The Grand Canal & Eastern China Treasures
An Exclusive 7-Day Exploration of Shanghai, Suzhou, and Hangzhou
Introduction
This meticulously crafted 7-day journey through Eastern China offers an unparalleled private travel experience, combining modern luxury with ancient tradition. Designed specifically for discerning travelers and business visitors, this itinerary provides exclusive access to China's most iconic eastern destinations with personalized service catering to individual interests. From Shanghai's glittering skyline to Suzhou's classical gardens and Hangzhou's poetic West Lake, discover the perfect blend of business and leisure in China's most dynamic region.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Shanghai - Gateway to Modern China
Transfer service to hotel
Meals: No Meals Recommended Hotel: SSAW Boutique Hotel Shanghai Bund ★★★★
Arrive in Shanghai, China's dazzling metropolis where East meets West. Your personal TCT tour guide will greet you at the airport and provide private transfer to your hotel. After check-in, the remainder of the day is yours to relax or begin exploring this vibrant city at your leisure.
Shanghai City View
Day 2: Shanghai Highlights - Tradition Meets Innovation
Jade Buddha Temple, the exterior of Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai Old Street, The Bund
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Recommended Hotel: SSAW Boutique Hotel Shanghai Bund ★★★★
[09:00-09:30] Your guide meets you at the hotel lobby to begin exploring China's most dynamic city.
[09:30-12:30] Travel to Shanghai People's Square, visiting the renowned Shanghai Museum, home to China's finest collection of ancient art. Discover bronze ware, ceramics, and calligraphy among 120,000 precious cultural relics. Enjoy shopping at Shanghai Old Street for unique souvenirs and silk products, followed by a leisurely stroll along The Bund, famous for its spectacular "Gallery of World Architecture."
[12:30-13:30] Lunch featuring local specialties including Dim Sum and Steamed Buns.
[13:30-16:30] Visit the sacred Jade Buddha Temple, renowned for its magnificent seated Buddha adorned with jewels. Continue to the iconic Oriental Pearl TV Tower for photography opportunities from the Riverside Promenade.
[16:30-17:30] Return to your hotel with the option to book an evening acrobatic show, particularly the spectacular ERA performance, one of Shanghai's most popular evening entertainments.
The Bund
Day 3: Shanghai to Suzhou - Water Town Charm
Drive to Suzhou by private vehicle, Tongli Water Town, Tiger Hill
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Recommended Hotel: Garden Hotel ★★★★
[09:00-09:30] Your guide meets you at the hotel lobby.
[09:30-12:30] Journey to Tongli Water Town, celebrated for its well-preserved Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture including traditional gardens, residences, and temples. Experience the authentic atmosphere with a tranquil wooden boat ride through the ancient canals.
[12:30-13:30] Lunch at a local restaurant in Tongli Water Town.
[13:30-16:30] Travel to Suzhou after lunch and visit Tiger Hill, known as the "No. 1 Sight of Suzhou." Explore this 34-meter hill renowned for both its natural beauty and historical significance.
[16:30-17:30] Return to your hotel with evening at leisure. We recommend visiting Jinji Lake for night activities, featuring Asia's premier water sky wheel and spectacular laser shows.
Tongli Water Town
Day 4: Suzhou Exploration - Gardens and Silk
Lingering Garden, Suzhou Museum, Pingjiang Ancient Street, Silk Factory
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Recommended Hotel: Garden Hotel ★★★★
[09:00-09:30] Your guide meets you at the hotel lobby.
[09:30-12:30] Begin your exploration of China's classical gardens with a visit to the magnificent Lingering Garden, one of China's four great gardens. Continue to the architectural masterpiece of Suzhou Museum, designed by the renowned I.M. Pei.
[12:30-13:30] Lunch at a local restaurant near Suzhou Museum.
[13:30-16:30] Enjoy a leisurely walk along Pingjiang Ancient Street, an 800-year-old cultural road preserving traditional Suzhou charm. Afterwards, visit a Silk Factory to witness the fascinating process of silk production.
[16:30-17:30] Return to your hotel with evening at leisure. We recommend exploring Shantang Old Street or strolling along the Grand Canal to appreciate Suzhou's enchanting night scenery.
Lingering Garden
Day 5: Suzhou to Hangzhou - West Lake Serenity
Take high speed train to Hangzhou, West Lake, Hu Qingyu Traditional Pharmacy
Meals: Breakfast Recommended Hotel: Zhejiang International Hotel ★★★★
Your guide assists with hotel check-out and provides transfer to Suzhou railway station. Board the bullet train to Hangzhou (approximately 2 hours). Upon arrival, your Hangzhou guide meets you and transfers you to your hotel.
In the afternoon, explore the legendary West Lake, beginning with Su Causeway, one of the Ten Scenes of West Lake. Discover the lake's beauty using local public bikes or shuttle buses. Cycle from Su Causeway to West Lake Colored Port View Fish Garden (approximately 30 minutes) to witness thousands of vibrant red carps. Continue to Bai Causeway for a one-hour walking tour showcasing the area's most famous scenery.
Visit Hu Qingyu Traditional Pharmacy, showcasing traditional Chinese architecture and medical science. Discover the mysteries of traditional Chinese medicine through interactive exhibits.
West Lake
Day 6: Hangzhou Discovery - Tea and Temples
Meijiawu Tea Plantation, Chenghuangge Pavilion, Lingyin Temple, Hefang Street
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Recommended Hotel: Zhejiang International Hotel ★★★★
[09:00-10:00] Your guide meets you at the hotel lobby.
[10:00-12:00] Experience the authentic tea culture at Meijiawu Tea Culture Village, renowned for its natural beauty and traditional tea farming practices. Local tea farmers guide you through terraced tea plantations, demonstrating tea picking and processing techniques. Participate in a traditional tea ceremony at a local tea farmer's house.
[12:30-14:00] Enjoy a unique snacks banquet at Chenghuangge Pavilion, offering panoramic views of Hangzhou and West Lake. Savor local delicacies including flower tea, lotus powder, Hangzhou cat's ear noodle, and crisp cakes while enjoying traditional Chinese musical performances.
[14:00-17:00] Visit Lingyin Temple, celebrated for both its Buddhist significance and stunning natural surroundings. Conclude with shopping at Hefang Street, Hangzhou's historic commercial center.
[17:00-17:30] Return to your hotel with the option to enjoy evening activities or watch the spectacular Impression Show of West Lake.
Meijiawu Tea Plantation
Day 7: Departure - Journey Conclusion
Take bus to Shanghai Pudong airport directly
Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy a leisurely morning before transfer to Hangzhou bus station for direct coach service to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (approximately 3.5 hours). We coordinate bus departure times according to your flight schedule.
Service Ends