Grand Tour of Eastern China: Water Towns, Gardens & Peaks
An Immersive Cultural and Scenic Adventure Through Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou and Huangshan
Itinerary Overview
This 9-day premium tour takes you through the most spectacular landscapes and culturally rich destinations in Eastern China. From the modern metropolis of Shanghai to ancient water towns, classical gardens, and the breathtaking peaks of Huangshan, this journey offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, historical exploration, and cultural immersion.
Detailed Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Shanghai - Gateway to Eastern China
Highlights: Airport transfer, hotel check-in, leisure time - Meals: No meals included - Recommended Hotel: Sunrise On The Bund ★★★★ - Arrive at Shanghai airport where our tour guide will greet you - Transfer to your hotel for check-in - Free time to rest or explore the immediate vicinity at your leisure - Overnight in Shanghai
Day 2: Shanghai Exploration - Where Tradition Meets Modernity
Highlights: Shikumen architecture, The Bund, Jade Buddha Temple, Oriental Pearl TV Tower - Meals: Breakfast & Lunch - Recommended Hotel: Sunrise On The Bund ★★★★ - 09:00-09:30: Hotel pickup and tour briefing - 09:30-12:30: Explore Shikumen residential architecture, walk along the historic Bund waterfront, and stroll through Shanghai Old Street - 12:30-13:30: Lunch featuring local specialties including Dim Sum and Steamed Buns - 13:30-16:30: Visit the serene Jade Buddha Temple, experience the modern Lujiazui CBD area, ascend the Oriental Pearl TV Tower for panoramic city views, and explore the Shanghai History Exhibition Hall - 16:30-17:30: Return to hotel with optional evening acrobatic show recommendations
Day 3: Shanghai to Suzhou - Water Towns and Ancient Streets
Highlights: Tongli Water Town, Pingjiang Ancient Street, Tiger Hill - Meals: Breakfast & Lunch - Recommended Hotel: Garden Hotel ★★★★ - 09:00-09:30: Hotel pickup in Shanghai - 09:30-12:30: Scenic drive to Tongli Water Town featuring Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture with a traditional canal boat experience - 12:30-13:30: Lunch at a local restaurant in Tongli - 13:30-16:30: Travel to Suzhou to explore the 800-year-old Pingjiang Ancient Street and visit the historic Tiger Hill, known as the "No. 1 Sight of Suzhou" - 16:30-17:30: Hotel check-in with evening leisure time; Jinji Lake recommended for night activities
Day 4: Suzhou to Hangzhou - Gardens and High-Speed Travel
Highlights: Lingering Garden, Suzhou Museum, Silk Factory, High-speed train to Hangzhou - Meals: Breakfast & Lunch - Recommended Hotel: Zhejiang International Hotel ★★★★ - 09:00-09:30: Morning hotel pickup - 09:30-12:30: Visit the exquisite Lingering Garden (one of China's four great gardens) and the architecturally significant Suzhou Museum designed by I.M. Pei - 12:30-13:30: Lunch near Suzhou Museum - Afternoon: Tour a traditional Silk Factory to learn about silk production, then transfer to Suzhou train station - Late Afternoon: High-speed train journey to Hangzhou with guide meeting service upon arrival - Hotel transfer and check-in in Hangzhou
Day 5: Hangzhou Discovery - West Lake and Cultural Treasures
Highlights: West Lake cruise, Lingyin Temple, Six Harmonies Pagoda, Tea Museum, Hefang Street - Meals: Breakfast & Lunch - Recommended Hotel: Zhejiang International Hotel ★★★★ - 09:00-09:30: Early morning hotel pickup - 09:30-12:30: West Lake cruise and exploration followed by visit to the spiritually significant Lingyin Temple - 12:30-13:30: Lunch featuring traditional Hangzhou cuisine - 13:30-17:00: Ascend Six Harmonies Pagoda for Qiantang River views, explore the China Tea Museum to learn about tea culture and production, and enjoy shopping at historic Hefang Street - 17:00-17:30: Return to hotel with optional Impression Show of West Lake recommendation
Day 6: Hangzhou to Huangshan - Ancient Villages and Architecture
Highlights: High-speed train to Huangshan, Chengkan Ancient Village, Tunxi Old Street - Meals: Breakfast & Lunch - Recommended Hotel: Huangshan International Hotel ★★★★ - 07:30-08:00: Early check-out and transfer to Hangzhou East train station - 09:30-14:00: High-speed train journey to Huangshan with lunch upon arrival - 14:00-17:00: Explore Chengkan Ancient Village featuring well-preserved Ming Dynasty architecture and Huizhou cultural artifacts with local snack tasting - 17:00-18:00: Hotel check-in in Huangshan city followed by evening exploration of Tunxi Old Street, known as "The Eastern Ancient Rome"
Day 7: Huangshan Mountain Adventure - Peaks and Canyons
Highlights: Mt. Huangshan ascent, Lion Peak, Shixin Peak, Grand Canyon of Xihai - Meals: Breakfast & Lunch - Recommended Hotel: Beihai Hotel ★★★★★ (on mountain) - 09:00-09:30: Hotel pickup with luggage storage arrangement - 09:30-12:30: Cable car ascent of Mt. Huangshan, hike to Beihai Hotel with stops at Lion Peak and Shixin Peak to admire the famous "four wonders" - odd-shaped pines, grotesque rock formations, seas of clouds, and hot springs - 12:30-13:30: Hotel check-in and lunch at mountain hotel restaurant - 13:30-18:30: Afternoon hike through the spectacular Grand Canyon of Xihai (West Sea), a circular route offering breathtaking views and prime scenic spots - Overnight on Mt. Huangshan
Day 8: Huangshan to Shanghai - Sunrise and Return Journey
Highlights: Mt. Huangshan sunrise, high-speed train to Shanghai - Meals: Breakfast & Lunch - Recommended Hotel: Sunrise On The Bund ★★★★ - 06:00-12:00: Optional early morning sunrise viewing at Danxia Peak (weather dependent), return to hotel for break, then cable car descent - 12:00-13:30: Lunch in Huangshan old town and luggage retrieval from city hotel - 14:00-18:30: High-speed train journey to Shanghai with guide meeting service and hotel transfer upon arrival - Overnight in Shanghai
Day 9: Departure from Shanghai - Journey Conclusion
Highlights: Airport transfer with optional Maglev train experience - Meals: Breakfast - Free time until scheduled airport transfer - Optional Maglev train experience to Pudong International Airport - Departure and end of services