Welcome to Shanghai! Upon arrival, your friendly tour guide holding a name sign at the airport will wait for you and transfer you to your hotel for a good rest. You could take a walk to explore the local neighborhood of Shanghai on your own. 

In the morning, you will be transferred to the Yu Garden located in Shanghai's old center. Built in Ming Dynasty around 500 years ago, the garden was named Yu with the meaning of peace and health by its owner, a local government officer. This private garden perfectly demonstrates the artistic design and harmony of exquisite buildings, lakes, pavilions and rockeries.

Afterwards, you will take a leisurely stroll at the Bund that has seen the vicissitudes of Shanghai, followed by a stunning panorama of the Bund from the top of Shanghai World Financial Center with an impressive height of 474 meters (1,555 ft).

Next, a visit to Xintiandi (New World of Shanghai) brings you back to the old Shanghai with traditional Shikumen buildings where houses many fashionable and boutique shops, restaurants and café.

At last, visit the Propaganda Poster Art Center to feel the passion and energy of people in 1960s. Then you will be transferred back to your hotel for a good rest. 

Gorgeous neon lighted view of The Bund

Propaganda poster back in 1960s

Today, you will enjoy a comfortable ride to discover Suzhou, one of the two heaven-on-earth cities in China. First, explore the Master of Nets Garden. It is the smallest but the most elegant landscape garden in Suzhou, successfully illustrating the balance between residential quarter and artificial landscape of rocks, hills and rivers. As you roam around the delicate ponds, gardens, halls and pavilions, you would be amazed at the brilliance of the design.

Then pay a visit to the Tongli Water Town over 1,000 years old. By the crisscrossing water canals stand a number of well-preserved stone bridges, private gardens, mansions, temples and former residences of ancient celebrities. You could ride an optional boat-cruise along the waterways to unveil the moving idyllic scenery.

This morning, you will start your exploration with Suzhou Museum. The museum will impress you with its unique architectural style characterized by the creative blend of modern simplicity and classical gardens plus its approximately 15,000 pieces of cultural artifacts including Buddha statues, scripts, paintings, porcelain and bronze wares.

Followed by is Panmen Scenic Area. Ascend the ancient Panmen City Gate and discover the great military defense naturally using rivers and canals as well as many ancient weapons displayed. Afterwards, admire the Ruiguang Pagoda and Wumen Bridge next to the City Gate.

Then you will pay a visit to Tiger Hill with many historic sites of pagodas, temples, kiosks and beautiful gardens together with many folk stories.

The last stop of today’s tour is taking a Rickshaw to explore Pingjiang Ancient Road, a main street of Suzhou in the ancient times that is still well preserved with many small lanes connecting the city. 

Your Suzhou discovery ends here and you will take the high-speed train to Hangzhou. Upon arrival, your guide in Hangzhou will meet you, then take you to hotel. 

Today you will first travel to the West Lake, inscribed as a World Heritage site. It is like a shining pearl embedded in the vast land. The Lake has influenced lots of poets and artists through ages with its dreamy beauty and it was compared to Xi Shi, one of four greatest beauties of ancient China. Feast your eyes with the elegant beauty of shadowy mountains, lush woodlands, arched bridges and ancient pagodas as you enjoy a boat cruise on the tranquil lake.

Adjacent to the West Lake is the peaceful Lingyin Temple dating back to 1,700 years ago. You will first walk along the Feilai Peak dotted with 345 vivid Buddha statues. Move forward and then admire the holy land of the Temple, featuring the largest wooden Shakyamuni Buddha and the Hall of 500 Arhats in the shape of the Buddhist swastika.

Next, drive to Meijiawu Tea Plantation that offers an in-depth tea cultural experience. Be guided by the national tea specialist to learn how to identify and pick tea leaves and stir-fry tea with your own hands. Then you may taste the finest Dragon Well Tea and learn the profound Chinese tea culture from the specialist in her house in the village.

After that, you will sit back and transferred back to your hotel. 

West Lake

This wonderful 6-day trip concludes here. You will be escorted to the airport for your departure. Wish you a nice journey home!