Overview
A relaxed private day from Hangzhou to the ancient Huizhou walled city and the painting-like Xin'an River, with riverside villages, ferry crossings and seasonal loquat orchards.
Itinerary
Hangzhou: Huizhou City & Xin'an River Private Day Trip
This easygoing private day trip carries you from Hangzhou into the heart of historic Huizhou country, where ancient architecture meets some of Jiangnan's most beautiful river scenery. Your English-speaking guide and private vehicle pick you up at your hotel, so the whole day flows comfortably from start to finish.
Your first stop is the Huizhou Ancient City. Entering through the old city gate, you visit the nationally treasured Xu Guo Stone Archway, China's only surviving eight-legged memorial arch, then explore Doushan Street, the atmospheric lane once known as the merchants' quarter, where weathered gate towers hide endless Huizhou tales. There is time for a relaxed local lunch of classic Huizhou cuisine.
In the afternoon you continue to the famous Xin'an River Landscape Gallery, often described as a living scroll painting. A gentle riverside walk of around 4.5 kilometres on flat, paved paths links the villages of Miantan and Zhangtan, with a short local ferry crossing the calm green water between them. Zhangtan is home to ancient camphor trees and is a core growing area for the celebrated three-pool loquat fruit, in season from late May to mid-June, which you can sample along the way.
Your guide explains the history, customs and folklore of each village as you go. The walking is gentle and scenic rather than demanding, making this an ideal way to enjoy authentic rural Anhui at a comfortable pace. You return to your Hangzhou hotel in the evening.
A relaxed private day from Hangzhou to the ancient Huizhou walled city and the painting-like Xin'an River, with riverside villages, ferry crossings and seasonal loquat orchards.
What's Included
✓ Included
✕ Not included
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation is available on most tours up to 24 hours before the start time. The exact cancellation terms for this tour are shown during booking.
Traveler Reviews
One detail from the day: the title makes this sound like a lot of ground to cover. In practice, Huizhou City & Xin'an River Day and Hangzhou and Guangzhou felt like two distinct parts of the trip, not the same day repeated.
The meeting instructions were clear and we knew what came next without being herded around. In Hangzhou and Guangzhou, that saved a surprising amount of energy.
A practical note: the busiest place on the route was genuinely busy. Starting earlier would be my only change. My only advice is not to shorten the time at Huizhou City & Xin'an River Day.
In hindsight, the route made more sense once we were on it. Time at Hangzhou and Guangzhou set the pace, while Huizhou City & Xin'an River Day gave us a reason to slow down.
The guide knew when to explain and when to stop talking. Rare, and appreciated.