Warning! Came for a good time sightseeing... LOL, NO. 😢
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She's usually busy with work. I actually just had a sudden two-day break and decided to visit Hangzhou since it was nearby. I didn't do much planning or give her a heads-up. Being quite introverted, I didn't want to trouble her to go out of her way to show me around. Later on, I really enjoyed exploring by myself, just taking the bus route around the lake.
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Next time you want to 'really enjoy your trip,' you don't necessarily need a tour group. You can be your own group! Just find a private guide to take only you (and your family). —From a guide who often leads private tours for families and individuals.
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Why even bother with a tour group in Hangzhou? Just spend a few minutes on Xiaohongshu to check out some guides. They clearly list what to avoid and what's recommended.
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Tours from Meituan or Ctrip? They're absolutely terrible.
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Lingyin Temple tickets are personalized and non-refundable. You can just visit the temple and then take a bus back down the mountain. Smart travelers never join tour groups; they go wherever they please. With a smartphone, how could you possibly get lost?
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I've been to Hangzhou countless times, always on my own. There's really no need to join a tour group for any destination.
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Was this by any chance near the boat dock? The kind where they approach you right as you get out of a taxi, claiming their tour is cheap? I said I'd go in and check it out first, but he kept insisting there were no attractions inside. I almost fell for it. Luckily, I didn't go with them.
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These days, with Gaode Maps for navigation, Xiaohongshu for travel guides, and Ctrip for booking flights and hotels, there's absolutely no need to join a tour group. The only time you might need one is for a guided explanation.