9 Days Eastern China Tour: Shanghai Suzhou Huangshan Hangzhou

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Shanghai Arrival

   Welcome to our 9-day eastern China tour of Shanghai Suzhou Hangzhou Huangshan! When you arrive in Shanghai, our driver will meet you at the exit of the airport/train station. Before getting off the plane/train, please double-check your belongings to ensure you have collected all your stuff. Then you will be sent to the downtown hotel.

   The rest of the day is for your own arrangement. If you need any suggestions in your free time, we will be very happy to help.

   Meal: N/A

   Accommodation: Fairmont Peace Hotel

2. Day 2: Shanghai City Exploration
   Stroll Century-old Glamour by Neon Rivers

   The day tour of Shanghai begins from the Shanghai Tower (632 meters) in Pudong New Area. It is China's tallest building and the world's third tallest building. Take the elevator to the viewing floor on the 118th (546 meters), to enjoy a bird's eye view of skyscrapers and the Huangpu River.

   Then, be guided on a walking tour of some landmarks in Shanghai, and your guide will explain their past and present.

   

   You will want to visit Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street in the late afternoon. Nanjing Road has a the history of over a hundred years with a length of 1528 meters. It has restructured and greatly changed. You can visit some traditional department stores and fashionable stores. It is a place to see for sure especially if one is interested in the fashionable.

   Continue walking to the Bund, a symbol of Shanghai. Here you will learn about its importance in the past and its modern appearance. Strolling along waterfront avenue, you can see colonial era buildings that blend different Western architectural styles. At night, enjoy the beautiful night view of the Huangpu River and the high-rise buildings on the opposite bank. After the sightseeing, return to the hotel to rest.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: Fairmont Peace Hotel

3. Day 3: Suzhou's Garden & Water Town
   Explore Gardens, Enjoy Pingtan Music, Wander Water Town Lanes

   After breakfast, drive 2.5 hours to Suzhou, which is famous for its classical gardens. Humble Administrator's Garden is the most famous one in Suzhou. Covering an area of 52,000 square meters, the whole garden is divided into three parts: east, middle, and west. The central part is the main scenic area, where the essence lies.

   The overall layout is centered around water pools, with all pavilions built facing the water. Yuanxiang Tang is the main building, with a spacious north platform, the best place to enjoy lotus flowers in summer. There is a covered bridge nearby, which is extremely rare in Suzhou gardens. The vermilion bridge reflects the water like a rainbow, hence the name - Small Flying Rainbow Bridge.

   

   Then, you will be arranged to enjoy the Suzhou Pingtan performance, which combines storytelling, music, and singing, very pleasing to the ears.

   Afterward, drive for 2 hours to Wuzhen, a typical Jiangnan water town in China. With a civilization history of over 7,000 years, this place preserves ancient buildings and waterways. The tour guide will take you through narrow alleys, stone bridges, and canals, explaining their unique culture to you.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: Wuzhen Dockside Boutique Hotel

4. Day 4: Explore Wuzhen & Tunxi
   Walk Canals, Cross Bridges, Explore Old Streets

   Wuzhen is best explored on foot, so take a stroll and discover its hidden charm in the early morning. We mainly visit Xizha, adjacent to the Beijing Hangzhou Grand Canal, which consists of 12 small islands. More than 70 bridges connect these islands together. Qiaoli Bridge is the most beautiful scenery. There are also many famous historical sites, handicraft workshops, classic exhibition halls, and leisure places in the block. Taking a boat tour is also an excellent way of sightseeing. you can appreciate the town's waterways and buildings from different perspectives.

   

   Then, drive 4 hours to Tunxi, Huangshan City. Tunxi Old Street is 1272 meters long and consists of more than 300 Huizhou style buildings, distributed in a fish skeleton shape. It is the most well preserved street in China with the architectural style of the Southern Song Dynasty. Finally, check in at the hotel in Huangshan.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Huangshan Yucheng

5. Day 5: Huangshan Hiking
   Enjoy Scenic Village, Hike Peaks, Catch Sunset Views

   In the morning, drive for 1 hour to Hongcun Village for sightseeing. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site that features over 100 well-preserved Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture. Covers an area of 19 square meters, the village can be dated back to the Song Dynasty 900 years ago. Last, transfer you back to your hotel in city center.

   After lunch, we will transfer for another hour to one of the top five famous mountains in China - Huangshan Mountain. Take a cable car at the Yungu Cable Car station, and go up to North Sea Scenic Area. Here are many pine trees and strange rocks. Get off the cable car and hike to Begin-to-Believe Peak for the sea of clouds. Keep pressing your shooting button. Then walk pass by the famous Black Tiger Pine to Dispelling Cloud Pavilion, where overlook the amazing views of the West Sea Grand Canyon.

   

   After check in at Xihai Hotel, if energy permits, spend about an hour appreciate the sunset at Bright Summit (1840 meters/6102 feet) and seeing Flying-over Rock.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: Huangshan Xihai Hotel

6. Day 6: Descend the Mountain
   See Amazing Sunrise, Explore Deep Canyons

   Get up early and walk to Danxia Peak to catch the spectacular sunrise. Return to the hotel for breakfast. Today, you can continue deep into the West Sea Grand Canyon to admire the rock peaks with thriving pine trees growing on. It usually takes 3 hours to pass through the first and second rings and return. You can decide the hiking time according to your physical condition.

   

   Note: West Sea Grand Canyon would be closed due to the heavy snow from December to March. We will adjust your itinerary if you are visiting during this period.

   Continue your hiking tour along the wooden path on Mt. Huangshan to Lion Peak (1690 meters/5544.6 feet) and Monkey Watching the Sea. This stone statue depicts a monkey gazing into the magnificent sea of clouds, hence its name. Stay overnight on the mountain.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: Huangshan Xihai Hotel

7. Day 7: Drive to Hangzhou from Huangshan

   This morning, drive an hour back to Tunxi District for a relaxing foot spa (included). It is the perfect way to rejuvenate and relax.

   In the afternoon, it takes about 3.5 hours by car to arrive in Hangzhou, one of the most beautiful cities in China. After arrival, check in at the local hotel. At night, you can explore the nightlife of this city on your own.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: Four Seasons Hotel at West Lake

   

8. Day 8: Hangzhou Highlights
   Take a Leisure Boat Ride, Explore Ancient Temple, Sip Fresh Tea

   West Lake, the first stop of your China eastern tour in Hangzhou, is one of the top sought-after scenic spots in China which has been praised by many Chinese literati. The scenery in all four seasons is beautiful and worthy of visiting. A boat trip on West Lake is a must-do activity for visitors looking to fully appreciate the natural beauty of the lake and its surrounding hills.

   

   Next, head to Lingyin Temple. The temple with a history of about 1,700 years is considered one of the most significant Buddhist temples in China. Listen to your guide about its history and stories, and admire various buildings. Then move to Feilai Peak which is a pure limestone mountain and totally different from the sandstone mountains around.

   After lunch, visit the first-class protected area of West Lake Longjing Tea, Meijiawu Tea Village. The village is also the main source of the Longjing tea. Just walk around the village, smell the faint aroma of tea in the air, and try some fine tea. If you come here in spring, you even can join the locals to pick up tea leaves.

   (If time permit:) Today's last stop is the China National Tea Museum, the only national museum focusing on tea and tea culture in China. You will be surprised to see there's no wall inside the museum as if saying "We have no threshold. Everyone is welcome here". You can learn the history of tea and tea customs of different areas in China and admire delicate tea wares. After the whole day tour, you will go back to your hotel.

   Optional: In the evening, you can watch Impression West Lake, which is a spectacular outdoor musical performance, featuring lights, dance, and music that tells the story of the West Lake (at your own expense).

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: Four Seasons Hotel at West Lake

   

9. Day 9: Hangzhou Departure

   We will see you off at the airport today. This is the end of your 9-day east China tour. Wish you a pleasant and safe journey home. Look forward to seeing you next time!

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: N/A