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You are here: Home » China Short Trips » Shanghai Suzhou Hangzhou Tours » 5 Days Shanghai Hangzhou Suzhou Highlights Tour

5 Days Shanghai Hangzhou Suzhou Highlights Tour

Oriental Paris plus Heaven on Earth

Yangtze Delta including Shanghai, Zhejiang (Hangzhou), Jiangsu (Suzhou) and Anhui (Huangshan) in East China is rich in prosperity, landscape, culture, history, art, and more splendid highlights to enjoy.

This tour takes you to explore the 3 most popular destinations of the Yangtze Delta - starting from Shanghai to visit Hangzhou and finishing in Suzhou. The flying bullet trains will take you to witness the prosperity and sightseeing along this charming area. You’ll first marvel at the world top skyline contrasting the very traditional Chinese and historically left international architectures and also get close to a lot of national treasures in Shanghai with a cool chance getting high on the world top tallest skyscraper - Shanghai World Financial Center. Also, you will feel the irresistable poetic charm of the famous “Paradise” Hangzhou to cruise on its best proud beautiful lake with great fun and savor the nice tea culture at the real tea fields on the mountain. Furthermore, you’ll enjoy one full day in the different “Paradise” Suzhou to feel her distinct elegance with stroll at the artistic classic garden, ancient street, the real silk factory and the quaint and quiet old water town to conclude your trip! Every day is connected well, without any waste of time and money.Our private tour package with tour planning service, local tour guide introduction and care, private vehicle with an experienced driver, etc. will help you get wonderful trip memories in Shanghai, Hangzhou and Suzhou. You can feel free to make an inquiry to get the best price for your coming trip!

  • Type : Private Tour
  • Tour Code : CD-SHST-05B
  • 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 : Nature / Culture / History / City
  • Physical Demands :

HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS TOUR

  • Discover both the traditional history and modern prosperity charm of big Shanghai with wonderful visits to the must-see The Bund, Shanghai Museum, Shanghai World Financial Center, Wukang Road City Walk.
  • Enjoy a leisure sightseeing cruise on the exquisite West Lake with abundant old and poetic sites and explore authentic tea culture at the real refreshing Longjing tea plantation in Hangzhou;
  • Immerse into the delicate and artistic classic Lingering Garden, interesting Shantang Ancient Street, amazing Suzhou No.1 Silk Factory, and symbolic Tiger Hill to catch the best garden and silk culture of beautiful Suzhou;
  • Enjoy your leisure walk at the ten century old Tongli Water Town with rich antique and quiet feature of old water towns in East China and admire those dark tiled dwelling houses, crossing river, little bridges, and simple local life!
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Itinerary Day by Day (Can Be Customized)
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Day 1 Shanghai Arrival

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.

  • Shanghai Night Splendid Shanghai Night View

Day 2 Shanghai (B, L)

Today's Highlights: Shanghai Museum, Wukang Road, Shanghai World Financial Center, Nanjing Road, The Bund

After breakfast, you will 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.

Next, 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.

Next, 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 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.)

  • Shanghai Skyline Shanghai Skyline along Huangpu River
  • Shanghai Museum - One of the Best Four Museums in China Shanghai Museum - One of the Best Four Museums in China
  • Exquiste International Buildings at The Bund Exquiste International Buildings at The Bund
  • Wukang Road City Walk Wukang Road City Walk
  • 474 M High Glass Walkway in World Financial Center 474 M High Glass Walkway in World Financial Center

Day 3 Shanghai - Hangzhou (B, L)

Today’s highlights: West Lake, Feilai Peak, Lingyin Temple, Meijia Dock Dragon Well Tea Village, China National Tea Museum

After breakfast, go to take an early morning high speed train to Hangzhou (1hr), the “Heavenly City on Earth” and capital city of Zhejiang Province. Upon your arrival, your private tour guide and driver will pick you up at the railway station, and then set out on today’s sightseeing.

First, make the symbolic 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 45-minute leisure cruise 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, stroll or take a sightseeing vehicle leisurely around to pass the famous Su Causeway, Bai Causeway, Broken Bridge, Gushan Hill, parks of Fish Viewing at the Flower Pond, Lotus Swaying in the Breeze, Orioles Singing in the Willows, etc. (As the lake is too large, you can take the sightseeing vehicle at any place on the route to save energy. The fee is included.)

Next, go 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 grower’s family and experience picking tea leaves, watching stir-drying tea leaves, enjoying tea ceremony, tasting Dragon Well tea, etc., which needs extra payment.). 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 today’s visiting, be escorted back to your hotel in Hangzhou downtown. Have a good sleep!

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.

  • West Lake Summer West Lake Summer Scenery
  • West Lake Boating Experience West Lake Boating Experience
  • Lingyin Temple Lingyin Temple
  • Relax at Dragon Well Tea Plantation Relax at Dragon Well Tea Plantation
  • Lawson Family from UK - Meijiawu Tea Plantation, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Our customers Lawson's Family from UK visited Meijiawu Tea Plantation in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China in October, 2019.

Day 4 Hangzhou - Suzhou (B, L)

Today’s highlights: Lingering Garden, Shantang Ancient Street, Tiger Hill, Suzhou No.1 Silk Factory

Today you are going to visit another Heavenly City - Suzhou which is famous for its classical gardens and water towns. A fast high speed bullet train will transfer you to Suzhou within 1.5 hours.

Start with 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. Stepping into the garden, you will find the buildings, 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. After visiting Lingering Garden, move on to next site Shantang Ancient Street, a wonderful place for a relaxing walking. 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 famous Chinese poet in Song Dynasty (960-1279), Su Shi, once said, “It is a lifelong pity if having visited Suzhou you did not visit Tiger Hill.” He was definitely right. 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 sites include the Yunyan Pagoda which is an over-1000-year-old pagoda with seven stories in height and famously leans much like the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the Sword Pool where the King of Wu, He Lu, tested and buried his treasured swords about 2500 years ago. 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 from Tiger Hill to Suzhou No.1 Silk Factory where you could not only see how the silk is processed from worm to the final product, but also learn some history and culture of silk in China.

After the tour, go to check in your hotel. Have a good rest! 

  • Lingering Garden Spring Lingering Garden Spring
  •  Lingering Garden Customer Our delighted customers visited Lingering Garden
  • Suzhou No.1 Silk Factory Suzhou No.1 Silk Factory
  • Tiger Hill Spring Tiger Hill Spring
  • Shantang Street Shantang Street

Day 5 Suzhou - Shanghai Departure (B, L)

Today’s highlights: Tongli Water Town

After breakfast, you will be escorted 25 km (about 40mins) from Suzhou downtown to visit the famous Tongli Water Town. This charming typical water town in China is very ancient of over 1,000 years old and well keeps its authentic old buildings, antique bridges and pure folk customs. Visit Retreat & Reflection Garden (World Cultural Heritage Site), Gengle Hall, the Three Bridges, the Pearl Tower, and other featured sights that are the highlights of Tongli Water Town. Afterwards, wander on the old lanes and walk on the stone bridges to get numerous wonderful sceneries of the ancient Tongli, also ride a scenic boat through the zigzag water canals of the water town.

The afternoon is free for you to transfer to Shanghai to catch your flight/train to next destination. Our service ends.

  • Tongli Water Town Tongli Water Town with Poetic Charm and Tranquil Charm

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 a 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 transfers as listed in the itinerary (bullet trains between Shanghai and Hangzhou, Hangzhou and Suzhou; Shanghai Maglev train from Shanghai Airport to Longyang Road);
  • Leisure cruise and sightseeing vehicle at West Lake listed in the itinerary;
  • Audio explanation device in Shanghai Museum;
  • 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 not listed in the itinerary;
  • Recommended optional activities;
  • Flights or trains to Shanghai and Flights or train off Hangzhou not listed in the itinerary (We can book domestic flights or trains for your);
  • Excess Baggage Charges;
  • Optional tips to guides, drivers, etc.;
  • Optional activities listed in the itinerary: local tea grower family visiting and Enduring Memories of Hangzhou night show in Hangzhou, and acrobatic show in Shanghai.

Check What our delighted customers are saying about our services

Hi Samantha,

Thanks!

We are enjoying China very much. You made us confident that we would have the experience we wanted. That is why we booked with you and we were not disappointed.

We had a good day with Timo. Timo would have exceeded our expectations if Peter had not set our expectations so high. Timo is a very close second place.

Peter is great! Peter suggested we hike this afternoon when it is more clear and we agreed.

Lunch at Bravo Hotel was good; enough left over for dinner. We walked around the lake across from the hotel this afternoon. It is a pretty area.

Having Fun!

We are happy with China Discovery and would recommend them to others.

Joseph

Joseph‚ USA, February 28, 2024

Hi Jack,

All good, hope all is well with you too.

It was an incredible experience for my family as from the start till finish, the itinerary was meticulously planned, a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation suitable for young and old alike. This allows us to fully immerse in the activity and destination without feeling rushed or overwhelmed

I must commend our tour guide, Grace, whose dedication, thoughtfulness and patient truly enhanced our journey. Her enthusiasm for sharing the culture and history of each location made the experience more enjoyable.

Overall, our trip exceeded our expectations, leaving us with only good memories. Thank you again Jack for providing such a wonderful experience and sorry to bother you when you are on vacation. We look forward to the opportunity to travel with your company again in the near future.

Warms Regards.

Debbie

Debbie‚ Indonesia, February 27, 2024

Hi Wonder,

it was such a wonderful trip, giving me a great impression of Chengdu and Chongqing, thanks to the professional guide by Ellen and David.

Thank you Wonder and Benny for arranging the trip. It was fun, food was good and we did enjoy it very much!

Evelyn

Evelyn‚ Hong Kong (China), February 27, 2024

Dear Jack,

Apologies for delayed feedback because we were busy travelling in Jan and Feb. We have just returned to HK yesterday night. Pls find attached our comments.

1. Yes, fast and helpful responses to queries via WeChat and whatapps.

2. The tour arrangements were very professionally delivered as stated in the itinerary by our guide and driver, who were courteous and friendly. The pickup and transport were timely and safe.

3. Yes, willing to recommend. Had mentioned to our relatives and friends who enquired.

4. Very professional and helpful.

Leong

Leong‚ Singapore, February 26, 2024

Hi Rita,

Greetings from Malaysia. Thank you for your email.

We enjoyed the tour very much and are satisfied with all the arrangements from the guide picking us up at the airport, the itinerary, transport arrangements between Shanghai, Suzhou and Hangzhou and the shows recommended. Both Seven (Shanghai, Suzhou) and LuLu (Hangzhou) were excellent guides, very friendly, approachable and knowledgeable.

Definitely will recommend your services to my relatives and friends. We hope we can visit China again.

Nothing to complain about, only that our visit is too short!

Susan

Susan‚ Malaysia, February 21, 2024
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"It was an incredible experience for my family as from the start till finish, the itinerary was meticulously planned, a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation suitable for young and old alike..." read more »
Reviewed on February 27, 2024
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Nomad
"It was an incredible experience for my family as from the start till finish, the itinerary was meticulously planned, a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation suitable for young and old alike..." read more »
Reviewed on February 27, 2024
Read all reviews(1,810+)

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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.

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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.

Local Tour Guides

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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!

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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!

Comfortable & Homelike Hotels

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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.

Meals & Dining

China Tour

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

  • Shanghai Night Shanghai Night
  • Shanghai Skyline Shanghai Skyline
  • Shanghai Museum - One of the Best Four Museums in China Shanghai Museum - One of the Best Four Museums in China
  • Exquiste International Buildings at The Bund Exquiste International Buildings at The Bund
  • Wukang Road City Walk Wukang Road City Walk
  • 474 M High Glass Walkway in World Financial Center 474 M High Glass Walkway in World Financial Center
  • West Lake Summer West Lake Summer
  • West Lake Boating Experience West Lake Boating Experience
  • Lingyin Temple Lingyin Temple
  • Relax at Dragon Well Tea Plantation Relax at Dragon Well Tea Plantation
  • Lawson Family from UK - Meijiawu Tea Plantation, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Lawson Family from UK - Meijiawu Tea Plantation, Hangzhou, Zhejiang
  • Lingering Garden Spring Lingering Garden Spring
  •  Lingering Garden Customer Lingering Garden Customer
  • Suzhou No.1 Silk Factory Suzhou No.1 Silk Factory
  • Tiger Hill Spring Tiger Hill Spring
  • Shantang Street Shantang Street
  • Tongli Water Town Tongli Water Town

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