01
Overview
This itinerary retains the premium group-tour format and the complete Jiangnan arc, but the schedule is tailored to a single party of travellers. The journey begins with views of the Huangpu River in Shanghai, with one night each in Zhouzhuang and Wuzhen. Suzhou adds its classical gardens and Pingtan storytelling, while Hangzhou concludes with wetland scenery and West Lake. Full meals are not included in the package, allowing dining choices to follow the preferences of your travel companions rather than a fixed group menu.
LyrikTrip Route Design Team
This private itinerary departs with just two guests. Vehicle, hotel, departure date, and airport transfers are subject to written confirmation prior to payment.
Why you'll love this trip
- Private departure for 2 guests
- Main course is your choice
- Chinese driver-guide
- From airport pickup in Shanghai to final drop-off, one vehicle for the entire group throughout.
- Spend one night each in Zhouzhuang and Wuzhen, so you need not leave the water towns before nightfall.
- All meals are your choice, not limited by the fixed group meal menu.
- Continuing the quality route's international five-star accommodation, with one night inside Wuzhen Xizha Scenic Area.
Things to do
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
River View
Water Town
Quyi (Chinese Clowns & Comedians)
Water Town
Wetland
Performance
Temple
LakesRiver ViewWater TownQuyi (Chinese Clowns & Comedians)Water TownWetlandPerformanceTempleLakesRiver ViewWater TownQuyi (Chinese Clowns & Comedians)Water TownWetlandPerformanceTempleLakesItinerary
Arrivals
Shanghai · Day 1
· Shanghai: Old Town Gardens and Riverside Night Scenes by the Huangpu
After meeting your Chinese-speaking driver-guide, walk from Shanghai's old town all the way to the Huangpu River. Stops and meals for the day are arranged by the same group of guests at their own pace.
Car
Zhouzhuang · Day 2
· Shanghai and Zhouzhuang: From Urban Memories to an Evening in an Ancient Town
Spend the morning exploring Shanghai's modern and contemporary neighbourhoods, then take the group's private car to Zhouzhuang in the afternoon. Dinner and evening sightseeing can be arranged to suit the pace of your fellow travellers.
Car
Suzhou · Day 3
· Suzhou and Wuzhen: Temples, Gardens, Pingtan and Water Alleys
Spend a day visiting Suzhou's temples, gardens, and traditional opera, then take a private car to stay in Xizha, Wuzhen. Dining is at guests' own choice, not limited to fixed group meals.
Car
Wuzhen · Day 4
· Wuzhen and Hangzhou: From Morning Waterways to Xixi Wetland
Start the day by retracing the morning charm of Xizha from your stay within the scenic area, then take a private car into the wetland waterways of Hangzhou. End the evening with a grand stage performance.
Car
Hangzhou · Day 5 - Day 6
· Hangzhou: Temples, Tea Villages and the Waters of West Lake
Walk from the Feilai Feng stone carvings to Meijiawu Tea Village, then look back over the hills and embankments from the waters of West Lake. Lunch is at guests' own choice and expense.
· Hangzhou: Hefang Street & Private Airport Transfer
The last morning is reserved for the old town of Hangzhou. After lunch, a private car will take you to Shanghai Pudong Airport or Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport according to your confirmed flight.
Departures
Free PDF
Read it on your own time
We'll send this itinerary guide to your inbox for free.
No spam, ever. Unsubscribe anytime.
Hotels
These are sample stays typically included in the itinerary. Final pricing depends on the hotel level selected.
NEWFeature Stay
Shanghai
Sheraton Shanghai Pudong Riverside Hotel
Located at the junction of the Lujiazui Financial and Trade Zone and the Jinqiao area, this luxury business hotel is close to the Shanghai New International Expo Centre.
NEWFeature Stay
Kunshan
Pullman Zhouzhuang Water Moon Hotel
An elegant Pullman resort adjacent to Zhouzhuang Ancient Town, offering lake views and landscaped gardens, with refined guest rooms.
NEWFeature Stay
Wuzhen
Tong'an Inn, Wuzhen
A traditional waterside inn located in the Xizha Scenic Area of Wuzhen, nestled along the canal in a tranquil setting. Drift off to sleep to the gentle lapping of oars and shimmering lights, and experience the authentic charm of riverside living.
Wuzhen Zhaoming Study Inn
The hotel's interior design draws inspiration from the ancient Zhaoming Academy in Wuzhen, situated in the central-northern section of the West Scenic Area. Its aesthetic seamlessly integrates the cultural heritage of a classic Jiangnan water town.
Wuzhen
Wuzhen Water Lane Inn
A boutique inn in the Xizha Scenic Area of Wuzhen, built along the water lanes, with grey bricks and black tiles exuding the elegance of Jiangnan. The guest rooms face the water, and you can open the window to see the river and bridges.
NEWFeature Stay
Hangzhou
Sofitel Hangzhou Yingguan
Strategically located in the heart of "Wanshi Centre", adjacent to the Riverside Central Business District and close to Hangzhou's emerging business hub, Qianjiang Century City.
Hangzhou
Hotel Indigo Hangzhou Shangcheng
Nestled within the enchanting West Lake scenic area, this property adjoins the ruins of the Southern Song imperial city, faces south toward the Qiantang River, and embraces the Bagua Tian landscape within its grounds.
Hangzhou
Crowne Plaza Hangzhou Qiantang
The hotel is situated in the core area of the Jinsha Lake CBD in Qiantang District, Hangzhou.
Shanghai
Sheraton Shanghai Waigaoqiao Hotel
A five-star Sheraton hotel in the Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, offering river views and spacious rooms, close to the Yangtze estuary and Pudong transport hub.
Shanghai
Wyndham Shanghai Pudong Hotel
This five-star Wyndham hotel in Chuansha, Pudong, is adjacent to Shanghai Disneyland and the Wild Animal Park, with comfortable rooms and family-friendly facilities.
Jiaxing
Pujin Grand Hotel, Puyuan Fashion Ancient Town
Located next to the ancient town visitor centre, this resort features a variety of guest rooms, a one-day buffet restaurant, and combines accommodation, dining, and conference facilities in one.
Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund
Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund offers river views over Pudong, walkable Nanjing Road, Aesop amenities and marble baths.
The Peninsula Shanghai
The Peninsula Shanghai sits on the historic Bund along the Huangpu River, with views of the Bund, Pudong and its gardens.
Alila Wuzhen
A minimalist retreat in ancient Wuzhen, blending stone bridges, canals and Jiangnan heritage.
Amanfayun Hangzhou
A tranquil resort in a valley west of West Lake, 20 minutes from Hangzhou, with 47 Tang-era dwellings near Lingyin Temple.
Grand Hyatt Hangzhou
Grand Hyatt Hangzhou sits on the east bank of West Lake, steps from the Hubin shopping and entertainment district.
NEWFeature Stay
Shanghai
Sheraton Shanghai Pudong Riverside Hotel
Located at the junction of the Lujiazui Financial and Trade Zone and the Jinqiao area, this luxury business hotel is close to the Shanghai New International Expo Centre.
NEWFeature Stay
Kunshan
Pullman Zhouzhuang Water Moon Hotel
An elegant Pullman resort adjacent to Zhouzhuang Ancient Town, offering lake views and landscaped gardens, with refined guest rooms.
NEWFeature Stay
Wuzhen
Tong'an Inn, Wuzhen
A traditional waterside inn located in the Xizha Scenic Area of Wuzhen, nestled along the canal in a tranquil setting. Drift off to sleep to the gentle lapping of oars and shimmering lights, and experience the authentic charm of riverside living.
Wuzhen Zhaoming Study Inn
The hotel's interior design draws inspiration from the ancient Zhaoming Academy in Wuzhen, situated in the central-northern section of the West Scenic Area. Its aesthetic seamlessly integrates the cultural heritage of a classic Jiangnan water town.
Wuzhen
Wuzhen Water Lane Inn
A boutique inn in the Xizha Scenic Area of Wuzhen, built along the water lanes, with grey bricks and black tiles exuding the elegance of Jiangnan. The guest rooms face the water, and you can open the window to see the river and bridges.
NEWFeature Stay
Hangzhou
Sofitel Hangzhou Yingguan
Strategically located in the heart of "Wanshi Centre", adjacent to the Riverside Central Business District and close to Hangzhou's emerging business hub, Qianjiang Century City.
Hangzhou
Hotel Indigo Hangzhou Shangcheng
Nestled within the enchanting West Lake scenic area, this property adjoins the ruins of the Southern Song imperial city, faces south toward the Qiantang River, and embraces the Bagua Tian landscape within its grounds.
Hangzhou
Crowne Plaza Hangzhou Qiantang
The hotel is situated in the core area of the Jinsha Lake CBD in Qiantang District, Hangzhou.
Shanghai
Sheraton Shanghai Waigaoqiao Hotel
A five-star Sheraton hotel in the Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, offering river views and spacious rooms, close to the Yangtze estuary and Pudong transport hub.
Shanghai
Wyndham Shanghai Pudong Hotel
This five-star Wyndham hotel in Chuansha, Pudong, is adjacent to Shanghai Disneyland and the Wild Animal Park, with comfortable rooms and family-friendly facilities.
Jiaxing
Pujin Grand Hotel, Puyuan Fashion Ancient Town
Located next to the ancient town visitor centre, this resort features a variety of guest rooms, a one-day buffet restaurant, and combines accommodation, dining, and conference facilities in one.
Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund
Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund offers river views over Pudong, walkable Nanjing Road, Aesop amenities and marble baths.
The Peninsula Shanghai
The Peninsula Shanghai sits on the historic Bund along the Huangpu River, with views of the Bund, Pudong and its gardens.
Alila Wuzhen
A minimalist retreat in ancient Wuzhen, blending stone bridges, canals and Jiangnan heritage.
Amanfayun Hangzhou
A tranquil resort in a valley west of West Lake, 20 minutes from Hangzhou, with 47 Tang-era dwellings near Lingyin Temple.
Grand Hyatt Hangzhou
Grand Hyatt Hangzhou sits on the east bank of West Lake, steps from the Hubin shopping and entertainment district.
NEWFeature Stay
Shanghai
Sheraton Shanghai Pudong Riverside Hotel
Located at the junction of the Lujiazui Financial and Trade Zone and the Jinqiao area, this luxury business hotel is close to the Shanghai New International Expo Centre.
NEWFeature Stay
Kunshan
Pullman Zhouzhuang Water Moon Hotel
An elegant Pullman resort adjacent to Zhouzhuang Ancient Town, offering lake views and landscaped gardens, with refined guest rooms.
NEWFeature Stay
Wuzhen
Tong'an Inn, Wuzhen
A traditional waterside inn located in the Xizha Scenic Area of Wuzhen, nestled along the canal in a tranquil setting. Drift off to sleep to the gentle lapping of oars and shimmering lights, and experience the authentic charm of riverside living.
Wuzhen Zhaoming Study Inn
The hotel's interior design draws inspiration from the ancient Zhaoming Academy in Wuzhen, situated in the central-northern section of the West Scenic Area. Its aesthetic seamlessly integrates the cultural heritage of a classic Jiangnan water town.
Wuzhen
Wuzhen Water Lane Inn
A boutique inn in the Xizha Scenic Area of Wuzhen, built along the water lanes, with grey bricks and black tiles exuding the elegance of Jiangnan. The guest rooms face the water, and you can open the window to see the river and bridges.
NEWFeature Stay
Hangzhou
Sofitel Hangzhou Yingguan
Strategically located in the heart of "Wanshi Centre", adjacent to the Riverside Central Business District and close to Hangzhou's emerging business hub, Qianjiang Century City.
Hangzhou
Hotel Indigo Hangzhou Shangcheng
Nestled within the enchanting West Lake scenic area, this property adjoins the ruins of the Southern Song imperial city, faces south toward the Qiantang River, and embraces the Bagua Tian landscape within its grounds.
Hangzhou
Crowne Plaza Hangzhou Qiantang
The hotel is situated in the core area of the Jinsha Lake CBD in Qiantang District, Hangzhou.
Shanghai
Sheraton Shanghai Waigaoqiao Hotel
A five-star Sheraton hotel in the Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, offering river views and spacious rooms, close to the Yangtze estuary and Pudong transport hub.
Shanghai
Wyndham Shanghai Pudong Hotel
This five-star Wyndham hotel in Chuansha, Pudong, is adjacent to Shanghai Disneyland and the Wild Animal Park, with comfortable rooms and family-friendly facilities.
Jiaxing
Pujin Grand Hotel, Puyuan Fashion Ancient Town
Located next to the ancient town visitor centre, this resort features a variety of guest rooms, a one-day buffet restaurant, and combines accommodation, dining, and conference facilities in one.
Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund
Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund offers river views over Pudong, walkable Nanjing Road, Aesop amenities and marble baths.
The Peninsula Shanghai
The Peninsula Shanghai sits on the historic Bund along the Huangpu River, with views of the Bund, Pudong and its gardens.
Alila Wuzhen
A minimalist retreat in ancient Wuzhen, blending stone bridges, canals and Jiangnan heritage.
Amanfayun Hangzhou
A tranquil resort in a valley west of West Lake, 20 minutes from Hangzhou, with 47 Tang-era dwellings near Lingyin Temple.
Grand Hyatt Hangzhou
Grand Hyatt Hangzhou sits on the east bank of West Lake, steps from the Hubin shopping and entertainment district.
Included / Excluded
What's Included
- Accommodation4 nights at an international five-star hotel and 1 night at a guesthouse within the West Scenic Area of Wuzhen
- Vehicle with driver-guide6 days' use of a 7-seater Buick GL8 or similar vehicle, with a Chinese-speaking driver-guide
- Admission ticketIncludes Yu Garden, Huangpu River cruise, Zhouzhuang admission with shuttle boat, Hanshan Temple, Lingering Garden, Shantang Street boat ride with Pingtan performance, Wuzhen Xizha, Xixi Wetland electric cart and boat tour, Songcheng VIP seating, and Lingyin Temple with Feilai Peak shuttle plus West Lake cruise
Not Included
- Round-trip transportFlights between Taiwan and Mainland China
- Main courseLunch and dinner are at guests' own choice and expense; recommendations do not imply reservations.
- Personal expensesBeverages, tips, laundry, and personal purchases not listed in the itinerary
Special Notes
Vehicle, flight and venue details are confirmed based on group size and travel dates.
- Vehicle size — Standard vehicle is a 7-seat Buick GL8 or equivalent. For groups of 6 or more, an upgrade to a 9-seat vehicle can be confirmed at an additional charge of CNY 200 per person.
- Scheduled items — Songcheng seating and final airport transfers are subject to the confirmed tour dates and flights.
Is Six Days Your Length?
Need other days?
6 days
6 days allow two nights in a water town and a full day in Hangzhou; any adjustments will be quoted separately before confirmation.
Good to Know
- Group Type
- Private tour, minimum 2 people
- Language
- Chinese driver-guide
- Meals
- Meals not included
Your Private Concierge Service
Jenny
China Private Travel Route Consultant
“A concierge desk offering bilingual planning services for bespoke China journeys”
Our China team carefully tailors the pace of the itinerary, hotel arrangements, and local reception services to suit the style of each route.
20+
Years
300+
Trips Designed
24/7
On-Trip Care
Step 01
Tell us what excites you
Not your dates and budget — your curiosity. Where have you always wanted to go? What do you want to feel? We start there.
24h
First concept delivered
Step 02
We design it around you
Your specialist builds the itinerary from scratch — routes, hosts, hotels, and experiences you won't find anywhere else.
100%
Private, never off-the-shelf
Step 03
Lock it in with 30%
When the plan feels right, a 30% deposit holds your trip. Balance due 30 days before departure.
30%
Deposit to confirm
Step 04
Travel. We handle the rest.
Your Trip Pack arrives before you fly. On the road, your concierge is one message away — for the expected and everything you didn't plan for.
24/7
Support throughout your journey
Cancellation terms agreed in writing
English-speaking concierge
Secure payment via Stripe
Guest Reviews
4.9 / 5 · from 523 verified reviews
E
Emily Carter
🇺🇸 Seattle, USA
Perfect for couples
“My partner and I had an amazing time in China. Everything was arranged for us — transfers, hotels, guides. No stress at all.”
May 2026
C
Claire Brooks
🇬🇧 London, UK
Great for families
“Traveled with my two kids and had zero issues. The team made sure the pace wasn't too rushed and included things the kids would enjoy. Communication was easy throughout. Will definitely use them again for our next Asia trip.”
Apr 2026
L
Laura Bennett
🇨🇦 Toronto, Canada
Alisa made the whole experience easy
“Alisa was our point of contact throughout and she was brilliant — patient, knowledgeable, and always quick to reply. The trip itself was wonderful. Beijing and Guilin were highlights.”
Mar 2026
M
Mark Henderson
🇺🇸 Denver, USA
Good service, minor hiccup but sorted quickly
“Really good service. There was a small mix-up with one of our restaurant bookings but it got sorted quickly. The rest of the trip was seamless.”
Feb 2026
R
Rebecca Miller
🇺🇸 Boston, USA
Really listened to what we wanted
“Really helpful team. They listened to what we wanted and delivered. Beijing and Xi'an were incredible.”
Jan 2026
China Ready
We've solved the hard parts. Here's everything a first-time Western traveller needs to know before arriving.
Do this before you fly
VPN & Internet Access
What's blocked
Google, Gmail, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, and most Western news sites are inaccessible in China without a VPN.
Download before you leave
It's nearly impossible to download a VPN once inside China. Install and test at home. Recommended: Astrill (most reliable), Mullvad, ExpressVPN — subscribe to at least two in case one stops working.
Hotel Wi-Fi tip
Some hotels block VPN connections on their Wi-Fi. Use your phone's mobile data as a hotspot if the VPN drops.
Good news
WhatsApp works perfectly through a VPN, so your messaging stays unchanged. Apple iMessage and Signal also work.
Your concierge sets this up on Day 1
Paying in China
China is cashless
Alipay and WeChat Pay are used for almost everything — restaurants, taxis, markets, tickets. Cash is rarely accepted in cities.
International cards now work
Foreign Visa/Mastercard can now link directly to Alipay (set up in minutes, $5,000 single transaction limit). Your concierge walks you through the setup on your first morning.
Carry some cash
We recommend ¥500–800 RMB in cash for the rare vendor that won't accept digital payment, and for small towns.
Booking this trip
Your deposit and balance are charged via Stripe — the same trusted platform used by Airbnb and Booking.com. USD billing, no surprise conversion fees.
We handle the paperwork
Visa & Entry
Do you need a visa?
Most US, UK, EU, Australian, Canadian, and New Zealand passport holders need a tourist (L) visa for stays over 10 days. We provide a visa invitation letter with every booking — it significantly speeds up approval.
240-hour visa-free transit
Citizens of 55+ countries (including USA, UK, most of EU, AUS, NZ, Canada) can enter China visa-free for up to 10 days if transiting through eligible ports. This covers our 12-day itinerary only if you have a confirmed onward flight.
Processing time
Apply 4–6 weeks before departure. Standard processing: 4–7 business days. Express (3 days) and same-day options available at most Chinese consulates.
What we provide
Visa invitation letter, hotel confirmation for all nights, suggested itinerary document — everything the consulate needs, formatted correctly.
Our responsibility, always
Safety & Practical Tips
Is China safe?
China consistently ranks among the safest countries for foreign tourists. Violent crime against visitors is extremely rare. Cities have extensive CCTV coverage and a visible police presence.
Emergency numbers
Police: 110. Ambulance: 120. Your concierge is your first call for any non-emergency situation — she has local contacts for every city on the itinerary.
Health & medications
Bring a full supply of any prescription medication. International pharmacies exist in major cities but may not carry your brand. Travel insurance is required — we can recommend policies that cover China specifically.
Language
English fluency outside hotels and tourist sites is limited. Your guides all speak English. We provide a printed pocket card with essential Chinese phrases and emergency contacts for every traveller.
Before You Book
Everything worth knowing before you book.
Vehicles and itineraries serve only guests travelling together, with a minimum of 2 guests per departure.
Not included. Meals are chosen and paid for by guests themselves; the driver-guide can offer suggestions, but there is no obligation to visit specific shops or restaurants.
Standard 7-seater Buick GL8 or equivalent. Groups of 6 or more can upgrade to a 9-seater vehicle for an additional CNY 200 per person.
Not included; the quoted price is for local reception services.
