7 days across the Jiangnan region: Shanghai's skyline, Suzhou's gardens, Hangzhou's West Lake, Wuzhen's canals, and Nanjing's history.
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Experience the Essence of Jiangnan
Explore the best of eastern China through big cities, classical gardens, canal water towns, and living traditions across Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou, Wuzhen, and Nanjing.
Discover Shanghai’s Modern & Artistic Side
Go beyond the classic landmarks and experience Shanghai through historic neighborhoods, creative spaces, modern architecture, and riverside scenery.
Step into a Traditional Water Town
Visit Wuzhen East Area and experience the charm of ancient canals, stone bridges, historic buildings, and traditional riverside life.
Travel Comfortably by High-Speed Train
Enjoy smooth connections between major Jiangnan cities with China’s efficient high-speed rail system, making your journey comfortable and time-saving.
Seven days across the Jiangnan region: Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou, Wuzhen and Nanjing. Each city does its own thing. Shanghai is the skyline plus the old French Concession lanes; Suzhou, the gardens and canals; Hangzhou, West Lake and tea; Wuzhen, a water town best walked after dark; Nanjing, the republican history. Getting between them is arranged — transfers by car or train — so the travel doesn't swallow your days.
Duration
7 days / 6 nights
Tour Type
Tailor-made Travel
Theme
Train Tours
Group Size
Only Your Group
Start City
Shanghai
Activity Level
RELAXED
Route Map
Map pins show the primary places guests will visit on this route.
Day one is Shanghai. You start at Yu Garden and its bazaar — old Jiangnan courtyards, and a street outside stacked with snack and handicraft stalls. Then Wukang Building, the flatiron villa everyone photographs, and Tianzifang, where shikumen lanes are packed with small shops and art studios. A walk down Nanjing Road, the main pedestrian shopping street, leads to The Bund: century-old European banks on one side of the river, Lujiazui's towers on the other.
Today's Highlights
Optional Excursions
Shanghai Evening River Cruise
After daytime sightseeing, join an optional evening Huangpu River cruise. Glide past the lit colonial buildings of the Bund and the towers of Lujiazui, and watch the city shift from day to night from the water.
Advisor quoted
One-way Ticket for Huangpu River Sightseeing Tunnel
Cross the Huangpu River through the underwater sightseeing tunnel to reach Lujiazui quickly, no subway needed. Shifting-light projections run the length of the tunnel, a fun and photo-friendly way to get across rather than the ferry or bridge.
Advisor quoted
Day two stays in Shanghai but turns to art and old industry. Morning at the Jade Buddha Temple, a working monastery with carved jade Buddhas. Then 1000 Trees, a mall built along Suzhou Creek to look like a terraced, planted hill. M50 Creative Park nearby is a converted textile factory, galleries inside and graffiti along the lanes. A Suzhou Creek cruise strings the riverside sights together, and the day ends at Xintiandi — restored shikumen, now mostly restaurants.
Today's Highlights
Optional Excursions
Jiama woodblock print printing experience
45-minute intangible cultural heritage workshop. Learn folk culture and printing techniques, print 3 unique woodcut artworks, finish mounting and photo session to take handcraft souvenirs home.
Advisor quoted
Dual Cooking Workshop: Hand-make Soup Dumplings & Kung Pao Chicken
A 2-hour hands-on cooking class for two Chinese dishes. Fresh ingredients and kitchen tools are set out on-site. You learn to pleat and fold Shanghai soup dumplings, and cook Sichuan-style Kung Pao Chicken, then eat what you make.
Advisor quoted
Darkroom selfie + film darkroom developing experience
75-minute analog photography workshop including pinhole shooting, darkroom developing, negative printing and artwork framing. Experience vintage film craft and take unique photo prints.
Advisor quoted
Chinese Baijiu and Fruit Wine Tasting Experience
45-min Chinese wine tasting session covering wine etiquette, featuring 2 Yunnan fermented fruit wines & 1 Guizhou soy sauce-flavored liquor with cultural introduction.
Advisor quoted
This morning your driver takes you to Shanghai station for the high-speed train to Suzhou; a local guide meets you there. First the Humble Administrator's Garden, the largest of Suzhou's classical gardens and a UNESCO site. Then Panmen Gate, part of the old city wall where the land and water gates met. The Suzhou Museum, designed by I. M. Pei, comes next — the same garden geometry in a modern building. The day finishes on Shantang Street, laid out along the Grand Canal.
Today's Highlights
Optional Excursions
Act as A Local - Enjoy A Cup of Tea at Local Teahouse
Sip local tea and enjoy Pingtan inside a vintage Su‑style teahouse. Appreciate classic architecture and melodic storytelling performances to deeply experience Jiangnan culture.
Advisor quoted
Hanfu Costume Rental & Professional Photography
Rent full‑set Hanfu and receive delicate makeup. Select Song‑ or Ming‑style outfits for photos against the ancient city‑gate and Ruiguang Pagoda. Your tour guide will take nice shots for you. You may also wear the costume for evening sightseeing and night‑cruise photos.
Advisor quoted
High-speed train from Suzhou to Hangzhou in the morning. On arrival, a West Lake cruise to take in the water before you walk it. Off the boat is Huagang (Flower Pond) park, lotus and carp under the willows. Then Lingyin Temple, one of the region's older Buddhist sites, its grottoes carved into the rock just outside. A drive up to Meijiawu, a tea village, to watch Longjing picked and pan-fired. Dinner lands on Hefang Street, the old lane of snacks and craft shops, before you're back at the hotel.
Today's Highlights
Optional Excursions
Impression West Lake Show – Standard Seat
Enjoy Hangzhou’s iconic evening performance on the waters of West Lake. Created by Zhang Yimou, this spectacular show combines music, dance, lighting, and lake scenery to showcase Jiangnan’s poetry and culture. Includes standard seat tickets and private transfer back to your hotel after the show.
Advisor quoted
Enjoy a Private Boat Journey Across the Scenic West Lake
Upgrade your West Lake experience with a private boat ride exclusively for your group (maximum 8 guests per boat). Relax as your boatman takes you along the classic West Lake route, offering a peaceful way to appreciate the lake’s iconic scenery, surrounding mountains, and historic landmarks from the water.
Advisor quoted
Private Longjing tea tasting with a tea farmer
Upgrade the Hangzhou tea visit with a hosted Longjing tasting, seasonal tea-making context, and time for questions with a local tea family.
Advisor quoted
A road day out to Wuzhen and back. You go to Dongzha, the East zone — the older, lived-in half of the water town, with stone alleys, low bridges and houses still fronting the canal. It's a place you walk rather than tour, and your guide fills in its thousand-year history as you go. In the evening, a drive back to Hangzhou for the night.
Today's Highlights
Optional Excursions
Shadow Puppet Making Experience
Paint and decorate a delicate puppet with colorful patterns, then take home your finished artwork displayed in a frame. You can also assemble your puppet and perform it on a mini stage for a fun and interactive cultural experience.
Advisor quoted
Train from Hangzhou to Nanjing today. Your guide meets you at the station with a “Your Way Holiday” sign. The first stop is the Presidential Palace — low Republican-era buildings and courtyards where China's last republican government operated. Then the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall, a heavy, necessary visit on the ground of the 1937 tragedy. The mood lifts in the evening at the Confucius Temple and the Qinhuai River, where the old streets and the water are lit up for the night.
Today's Highlights
Optional Excursions
Hanfu Photoshoot by Qinhuai River
Dress in traditional Hanfu for a professional photoshoot along Qinhuai River near the Confucius Temple. Pick costumes, hairpieces and accessories, and shoot among the lantern-lit lanes and riverside buildings for retro portraits to take home.
Advisor quoted
Fragrant Sachet Crafting Experience
Fragrant sachets are auspicious traditional Nanjing handicrafts. You may pick aromatic herbs and delicate fabrics, then sew a custom sachet by hand. Bring your unique handmade sachet back as a lovely souvenir.
Advisor quoted
The last day is old Nanjing. A drive along the plane-tree-lined avenues, then Meiling Palace, a Republican villa set in its own garden. The main stop is Ming Xiaoling, tomb of the first Ming emperor; the spirit way down to it is lined with stone animals and officials. The final site is Zhonghua Gate, the largest and best-preserved ancient city gate in China, with walls you can still walk. Your guide then drops you at your Nanjing hotel, or wherever you're off to next, and the seven days end.
Today's Highlights
Optional Experiences
Add upgrades while reviewing the itinerary. Availability is confirmed by the team before final payment.
Enjoy 180° fully reclining leather seats in private noise-isolated compartments. Complimentary tea, snacks, blankets, disposable travel kits and continuous charging ports are provided for premium private rest space during long rides. Guide and driver will await you at every railway station to guarantee smooth transfer.
Advisor quoted
Available after advisor confirmation.
Choose the imperial banquet in Shanghai or Hangzhou. Free pre-booking holds your seats. The venue recreates palace scenes with court-style greetings, royal cuisine and live classical dance. Hanfu costume and makeup can be added at extra cost.
Advisor quoted
Available after advisor confirmation.
First class on all intercity high-speed rail trips. Roomy individual seats with adjustable backrests and footrests, in quieter low-traffic cabins, with free onboard drinking water. Your guide and driver wait at the station so connections run smoothly.
Advisor quoted
Available after advisor confirmation.
Comfortable, safe, and well-maintained vehicles throughout your journey.
Late-Model Vehicles (2022+)
All vehicles are 2022 or newer models — modern, safe, and meticulously maintained.
Daily Deep Cleaning
Every vehicle is sanitized and detailed before each use.
Professional Drivers
Licensed, uniformed drivers with 5+ years of tourist transport experience.
Full Insurance Coverage
Comprehensive commercial insurance for all vehicles and passengers.
Onboard Amenities
Complimentary water, Wi-Fi, phone chargers, and tissues on every ride.
Climate Comfort
Dual-zone climate control ensures perfect temperature year-round.
We usually arrange a 5-seater for 1–2 guests, a 7-seater for 3–5 guests, and a 12-seater for 6–9 guests, and so on. All vehicles have ample luggage space. Photos are for reference only. Vehicle brands and models may vary by destination.
Have a specific restaurant or dietary need in mind? Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal, and other requests can be accommodated with advance notice.
Heritage Restaurants
Historic establishments with decades of culinary tradition — where locals celebrate.
Local Family Kitchens
Home-cooked meals with local families — authentic recipes passed down generations.
Street Food & Night Markets
Guided tastings through iconic food streets with a local foodie guide.
Farm-to-Table Fresh
Seasonal dishes with ingredients grown on-site, set against scenic backdrops.
Fine Dining & Michelin
Award-winning restaurants with tasting menus, wine pairings, and unforgettable culinary artistry.
Dining Preferences & Dietary Requirements
Share dietary needs, restaurant preferences, or food interests before travel so the advisor can confirm practical arrangements.
Your guide is the heart of your journey. We employ only licensed, experienced guides who are passionate about sharing their culture. Every guide undergoes rigorous training in history, first aid, and cross-cultural communication.
Licensed & Certified Guides
All guides hold national tourism licenses and have 5+ years of experience.
English Proficiency (IELTS 7+)
Fluent communication — guides can discuss history, culture, and current events with ease.
Multi-Language Available
English, French, German, Spanish, Japanese, and Korean-speaking guides available on request.
Wireless Audio Headsets
Every guest receives a headset so you never miss a word, even in crowded sites.
No Forced Shopping Guarantee
Zero pressure — we never force you into souvenir shops. Your time is yours.
Local Shopping Recommendations
Want authentic gifts? We'll recommend trusted local markets and artisan shops — no tourist traps.
Our “No Forced Shopping” Promise
We guarantee zero shopping stops unless you specifically request them. If you ever feel pressured, contact us immediately for a full refund of that day's service.
Request a Specialist Guide
Interested in a specific topic? We can arrange historian guides for cultural sites, photographer guides for scenic spots, or foodie guides for culinary tours. Just let us know when booking.
Current traveler feedback should be read through the configured external review sources.
Tripadvisor Reviews
Public traveler feedback
Product pages use external review sources instead of manually maintained review cards. Open the official Tripadvisor profile to read current customer feedback.
Selected Tripadvisor reviews
United Kingdom · Grand China rail journey
“Standing on the Great Wall at sunrise with no other tourists in sight was the highlight of our China tour. The guide arranged a home-cooked lunch in a Beijing hutong with a family who had lived there for generations.”
Italy · Ancient capitals and Hangzhou
“We picked tea leaves with a family whose ancestors farmed Longjing for generations. The tea ceremony that followed was the most memorable moment of our China trip.”
United States · Classic China private tour
“Every guide felt like a friend who happened to know thousands of years of stories. The quiet Forbidden City experience was something we will never forget.”
Each city will have a local professional guide who will accompany you during the sightseeing. We arrange local guides because they have deeper knowledge of their own city’s history, culture, and hidden stories, providing a more authentic experience.
Hotel accommodation is not included by default. We can help arrange hotels according to your preferred location, budget, and travel style, or you are welcome to book your own hotels.
This itinerary includes Wuzhen East Area (Dongzha), known for its authentic atmosphere, traditional houses, workshops, and original water town lifestyle. Compared with the larger West Area, Dongzha offers a more traditional and historical experience, making it ideal for travelers interested in local culture and old-town charm.
The daily sightseeing time is usually around 8 hours, but the schedule can be adjusted according to your pace and interests. We keep the itinerary comfortable without rushing between attractions.
Spring and autumn are generally the most comfortable seasons, with mild weather and less rain. Spring suits the gardens and blossom along Suzhou and Hangzhou's canals, while autumn brings clear skies and cooler temperatures good for walking days. Summer is hot and humid and winter can be damp, so the shoulder months are usually the most pleasant.
Suzhou → Wuxi → Nanjing → Yangzhou
THE LOCAL DIFFERENCE
Explore Lingering Garden and Master of Nets Garden to admire the delicate balance of architecture, landscapes, and traditional Chinese garden design.
Visit the impressive Lingshan Grand Buddha and enjoy the peaceful scenery of Yuantouzhu, where Buddhist heritage meets the beauty of Taihu Lake.
Advisor-designed quote
Suzhou → Hangzhou
THE LOCAL DIFFERENCE
Visit UNESCO-listed Master of Nets Garden and Humble Administrator’s Garden. Appreciate delicate pavilions, rockeries and waterscapes, and experience the aesthetics of traditional Chinese gardening art.
Stroll along Pingjiang Road and Shantang Street. Visit Hanshan Temple and Tiger Hill to trace the history and canal life of old Suzhou.
Advisor-designed quote
Shanghai → Master of the Nets Garden → Zhouzhuang Water Town → Shanghai
THE LOCAL DIFFERENCE
You explore the UNESCO‑listed Master of Nets Garden. With your guide’s help, you understand how ancient scholars created broad‑feeling views within limited land, and appreciate the modest scholarly mindset of ancient Suzhou literati.
When you wander Pingjiang Road, you step into the original layout of ancient Suzhou. You learn how canals, courtyards and local teahouses shaped residents’ daily‑life patterns and witness the long‑lasting downtown‑Jiangnan lifestyle.
Preset private route
Suzhou → Tongli Water Town → Suzhou
THE LOCAL DIFFERENCE
Step away from crowded city‑side attractions. Explore a less‑commercialized ancient water town. Slow down and appreciate the laid‑back lifestyle of local Jiangnan residents away from tourist crowds.
Observe time‑honoured stone bridges, ancient canals and courtyard‑style residences. Learn how water‑oriented layouts shaped Suzhou‑area building styles through centuries.
Preset private route
