years. This journey puts both of them in your hands — and takes you into the hills above the lake where they were born.
Silk and tea. From the Silk Road to the mist-covered terraces of Longjing, Hangzhou's identity is woven from these two threads. We offer two distinct journeys — one follows the loom and the leaf; the other leads deeper into the hillside, into the temple courtyards and bamboo forests that gave the city its philosophical soul.
Both are hands-on, unhurried, and led by local guides who know these places the way only people who grew up around them do.
A day of silk heritage, tea culture & hands-on craftsmanship
Journey through the story of silk production and global trade at one of China's most celebrated cultural museums. Discover how a tiny silkworm helped connect civilisations across Asia, Europe and beyond — and how the Silk Road transformed the world. Then step into a hands-on tie-dye workshop, experimenting with colour, pattern and design to create your own textile souvenir.
Travel into the lush tea-covered hills surrounding West Lake, where generations of farmers have cultivated the world-famous Longjing (Dragon Well) tea. Step into the tea fields, learn traditional picking techniques from local growers, and follow the leaf from the bush to the cup through a guided tasting that explores aroma, flavour, and the role tea has played in Chinese society for over a millennium.
A day of sacred temples, forest walks & mindful dining
Escape the bustle and discover Hangzhou's contemplative side. Wander centuries-old temple complexes, listen to chanting and temple bells, and stroll along forested paths once walked by monks and scholars. Explore how Buddhism, nature and daily life intertwine here — through hidden courtyards, sacred architecture and stories that shaped Chinese culture for generations.
The journey concludes with a beautifully prepared vegetarian feast inside a temple setting — simplicity, harmony and respect for nature expressed through food. As evening settles over the mountains, leave with a deeper appreciation for Hangzhou's heritage and the enduring wisdom found in its sacred spaces.
Tell us which journey appeals — or let us combine elements of both. No deposit to enquire.
