Shanghai Suzhou Hangzhou tour with water town visit

When you arrive at Shanghai, you will be greeted by your local guide and transported to your hotel. After assisting you checking in, your guide will give you a brief introduction to Shanghai, help you find a nearby restaurant or leave you to rest and be prepared for tomorrow’s activities.

In the morning, you will come to your first stop, Yuyuan Garden. A saying goes, if you do not visit Yu Garden, you have not been Shanghai. Yu garden as it is also called features classical Chinese landscape art, with fish-filled ponds and wood-framed pavilions. 

Just next door to Yu Garden you will explore Shanghai Old Street also know as Miaoqian Dajie. Wonder along this ancient street, and feel like you are back in the Qing dynasty and the early Republic of China. Taste the local Shanghai snacks that are popular here or grab a few souvenirs

Eat lunch at Shanghai’s Old Street or just nearby, before traveling by private car to one of China’s best museums – the Shanghai Museum. Spend as much time as you like, an afternoon will certainly not be enough time to catch up on 5,000 years of history but you will see all the best artifacts with the help of your local guide. 

Next stop will be trendy Xintiandi, where you will feel the strong French influence of Shanghai. It’s the only place in Shanghai where you can see complete Shikumen style architecture. This beautiful style of construction has lost popularity for modern high rise buildings, but you will be able to free walk and explore in the pedestrian-only zone of Shanghai. 

One of the last stops for this busy day is along the famous Huangpu River, to the Shanghai Tower, the world’s second-tallest building with the world’s highest observation deck within a building, stand upon the observation deck and view out at the marvelous surrounding buildings and endless maze that is modern Shanghai.

From the Shanghai Tower, you can easily walk to the Huangpu River where many visitors will choose to have dinner during a cruise. It is a great way to watch the sunset and see the city’s famous nightlife take over. Ask your guide for a recommendation on which clubs to hit or help to get tickets to a marvelous Shanghai acrobatic show. When you have had enough, head back to your hotel for the night or watch the sun come to rise.

In the morning, ride on one of China’s bullet trains from Shanghai to Hangzhou, a distance of 200 km. (125 mi.) in about one hour. While on the train you may here locals discussing that there is a heaven with a paradise. To Chinese, this is Suzhou and Hangzhou, your next step on this 6-day tour.

Upon departing the train station, your first stop will be a visit to Linyin temple and experience its 1,600 years’ background. In a quiet and peaceful atmosphere, you will easily relax and forget all your worries. Along the way, you may feel the urge to try some of Hangzhou’s local cuisine, and we encourage you too!

Arrive at Hangzhou’s top attraction West Lake after a short 10 minutes drive. This elegant and enchanting attraction was best described by a Song Dynasty poet Su Shi. He compared Hangzhou’s West Lake to the most beautiful women in China, so please do not get lost in the intoxicating scenery.

Nearby West Lake is the famous Six Harmonies Pagoda. First built in the hopes of calming the Qiangtang River, after failing to meet that objective it has stood the test of time as a masterpiece of Chinese architecture. Upon reaching the top of the tower, you can watch the awe-inspiring Qiantang River.

The final stop in Huangzhou is Meijiawu Tea Plantation and Tea house, after which you will be driven to your hotel in Hangzhou for overnight.

Morning, head to Hangzhou railway station for the high speed train to Suzhou (about 1.5 hours), the Venice Of China and it is Internationally recognized as some of the most famous royal gardens in the world. Upon arrival, you will be met and transfer to visit the Lingering Garden, a UNESCO site famed for its harmonious blend of natural scenery and architectural elements across four distinct sections. Next, take a rickshaw ride through Suzhou’s alleys, including some food markets, offering a glimpse into the locals’ lives. The rickshaw ride concludes at the well-preserved Pingjiang Road from the Song Dynasty. In the afternoon, explore the bonsai garden on Tiger Hill, learning about this intricate art. End your day with a night tour of the Master of the Nets Garden (night tour not available in winter months), enjoying its beauty and traditional performances. Optionally, explore a Suzhou Silk Factory to discover the traditional silk-making process and consider acquiring some premium silk items. Overnight at Suzhou.

In the morning, travel by private car for about 1 hour to reach Zhouzhuang. You will visit this top water town, where the main transportation has always been by small boat. During the wartime, the army had difficulties to penetrate and was left undisturbed.

Here you will see a well-protected Ming and Qing dynasty buildings. Riding around on a gondola is the most convenient and romantic way to move around the city. Here you will not only see the town’s highlights including Twin Bridge, Miluo Temple and Shen House; but experience the way local people live and view their town in a special way.

Late afternoon, you will be driven back to Shanghai and overnight here.

After breakfast, you will be transported to one of Shanghas two airports and fly to your next destination.