01
Overview
This is a shorter, more accessible Jiangnan route: Shanghai anchors the first and last two nights, with Suzhou and Wuzhen forming the central journey. Nanxun serves as a water-town transition, while Hangzhou is reserved for West Lake. The package clearly outlines the first entrance ticket, 4 breakfasts, 3 light meals, and group transport; two boat rides and optional evening activities are left to your own discretion. First grasp the contours of Jiangnan, then decide whether to travel more slowly next time.
LyrikTrip Route Design Team
Local shared-group tours are capped at 25 guests. The quoted price does not cover intercity travel; airport or station transfer times will follow the subsequent transport arrangements confirmed with you.
Why you'll love this trip
- Up to 25 people
- 4 mornings, 3 light meals
- Shanghai Station Transfers
- Experience Shanghai, Suzhou, two water towns, and Hangzhou on a compact route.
- Huizhou, Nanxun, and West Lake are arranged for walking, with no additional charges for these three segments.
- Spend the evening in Wuzhen with free time to explore; a自费 boat tour is available at your discretion.
- Conclude with the Bund, Nanjing Road, and a high-level observation deck in Shanghai.
Things to do
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Water Town
Water Town
Lakes
Performance
Cityscapes
RiverfrontWater TownWater TownLakesPerformanceCityscapesRiverfrontWater TownWater TownLakesPerformanceCityscapesRiverfrontItinerary
Arrivals
Shanghai · Day 1
· Shanghai: Arrival and Free Time to Settle In
Day one covers arrival, shared transfer to the hotel, and check-in only. After completing the hotel formalities, the rest of the day is free for guests to arrange as they wish.
Car
Wuzhen · Day 2
· Suzhou and Wuzhen: From Lingering Garden to Xizha Night
Travel by coach from Shanghai to Suzhou, visit a classical garden, then continue to Wuzhen. Arrive in Xizha in the evening, with free time to stroll at night.
Car
Hangzhou · Day 3
· Nanxun and Hangzhou: Ancient Towns, Lakeside Shores and Evening Performances
Spend the morning exploring Nanxun's traditional residences and library buildings before heading to Hangzhou. In the afternoon, enjoy panoramic views of West Lake from Leifeng Pagoda, and in the evening, watch the regular performance at Songcheng.
Car
Shanghai · Day 4 - Day 5
· Hangzhou and Shanghai: From Hefang Street to the City Skyline
Spend the morning in Hangzhou's old town, then return to Shanghai by coach in the afternoon. In the evening, take in views of the Huangpu River from a high-rise observation deck, before strolling into the old commercial district.
· Shanghai: The Bund, Nanjing Road and Departure
On the final morning, take a stroll along the Huangpu River and the central shopping street. After midday, a group transfer will be arranged; no further sightseeing is scheduled.
Departures
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Hotels
These are sample stays typically included in the itinerary. Final pricing depends on the hotel level selected.
NEWFeature Stay
Shanghai
Ji Hotel (Shanghai Hongqiao Airport)
The Ji Hotel by Hongqiao Airport offers consistent chain-standard rooms and a reliable breakfast routine, ideal for an overnight stay during a flight connection or business event.
Shanghai
Royal Garden Hotel Shanghai (Shanghai International Resort)
Royal Garden Hotel Shanghai: a luxurious garden hotel adjacent to Pudong Airport and Disneyland, offering a complimentary shuttle service to both.
NEWFeature Stay
Wuzhen
Rezen Hotel Wuzhen (Xizha Scenic Area)
Upscale local hotel near Wuzhen’s Xizha Scenic Area, suited to leisure stays.
Wuzhen Golden Riverside Grand Hotel
Nestled between Wuzhen's East and West scenic areas, surrounded by tranquil nature for an escape from the bustle.
Wuzhen
Wuzhen Maison New Century Grand Hotel
Upscale hotel in Wuzhen with comfortable facilities for leisure travellers.
NEWFeature Stay
Hangzhou
Junshang Yunyi Hotel Hangzhou (Chihua Street Metro Station)
Near Jishang Yunyi by the pool flower Street subway station in Xihu District, convenient for picking up itineraries heading to the west city and the main station.
Hangzhou
Manju Hotel (Hangzhou Gongshu Wanda)
Bordered to the north by the bustling Wanda Plaza and to the south by the Shangtang Elevated Road, with close proximity to key transport hubs such as Moganshan Road and Dengyun Road.
Hangzhou
Fenghui Heyue International Hotel
A four-star international hotel in the Zijin Port area of Hangzhou, adjacent to West Lake and the tech innovation district, with well-appointed rooms and convenient access.
Hangzhou
Rezen Grand Hotel Hangzhou
No. 9 Street, Longwu Tea Town, West Lake District, Hangzhou — the core area of the permanent venue for the China International Tea Expo, a stone's throw from the Tea Expo Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Shanghai
Mercure Shanghai Yu Garden on the Bund
Mercure Shanghai Yu Garden on the Bund is located in Huangpu District, adjacent to Yu Garden and the Bund, just steps away from Metro Lines 10 and 8.
Wuzhen Waterfront Resort Hotel
Located in Wuzhen's Xizha scenic area along Xishi River, right by the parking lot and visitor centre.
Pagoda Design Hotel (Hangzhou West Lake & Wulin Square)
In central Hangzhou at Wulin Square, near West Lake, museums and top malls; a walk from Wulin Square Metro (Line 1).
NEWFeature Stay
Shanghai
Ji Hotel (Shanghai Hongqiao Airport)
The Ji Hotel by Hongqiao Airport offers consistent chain-standard rooms and a reliable breakfast routine, ideal for an overnight stay during a flight connection or business event.
Shanghai
Royal Garden Hotel Shanghai (Shanghai International Resort)
Royal Garden Hotel Shanghai: a luxurious garden hotel adjacent to Pudong Airport and Disneyland, offering a complimentary shuttle service to both.
NEWFeature Stay
Wuzhen
Rezen Hotel Wuzhen (Xizha Scenic Area)
Upscale local hotel near Wuzhen’s Xizha Scenic Area, suited to leisure stays.
Wuzhen Golden Riverside Grand Hotel
Nestled between Wuzhen's East and West scenic areas, surrounded by tranquil nature for an escape from the bustle.
Wuzhen
Wuzhen Maison New Century Grand Hotel
Upscale hotel in Wuzhen with comfortable facilities for leisure travellers.
NEWFeature Stay
Hangzhou
Junshang Yunyi Hotel Hangzhou (Chihua Street Metro Station)
Near Jishang Yunyi by the pool flower Street subway station in Xihu District, convenient for picking up itineraries heading to the west city and the main station.
Hangzhou
Manju Hotel (Hangzhou Gongshu Wanda)
Bordered to the north by the bustling Wanda Plaza and to the south by the Shangtang Elevated Road, with close proximity to key transport hubs such as Moganshan Road and Dengyun Road.
Hangzhou
Fenghui Heyue International Hotel
A four-star international hotel in the Zijin Port area of Hangzhou, adjacent to West Lake and the tech innovation district, with well-appointed rooms and convenient access.
Hangzhou
Rezen Grand Hotel Hangzhou
No. 9 Street, Longwu Tea Town, West Lake District, Hangzhou — the core area of the permanent venue for the China International Tea Expo, a stone's throw from the Tea Expo Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Shanghai
Mercure Shanghai Yu Garden on the Bund
Mercure Shanghai Yu Garden on the Bund is located in Huangpu District, adjacent to Yu Garden and the Bund, just steps away from Metro Lines 10 and 8.
Wuzhen Waterfront Resort Hotel
Located in Wuzhen's Xizha scenic area along Xishi River, right by the parking lot and visitor centre.
Pagoda Design Hotel (Hangzhou West Lake & Wulin Square)
In central Hangzhou at Wulin Square, near West Lake, museums and top malls; a walk from Wulin Square Metro (Line 1).
NEWFeature Stay
Shanghai
Ji Hotel (Shanghai Hongqiao Airport)
The Ji Hotel by Hongqiao Airport offers consistent chain-standard rooms and a reliable breakfast routine, ideal for an overnight stay during a flight connection or business event.
Shanghai
Royal Garden Hotel Shanghai (Shanghai International Resort)
Royal Garden Hotel Shanghai: a luxurious garden hotel adjacent to Pudong Airport and Disneyland, offering a complimentary shuttle service to both.
NEWFeature Stay
Wuzhen
Rezen Hotel Wuzhen (Xizha Scenic Area)
Upscale local hotel near Wuzhen’s Xizha Scenic Area, suited to leisure stays.
Wuzhen Golden Riverside Grand Hotel
Nestled between Wuzhen's East and West scenic areas, surrounded by tranquil nature for an escape from the bustle.
Wuzhen
Wuzhen Maison New Century Grand Hotel
Upscale hotel in Wuzhen with comfortable facilities for leisure travellers.
NEWFeature Stay
Hangzhou
Junshang Yunyi Hotel Hangzhou (Chihua Street Metro Station)
Near Jishang Yunyi by the pool flower Street subway station in Xihu District, convenient for picking up itineraries heading to the west city and the main station.
Hangzhou
Manju Hotel (Hangzhou Gongshu Wanda)
Bordered to the north by the bustling Wanda Plaza and to the south by the Shangtang Elevated Road, with close proximity to key transport hubs such as Moganshan Road and Dengyun Road.
Hangzhou
Fenghui Heyue International Hotel
A four-star international hotel in the Zijin Port area of Hangzhou, adjacent to West Lake and the tech innovation district, with well-appointed rooms and convenient access.
Hangzhou
Rezen Grand Hotel Hangzhou
No. 9 Street, Longwu Tea Town, West Lake District, Hangzhou — the core area of the permanent venue for the China International Tea Expo, a stone's throw from the Tea Expo Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Shanghai
Mercure Shanghai Yu Garden on the Bund
Mercure Shanghai Yu Garden on the Bund is located in Huangpu District, adjacent to Yu Garden and the Bund, just steps away from Metro Lines 10 and 8.
Wuzhen Waterfront Resort Hotel
Located in Wuzhen's Xizha scenic area along Xishi River, right by the parking lot and visitor centre.
Pagoda Design Hotel (Hangzhou West Lake & Wulin Square)
In central Hangzhou at Wulin Square, near West Lake, museums and top malls; a walk from Wulin Square Metro (Line 1).
Included / Excluded
What's Included
- Admission ticketFirst entrance ticket to attractions listed in the itinerary
- Meals4 breakfasts and 3 light meals arranged according to the source meal plan
- Accommodation4 nights in a mid-range chain or upscale hotel; in Wuzhen, accommodation is located outside the Xizha Scenic Area
- Local TransportLocal transport and Chinese-speaking guide, plus airport or station transfers in Shanghai (terms and conditions apply)
Not Included
- Round-trip transportFlights or trains to and from Shanghai
- Optional cruise at own expenseWuzhen Night Cruise and West Lake Cruise Fees
- Other meals and personal expensesMeals, drinks, tips and personal purchases other than the 3 set meals specified
Special Notes
This introductory route clearly lists optional paid activities and pick-up times.
- Seating & Cruise Ship — Songcheng uses standard seating; the Wuzhen and West Lake boat rides are not included and can be purchased separately if required.
- Hotel location — Shanghai hotels are located in the Hongqiao Hub or Pudong Wildlife Park areas; the specific hotel will be allocated based on your confirmed tour dates.
Is Five Days Your Length?
Need other days?
5 days
A compact 5-day loop covering Shanghai, Suzhou, Wuzhen, Nanxun and Hangzhou in full.
Good to Know
- Group Type
- Local group tour, maximum 25 people
- Language
- Chinese-speaking guide
- Pace
- 5 days 4 nights, including one night in a water town and one night's accommodation on return to Shanghai
- Meals
- Includes 4 breakfasts and 3 light meals; other meals at your own expense
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.
No. This is a local shared group tour of up to 25 people.
Not included. Both the Wuzhen Night Cruise and the West Lake Cruise are optional extras.
Includes 4 breakfasts and 3 arranged light meals; other meals are at your own expense.
No, the included hotels are located outside the scenic area.
