8-Day Jiangnan Classic Tour: Shanghai, Suzhou & Hangzhou

Designed for American Travelers · 5-Star Hotels · Meals Included · Private Transportation · Dedicated English-Speaking Guide

Tour Highlights

• Shanghai Glamour: Iconic Landmarks & River Nightscape Visit Yu Garden, a masterpiece of Jiangnan classical garden architecture from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Take an evening cruise on the Huangpu River to admire shimmering neon lights along both banks, where the Bund’s historic exotic buildings contrast with Pudong’s towering skyscrapers. Ascend the Oriental Pearl TV Tower for panoramic views, and experience the grand Romance of Shanghai dance spectacular.
• Classical Jiangnan Garden Artistry Delve into the essence of classical Jiangnan gardens. Immerse yourself in the exquisite craftsmanship of southern China’s landscape architecture, featuring Suzhou’s Lingering Garden — one of China’s Four Great Classical Gardens, a pinnacle of private garden design with iconic pavilions, rock formations and waterscapes.
• Ancient Water Towns & Chan Buddhism Serenity Listen to thousand-year-old temple bells and feel the serene elegance of Jiangnan Chan culture at Hanshan Temple. Explore the world-famous resort water town of Wuzhen, with dreamy waterside scenery and the timeless romantic charm of traditional Jiangnan.
• West Lake Poetry & Song Dynasty Immersion Cruise across West Lake to admire its timeless scenery where mountains and waters blend perfectly, and nature coexists harmoniously with historic relics. Watch the epic Romance of the Song Dynasty dance show, and discover Hangzhou’s thousand-year Song Dynasty history through a spectacular audio-visual feast.
• Premium All-Inclusive Value The package covers all ground transportation, hand-selected accommodation, professional guide services and daily breakfasts. This high-quality tour features China’s modern cities and world-famous classical gardens, offering excellent value.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 | Arrival in Shanghai · First Taste of the Magic Metropolis

• Morning: Airport pickup and private transfer to your hotel for check-in.
• After lunch: Tour the iconic Bund, lined with historic exotic architectures featuring Gothic spires, ancient Greek domes, Baroque colonnades and Spanish-style balconies.
• 16:00–17:30: Visit the Oriental Pearl TV Tower for a sweeping overhead view of the Huangpu River, enjoying a cloud-walking panoramic experience.
• 19:00–21:00: Take an evening cruise along the Huangpu River to appreciate the splendid illuminated nightscape, where classic Bund buildings and modern Pudong skyscrapers glow in stunning contrast.

Day 2 | Classical Jiangnan Gardens & Shanghai Romance Show

• After breakfast: Visit Yu Garden and Yu Garden Bazaar. Admire the distinguished private garden built in the Ming Dynasty, then stroll around the world-famous commercial complex.
• Afternoon: Head to Shanghai Romance Park to watch the grand dance show Everlasting Love of Shanghai and the immersive 5D live-action performance.
• Evening: Wander along Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, where you can shop for premium Chinese tea, porcelain, silk and luxury goods all in one stop.

Day 3 | Shanghai → Suzhou · City of Classical Gardens

• 09:30–10:30: Take high-speed rail from Shanghai to Suzhou. Check in upon arrival.
• Morning: Visit the Lingering Garden, one of China’s Four Great Classical Gardens. A pinnacle of private Jiangnan garden architecture, it boasts unrivaled pavilions, halls, rock formations and waterscape designs.
• Afternoon: Stroll along Qilishantang Street, which embodies the finest natural and cultural sights of ancient Suzhou, known as “the miniature of old Suzhou and a showcase of Wu Culture”.
• 19:00–21:00: Enjoy the night view of Shantang Street.

Day 4 | In-Depth Suzhou · Hanshan Temple & Wuzhen Water Town

• Morning: Visit Hanshan Temple, one of China’s top ten famous temples. Explore the Arhat Hall, Puming Pagoda, Hanshi Hall and ancient stone steles with inscriptions. Legend says listening to the thousand-year-old temple bell can dispel worries.
• Afternoon: Head to Wuzhen. Visit East Zha, one of China’s top ten charming water towns and filming location of the movie Years Like Water. Then explore West Zha, a world-class leisure resort famed as a romantic paradise and dreamlike water town.

Day 5 | Suzhou → Hangzhou · Panoramic West Lake Cruise

• 09:30–10:30: Take high-speed rail from Suzhou to Hangzhou. Check in after arrival.
• After lunch: Embark on a full-lake cruise across West Lake Scenic Area, including a stroll along Su Causeway, fish watching at Flower Harbour, and distant views of Three Pools Mirroring the Moon. West Lake is like a poem, a natural painting and a touching legend all in one.
• Visit Leifeng Pagoda and Feilai Peak, two of the Ten Scenes of West Lake, followed by Lingyin Temple, a renowned ancient Buddhist shrine in Jiangnan.
• 20:00–21:00: Enjoy the West Lake Musical Fountain.

Day 6 | Ancient Hefang Street · Romance of the Song Dynasty Show

• After breakfast: Tour Ancient Hefang Street, which highlights cultural heritage and features traditional folk culture centered on commerce, herbal medicine and ancient architecture.
• Afternoon: Visit Songcheng Scenic Area, built in Song Dynasty architectural style and inspired by the iconic scroll painting Along the River During the Qingming Festival. It restores the urban landscape of ancient Song China, as an immersive performing arts park blending ancient charm and modern creativity.
• Don’t miss the iconic grand dance spectacular Romance of the Song Dynasty, the core highlight of Songcheng and a must-see performance.

Day 7 | Xixi Wetland · Downtown Hangzhou Leisure

• After breakfast: Visit Phase I of Xixi National Wetland Park, a filming location for many Chinese New Year movies. Covered with vast reed marshes, the park abounds in birds and wild animals, with blooming flowers and fresh air. It is China’s only national wetland integrating urban, agricultural and cultural wetlands in one site.
• Afternoon: Stroll along Southern Song Imperial Road, once the royal passage in front of the Southern Song imperial palace. Lined with time-honored shops, the street is ideal for buying two famous local specialties: Hangzhou silk and premium West Lake Longjing green tea.

Day 8 | Departure from Hangzhou

• Airport transfer arranged according to your flight schedule.
• Your wonderful journey concludes today. Throughout the trip, you have admired stunning landscapes of China’s Jiangnan region, immersed yourself in profound traditional Chinese culture, and sampled characteristic local delicacies of Shanghai, Suzhou and Hangzhou. May this journey leave you precious lifelong memories, and we wish you a smooth journey home!