6 Days Shanghai Suzhou Hangzhou Tour with Tongli Water Town

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Shanghai Arrival

   Upon your arrival at Shanghai Pudong/Hongqiao Airport, our local driver will pick you up from the exit gate by holding a welcome board and then transfer to the downtown hotel for check-in. Free and easy on your arrangement for rest of the day (no guide service today).

   Meal: N/A

   Accommodation: Hotel in Shanghai

2. Day 2: Shanghai EssenceTour
   Explore the City Highlights from Museum to Skyline

   Start your Shanghai trip by meeting with your local guide at the hotel lobby. The Shanghai Museum is the first stop, where you will be led to visit four floors and appreciate various cultures including ancient bronze, sculpture, ceramics, calligraphy, painting, jade, furniture, and more.

   Then, we will transfer you to Yu Garden, boasting a history of more than 450 years. As one of the three famous gardens in Shanghai during the Ming Dynasty, Yuyuan Garden has the typical landscape of Jiangnan gardens - quiet, beautiful, and exquisite. This was originally a private garden, which was first opened to the public in 1961.

   The nearby Yuyuan Market is a popular place to find some traditional Chinese crafts and local delicacies.

   

   After lunch, continue your private Shanghai tour to visit the former French Concession, the largest and most prosperous concession among the four major French concessions in old China. This region was ruled by France for almost a century.

   Later, be guided to ascend the Shanghai World Financial Center. On the 100th floor (474 meters high), you will experience strolling along a 55-meter-long transparent corridor, admiring the spectacular skyline.

   Afterward, go to Nanjing Road, known as "the first commercial street in China", with a total length of 1,528 meters, from the Bund in the east to Xizang Middle Road in the west. This place gathers many well-known domestic and foreign brands, making it a shopping paradise. Also, you can appreciate rich historical buildings such as the Yong'an Department Store.

   The last stop is the Bund, one of the must-see attractions in Shanghai because of its historic significance and impressive view. Walk along the waterfront and admire the old colonial buildings. Optional night activity: Take a relaxing Huangpu River night cruise to enjoy the spectacular scenery on the bank.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: Hotel in Shanghai

   

3. Day 3: Water Town Tour, Shanghai to Suzhou Tour
   Visit the Best of Suzhou - Classic Garden and Water Town

   In the morning, drive for about 1 hour to Tongli Water Town. Tongli is an age-old but very well-preserved water town with a history of more than 1,000 years. Tongli Water Town is a wonderful place where you can experience traditional Chinese culture. You'll pay a visit to the Tuisi Yuan, Pearl Pagoda, Triple Bridge, Ming and Qing Dynasty Street, etc.

   

   Then, drive for about half an hour to Suzhou and continue to visit the Lingering Garden, one of the four most famous gardens in China, with a history of over 400 years. The garden is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, attracting numerous visitors every year. You can wander around the garden to appreciate the exquisite architectural art and soak up the elegant and relaxing atmosphere.

   After that, you will move on to the Shantang Ancient Street. It used to be an important trade and culture center during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, and now is famous as "the miniature of old Suzhou and the window of Wu culture". You can enjoy the ornate water-town style architecture, marvel at the bustling streets, and savor local snacks.

   Last go to visit the Suzhou No. 1 Silk Factory, where you could not only see how the silk is processed from the worm to the final product, but also learn some history and culture of silk in China.

   After the Suzhou tour is finished, transfer to Suzhou downtown hotel for check-in.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: Hotel in Suzhou

   

4. Day 4: Suzhou to Hangzhou Tour
   Enjoy the Beauty of West Lake, Learn about Chinese Tea Culture

   Drive to Hangzhou in the morning. Your tour in Hangzhou begins with the West Lake. It is a symbol of the beautiful city Hangzhou. The lake is famous throughout the country not only for its extraordinary landscape but also for the historical relics. Since ancient times, plenty of poets fell for its natural beauty and described its picturesque scenery in their poems. You can leisurely stroll around the lake while chatting with your tour guide.

   Then move on to the 1,700-year-old Lingyin Temple, one of the most significant Buddhist temples in China. Surrounded by spectacular limestone mountains and many old trees, the temple is very serene. You will follow your tour guide to enjoy the beautiful natural scenery and explore the cultural relics. You may also spot squirrels jumping up and down in the trees.

   

   In the afternoon, you will go to Feilai Peak which stands just in front of Lingyin Temple. The peak composed of pure limestone differs greatly from the surrounding mountains. You will be amazed at the grotesque stones scattered everywhere, feel the charm of Buddhist art, and appreciate the vivid stone statues.

   Meijiawu Tea Village with a history of 600 years is well known for producing high-quality Longjing tea. Here you can see layers and layers of green tea trees all over the mountains, have chance to taste authentic Longjing tea, and learn more about Chinese tea culture. In spring, visitors even can learn to pick up the tea leaves from the local villagers.

   At the end, we will transfer you to the Hangzhou downtown hotel for check-in.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: Hotel in Hanghzou

   

5. Day 5: Hangzhou to Shanghai Tour
   Discover the Long History and Profound Culture of Hangzhou

   After breakfast, your guide will take you to the representative ancient pavilion-style tower in China - Six Harmonies Pagoda standing on the west bank of the West Lake. It is one of the three renowned pagodas in Hangzhou.

   Next, we will go to Hefang Street. It is an ancient street with a long history and a profound culture. Walking on the old cobbled street lined with stores selling local snacks, interesting handicrafts, tea leaves, etc., you can appreciate the buildings dating back hundreds of years, do people watching, and find some nice souvenirs to bring back home.

   

   After lunch, drive for about 2.5 - 3 hours back to the Shanghai hotel.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: Hotel in Shanghai

6. Day 6: Shanghai Departure
   Appreciate Jade Buddha Statue, See Old Shikumen Buildings

   Today is the last day of your East China tour in Shanghai, starting with the Jade Buddha Temple. It is an oasis in the heart of Shanghai. You can admire the exceptional jade Buddha statue brought back from Burma and pray for blessings for yourself and your family.

   Next, explore Tianzifang, a nice place to find the different faces of Shanghai. Here you can appreciate the old Shikumen buildings, glimpse the daily life of local people, stop at a café to have a cup of coffee, and try some mouth-watering local snacks.

   

   After lunch, our driver will escort you to the airport/train station/cruise port for your departure. This is the end of your 6-day private Shanghai Suzhou Hangzhou tour.

   Friendly Tips: If you depart from Shanghai Pudong Airport, you can optionally take the Shanghai Maglev Train from Shanghai down town area directly to the Airport.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: N/A