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4 Days Shanghai In-depth Tour with Sidetrip to Suzhou

Integration of Ancient Charms and Modern Fashion

What are the essences to discover in modern Shanghai and classical Suzhou?

With short distance from Shanghai, convenient transfer and many unique experiences, Suzhou is the best option to enrich your vacation in Shanghai, which can be explored in a single day. This 4-day tour perfectly offers you the best highlights in the two cities in one go. You will firstly come to the “Oriental Paris”, view the amazing skyline and discover historical sites to capture the ancient and modern features, tradition and fashion looks of Shanghai. And then, make a cultural trip to Suzhou, appreciate its beauty and tranquility with visits of most poetic water town, exquisite classical garden and silk culture. You will feel two cities of completely different styles, which were both bred by Yangtze River and developed waterway transport. It’s super interesting and impressive to catch the dramatic contrast between China’s brilliant ancient cultural legacy of past and awesome up-to-date rising of today, traverse through urban vitality and time-old breath. The best highlights are well-organized at leisurely pace for you in this 4 days Shanghai Suzhou tour!

  • Type : Private Tour
  • Tour Code : CD-SS-04
  • Price : from Request
    1. 1. This price is for one person, based on a group of 2 adults sharing one double-bed room in a 4-star hotel and traveling in low seasons;
    2. 2. This price is subject to change according to your traveling season, group size, hotel class, change of activities and possible fluctuation of currency exchange rate.
  • Theme : Culture / History
  • Physical Demands :

HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS TOUR

  • View impressive skyline of Shanghai, ascend up to an iconic skyscraper - Shanghai World Financial Center, walk at 474-meter-high glass way to have a bird’s eye view of the entire Shanghai city, walk through busy Nanjing Road to feel the city hustle and bustle;
  • Go back to the old Shanghai to better understand its culture and history, visit Shanghai Museum to admire China’s fantastic cultural relics and long history, wander along the Bund and Wukang Road to grab the perfect blend of local traditional and western styles;
  • Appreciate Lingering Garden, one of China’s four most famous classic gardens, unfolding meticulous layout; elegant architecture and extraordinary harmony between human and nature;
  • Stroll leisurely in Zhouzhuang Ancient Water Town, enjoy featured traditional residential houses, bridges, graceful waterway views and take a relaxing boat trip, capture the authentic local lifestyle;
  • Have a deeper understanding of Chinese silk culture in Suzhou No.1 Silk Factory, learn the full process from the mulberry planting, silkworm breeding, silk reeling and products manufacturing and view gorgeous silk clothes;
  • Enjoy high-quality tour package with the best informative local tour guide, worry-free private transfer by our experienced driver, hotels and meals and other travel arrangements.
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Itinerary Day by Day (Can Be Customized)
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Day 1 Shanghai Arrival

Airport/train station/cruise port Pick up, Free Time

Ni Hao! Welcome to Shanghai, the biggest metropolis of China!

Upon arrival, meet your local tour guide and driver at the arrival hall of the airport/train station/cruise port and transfer to your hotel in downtown by a private comfortable vehicle. The rest of today is on your own to rest and relax. If you want to explore attractions nearby, feel free to get practical suggestions from your tour guide.

Recommended Night Activity (optional): Watch an entertaining Acrobatic Show, including breathtaking “balls of death” acts, chair balancing, hula hoops, juggling of benches, walking in the air, and other breathtaking performances (usually performed during 19:30~21:00).

  • Space Motorcycles Performed in Shanghai Circus World Space Motorcycles Performed in Shanghai Circus World

Day 2 Shanghai City Highlights Tour (B, L)

Today's Highlights: Shanghai Museum, Tianzifang, Shanghai World Financial Center, The Bund

After breakfast, you will visit Shanghai Museum, one of the best museums in China. Conveniently located near the People’s Square, this large museum is designed and built with a round top and a square base which symbolize the ancient Chinese perception of the world as “round sky, square earth”, and mainly focus on Chinese ancient history and art. Over one billion cultural relics are exhibited inside, including precious bronzes, paintings, calligraphy, ceramics, jade, sculptures, traditional furniture, seals and old coins from more than 5,000 years ago to the Qing Dynasty. Da Ke Ding(bronze food vessel in over 3000 years ago), Bianzhong of Marquis Su of Jin (ancient musical instruments) are top treasures to visit. An Audio Explanation Device will help you better learn the facts and knowledge of the exhibitions.

Next, drive to Tianzifang, a unique popular tourist enclave remolded from a traditional residential block in old town of Shanghai. Intertwined narrow alleys are filled with small creative shops selling lovely souvenirs and plenty of cafés, bars and restaurants. It’s great fun to ramble through the maze-like area to appreciate the well-preserved traditional Shanghainese Shikumen (Stone Warehouse Gate) houses, see interesting novel art and handicrafts, savor a lazy open-air coffee time and try some local street food and feel the original Shanghai life vibe.

After lunch, visit the Shanghai World Financial Center (SWFC), “the Eye of Shanghai”, one of the most incredible skyscrapers in Lujiazui. With a height of 492 meters (1,614 ft), the tower is the second tallest building after the nearby Shanghai Tower (632 meter/2,073 ft). Ascend up to the 474 meter-high 100th floor observation deck, try a thrilling skywalk on the transparent glass walkway and enjoy a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the entire city, including the Bund, neighboring Shanghai Tower, Jinmao Tower and many surrounding attractions. Feel Shanghai lying under your feet and blue sky hanging above your head.

Later, get to Nanjing Road, Shanghai’s earliest commercial street and one of the most popular current landmarks. Lots of big name brands, restaurants, cafés, souvenir shops and towering buildings can be seen when you stroll around this busy pedestrian mall. Continue your walk to the Bund, the most iconic place of Shanghai. Stretching along the west bank of the Huangpu River, this 1.5km-long road was a simple towpath for transporting good but developed to the early “East Wall Street” in late 19th century. Most known as a perfect blend of the East meeting the West, the Bund mainly features 52 various European-style architectures praised to the Exhibition of World’s Architecture. Make a pleasant walk to see those western classical and modern style buildings and amazing skyscrapers of Lujiazui across the river.

Recommended Night Activity (optional): Take a relaxing Huangpu River cruise to see the city’s most significant edifices and streets ablaze with colorful lights (about 50 minutes).

  • Da Ke Ding (Chinese Ancient Food Vessel) - Treasure of  Shanghai Museum Da Ke Ding in Shanghai Museum
  • Tourists Took Photo at The Bund with Backdrop of Lujiazui Tourists Took Photo at The Bund with Backdrop of Lujiazui
  • Take a Huangpu River Night Cruise to View Dazzling Lights on Skyscrapers Take a Huangpu River Night Cruise to View Dazzling Lights on Skyscrapers
  • 474 M High Glass Walkway in World Financial Center 474 M High Glass Walkway in World Financial Center

Day 3 Shanghai - Suzhou - Shanghai (B, L)

Today's Highlights: Zhouzhuang Water Town, Lingering Garden, Suzhou No.1 Silk Factory

After breakfast, you will drive about 1.5 hours from Shanghai to the beautiful Zhouzhuang Water Town in Suzhou City. Reputed as the No.1 Water Town in China, Zhouzhuang is one of the “Ten Most Beautiful Towns in the Globe” and “World Charming Water Town” with a long history of over 1000 years, appealing sightseeing and authentic flavor of regions south of Yangtze River in China. Visiting Zhouzhuang Ancient Town, you can see 14 ancient particular stone bridges built in Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties, multiple courtyards linking together on the winding water, more than 800 residents living by the river, etc., which is exactly the look of serene historic water town in east China. Besides the scenery, the special folk culture in Zhouzhuang will tell you about the real gem of culture in Wu area and the sole of this charming place. Famous attractions include the Double Bridge, Old Drama Stage, Cultural Street, Zhang’s Residence and Shen's Residence, etc. (Optional activity - take a relaxing cruise on the water canals at your personal expense)

Then, transfer to downtown Suzhou to visit Lingering Garden, one of the Four Greatest Gardens in China as well as the perfect representative of traditional Suzhou Gardens. The Lingering Garden has synthesized almost all the classic features of Suzhou gardens. It is composed of residential areas, shrines, family temple and garden, making full use of the changes between big and small, bend and straight, bright and dark, tall and low, tight and disperse, with the surrounding landscapes, such as plants, lakes, sky, etc. as backgrounds to create an ingenious system of space. Stepping into the garden, you will find the architectures, rockeries, corridors, pavilions, ponds and trees in Lingering Garden are all standing in the best place, neither too crowded nor too sporadic. The most incredible thing is that, in the same place, looking from different angles, you can enjoy different scenery. Making a step, you will get another feeling of another kind of scenery.

Finally, get to Suzhou No.1 Silk Factory for a great entertaining and educational experience. Acting as a living museum of Suzhou Silk, this factory exhibits not only the ancient looms in different dynasties and different weaving techniques, but also the demo of silk manufacturing from cover to cover. You can feast your eyes on each step of the magic process, including silkworms eating mulberries, machinery unraveling cocoons, workers spinning silk and so on. A sea of fancy silk items like scarves, pajamas, bags, cheongsams, shirts are also on display.

After all sightseeing, drive back to Shanghai.

  •  Lingering Garden Customer Our delighted customers visited Lingering Garden
  • Zhouzhuang Water Town Spring Zhouzhuang Water Town Spring
  • Suzhou No.1 Silk Factory Silk Products in Suzhou No.1 Silk Factory

Day 4 Shanghai Tour & Shanghai Departure (B)

Todays' Highlights: Wukakng Road, Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Center

This morning, take a leisurely walk on the charming Wukang Road which was a special premier living quarter and retail district for expats in early Shanghai (from 1849 AD until 1943 AD). You will browse hundreds of old European-style buildings, apartments, villas, boutique shops, restaurants of a wide range of culinary styles standing among the ultra-modern architecture complex. It is a significant window into the city’s up-and-down history.

Move on to the next site, Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Center, a small private museum to catch a special glimpse of the 20th century history of China. More than 400 interesting exhibits are displayed, including original Dazibao (Big Character Poster) and woodcuts, arm bands, pretty Shanghai Lady Posters from early 20th century to the 1970s China. You can see many Chinese stylized images, explicit slogans for advocating economical and technological development, as well as beautiful Shanghai Lady calender posters reflecting early fashion trend and advertising creativity, which are all with good explanation.

After the short visit, your guide and driver take you to the airport/train station/curise port for your next destination or home. Tour ends.

  • Wukang Road City Walk Wukang Road City Walk
  • Western-style Architecture and Beautiful Plane Trees in Wukang Road Western-style Architecture and Beautiful Plane Trees in Wukang Road
  • Propaganda Posters Exhibited in Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Center Propaganda Posters of 21th Century of China Exhibited in Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Center

The quotation for this trip is from Request Per Person

1. This price is for one person, based on a group of 2 adults sharing one standard double-bed room in 4-star hotel and traveling with our private tour in low seasons.
2. This price is subject to change according your traveling season, group size, hotel class, change of activities in your itinerary and possible fluctuation of currency exchange rate. If you want a lower price, you can get more people to join you, or use economy class hotels.
3. This price is only valid to March 31, 2025.
4. Reference exchange rate of USD 1=RMB 7.00. The final quote is based on current exchange rate. It may change according to the currency fluctuation, while the RMB quotation will be remained the same.

What's included?

  • Professional licensed English-speaking guide;
  • Admission tickets for all attractions listed in the itinerary;
  • Accommodation as listed in the itinerary (4-star standard);
  • Necessary vehicle transfers as listed in the itinerary;
  • Domestic flights (economy class) and high-speed trains (second class) as listed in the itinerary;
  • Airport (and train station) pick up and drop off;
  • Luggage Transfers: between airports (railway station) and hotels;
  • All meals as listed (“B” for Chinese and Western breakfast buffet in your hotel; “L” for Chinese Lunch in local restaurant; “D” for Chinese dinner in local restaurant.);
  • Accident insurance;
  • Our service charge, including tour planning, handling, operational and communication charges.

What's excluded?

  • China visa;
  • Personal expenses;
  • Accommodation not listed in the itinerary;
  • Single Room Supplement;
  • Tourist sites which are not listed in the itinerary;
  • Recommended optional activities;
  • Flights or trains not listed in the itinerary (we can book for you);
  • Personal expenses;
  • Excess Baggage Charges;
  • Optional tips to guides, drivers, etc.

Check What our delighted customers are saying about our services

Hi Tracy,

The tour you put together for us was great, we got to see the major sites. We really enjoyed gubei water town and wished we had more time there.

The ski day was luckily sunny and the kids had a lot of fun. It's their first time skiing so we didn't really know what to expect. It turned out well.

Driver Mr Hu and Guide Jamie were super patient with us. My kids sleep very late so we start everyday around 9am. They were very flexible and catered well to our needs.

Celestine

Celestine‚ Malaysia, March 14, 2024

Dear Leo,

Feedback as follows:

1. You are fast and patient to answer.

2. The tour arrangements are very good.

3. Willing to recommend your service.

4. Very impressive

Linda

Linda‚ Singapore, March 14, 2024

Hi April,

I loved everything about the tour and everyone that helped me along the way.

Here's some comments and photos:

China Discovery provided exceptional service in customizing our trip to Guilin, Yangshuo, and Longsheng in late February 2024. April, my travel consultant, was responsive, helpful, and friendly, addressing all my questions and needs promptly. Our tour guide, Steven, was not only friendly but also adaptable to our needs and the unexpected weather conditions (there was a cold front during our trip) without the need for me to ask. His food recommendations for our meals at every restaurant were superb and we got to taste not only the local specialty but also what the restaurant is known for. Last but not least, Mr. Young, our driver, ensured our safety with his steady driving.

Cheers!

Wendy

Wendy‚ Singapore, March 13, 2024

Dear Ms. Jiang,

We are so pleased with your China tour and are so thankful for all your help.

All the tour guides and drivers have been excellent and we felt very well taken care off.

We felt very safe and therefore could enjoy the tour without any worries.

Not only did we see a lot we also learned a lot about China, the country, the people, etc.

I think it is of great benefit to participate in this kind of a tour, first of all we did not have to share the tour guide with other persons, so we could ask all the questions that came to mind. Also that there was no shopping as a part of the tour was a plus.

Thanks again for a wonderful experience

Rosemarie

Rosemarie‚ USA, March 12, 2024

Afternoon Rita,

Apologies for the delay. As requested:

1. How do you comment your tour arrangements? DL: Overall an excellent service, well organised and a brilliant tour guide with expert knowledge/guidance.

Are you willing to recommend our service to your people who also have an interest to visit China? DL: Absolutely.

Not only did we see a lot we also learned a lot about China, the country, the people, etc.

I think it is of great benefit to participate in this kind of a tour, first of all we did not have to share the tour guide with other persons, so we could ask all the questions that came to mind. Also that there was no shopping as a part of the tour was a plus.

Thanks again for a wonderful experience

David L

David L‚ USA, March 12, 2024
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Esther G
"It was our 1st trip with China Discovery and pleased that we had such a wonderful time. Thanks to our tour consultant Rita Jiang who customised our private tour of 4. Hotels were excellent..." read more »
Reviewed on March 21, 2024
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Esther G
"It was our 1st trip with China Discovery and pleased that we had such a wonderful time. Thanks to our tour consultant Rita Jiang who customised our private tour of 4. Hotels were excellent..." read more »
Reviewed on March 21, 2024
Read all reviews(1,820+)

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Once you arrive in the destination, the patient and punctual guides will pick you up and take you to get under skin of the city at your own pace. By in-depth discovery and explanation, they’ll show you more about the history, culture, customs and authentic local life. Throughout the journey, they're not only expert guides who take care of all the details but also fellow travelers who are dedicated to help you explore in comfort and style.

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The hotels we choose are based on star rating, great locations, well-equipped facilities, cozy bed, high quality service and guests’ feedbacks. Choices are a lot ranging from luxury 5 star, comfortable 4 star to budget 3 star. You could decide where to stay to best suit for your budget and likes. Generally, the hotels have both Western and Chinese breakfast with a wide choices.

If you have already got an ideal hotel, please feel free to tell our travel consultants and they'll book the hotel for you.

Have good sleep in our well-selected hotels in all the destinations of China.

Meals & Dining

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We can satisfy all the dietary requirements no matter you want Chinese local food, western food, vegetarian food or muslin food.

The restaurants we will take you for lunch or dinner are all designated tourist restaurants approved by local tourist administration bureau. They have very good sanitary conditions and the food is prepared fresh and clean.

There will be some meals excluded in your itinerary as you like, and your private guide will be delighted to give you some suggestions and take you to the local restaurants to taste like Beijing Roast Duck, Xian Dumpling Dinner, Sichuan Hotpot, etc., if you are interested in local food tasting.

All the dining options will satisfy your stomach!

Photo gallery of this trip

  • Space Motorcycles Performed in Shanghai Circus World Space Motorcycles Performed in Shanghai Circus World
  • Da Ke Ding (Chinese Ancient Food Vessel) - Treasure of  Shanghai Museum Da Ke Ding (Chinese Ancient Food Vessel) - Treasure of Shanghai Museum
  • Tourists Took Photo at The Bund with Backdrop of Lujiazui Tourists Took Photo at The Bund with Backdrop of Lujiazui
  • Take a Huangpu River Night Cruise to View Dazzling Lights on Skyscrapers Take a Huangpu River Night Cruise to View Dazzling Lights on Skyscrapers
  • 474 M High Glass Walkway in World Financial Center 474 M High Glass Walkway in World Financial Center
  •  Lingering Garden Customer Lingering Garden Customer
  • Zhouzhuang Water Town Spring Zhouzhuang Water Town Spring
  • Suzhou No.1 Silk Factory Suzhou No.1 Silk Factory
  • Wukang Road City Walk Wukang Road City Walk
  • Western-style Architecture and Beautiful Plane Trees in Wukang Road Western-style Architecture and Beautiful Plane Trees in Wukang Road
  • Propaganda Posters Exhibited in Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Center Propaganda Posters Exhibited in Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Center

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