8 Days East China Tour by High Speed Train (Shanghai/Suzhou/Nanjing/Hangzhou)
Yangtze Delta In-depth Exploration
Yangtze Delta In-depth Exploration
The Yangtze River Delta, home to cities like Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou, and Nanjing, is not only China's economic powerhouse but also a vibrant showcase of its modern flair, rich history, diverse cultures, and incredible cuisine.
This 8-day private tour invites you to discover the essence of eastern China—from vibrant urban centers to tranquil natural beauty, from time-honored capitals to cutting-edge cities. Begin your journey in Shanghai, China's most dynamic and international metropolis. Continue to Suzhou, known for its classical gardens and picturesque water towns. Then, take a high-speed train to Nanjing, the historic capital of six dynasties, before heading to Hangzhou, which is celebrated as “heaven on earth” and now a center of China's tech innovation. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or a modern explorer, this tour offers the perfect blend of past and present, tradition and innovation.
Traveling with China Discovery, you will enjoy a worry-free travel experience with efficient high-speed train rides, private expert-guided tours, hand-picked accommodations, and a fully customizable itinerary tailored to your interests.
Day 1 Shanghai Arrival (B)
Airport/train station/port pick up
Ni Hao! Welcome to Shanghai, the biggest metropolis in China!
Upon arrival, you will be met by a local tour guide at the arrival hall of the airport/train station/port and escorted to check in your hotel in downtown by a private comfortable vehicle. The rest of today is on your own to relax. If you want to explore nearby, feel free to get some practical suggestions from your tour guide.
Optional Activity - Attend 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).
Arrival Ideas: At present, there are many international and many domestic flights to and from Shanghai. Also, you can arrive in Shanghai city by taking a high speed train from Beijing (5-6hrs), Xian (6-7hrs), Hangzhou (1hrs), Suzhou (30mins), Huangshan (4hrs), and so on.
Acrobatic Show Performed in Shanghai Circus World
Day 2 Shanghai (B, L)
Today's Highlights: Shanghai Tower, Shanghai Museum, Wukang Road, Nanjing Road, The Bund
After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel to start your Shanghai exploration. Your will firstly visit, and ascend the Shanghai Tower - China's tallest building and a marvel of modern engineering, standing at 632 meters (2,073 ft). Take one of the world's fastest elevators to the 118th-floor observation deck, perched 546 meters high, from which you will feast your eyes on a jaw-dropping panorama of Shanghai, including the Jinmao Tower, the Shanghai World Financial Center, and the Oriental Pearl Tower almost at eye level. Look farther and spot the historic Bund, its classic European-style buildings lining the Huangpu River like a living postcard.
Next, visit Shanghai Museum, one of the Four Best Museums in China. There are over one billion cultural relics related to Chinese ancient history and art 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 the top treasures to visit. An Audio Explanation Device will help you better learn the facts and knowledge of the exhibitions.
After Lunch, 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.
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 No. 1 attraction in 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, 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.
After the tour, drive back to your hotel. (If you want to spend free time at the Bund, Nanjing Road or somewhere else please let your tour guide know.)
Day 3 Shanghai - Suzhou - Nanjing (B, L)
Today's Highlights: Lingering Garden, Shantang Ancient Street, Tiger Hill, Suzhou Silk Museum
In this morning, you will be driven to Suzhou - the Garden City. You will firstly take an interesting visit to 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 fully use of the changings between big and small, bend and straight, bright and dark, tall and low, tight and disperse, with the surrounding landscapes, such as trees, flowers, lake, sky, as backgrounds to create an ingenious system of space. After visiting Lingering Garden, move on to next site – Shantang Ancient Street, a wonderful place for a relaxing walking or leisure cruise on canals. It used to be an important trade and culture center during Ming and Qing Dynasties, and now is famous as “the miniature of old Suzhou and the window of Wu culture”. Enjoy the ornate water-town style architectures, marvel at the bustling streets and savor at local snacks.
In the afternoon, you will go to explore the most historical site in Suzhou – Tiger Hill. The hill is only 36 meters in height, but covers about 3.5 acres areas with a number of historical sites some of which have history over 2,500 years. The most famous site is the Yunyan Pagoda which is an over-1000-year-old pagoda with seven stories in height and famously leans much the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Apart from the history, the Tiger Hill is also an amazing place to go for a walk, enjoy natural scenery and experience local custom. Next, transfer to Suzhou Silk Museum which is China’s first professional silk museum, established in 1989. The museum aims to promote silk culture, protect silk relics, preserve silk craftsmanship, and spread knowledge about silk.
After the tour, escort to the railway station to take the high-speed train to Nanjing (about 1.5hrs). Have a good rest in Hangzhou.
Day 4 Nanjing Cutural Exploration (B, L)
Today's Highlights: Mausoleum park of Sun Yat-sen, Xiaoling Mausoleum, Confucius Temple, Qinhuai River
After breakfast, your tour guide will accompany you to explore Nanjing's rich and diverse culture.
Start with an educational visit to the Nanjing Museum, one of the Four Greatest Museums in China. It houses a permanent collection of around 400,000 items, spanning from the Paleolithic Age to the contemporary era—each a rare treasure and masterpiece from past dynasties. Its two most notable specialties are its extensive collection of imperial porcelain and authentic paintings from the Ming and Qing dynasties, both among the largest in the world.
Next, head to the Purple Mountain, the final resting place of emperors and great leaders—including Zhu Yuanzhang, the founder of the Ming Dynasty, and Sun Yat-sen, known as the "Father of the Republic of China." You'll uncover the legacy of these historical giants in one fascinating visit. Firstly, go to Zhongshan Ling (Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum), located at the foot of Purple Mountain. This is the mausoleum of Sun Yat-sen, who led the revolution that ended over 2,000 years of China's feudal monarchy. Often compared to the Lincoln Memorial in the U.S., the site features 392 steps leading to the tomb, flanked by impressive buildings and elegant landscapes. Pay your respects to this national hero and enjoy a mesmerizing panoramic view of Nanjing and its surroundings. Then explore Xiaoling of Ming Dynasty, located nearby. This grand tomb belongs to Zhu Yuanzhang, who unified China and established the powerful Ming Dynasty. Spanning over 1.7 million square meters, it is more a vast complex of palaces, temples, and greenery than a typical tomb. It took 25 years and over 100,000 workers to complete. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Xiaoling is celebrated for its majestic architecture and imperial mausoleum culture. All subsequent Ming and Qing mausoleums were modeled after its design. You'll also walk at a leisurely pace along the Sacred Way, guarded by ancient stone sculptures of animals and warriors, adding a peaceful and solemn touch to your visit.
After sightseeing, you'll be transferred back to your hotel for some rest.
Please note: Due to high demand, reservations for Nanjing Museum can be challenging. In the event we are unable to secure entry, we will arrange a visit to the Imperial Examination Museum of China instead. This museum offers a unique and insightful look into the country's historic imperial civil examination system and is the only one of its kind in China.
Day 5 Nanjing - Hangzhou (B, L)
Today's Highlights: Ancient City Wall, Niushoushan Forest Park
After breakfast, go for enjoy a leisure stroll on the Ancient City Wall (Xuanwumen Section) which is the longest, largest, and best-preserved ancient city wall in the world. It was built about 650 years ago, with about 25 km remaining well. An interesting fact is many of the bricks in the wall have signatures of the artisans who originally made the brick, which is believed to be helpful to guarantee the quality of the walls. Walking on the top of the wall gives to you the nice highlight of ancient time and modern Nanjing.
After the impressive mausoleums visiting, drive heading to Niushoushan Forest Park, a hidden treasure of Nanjing, a place where both Buddhists and regular tourists can enjoy. After entering the park, you will ride a sightseeing bus to the Usnisa Palace at the top to start sightseeing. The palace is a modern building that is 9 storeys and built into an iron quarry, with fabulous design. It was built to collectively exhibits and preserves the treasure of the Buddhist world - the world's only parietal relic of Buddha. One has to see it to believe it. You will also take your time to visit the iconic Foding Temple and Foding Pagoda, and enjoy some leisure walking in the park.
After the tour, transfer to the train station to take a high-speed train to Hangzhou (1.5 hours). The rest time after checking in to your hotel is free to relax.
Day 6 Hangzhou - Wuzhen - Hangzhou (B, L)
Today's highlight: Wuzhen West Scenic Area
After breakfast today, your travel guide and driver will meet you at your hotel and escort you to Wuzhen with about 1.5 hours driving to have a classic laid-back exploration of essence parts of Wuzhen, the West Scenic Area. (Note: the number and order of attractions can be adjusted based on your schedule and interests.)
Wuzhen with over 6,000 years old is one of the four great water towns at the region south of the Yangtze River and one of the ten most charming famous towns in China. Praised as the “last town resting on water in China” and a land flowing with milk and honey, Wuzhen is the top popular place to see the typical look of water towns in south China.
Upon your arrival, take your time to discover the West Scenic Area of Wuzhen, which is most popular among international visitors with over 20 scenic spots telling the culture, history and folk custom of Wuzhen and terrific night lights sightseeing. Stroll leisurely along the well-preserved streets and lanes to visit the remained dyeing workshop with herbs and hanging cloths, “three-inch “golden lotuses” with over 800 pairs of various foot binding shoes, old post office operating for more than 110 years, etc. Of course, you will not miss the Bailian Pagoda, Tongji Bridge and Renji Bridge, large classic garden, ancient academy, soy sauce workshop, plentiful of old constructions from Ming and Qing era, and various shops and stores selling local handicrafts and snacks. (Optional activity: you can get on a sculling boat to admire the water town sightseeing from a different angle along the little river, which needs extra payment.)
After today’s visiting, your guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel in Hangzhou downtown. Have a good sleep!
Day 7 Hangzhou (B, L)
Today's highlights: West Lake, Qiaoxi Conservation Area, the Former Residence of Hu Xueyan, Hefang Street
After breakfast today, your guide and driver will meet you at your hotel and escort you to start today’s Hangzhou exploration!
First, make the exciting visit to the picturesque West Lake, which is the iconic site of Hangzhou and a pretty UNESCO World Heritage. Just as the famous traveler Marco Polo did and wrote: “A voyage on this lake offers more refreshment and pleasure than any other experience on earth”, you will start with a leisure cruise (about 45 mins) to enjoy the tranquil lake views as well as the ancient pagodas, traditional arched bridges, tree-lined walkways, beautiful hills, green islands and lush gardens including visit to the beautiful Three Ponds Mirroring the Moon. After the cruise, visit West Lake's highlights like Su Causeway, Broken Bridge, and scenic parks by foot or included sightseeing vehicle. The lake's vastness makes full exploration impractical, but your guide will customize the itinerary based on your schedule and energy levels.
Next, go to have an interesting cultural visit to Qiaoxi Conservation Area which is a peaceful cultural block sitting along the World Heritage Site - Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal. It preserves lots of old folk dwellings and industrial sites and has a series of themed museums and exhibitions. Walk leisurely along the Canal, visit the interesting China Museum of Knives, Scissors & Swords and China Umbrella Museum, then walk up to the famous Gongcheng Bridge to enjoy a pleasant panoramic view of surroundings . (Optional activities: You can experience one of the handcrafting activities if you are interested and time permits, which needs extra payment.)
After visiting Qiaoxi Conservation Area, you'll visit the Former Residence of Hu Xueyan, a celebrated Qing Dynasty merchant. This opulent complex, hailed as "China's Finest Tycoon Residence". Recognized as Constructed around 1875, this architectural marvel cost 3 million taels of silver - equivalent to approximately 450 million RMB today. It uniquely blends Jiangnan-style garden architecture with Western craftsmanship, featuring exquisite elements like German stained glass installations and Italian imported floor tiles. Nearby lies Hefang Street, a pedestrian thoroughfare that recreates Hangzhou's vibrant Southern Song Dynasty atmosphere. Wander through its lanes to discover magnificent heritage buildings, authentic handicrafts, and tempting local delicacies.
Lastly, be escorted back to your hotel. Have a good sleep!(If you want to spend free time at the Hefang Street area or somewhere else, please discuss with your tour guide.)
Evening Ideas: 1) watch a magnificent night show - Enduring Memories of Hangzhou, a live performance by Yimou Zhang with changing lights, music and dancing on the West Lake, which usually starts at 7pm, needs extra payment; 2) feast your eyes with an amazing Music Fountain Show at Third Park, near the eastern lakeside of West Lake, free charged.
Day 8 Hangzhou & Hangzhou Departure (B, L)
Be escorted to your airport or train station
After breakfast, transfer a short while to Feilai Peak (Peak Flying from Afar), which flew to China to spread Buddhism from India according to the legend. It features in over 300 Buddhist carvings lining the riverbanks and hillsides and tucked away inside grottoes. With over 1,000 years, it is the precious fresco treasure in the whole regions south of Yangtze River. Continue to the adjacent Lingyin Temple of nearly 1,700 year, which is the oldest and one of the most popular temples in Hangzhou. Hidden in the luxurious forest, it offers charming and peaceful landscape mixed with the strong Buddhist atmosphere among the large scaled of magnificent and antique temple clusters.
Then, drive uphill to Meijiawu Tea Village, a refreshing wonderland surrounded by mountains with a large area of emerald Dragon Well tea plantations in neat lines and curves. Walk among the tea plantations with fun and take beautiful photos (Optional activity: you can pay a visit to the local tea farmer’s family and experience picking tea leaves, watching stir-drying tea leaves, enjoying tea ceremony, tasting Dragon Well tea, etc., which needs extra fee.). After that, go to China National Tea Museum to learn systematically about Chinese tea culture including the history, procession, customs and classification of tea, and admire diverse kinds of tea wares, machines, displays, etc.
After the visitings, your guide and driver will escort you to Hangzhou airport / train station to catch your flight / train to your next destination or home! Tour ends!
1. This price is for one person, based on a group of 2 adults sharing one standard double-bed room in a 4-star hotel and traveling with our private tour in low seasons. It will drop greatly if your group has 4 or more members.
2. This price is subject to change according to your traveling season, month and date. There may be huge price increasing during public Chinese holidays, school summer vacations, tourism peak seasons or some special dates. (China Public Holiday 2025 Schedule Released)
3. Other factors that may change the final tour price include group size, hotel class, tour activities, fluctuation of currency exchange rate, etc.
4. This price is based on exchange rate USD 1=RMB 7.00. The final price will be based on the exchange rate in effect at the time of agreement with our quotation.
5. This price is only valid to March 31, 2026.
6. This price is not the final price until the Confirmation Letter is sent.
7. The items included and excluded in this price are for reference only. The final services included, please refer to the confirmation letter sent to you by the travel consultant.
Hi Elk,
You are very kind, and I'll certainly be recommending you to anyone we know who is traveling to China! I've left a 5 star review on TripAdvisor also!
We really enjoyed the cruise and found it very relaxing and interesting. The rooms were really clean and comfortable, and the food was surprisingly good and varied. Some of the earlier excursions we found a little boring (we had already seen a lot of temples at that point) but the top of the Three Gorges and the trip up the smaller gorge was great!
Fergal
Dear Wonder,
Greetings from Melbourne. It feels like forever since our trip to China arranged by you. Everything went well. I look forward to having you arrange another trip for me in the future. Services are all great.
Thank you.
Best Regards,
Wong
Hi Wonder,
Yes it was excellent. Jerry is a very good guide for Huangshan. He is very knowledgeable. thx
Cheng
Hi Leo,
We’re back from our trip—thank you so much for organizing such a memorable first tour of China. My family and I had a fantastic time and truly appreciated all the arrangements.
Overall Highlights:
1. Your responsiveness to all my inquiries, along with the clear arrangements, pricing and cancellation policy, made the booking process smooth and reassuring.
2. The transfers and pickups—from Beijing to Hangzhou and then to Shanghai—were seamless. The tour guides provided clear instructions throughout the journey, and we encountered no issues.
3. The tour guides and drivers were friendly, highly professional, ensuring our safety and staying prompt and on schedule. We especially appreciated the clear communication when there were any changes due to weather or timing.
4. The food and hotel (including breakfast) arrangements were excellent—well planned and thoroughly enjoyable.
Thank you again for your outstanding service. We look forward to booking future trips with China Discovery!
Evolution form as below:
1. YES, Leo always response promptly and answered my questions as clearly and accurately as possible.
2. Tour Guides and drivers were all professionals. Ensure our safety, prompt, timely and on schedule. Foods and hotel arrangements were excellent! Appreciate they let us know ahead if there is a change in schedule due to weather or time.
3. Based on the interaction with China Discovery (prompt response, clear arrangement, pricing and cancellation policy). I will use and recommend China Discovery again.
4. Suggestion: Inform us in advance if a particular event or attraction is out of season—for example, our visit to Meijiawu Tea Village. It seems the tea-picking season was in March or April, so there was no tea leaf picking during our visit. Had China Discovery let us know ahead of time, we would have adjusted our expectations and avoided disappointment. That said, we still enjoyed the beautiful scenery and overall experience.
Cheow
Hi Elk,
我们对此行非常满意，三餐可供选择的食品种类多，味道可口；船上有表演、有互动，中途还有观景游玩，活动形式灵活多样；房间干净、零食和饮用水的提供到位；船上的工作人员态度和蔼耐心，服务周到，特别是我们在六楼11号餐桌用餐时为我们提供服务的女生服务员做事积极、周到又细致……。总之，感谢长江2号游轮带给了我们一个愉快的旅行！
Wong
We are one of the few China travel agencies who have kept active and received lots of feedbacks and reviews during pandemic years!
"Highest Standards of Quality and Honesty" is the core value of each specialized team at China Discovery.
Eveyone in our company is working hard for only one goal, which is to ensure the highest level of service, luxury, and attention to detail from the minute you begin planning your trip, to the day you return home.
Our travel consultants are professional, experienced and responsible, helping you from the very beginning to the end of your China trip!
After sending us an inquiry, one of our travel consultants will get back to you within 0.5~23.5 hrs. In the next few days, he/she will be working closely with you to formulate a customized tour plan, as well as providing professional suggestions based on your travel interests, time, and budget.
Beside, he/she will keep in contact with you during your entire tour in China, continually checking if everything is going well as planned.
We're working at Chengdu Bamboo International Tours, local based in Chengdu.
Our local guide in every destination is not only very friendly, enthusiastic but also very informative and knowledgeable.
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.
Our guides are passionate about what they do, and it shows all the way!
Using our private transfer service makes you comfortable, relaxed and worry free all the way!
Our private service includes licensed drivers with many years’ driving experience and air-conditioned, non-smoking, clean and well-maintained cars/vans. Drivers are local, polite, friendly and helpful, taking you to your tourist sites, hotels, airport/train stations in safety. All kinds of vehicle are offered, and yours depends on the size of your group. Usually, we offer sedan cars, SUVs, business vans (MPV) and different types of buses, all with extra space for your luggage.
Our private transfer service guarantees you the highest comfort!
In each destination, you’ll enjoy a comfortable stay in a great location!
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.
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!
Acrobatic Show Performed in Shanghai Circus World
Exquiste International Buildings at The Bund
Classical Yu Garden in Shanghai
Wukang Road City Walk
Dakeding (1046 BC-711 BC) - The Most Precious Treasure of Shanghai Museum
Lingering Garden Spring View - Rostell from Danmark
Two workers are weaving at Suzhou Silk Museum
Shantang Street
Qinhuai River in Sunny Day
Confucius Temple (Fuzi Miao) - an inspiring place about Chinese culture
Sacred Way to Ming Xiaoling Tomb
Zhongshan Ling - the Mausoleum of Dr. Sun Yat-sen
Taicheng Ancient City Wall and Beautiful Xuanwu Lake
Foding Palace at Niushou Mountain
Wuzhen preserves the traditional wax-resist dyeing technique, using plant-based pigments - Claire
Hand-rowed boats glide along the time-honored waterways of Wuzhen
Whitewashed walls and ink-black roofs are the signature architectural feature of Wuzhen.
Wuzhen Water Town West Night Scenery
Ink-painting bridge at West Lake
West Lake Boating Experience
Hefang Street
The Former Residence of Hu Xueyan
Beijing Hangzhou Grand Canal - Gongchen Bridge Section
China Umbrella Museum
Lingyin Temple at Leafy Forest
Buddhist Carving at Feilai Peak
Meijiawu Longjing Tea Plantation in Spring
Tea Picking at Meijiawu Village Tea Plantation
Shanghai / Hangzhou / Suzhou / Shanghai
Shanghai / Suzhou / Hangzhou / Huangshan
Shanghai / Hangzhou / Wuzhen / Suzhou / Shanghai
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