8 Days Shanghai-Suzhou-Wuzhen-Hangzhou-Wuyuan-Huangshan Tour by Bullet Train
This 8-day tour is a fascinating journey through some of China’s most renowned cultural and natural landmarks. Starting in Shanghai, a bustling metropolis blending the old with the new, you’ll experience a mix of urban exploration and tranquil water towns. Your journey continues to the historical city of Suzhou, known for its classical gardens, and then to Wuzhen, a charming water town with a rich history. The tour will also introduce you to Hangzhou’s iconic West Lake and offer insight into rural life in Wuyuan, a picturesque region surrounded by mountains and tea culture. Finally, you’ll experience the breathtaking beauty of Huangshan (Yellow Mountain), a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its granite peaks, ancient pines, and hot springs.
This is an immersive cultural and natural exploration, perfect for those who enjoy both history and scenic beauty. The tour is designed for travelers who wish to explore diverse landscapes, including ancient villages, traditional gardens, and mountains, all while enjoying convenient bullet train travel.
Tour Highlights:
Shanghai’s Iconic Landmarks:
Stroll along the historic Bund to enjoy the skyline of Shanghai, featuring buildings of various architectural styles.
Visit the famous Yu Garden, a stunning example of classical Chinese garden design.
Take a leisurely cruise along the Huangpu River to enjoy Shanghai’s breathtaking night views.
Suzhou’s Classical Gardens:
Explore the Humble Administrator’s Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, filled with lush greenery, rock formations, and man-made pavilions.
Visit the Panmen Gate, which provides a view of the Grand Canal, and explore the ancient Shantang Street, which is rich in history and charm.
Wuzhen Water Town:
Step back in time as you wander through the cobblestone streets of Wuzhen, a beautifully preserved water town with ancient stone bridges and traditional Qing Dynasty architecture.
Visit fascinating local museums, including the Dyeing Workshop and the Puppet Shadow Show at the Old Theatre.
Hangzhou’s West Lake and Ancient Sites:
Cruise along the picturesque West Lake, a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site, and walk along the Su Causeway.
Explore Lingyin Temple, a Buddhist temple dating back to 326 A.D., and visit Fling Peak, known for its impressive Buddhist sculptures and caves.
Shop for souvenirs at the ancient Hefang Street, known for its traditional Chinese shops and snacks.
Wuyuan’s Beautiful Villages:
Explore the ancient village of Huangling, known for its traditional Hui-style architecture set against a mountain backdrop.
Visit Xiaoqi Village, a tranquil gem of tea culture with winding cobblestone streets and ancient camphor trees.
Discover Likeng, an ancient village known for its riverside courtyards, bridges, and well-preserved architecture.
Huangshan’s Majestic Peaks:
Ascend Yellow Mountain via cable car and explore its unique granite formations, ancient pine trees, and natural hot springs.
See the famous “Sleeping Buddha” rock formation and other natural wonders like Beihai Scenic Area and Xihai Scenic Area.
Watch the sunrise over the mountains and visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hongcun, an ancient village surrounded by beautiful landscapes.
This tour is a comprehensive and enriching experience, offering insights into the culture, history, and natural beauty of eastern China. Each destination has been carefully selected to showcase the diverse aspects of Chinese heritage, from ancient temples and villages to scenic landscapes and modern cities.
Day By Day Itinerary
Day 1, Shanghai-Arrival
Accommodation:
Shanghai Lees Garden Hotel **** or similar class
Upon arrival, our local experienced tour guide and driver will meet you at Shanghai Pudong International Airport. You will then be transferred to your hotel in the downtown. The rest of the day, you are free to explore at your own leisure. You will stay in Shanghai for 2 nights.
Day 2, Shanghai
Night Show: Night cruise on Huangpu River.
Meals: Buffet breakfast, Chinese Lunch, Chinese Dinner
Accommodation:
Shanghai Lees Garden Hotel **** or similar class
After breakfast, start your full-day tour to explore the metropolis. First, stroll around the Bund, which is a famous waterfront area with 52 various buildings of different architectural styles. You can enjoy the beautiful skyline of the city. Next, is a visit to the renowned Yu Garden, which is the most famous private garden in Shanghai built in 1559 A.D. It is called the “Stunning Pearl” of the city. After that, stroll around Shanghai Old Town, which is lined with lovely shops and restaurants.
Lunch will be a delicious dim sum meal at the famous Lvbolang Restaurant.
This afternoon, visit the famous Shanghai Museum, one of the TOP 3 museums in China, which features the large collection of bronze articles. Then stroll around the wonderful Nanjing Road, considered to be the most popular pedestrian street in Shanghai. During the trip, you will visit the silk store.
Dinner will be with a delicious local Chinese meal. Tonight, you will take a leisurely cruise on the Huangpu River, to enjoy the stunning night views of the metropolis. After the cruise, you will be driven back to the hotel.
Day 3, Shanghai-Suzhou by airplane
Meals: Buffet Breakfast, Chinese Lunch
Accommodation:
Holiday Inn Jasmine Suzhou **** or similar class
Today, you will leave Shanghai and continue with the tour to explore the “Water City With Gardens”, Suzhou.
First stop, is the magnificent Humble Administrator’s Garden, which was originally built in 1509 during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site that is the “Gardens of Suzhou”. It was initially a private garden of a former government official. Water is the major theme of the garden and its scenery includes lush forests, hills and rock formations, man-made pavilions, halls, and parlors.
Next on the itinerary is Panmen Gate, which is the only gate for both the land and water. Standing on the gate, you will see the famous Grand Canal.
Lunch will be served as a delicious local Chinese meal.
After lunch, visit the fascinating Suzhou Museum, designed in the style of a private garden. The museum houses over 30000 cultural relics including excavated artifacts, Ming and Qing Dynasty paintings and calligraphy, and ancient arts and crafts.
Afterward, visit the ancient Shantang Historical Street. This street features cobblestones, beautifully preserved traditional residents, alleyways, and the river. Overnight at Suzhou.
Day 4, Suzhou-Wuzhen-Hangzhou
Meals: Buffet Breakfast, Chinese Lunch
Accommodation：
Hangzhou Zhongshan International Hotel **** or similar class
Today after breakfast, drive (1.5 hours on the way) to visit the ancient water town, Wuzhen, considered one of the best-preserved water towns south of the Yangtze River. It features ancient stone bridges, cobblestone streets, and traditional Qing Dynasty residences.
Upon arrival, you will visit the traditional Dyeing Workshop, Chinese Old Bed Museum, China Traditional Folkways Museum, and the Old Theatre (Puppet Shadow Show). Lunch will be a delicious local Chinese meal at a restaurant in the water town. After the tour, drive to your hotel in Hangzhou.
Tonight, enjoy exploring Hangzhou on your own .
Day 5, Hangzhou-Wuyuan (by bullet train)
Activity: Cruise on West Lake
Meals: Buffet Breakfast, Chinese Lunch
Accommodation:
Wuyuan International Hotel **** or similar class
After breakfast, start your full-day to explore the fascinating sites of the “City of Heaven”. First, stroll along the famous Su Causeway, and one of the most beautiful causeways on West Lake. Next on the tour, is a leisurely cruise on West Lake, to enjoy the picturesque lake view.
Lunch will be a delicious local Chinese meal.
This afternoon, you will be driven to visit the renowned Lingyin Temple, originally built in 326 A.D. during the East Jin Dynasty. Next, visit the Fling Peak, famous for the hundreds of Buddhist sculptures and natural caves. The last stop is the ancient Hefang Street where you can buy some gifts for your family.
Afterward, transfer to the railway station for the night bullet train to Wuyuan (around 2.5 hours). Upon arrival, you will be picked up and transferred to the hotel.
Day 6, Wuyuan
Meals: Buffet Breakfast, Chinese Lunch
Accommodation:
Wuyuan International Hotel **** or similar class
Today, you will spend a full day exploring. The tour starts from Huangling (cable car incl.), known as the “Village Hanging on a Cliff”. Hundreds of traditional Hui-style dwellings are located at the slope of the mountain. Autumn is the best time to visit the village. Next is the wonderful Xiaoqi Village, another hidden gem in Wuyuan county. It is an important village in Chinese tea culture and has lovely traditional residences from the Qing Dynasty, winding cobblestone streets, ancient camphor trees, exquisite carvings, and a tranquil pace of life. After the tour, drive to your hotel in Wuyuan for check-in. The last stop is Likeng, an ancient village mainly built by members of the Li Family, located 12 km away from downtown Wuyuan. From the Song to Qing Dynasties, over 100 governors, rich businessmen, and other notable individuals were born in the village. Surrounded by hills, it features fascinating views, well-preserved architecture from the Ming and Qing dynasties, courtyards by the riverside, intersecting waterways, and a dozen bridges.
Day 7, Wuyuan-Huangshan
Meals: Buffet breakfast, Chinese Lunch
Accommodation:
Beihai Hotel **** or similar class
This morning, continue on to visit Sixiyan Village, located in the north of Wuyuan county. The village was first built in 1199 A.D. during the South Song Dynasty. The first inhabitants of Sixiyan Village mainly engaged in the wood, tea and salt trades in Jiangxi, Zhejiang, Shanghai, Hunan, and Guangxi. Today, among all the 156 historical structures in the village, 5 buildings were built in the Ming Dynasty and 80 buildings built during the Qing Dynasty. Congting Hall, Mingxun Hall, and Yuqing Hall are the most famous sites in the village.
After that, you will drive (around 2 hours) to the famous Yellow Mountain which has been inscribed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Some of the features include wonderfully shaped pine trees, hot springs, fascinating stone formations. Once there, you will take the cable car to the top of the mountain. Depending on your physical condition, you can visit some of the highlights of Yellow Mountain including Beihai Scenic Area, Xihai Scenic Area, Lion Peak, and Shixin Peak. You might have the chance to see the sunset upon the mountain if the weather permits. Tonight, stay at the 4 star Beihai Hotel, located on the mountain.
Day 8, Huangshan-Departure
Meals: Buffet Breakfast, Chinese Lunch
Early this morning, and depending on the weather, you will have a chance to see the fabulous sunrise on your own. Then, return back to your hotel for breakfast. Afterward, continue exploring the exquisite Huangshan, including the Tianhan Scenic Area, visiting Aoyu Cave, Hundred Steps Above Clouds, enjoying the famous Tiandu Peak and finally reaching the Yuping Scenic Area. You will see the famous typical pine trees and the “Sleeping Buddha” there. Then take the cable car down the mountain and head for the ancient villages in Huangshan and head for the famous ancient village of Hongcun. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. Lunch will be served a delicious Chinese meal during the tour.
After the tour, drive to the airport for the departure flight or train to your next destination. Thus, ending your breathtaking tour in eastern China.
Service Included:
- Admission fees for all of the sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary;
- Meals as listed in the itinerary;
- Hotels as listed in the itinerary;
- Private English-speaking tour guide;
- Private vehicle for transfers; sightseeing with skilled driver;
- Service charge; government taxes;
- Luggage transfers between airports and hotels;
- Domestic high speed train tickets;
Service Excluded:
- Any arrival and departure international airfares or train tickets;
- Chinese visa fees;
- Excess baggage charged by Airlines;
- Single room supplement;
- Tips to guides and drivers;
- Personal expenses and gratuities to service staff;
- Personal travel accident insurance;
- All optional programs.
Note:
The quotation is different for China Public Holidays. For instance, Chinese Spring Festival,Tomb-sweeping Festival, Labor Day, Dragon-boat Festival, Mid-autumn Festival, China National Day, etc.
