Eastern China Odyssey: Water Towns & Gardens
Rediscover Eastern China's Cultural Heritage and Natural Splendor
Day 1: Arrival in Shanghai - Gateway to Modern China
Welcome to China's Cosmopolitan Metropolis
Meals: No Meals
Accommodation: Sunrise On The Bund ★★★★
Arrive at Shanghai International Airport where your personal guide will greet you and provide private transfer to your hotel. After check-in, the remainder of the day is yours to relax or begin exploring this dynamic city at your own pace.
Day 2: Shanghai's Dual Personality - Colonial Heritage Meets Modern Marvels
Exploring Historical Landmarks and Contemporary Architecture
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Sunrise On The Bund ★★★★
[09:00-09:30] Morning hotel pickup to commence your Shanghai exploration
[09:30-12:30] Begin at Shikumen, experiencing the unique architectural fusion of Western and Chinese styles in these preserved residential lanes. Proceed to The Bund, Shanghai's historic waterfront showcasing colonial-era buildings, followed by cultural immersion at Shanghai Old Street
[12:30-13:30] Authentic Shanghai lunch featuring regional specialties including Dim Sum and Steamed Buns
[13:30-16:30] Spiritual visit to Jade Buddha Temple followed by transition to Lujiazui CBD. Experience panoramic city views from the Oriental Pearl TV Tower's observation deck and explore the Shanghai History Exhibition Hall to understand the city's remarkable transformation
[16:30-17:30] Return transfer to hotel with optional evening entertainment recommendations including the acclaimed ERA acrobatic show
Day 3: Shanghai to Suzhou - Water Town Charm and Classical Gardens
Tongli's Canals and Suzhou's Historic Treasures
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Garden Hotel ★★★★
[09:00-09:30] Morning departure from Shanghai hotel
[09:30-12:30] Journey to Tongli Water Town, a perfectly preserved Ming and Qing dynasty settlement featuring traditional gardens, residences, and temples. Experience the town's unique atmosphere through a traditional wooden boat cruise along its ancient waterways
[12:30-13:30] Waterside lunch at authentic Tongli restaurant
[13:30-16:30] Continue to Suzhou for exploration of Pingjiang Ancient Street, an 800-year-old cultural thoroughfare. Visit Tiger Hill, renowned as "Suzhou's Number One Sight," featuring historical pagodas and classical Chinese landscaping
[16:30-17:30] Hotel check-in with evening recommendations including Jinji Lake's spectacular fountain and light shows
Day 4: Suzhou to Hangzhou - Garden Mastery and Silk Heritage
Architectural Wonders and Traditional Crafts
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Zhejiang International Hotel ★★★★
[09:00-09:30] Morning hotel departure
[09:30-12:30] Discover Suzhou's garden artistry at Lingering Garden, one of China's four great classical gardens. Visit Suzhou Museum, architectural masterpiece designed by I.M. Pei, showcasing regional art and artifacts
[12:30-13:30] Lunch near Suzhou Museum
[13:30-17:00] Educational visit to Silk Factory demonstrating traditional silk production techniques. Transfer to Suzhou Station for high-speed train to Hangzhou, where local guide provides airport-style meet and transfer service to hotel
Day 5: Hangzhou - West Lake Serenity and Tea Culture
China's Historic Leisure Capital
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Zhejiang International Hotel ★★★★
[09:00-09:30] Morning hotel pickup
[09:30-12:30] Full immersion in West Lake UNESCO World Heritage site, including scenic cruise and lakeside walking exploration. Visit Lingyin Temple, ancient Buddhist sanctuary surrounded by lush hills and spiritual atmosphere
[12:30-13:30] Traditional Hangzhou cuisine lunch
[13:30-17:00] Ascend Six Harmonies Pagoda for panoramic Qiantang River views. Explore China Tea Museum to understand tea cultivation and cultural significance. Conclude at Hefang Street, Hangzhou's historic commercial thoroughfare for souvenir shopping and local snacks
[17:00-17:30] Return transfer with optional evening Impression West Lake performance recommendation
Day 6: Hangzhou to Huangshan - Ancient Villages and Mountain Preparation
Transition to Huangshan's Cultural Landscape
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Huangshan International Hotel ★★★★
[07:30-08:00] Early morning check-out and transfer to Hangzhou East Station
[09:30-14:00] Scenic high-speed rail journey to Huangshan, including onboard lunch service
[14:00-17:00] Explore Chengkan Ancient Village, exceptional example of Ming Dynasty architecture and Huizhou cultural traditions. Experience local delicacies including regional bean curd specialties
[17:00-18:00] Check-in at Huangshan city hotel with evening exploration of Tunxi Old Street, known as "The Eastern Ancient Rome" for its well-preserved historical architecture and vibrant food scene
Day 7: Huangshan Mountain - Peak Exploration and Natural Wonders
Full Day Mountain Adventure Among Granite Peaks and Pine Forests
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Beihai Hotel ★★★★★
[09:00-09:30] Morning departure with luggage storage at city hotel
[09:30-12:30] Cable car ascent of Mt. Huangshan to explore its legendary granite peaks, peculiarly-shaped pine trees, and spectacular rock formations. Hike to hotel while visiting Lion Peak and Shixin Peak en route
[12:30-13:30] Mountain hotel check-in and lunch
[13:30-18:30] Afternoon expedition through Grand Canyon of Xihai, Huangshan's most dramatic scenic area featuring breathtaking cliffside pathways, deep ravines, and panoramic viewpoints. Circular hiking route returns to mountain accommodation
Day 8: Huangshan Sunrise and Return to Shanghai
Mountain Dawn and High-Speed Return Journey
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Sunrise On The Bund ★★★★
[06:00-12:00] Optional sunrise viewing from Danxia Peak (weather permitting) to witness Huangshan's famous "Sea of Clouds" phenomenon. Cable car descent and mountain departure
[12:00-13:30] Lunch in Huangshan old town with luggage retrieval from city hotel
[14:00-18:30] High-speed rail return to Shanghai with guide meet-and-transfer service to hotel
Day 9: Shanghai Departure - Journey Conclusion
Farewell to Eastern China
Meals: Breakfast
Leisure morning followed by private airport transfer. Optional Maglev train experience to Pudong International Airport available upon request.
Tour Services Conclude