7-Day Shanghai, Hangzhou & Suzhou Cultural Discovery

A Journey Through China’s Elegance and Innovation

Embark on a week-long exploration of three of China’s most refined cultural cities: Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou. Admire Shanghai’s dazzling skyline and colonial heritage, find peace at Hangzhou’s poetic West Lake and tea plantations, and uncover the artistry of Suzhou’s classical gardens and ancient canals. This immersive journey blends tradition and modernity, offering travelers a deep connection to China’s timeless elegance.

Travel comfortably on a private, customizable tour designed around your pace and preferences. Whether you’re drawn to historic sites, local food, or authentic cultural encounters, we’ll ensure your experience is meaningful and memorable.

Tour ‘Wow’ Points

• Walk Along the Bund’s Architectural Marvels — Stand between Shanghai’s historic European-style facades and the futuristic skyline of Pudong, a living contrast of China’s past and present.

• Discover the Charm of Wukang Road — Wander tree-shaded avenues lined with colonial villas and elegant mansions that reveal Shanghai’s cosmopolitan heritage.

• Step Into Suzhou’s Garden Artistry — Experience the Master of the Nets Garden, where space, water, and rockeries combine to create harmony within a compact masterpiece.

• Cruise the Waterways of Tongli — Explore this ancient water town’s stone bridges, traditional homes, and tranquil canals for a glimpse into Jiangnan’s centuries-old life.

• Harvest & Brew Dragon Well Tea — Join a farmer in Meijiawu Village, hand-pick tea leaves, and learn the delicate art of pan-frying and brewing China’s most famous green tea.

• Taste Hangzhou’s Modern Food Culture — Visit a contemporary local market to savor fresh flavors, bold street snacks, and the city’s vibrant culinary scene.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Shanghai | A Warm Welcome to China
Upon arrival in Shanghai, your private guide will greet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. Relax as your luggage and hotel check-in are taken care of, leaving you free to enjoy your first impressions of this vibrant metropolis. Depending on your arrival time, you may take a leisurely evening stroll near your hotel to soak up the atmosphere of the city.

Day 2 – Shanghai Highlights | Skyline and Heritage
Start the day with a breathtaking bird’s-eye view from the Shanghai Tower, one of the tallest buildings in the world. Experience a local ferry ride across the Huangpu River with city residents, offering you an authentic taste of Shanghai life. Wander the historic Bund, where European-style architecture meets futuristic skyscrapers across the river. Continue to Yu Garden, a 16th-century classical Chinese garden, where winding corridors, pavilions, and koi-filled ponds transport you back in time. In the afternoon, step into the Shanghai Museum East, where priceless artifacts and interactive exhibitions bring 5,000 years of Chinese civilization to life. Your guide will also introduce you to hidden local food gems, such as Michelin-rated pan-fried buns that are favorites among locals.

Day 3 – French Concession & Local Life | Walk Through Time
This morning, journey into Shanghai’s cultural heart — the Former French Concession. Tree-lined boulevards such as Wukang Road and Sinan Road are filled with elegant villas and Art Deco mansions, each telling stories of Shanghai’s colonial past. Visit the Xujiahui Catholic Church and historic landmarks on a curated walking tour that connects history, culture, and daily life. In the afternoon, explore Tianzifang, a maze of narrow alleyways packed with boutique shops, cafes, and art studios set in traditional Shikumen houses. Here, you can shop for handmade souvenirs and enjoy casual conversations with locals. If you wish, step into a Shanghainese home for tea and a genuine glimpse of daily life in this dynamic city.

Day 4 – From Shanghai to Hangzhou | West Lake & Tea Culture
Board a high-speed train for a swift and comfortable journey to Hangzhou, often called “Heaven on Earth.” Your first stop will be the enchanting West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage site that has inspired countless poets and artists. Glide across the lake in a traditional rowing boat as willow trees sway along the shore. Visit Meijiawu Tea Village, where you’ll join tea farmers to pick fresh leaves and watch the delicate process of stir-frying Dragon Well tea. Enjoy a farm-style tea lunch before visiting a historic Traditional Chinese Medicine pharmacy, where you’ll see time-honored practices still alive today. In the evening, stroll down Qinghefang Street, lined with shops, local snacks, and cultural relics, to experience Hangzhou’s charm.

Day 5 – Hangzhou’s Innovation & Future
Dive into the modern side of Hangzhou with a visit to a lively local market, where fresh produce, street snacks, and friendly vendors showcase the city’s energy. Take a ride on a driverless smart bus, a glimpse of how AI and technology shape everyday life here. Explore the Alibaba Creative Park, once the headquarters of China’s e-commerce giant, and learn how innovation fuels Hangzhou’s growth. At the Urban Planning Exhibition Hall, use immersive VR/AR experiences to understand the city’s vision for the future. End the day with panoramic views of the Qiantang River and Hangzhou’s Olympic Sports Center from the City Balcony.

Day 6 – Hangzhou to Suzhou | Gardens and Waterways
Travel to Suzhou, a city known for its classical gardens and canals. Begin with the Master of the Nets Garden, a smaller but exquisitely designed masterpiece that demonstrates the essence of Chinese landscaping in a compact space. Continue to Pingjiang Road, a historic 1,600-meter-long street lined with traditional teahouses, stone bridges, and boutique shops. In the afternoon, head to Tongli Water Town, where canals crisscross centuries-old houses and arched bridges. A boat ride here offers a peaceful perspective on local life in this ancient water town.

Day 7 – Suzhou to Shanghai Departure | Farewell China
After breakfast, enjoy a relaxing morning in Suzhou before your private driver transfers you back to Shanghai. Your guide will assist with your departure at the airport or train station. This marks the end of your cultural journey, but the memories of Shanghai’s skyline, Hangzhou’s poetic lake, and Suzhou’s classical gardens will stay with you forever.

From US$1,729 per person

(based on 2 travelers, 4-star hotels, private guide & car)

The more people, the bigger the discount — up to 40% off.