D1 Arrive in Shanghai - Xitang Ancient Town
Arrive in Shanghai, and then head to Xitang Ancient Town. Xitang, one of the six most renowned water towns in the Yangtze River Delta, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site candidate with a history of more than 1,000 years, famous for its well-preserved Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture, winding rivers, ancient stone bridges, and authentic Jiangnan water town lifestyle.
At noon, you will check in to your hotel in Xitang, and enjoy an authentic local lunch at a riverside restaurant.
In the afternoon, you will start your in-depth exploration of Xitang Ancient Town. You will wander along the stone-paved streets, cross the iconic ancient bridges such as Songzilai Bridge and Wufu Bridge, visit classic Jiangnan-style residences and gardens, and experience the peaceful daily life of local residents. You can also visit the Xitang Wine Museum and Root Carving Museum to learn about local culture and handicrafts.
After the afternoon tour, you will return to your hotel for a short rest.
In the evening, you will take a magical night tour of Xitang Ancient Town. When the sun sets, thousands of red lanterns are lit up along the rivers and streets, reflecting on the rippling water and creating a dreamy, romantic atmosphere. You can take a leisurely boat ride on the river, listen to local folk music, taste delicious local snacks at the night market, and immerse yourself in the charming night view of this ancient water town.
You will stay overnight in Xitang.
D2 Xitang - Hangzhou City Tour
After breakfast at the hotel, you will depart from Xitang and head to Hangzhou. Hangzhou, known as “Heaven on Earth”, is a famous historical and cultural city in China with a history of more than 2,200 years, renowned for its stunning natural scenery, profound cultural heritage, and the world-famous West Lake. Upon arrival, you will check in to your hotel in Hangzhou, and then start your city exploration.
In the morning, you will visit the West Lake. You will take a leisurely cruise across the rippling lake water, admiring the classic scenic spots including Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, Broken Bridge, Leifeng Pagoda, and Su Causeway. You can also take a walk along the lake shore, breathing in the fresh air and enjoying the beautiful landscape of mountains and lakes.
After the West Lake tour, you will visit the Six Harmonies Pagoda, a magnificent ancient pagoda standing by the Qiantang River with a history of more than 1,000 years. You can climb the pagoda to enjoy the panoramic view of the Qiantang River and the city of Hangzhou, and learn about the long history and Buddhist culture of the pagoda.
You will stay overnight in Hangzhou.
D3 Hangzhou - Nanxun Ancient Town - Suzhou
In the morning, you will depart from Hangzhou and head to Nanxun Ancient Town. Nanxun, known as the “No.1 Rich Town in the South of the Yangtze River”, is a famous historical and cultural town with a history of more than 700 years, renowned for its unique combination of traditional Chinese gardens and Western-style architecture, as well as its profound commercial and cultural heritage.
At noon, you will enjoy an authentic local lunch in Nanxun, and then depart for Suzhou. Suzhou, known as the “Venice of the East” and the “City of Gardens”, is a famous historical and cultural city in China with a history of more than 2,500 years. Upon arrival, you will check in to your hotel in Suzhou, and then start your exploration of the city.
In the afternoon, you will wander along Pingjiang Road, the best-preserved ancient street in Suzhou. This 1,600-meter-long street retains the original water town layout of Suzhou, with white-walled and black-tiled traditional residences, small bridges over flowing water, characteristic local shops, and authentic Jiangnan-style teahouses and restaurants. You can take a leisurely walk along the street, visit ancient memorial archways and historical relics, and experience the authentic lifestyle of local Suzhou residents.
In the evening, you will take a night tour of Shantang Street, the most famous ancient water street in Suzhou. Built more than 1,100 years ago, the street stretches for 3.5 kilometers along the Shantang River, lined with red lanterns, ancient stone bridges, well-preserved Ming and Qing Dynasty buildings, and local snack shops. Wandering along the street at night, you will experience the charming and peaceful atmosphere of Suzhou's water town, and can also taste authentic Suzhou local snacks.
You will stay overnight in Suzhou.
D4 Suzhou Classic City Tour
After breakfast at the hotel, you will start your full-day classic Suzhou city tour. Your first stop is Tiger Hill, known as “the No.1 Scenic Spot in Wuzhong”. This iconic landmark of Suzhou boasts a history of more than 2,500 years, famous for its leaning Tiger Hill Pagoda, the legendary Sword Pool, and numerous historical relics and beautiful natural scenery. Next, you will visit Hanshan Temple, one of China’s top ten famous Buddhist temples, which gained worldwide fame through the classic poem A Night Mooring by Maple Bridge written by Tang Dynasty poet Zhang Ji. The temple features a serene environment, ancient architecture, and a long-standing Buddhist culture.
After the morning tour, you will enjoy an authentic Suzhou-style lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, you will visit Lingering Garden, one of the four most famous classical gardens in China and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the Ming Dynasty, the garden is renowned for its exquisite and compact layout, elegant rockeries, beautiful pavilions and terraces, winding corridors, and serene water features, perfectly embodying the essence of Jiangnan classical garden art.
Then you will visit the Suzhou Silk Museum, where you can learn about the long history of Suzhou’s silk industry, watch the traditional silk weaving process, and appreciate exquisite silk handicrafts.
You will stay overnight in Suzhou.
D5 Suzhou - Tongli Ancient Town - Shanghai City Tour
Get up in the early morning today, you will depart from Suzhou and head to Tongli Ancient Town. Tongli, one of the six most beautiful water towns in the Yangtze River Delta, is surrounded by water on all sides, with 15 crisscrossing rivers dividing the town into 7 small islands connected by 49 ancient stone bridges. You will wander along the stone-paved streets, cross the ancient bridges, take a leisurely boat ride on the winding rivers, and experience the authentic lifestyle of water town residents. You can also visit classic gardens and ancient residences in the town, such as the famous Retreat & Reflection Garden, appreciating the exquisite Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture and profound water town culture.
At noon, you will enjoy an authentic local lunch in Tongli, and then depart for Shanghai. Shanghai, the most prosperous international metropolis in East China, perfectly blends modern skyscraper clusters with time-honored traditional architecture. Upon arrival, you will check in to your hotel in Shanghai, and then start your exploration of the city.
In the afternoon, you will visit Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, the most famous and prosperous commercial street in Shanghai, which is known as “China’s No.1 Commercial Street”. You can wander along the street, browse the large shopping malls, time-honored shops, and characteristic stores, and experience the lively commercial atmosphere of Shanghai. Then you will take a leisurely walk along the Bund, enjoying the stunning view of the Huangpu River and the magnificent colonial-style buildings on one side, as well as the dazzling skyscraper skyline of Lujiazui on the other side.
You will stay overnight in Shanghai.
D6 Shanghai Classic City Tour & Departure
In the morning, you will start your classic Shanghai city tour. Your first stop is Jade Buddha Temple, one of Shanghai’s most famous Buddhist temples with a history of more than 100 years, which houses a precious jade Buddha statue brought from Myanmar. Then you will wander around the Shikumen alleys, the iconic traditional residential architecture of old Shanghai, where you can experience the unique life style of local Shanghainese and the charm of the blending of Chinese and Western cultures.
Next, you will visit City God Temple and Yuyuan Bazaar, the most representative traditional commercial and cultural block in Shanghai, where you can taste local snacks, browse time-honored shops, and experience the lively atmosphere of old Shanghai. Then you will visit the Oriental Pearl Tower, one of the most iconic landmarks of Shanghai. You can ascend the tower to the high-altitude observation deck, overlooking the panoramic view of the whole city, the Huangpu River, and the Lujiazui financial district.
After the tour, your guide will send you to Shanghai Pudong/Hongqiao airport or railway station, and you will depart for your next destination with sweet memories of this wonderful trip.