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8 Days Shanghai Hangzhou Suzhou Nanjing Tour
Tour Overview
The Yangtze River Delta — encompassing Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou, and Nanjing — is one of the most prosperous regions in China, offering a perfect blend of modernity, history, culture,...
Code of Tour: CDT0000091441
Length of Travel: 8 Day
Destinations of Tour: Shanghai-Nanjing-Suzhou-Hangzhou-Wuzhen-Shanghai
Departure City: Shanghai
Price of Tour: Request
Type of Tour: Private
Features of Tour:
The Yangtze River Delta — encompassing Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou, and Nanjing — is one of the most prosperous regions in China, offering a perfect blend of modernity, history, culture, and natural beauty. While the region showcases China’s economic achievements, it also preserves its ancient charm, featuring imperial capitals, traditional gardens, serene lakes, and charming water towns.
This 8-day tour takes you on an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Yangtze Delta:
- Explore Nanjing, the ancient capital of six dynasties.
- Wander through the classical gardens and canals of Suzhou.
- Stroll along the picturesque West Lake and tea plantations in Hangzhou.
- Experience the bustling metropolis of Shanghai, a city that perfectly blends old and new.
All transfers between destinations are by high-speed train — offering comfort, speed, and convenience.
Tour Highlights
- High-Speed Train Adventure: Travel quickly and comfortably between cities, witnessing the beautiful landscapes of the Yangtze River Delta.
- Nanjing’s Imperial History: Visit the tombs of Ming emperors and the mausoleum of Sun Yat-sen, the father of modern China.
- Suzhou’s Classical Elegance: Stroll through Lingering Garden, Shantang Street, and Tiger Hill — the epitome of classical Chinese garden design.
- Hangzhou’s Natural Beauty: Cruise on the serene West Lake, explore ancient Buddhist temples, and wander through lush tea plantations.
- Shanghai’s Vibrancy: Embrace the dynamic contrast of historic sites like Yu Garden and modern skyscrapers along the Bund.
Day By Day Itinerary
Day 1: Nanjing or Shanghai Arrival
Arrival in Nanjing
- Morning/Afternoon: Arrive in Nanjing by flight or high-speed train. Or arrive in Shanghai, take 2 hours speed train to Nanjing.
- Meet & Greet: Your guide will be waiting at the arrival hall holding a sign with your name.
- Transfer to Hotel: A comfortable private car will take you to your hotel.
Optional Activities (if time allows):
- Xuanwu Lake Park: A serene lake with ancient walls, lotus flowers, and pavilions — perfect for a relaxing walk.
- Nanjing Presidential Palace: A blend of traditional Chinese and Western architecture, once the seat of the Nationalist Government.
Evening Suggestion:
- Stroll along the Qinhuai River Night Market for local snacks like salted duck, sesame pancakes, and Nanjing-style dumplings.
Overnight: Nanjing
🌿 Day 2: Nanjing Cultural Exploration
8:30 AM — Hotel Pickup
After breakfast, begin your day exploring Nanjing’s historical gems:
Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum (8:30 AM – 10:30 AM)
Climb the 392 steps leading to Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s tomb.
Explore the grand marble memorial hall and enjoy the panoramic views of Purple Mountain.
Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum (11:00 AM – 12:30 PM)
Walk along the Sacred Way, lined with mythical stone creatures.
Visit the final resting place of Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang, founder of the Ming Dynasty.
Lunch: Local Nanjing Cuisine (1:00 PM – 2:00 PM)
Try Nanjing Salted Duck, Lotus Root Soup, and Duck Blood Vermicelli Soup.
Confucius Temple & Qinhuai River Walk (2:30 PM – 4:00 PM)
Explore the historic Confucius Temple (Fuzimiao).
Walk along the bustling Qinhuai River, lined with traditional shops and glowing red lanterns.
Optional: Qinhuai River Night Cruise (7:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
Take a 1-hour boat ride to admire Nanjing’s ancient cityscape illuminated at night.
Overnight: Nanjing
🚅 Day 3: Nanjing to Suzhou
8:30 AM — Hotel Checkout
Start the morning with more historical exploration:
Nanjing Ancient City Wall (9:00 AM – 10:30 AM)
Walk along the Xuanwumen Gate section of Nanjing’s 600-year-old wall — one of the longest city walls in the world.
Niushoushan Forest Park (11:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
Explore the Usnisa Palace, a stunning Buddhist complex blending natural landscapes with intricate temple designs.
See the holy Buddha’s Relic housed within the mountain palace.
Lunch: Local Jiangsu-style meal (1:00 PM – 2:00 PM)
2:30 PM — High-Speed Train to Suzhou (approx. 1 hr 15 min)
Arrive in Suzhou and transfer to your hotel.
Evening Suggestion:
Explore the Pingjiang Road historic district, lined with canals, stone bridges, and cozy teahouses.
Overnight: Suzhou
🌸 Day 4: Suzhou to Hangzhou
8:30 AM — Hotel Pickup
Lingering Garden (9:00 AM – 10:30 AM)
Wander through this UNESCO World Heritage site with elegant pavilions, ponds, and rock formations.
Shantang Street & Canal Walk (11:00 AM – 12:30 PM)
Stroll along this ancient street and take a short canal boat ride through Suzhou’s famous waterways.
Lunch: Suzhou-style cuisine (1:00 PM – 2:00 PM)
Taste the famous Squirrel-shaped Mandarin Fish and Suzhou-style Noodles.
Tiger Hill (2:30 PM – 4:00 PM)
Visit the Leaning Pagoda of Yunyan — Suzhou’s version of the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Explore historical stone carvings and ancient bonsai gardens.
5:00 PM — High-Speed Train to Hangzhou (1.5 hrs)
Check in at your hotel in Hangzhou.
Overnight: Hangzhou
🍵 Day 5: Hangzhou Exploration
8:30 AM — Hotel Pickup
West Lake Cruise (9:00 AM – 10:00 AM)
Take a scenic boat ride on West Lake — a UNESCO site famed for its picturesque pagodas, willow trees, and lotus ponds.
Feilai Peak & Lingyin Temple (10:30 AM – 12:00 PM)
Marvel at ancient Buddhist stone carvings and serene temple halls.
Lunch: Hangzhou-style cuisine (12:30 PM – 1:30 PM)
Sample dishes like Dongpo Pork and Longjing Shrimp.
Meijiawu Tea Plantation (2:00 PM – 3:30 PM)
Stroll through lush tea fields and learn about Dragon Well (Longjing) Tea.
Option: Join a tea-picking session and enjoy a tea-tasting ceremony.
China National Tea Museum (4:00 PM – 5:00 PM)
Discover China’s 5,000-year-old tea culture through interactive exhibits.
Optional: “Enduring Memories of Hangzhou” Show (7:30 PM – 8:30 PM)
A mesmerizing water show on West Lake directed by Zhang Yimou (extra cost).
Overnight: Hangzhou
🌊 Day 6: Hangzhou – Wuzhen – Shanghai
8:30 AM — Hotel Pickup
1.5-hour drive to Wuzhen Water Town.
Explore Wuzhen West Scenic Area (10:00 AM – 12:30 PM)
Wander through stone bridges, canals, and traditional wooden houses.
Visit the Ancient Bed Museum and Wine Distillery Workshop.
Lunch: Local Wuzhen Cuisine (12:30 PM – 1:30 PM)
Canal Boat Ride (2:00 PM – 2:30 PM)
Enjoy a relaxing ride along Wuzhen’s tranquil waterways.
3:00 PM — High-Speed Train to Shanghai (1 hour)
Evening:
Walk along The Bund and enjoy Shanghai’s stunning night skyline.
Overnight: Shanghai
🏙️ Day 7: Shanghai City Tour
8:30 AM — Hotel Pickup
Yu Garden (9:00 AM – 10:30 AM)
Explore this Ming Dynasty garden filled with pavilions, ponds, and rockeries.
Shanghai Museum (11:00 AM – 12:30 PM)
View ancient Chinese art, calligraphy, and ceramics.
Lunch: Shanghai-style Cuisine (1:00 PM – 2:00 PM)
Try Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings) and Braised Pork Belly.
The Bund & Nanjing Road (2:30 PM – 4:30 PM)
Walk along the historic waterfront and explore modern shopping streets.
Optional: Huangpu River Night Cruise (7:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
Overnight: Shanghai
✈️ Day 8: Departure from Shanghai
Enjoy a free morning for last-minute shopping.
Transfer to the airport or train station for your onward journey.
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 train tickets of soft sleeper.
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.