China's Jiangnan Highlights

6 daysShanghai · Hangzhou

Why you will love this trip

See the many moods of Jiangnan. Begin in Shanghai, where futuristic skylines meet historic streets, then travel into the softer rhythms of China’s south. Wander through Suzhou’s classical gardens and canal-side lanes, spend an evening among Wuzhen’s illuminated waterways, and discover Hangzhou through West Lake, Lingyin Temple and the tea gardens of Longjing. Across six days, experience Jiangnan not just through its famous sights, but through the gardens, waterways and everyday traditions that have shaped life here for centuries.

Highlights

  1. 1Explore Suzhou’s classical gardens, Tiger Hill and the historic Pingjiang Road.
  2. 2Discover the canals, bridges and traditional streets of Wuzhen Xizha.
  3. 3Experience Hangzhou’s West Lake, Lingyin Temple and Longjing Tea Village.
  4. 4Enjoy flexible optional experiences, from local food and city walks to evening boat rides and tea activities.
  5. 5Combine Shanghai’s modern city life with the slower rhythm and historic landscapes of Jiangnan.

Itinerary

Written by the planner who runs this trip. Days marked with meals and where you sleep, so you can see what is actually arranged.

Meeting point · Shanghai airport or hotel pickup on arrival

  1. Day 1

    Arrive in Shanghai and meet your driver or tour representative at the airport. Transfer to your hotel and complete check-in assistance where required.

    The rest of the day is free. You may rest at the hotel, take an easy walk around the neighborhood or begin exploring Shanghai independently according to your arrival time.

    Included
    • Shanghai airport pickup and transfer to the hotel.
    • Hotel check-in assistance where required.
    Optional
    • Independent walk around the hotel neighborhood.
    • Additional Shanghai sightseeing according to arrival time.
    Pickup arrangements depend on your arrival airport and flight details. Exact meeting instructions will be confirmed before travel.
  2. Day 2

    Enjoy a flexible day in Shanghai. You may spend the day exploring independently or add one of the optional experiences below.

    A city walk can introduce you to Shanghai’s historic streets, local neighborhoods and changing urban landscape. A food tour can focus on local dishes, markets and everyday dining culture. In the evening, a Huangpu River night cruise offers a different view of Shanghai’s illuminated skyline.

    The day is intentionally flexible so you can choose between guided exploration, local food or independent time.

    Included
    • Free time in Shanghai.
    Optional
    • Shanghai city walk.
    • Shanghai local food tour.
    • Huangpu River night cruise.
    Optional activities are not included by default. Availability, duration, meeting point and pricing must be confirmed before booking.
  3. Day 3

    Travel from Shanghai to Suzhou and begin exploring the city’s classical gardens and historic neighborhoods.

    Visit a traditional Suzhou garden and continue to Tiger Hill, one of the city’s best-known historic sites. In the afternoon, walk along Pingjiang Road, a historic street lined with canals, traditional architecture, small shops and local cafés.

    In the evening, you may add a Suzhou Pingtan performance or an evening boat ride along Shantang Street.

    Included
    • Transfer from Shanghai to Suzhou.
    • Suzhou classical garden visit.
    • Tiger Hill visit.
    • Guided or accompanied walk along Pingjiang Road, according to the confirmed service arrangement.
    Optional
    • Suzhou Pingtan performance.
    • Shantang Street evening boat ride.
    The specific garden included in the final itinerary will depend on availability, opening arrangements and the confirmed route. Performance and boat tickets require separate confirmation unless specifically included in the final quotation.
  4. Day 4

    Leave Suzhou and travel by private vehicle to Wuzhen. On arrival, enter the Xizha scenic area and explore its canals, stone bridges, traditional houses and historic waterways.

    Take time to walk through the old town at a relaxed pace and experience the quieter atmosphere of one of Jiangnan’s best-known water towns. The evening is free for independent exploration, local dining or a walk beside the canals.

    Included
    • Transfer from Suzhou to Wuzhen.
    • Wuzhen Xizha scenic-area visit.
    • Walking exploration of the historic water town.
    Optional
    • Additional local food experience.
    • Independent evening walk beside the canals.
    • Additional boat experience, subject to availability.
    Wuzhen Xizha includes pedestrian areas and uneven walking surfaces. The route may involve walking with luggage between the vehicle drop-off point, scenic area and accommodation. Exact access arrangements depend on the selected property.
  5. Day 5

    Leave Wuzhen and travel to Hangzhou. After arrival, enjoy flexible time around West Lake and explore the surrounding landscapes, waterfront paths and historic areas at your own pace.

    You may choose to visit the Wuzhen morning market before departure, attend a Hangzhou Qianguqing performance, take a boat ride on West Lake or explore the lakeside by bicycle.

    Included
    • Transfer from Wuzhen to Hangzhou.
    • Flexible time around West Lake.
    Optional
    • Wuzhen morning market visit.
    • Hangzhou Qianguqing performance.
    • West Lake boat ride.
    • West Lake cycling.
    The optional activities are subject to operating schedules, ticket availability and weather conditions. The evening performance and boat ride should be confirmed in advance. Bicycle use may not be suitable for every traveler.
  6. Day 6

    Visit Lingyin Temple, one of Hangzhou’s best-known cultural and religious sites. Continue to Longjing Tea Village, surrounded by green hills and tea plantations.

    You may add a tea-picking and tea-tasting experience according to the season and local availability. After lunch, begin the return journey to Shanghai.

    The journey ends after arrival in Shanghai. Your final drop-off point will be confirmed according to your hotel, airport or onward travel arrangements.

    Included
    • Lingyin Temple visit.
    • Longjing Tea Village visit.
    • Return transfer to Shanghai.
    Optional
    • Tea-picking experience.
    • Tea-tasting experience.
    • Combined tea-picking and tea-tasting activity, subject to season and availability.
    Tea-picking activities are seasonal and may not be available throughout the year. Lingyin Temple and Longjing Tea Village involve walking on uneven paths and may include steps. The final Shanghai drop-off point and estimated arrival time depend on traffic and the confirmed route.

What is included

In the price

  • Accommodation for 5 nights: hotel category and hotel names to be confirmed.
  • Private transportation for the confirmed route: to be confirmed.
  • English-speaking guide service on scheduled sightseeing days: to be confirmed.
  • Core sightseeing listed in the confirmed itinerary.
  • Attraction entrance tickets: to be confirmed.
  • Day 6 lunch: to be confirmed.

Not included

  • International flights.
  • China visa fees.
  • Travel insurance.
  • Meals unless specifically listed as included.
  • Optional city walks, food tours, performances, cruises, boat rides, cycling and tea activities unless specifically selected and included in the final quotation.
  • Entrance tickets unless specifically listed as included.
  • Hotel upgrades.
  • Additional private vehicle hours.

Before you book

The practical things worth knowing before you commit.

  • The maximum group size must be confirmed before booking.
  • The hotel category and hotel names must be confirmed according to availability.
  • The exact service basis must be confirmed before booking: private vehicle with guide, private vehicle with driver only or another arrangement.
  • The listed optional activities are not included by default and may require additional payment.
  • Pingtan performances, evening boat rides, Huangpu River cruises and Hangzhou performances are subject to schedules and ticket availability.
  • Meals are not included unless specifically stated in the final quotation.
  • Day 6 lunch must be confirmed before booking.
  • Attraction entrance tickets must be listed clearly in the final quotation.
  • The final Shanghai drop-off point on Day 6 depends on your hotel, airport or onward travel arrangements.
  • Traffic conditions may affect the arrival time in Shanghai on Day 6.
  • Exact pickup times, meeting points and contact details will be confirmed before travel.

Frequently asked questions

The route includes Shanghai, Suzhou, Wuzhen and Hangzhou, with sightseeing around Suzhou’s classical gardens, Tiger Hill, Pingjiang Road, Wuzhen Xizha, West Lake, Lingyin Temple and Longjing Tea Village.

The itinerary includes 5 nights: 2 nights in Shanghai, 1 night in Suzhou, 1 night in Wuzhen and 1 night in Hangzhou.

The route is designed around private transportation, including the transfer from Shanghai to Suzhou, Suzhou to Wuzhen, Wuzhen to Hangzhou and the return journey to Shanghai. The final vehicle and driver arrangement must be confirmed in the quotation.

English-speaking guide service is [included on the scheduled sightseeing days / available as an additional service - TO BE CONFIRMED]. Free days and optional activities require separate confirmation.

Attraction tickets are [included / not included - TO BE CONFIRMED]. The final quotation will list the included entrance tickets and any tickets that must be paid separately.

Meals are not included unless specifically stated in the final quotation. Day 6 lunch is [included / not included - TO BE CONFIRMED].

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Cancellation policy

  • 30+ days before departure — Full refund
  • 15–29 days before departure — 50% cancellation fee
  • 8–14 days before departure — 8–14 days before departure
  • Cancellations within 7 days of departure and no-shows — Non-refundable

Cancellation terms depend on how far in advance you cancel.

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