--- title: "Jiangnan in Five Days: An Introduction" description: "Five days strolling through Shanghai’s alleys to West Lake: explore the essence of Jiangnan at an accessible price" type: "tour" route_id: "jiangnan-essentials-5d" total_days: 5 price: 296 highlights: ["Shanghai", "Wuzhen", "Hangzhou"] url: "https://www.lyriktrip.com/en-GB/tours/jiangnan-essentials-5d" canonical_url: "https://www.lyriktrip.com/en-GB/tours/jiangnan-essentials-5d" locale: "en-GB" alternates: {"en-US":"https://www.lyriktrip.com/tours/jiangnan-essentials-5d","en-GB":"https://www.lyriktrip.com/en-GB/tours/jiangnan-essentials-5d","zh-CN":"https://www.lyriktrip.com/zh-CN/tours/jiangnan-essentials-5d","zh-TW":"https://www.lyriktrip.com/zh-TW/tours/jiangnan-essentials-5d","de-DE":"https://www.lyriktrip.com/de-DE/tours/jiangnan-essentials-5d","fr-FR":"https://www.lyriktrip.com/fr-FR/tours/jiangnan-essentials-5d","es-ES":"https://www.lyriktrip.com/es-ES/tours/jiangnan-essentials-5d","it-IT":"https://www.lyriktrip.com/it-IT/tours/jiangnan-essentials-5d","x-default":"https://www.lyriktrip.com/tours/jiangnan-essentials-5d"} --- # Jiangnan in Five Days: An Introduction 5 days walking from Shanghai's streets to West Lake — discover the essence of Jiangnan at budget-friendly prices 5 days from the lanes of Shanghai to West Lake, a glimpse of Jiangnan at an entry-level price - No shopping arrangements - Group booking conditions ## 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. ## Summary - Route ID: jiangnan-essentials-5d - Duration: 5 days / 4 nights - Starting price: $296 - Status: active - Highlights: Shanghai, Wuzhen, Hangzhou - Cover image: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/04adfec749e3.png ## Hero tags - No shopping - Fully tailored - Multilingual services — Tours run in English. Other languages can be arranged with 30 days' notice and at an added fee. ## Highlight notes - Up to 25 people - 4 mornings, 3 light meals - Shanghai Station Transfers ## Selling points - 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. ## City highlights - Shanghai (2 days): Shanghai - Image: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/4234545a9276.webp - Shanghai (1 days): Shanghai - Image: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/4234545a9276.webp - Wuzhen (1 days): Wuzhen - Image: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/8db182da7b9c.png - Hangzhou (1 days): Hangzhou - Image: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/95608f425efb.png ## Experiences Spend 5 days exploring Shanghai, Suzhou, Wuzhen, Nanxun and Hangzhou, including listed first-entry tickets, 4 breakfasts, 3 light meals and shared transfers. - Wuzhen West (Wuzhen): Stroll through the waterside lanes and historic architecture of West栅, Wuzhen. - Subtitle: Venture into the waterways and old streets of Jiangnan's water towns - Tags: Water Town - Host: Wuzhen, Wuzhen Local Host — Water Town Alleys and Canal Life - Access: Includes admission to the scenic area's first gate; the scenic area remains open to other visitors. - Images: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/892a8a08a840.png, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/c4186942fca8.png - Nanxun Ancient Town (Nanxun): Stroll through the ancient town of Nanxun and visit Xiaolian Manor and Jiaye Library, as part of the source itinerary. - Subtitle: Water lanes and late-Qing garden residences - Tags: Water Town - Host: Huzhou, Huzhou Local Host — Water Towns and Taihu Culture - Access: Includes standard first-entry tickets; private access is not guaranteed. - Images: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/339e02c6c5d6.jpg - Leifeng Pagoda and West Lake (Hangzhou): After visiting the Leifeng Pagoda, stroll through the West Lake scenic area along the Su Causeway and to Changqiao Park. - Subtitle: Climb high for city views, then stroll along the lake - Tags: Lakes - Host: Hangzhou, Hangzhou Lens — Lake beauty and future tech - Access: Includes standard admission and walking routes; the West Lake boat ride is at your own expense. - Images: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/95608f425efb.png - Songcheng Everlasting Love (Hangzhou): Watch a large-scale immersive outdoor performance. Seat categories are subject to the itinerary and final confirmation provided. - Subtitle: Hangzhou Grand Nighttime Stage Show - Tags: Performance - Host: Hangzhou, Hangzhou Lens — Lake beauty and future tech - Access: Includes the seating class specified in the itinerary, subject to confirmation; the performance is a public session. - Images: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/f179c6f27b61.png - Shanghai High-Deck Observation Deck (Shanghai): Follow the day's itinerary to ascend to the observation decks of the Jin Mao Tower or the Shanghai World Financial Center, overlooking the urban landscape on both banks of the Huangpu River. - Subtitle: The Bund and Pudong from Above - Tags: Cityscapes - Host: Shanghai, Shanghai Lens — Skyline and riverfront culture - Access: Includes admission to the standard viewing platforms as specified in the itinerary; the specific buildings are subject to the final arrangement. - Images: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/66fa928eeaa9.jpg - The Bund (Shanghai): Standing on the Bund, you can take in both Shanghai's historic shoreline and Pudong's modern skyline at a single glance. - Subtitle: Shanghai's iconic riverfront skyline - Tags: Riverfront - Host: Shanghai, Shanghai Lens — Skyline and riverfront culture - Access: A signature Shanghai orientation stop for architecture and city contrast. - Images: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/59b1d2774a93.jpg, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/819f854bed70.jpg, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/494cee6c7aae.jpg, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/45251ad66040.jpg, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/eed1a59d8207.jpg, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/334c0bdef4be.jpg, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/a2a8d5aca0bf.jpg, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/2e92d8293a47.jpg, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/eb8770c3dfbd.jpg, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/5d861058a1f8.jpg ### Capture banner - Label: Save this itinerary - Title: Save the full itinerary to your email - Subtitle: We will include the latest hotel recommendations, host experiences, and pacing suggestions. - Placeholder: Email address - CTA: Send itinerary - Sent label: Sent ## Itinerary ### Introduction to Jiangnan - 3 days Ancient Town and West Lake #### Shanghai (1 days) - Subtitle: Shanghai - Recommendation: Begin your five-day journey through Jiangnan by gathering in Shanghai, arriving at your leisure and settling into the city. - Transport: Car - Transport mode: car Keep the first day free for leisure, then meet your guide on the second day to head to Suzhou and Wuzhen. - Images: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/4234545a9276.webp, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/f9ec789a2073.png, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/79ab0d21522d.png, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/c566e79e41d0.png, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/6b98d0b018a6.png ##### Day 1: Arrive in Shanghai and settle in at your leisure - (transport) — Meet your local team at the confirmed Shanghai airport or station; carpool pickups may require a wait of up to 1.5 hours. - (accommodation) — Check in to your hotel in the Hongqiao Hub or Pudong Wild Animal Park area after 14:00. - (note) — Free time for the rest of your stay. #### Wuzhen (1 days) - Subtitle: Wuzhen - Recommendation: After visiting the Lingering Garden, settle into Wuzhen and leave the evening in Xizha free for your own arrangements. - Transport: Car - Transport mode: car The West Gate ticket is included; boat rides and other optional activities are at your discretion on site. - Images: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/8db182da7b9c.png, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/4odW0kLY.webp, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/c066246bdb9b.webp, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/e3e888bd1862.webp, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/8f7662e7826a.webp ##### Day 2: Suzhou Gardens and Wuzhen by Night - (transport) — Travel to Suzhou by group vehicle and meet the local guide. - (sight) — Visit the Lingering Garden for about 1 hour. - (dining) — This is one of the 3 light meals included in the source package. - (transport) — After lunch, continue on to Wuzhen. - (sight) — Visit Xizha for approximately 1.5 hours, including the first admission ticket. - (note) — Allow approximately 2 hours; you may take a boat ride or explore the scenic area on foot at your own expense. - (dining) — This is one of the 3 light meals included in the source package. - (accommodation) — The package hotel is located outside the Xizha Scenic Area. #### Hangzhou (1 days) - Subtitle: Hangzhou - Recommendation: Entering Hangzhou from Nanxun, the city's silhouette emerges between Leifeng Pagoda, the shores of West Lake, and Songcheng. - Transport: Car - Transport mode: car West Lake is best explored on foot; boat rides and other unlisted activities are available at your own expense as needed on site. - Images: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/95608f425efb.png, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/f179c6f27b61.png, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/iaR0bamU.webp, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/k6sWrbCB.webp, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/l9EeMn7n.webp ##### Day 3: Nanxun and West Lake, Hangzhou - (sight) — Visit Nanxun Ancient Town; the ticket includes Xiaolianzhuang (Little Lotus Garden) and Jiaye Library. - (dining) — For lunch, enjoy a selection of authentic Hangzhou dining at your leisure. - (transport) — After visiting the ancient town, continue on to Hangzhou. - (sight) — Visit Leifeng Pagoda and enjoy panoramic views of the West Lake area. - (sight) — Walk along Su Causeway and Changqiao Park; boat ride at your own expense. - (dining) — This is the final light meal included in the source package. - (sight) — After exploring Songcheng Street, watch the regular-seat performance. - (accommodation) — Stay one night in Hangzhou. ### Return to Shanghai - 2 days City finale #### Shanghai (2 days) - Subtitle: Shanghai - Recommendation: After returning to Shanghai, walk from the high-rise skyline to the old town and the Bund to complete the route. - Transport: Unified transfer to station - Transport mode: car Return to Shanghai on the evening of the fourth day; on the fifth day, visit the Bund and Nanjing Road before being transferred to the departure point. - Images: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/4234545a9276.webp, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/f9ec789a2073.png, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/79ab0d21522d.png, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/c566e79e41d0.png, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/6b98d0b018a6.png ##### Day 4: Hangzhou's Alleys and Shanghai's Skyline - (sight) — Spend about 1.5 hours exploring Hefang Street, Hangzhou's historic commercial street. - (dining) — Lunch not included. - (transport) — Return to Shanghai by group coach, approximately 2.5 hours. - (sight) — Choose between the 88th floor of the Jin Mao Tower or the 94th floor of the Shanghai World Financial Center, subject to availability. - (sight) — Walk through the old town commercial district for approximately 1.5 hours. - (note) — Choose your own dinner before returning to the hotel. - (accommodation) — Accommodation will be at a hotel in the Pudong Wildlife Park area, subject to the confirmed tour departure date. ##### Day 5: The Bund, Nanjing Road & Return Journey - (sight) — Walk along the Bund riverside for about 30 minutes. - (sight) — Continue exploring Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street for about 1 hour. - (transport) — Unified departure transfer after midday; different earliest return times apply for Hongqiao and Pudong flights. ## Daily plan ### 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. - Shared transfer pick-up: Meet the local group at the designated Shanghai airport or train station, then take a shared transfer to the hotel. The shared transfer may involve waiting for other group members, with a maximum waiting time of 1.5 hours. - Check-in and Free Time: Hotel check-in is available from 14:00 at a property in the Hongqiao Hub or the Pudong Wild Animal Park area, subject to the confirmed tour schedule. There are no organised sightseeing activities after check-in; you are free to rest, dine, or explore at your own pace. - Accommodation: Shanghai Hongqiao Hub or Pudong Wild Life Park area - Meals: Full day at leisure ### 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. - Lingering Garden: Meet your local guide and spend approximately an hour exploring the Humble Administrator's Garden, moving through its halls, corridors, framed views, and rockery spaces. - Xizha, Wuzhen: After lunch, continue to Wuzhen and enter Xizha for about 1.5 hours of sightseeing; the first admission ticket is included. Walk along the canals, stone bridges, and waterside houses, completing the main scenic route first. - Free time in the evening: After evening check-in, enjoy approximately two hours of free time to continue exploring the water views of the Western Zha. The Wuzhen night cruise is not included in the package; if you wish to take the boat, please pay for it on-site. - Accommodation: Outside Xizha Scenic Area, Wuzhen - Meals: Hotel breakfast; group lunch; group dinner ### 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. - Nanxun Ancient Town: Explore Nanxun Ancient Town; the ticket includes Xiaolianzhuang and Jiaye Library. The gardens, waterways, and library spaces are all within a single walking route, revealing that Jiangnan's ancient towns offer more than just riverside commercial streets. - Leifeng Pagoda: Upon arrival in Hangzhou, visit Leifeng Pagoda to identify the West Lake's waters, causeways, and surrounding city from a higher vantage point. The climb takes about an hour, serving as a directional reference for the subsequent lakeside stroll. - West Lake Walk: Walk along Su Causeway and Changqiao Park to view the water and distant hills from the lakeshore. The West Lake cruise is not included; if you wish to take it, please pay on site. - Songcheng Street and the Eternal Love Show: After dinner, explore the Songcheng district and then watch the standard-seat performance included in the package. The show uses a grand stage, dance, and scene changes to tell stories related to Hangzhou. - Accommodation: Hangzhou - Meals: Hotel breakfast; lunch at own expense; simple group dinner ### Day 4 — 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. - Hefang Street: Spend about 1.5 hours exploring Hefang Street, Hangzhou's historic commercial street, passing by shops, alleyways, and traditional architecture. Afterwards, return to Shanghai by coach, with an estimated journey time of about 2.5 hours. - Shanghai High-Rise Observation Deck: Depending on the final arrangement, ascend to the 88th floor of the Jin Mao Tower or the 94th floor of the Shanghai World Financial Center, choosing one of the two. From the heights, identify the Huangpu River, the Bund shoreline, and the cluster of high-rise buildings in Pudong. - City God Temple Commercial Area: After descending, enter the old commercial district of Shanghai, walking for about 1.5 hours. Compared with the panoramic views from the observation deck, this section returns to street level, taking in the shops, alleys, and crowds. - Accommodation: Shanghai Pudong Wild Life Park area - Meals: Hotel breakfast; lunch and dinner at own expense ### Day 5 — 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. - The Bund and Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street: First, stroll along the Bund waterfront for about 30 minutes, taking in the Pudong skyline from the side of the historic buildings. Then turn onto the pedestrianised Nanjing Road for another hour's walk. - Unified drop-off: After noon, you will be transferred to the airport or train station together as per the group arrangement. Different earliest return times apply for flights from Hongqiao and Pudong; please refer to the final confirmation for booking your return transport. - Accommodation: None - Meals: Hotel breakfast; lunch and onwards at your own expense ## Hotels ### Ji Hotel (Shanghai Hongqiao Airport) - City: Shanghai - Description: 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. - Image: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/ko3VreqF.webp - Labels: NEW, Feature Stay ### Royal Garden Hotel Shanghai (Shanghai International Resort) - City: Shanghai - Description: Royal Garden Hotel Shanghai: a luxurious garden hotel adjacent to Pudong Airport and Disneyland, offering a complimentary shuttle service to both. - Image: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/a07e8f886100.jpg ### Rezen Hotel Wuzhen (Xizha Scenic Area) - City: Wuzhen - Description: Upscale local hotel near Wuzhen’s Xizha Scenic Area, suited to leisure stays. - Image: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/gT6jYtYP.webp - Labels: NEW, Feature Stay ### Wuzhen Golden Riverside Grand Hotel - Description: Nestled between Wuzhen's East and West scenic areas, surrounded by tranquil nature for an escape from the bustle. - Image: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/8HgrCKFV.webp ### Wuzhen Maison New Century Grand Hotel - City: Wuzhen - Description: Upscale hotel in Wuzhen with comfortable facilities for leisure travellers. - Image: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/fhDH8MXs.webp ### Junshang Yunyi Hotel Hangzhou (Chihua Street Metro Station) - City: Hangzhou - Description: 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. - Image: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/dMIhM9dR.webp - Labels: NEW, Feature Stay ### Manju Hotel (Hangzhou Gongshu Wanda) - City: Hangzhou - Description: 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. - Image: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/8npORJut.webp ### Fenghui Heyue International Hotel - City: Hangzhou - Description: 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. - Image: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/fxssJ2oJ.webp ### Rezen Grand Hotel Hangzhou - City: Hangzhou - Description: 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. - Image: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/288Az7WI.webp ### Mercure Shanghai Yu Garden on the Bund - City: Shanghai - Description: 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. - Image: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/gGDOuejx.webp ### Wuzhen Waterfront Resort Hotel - Description: Located in Wuzhen's Xizha scenic area along Xishi River, right by the parking lot and visitor centre. - Image: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/hcRIOMtW.webp ### Pagoda Design Hotel (Hangzhou West Lake & Wulin Square) - Description: In central Hangzhou at Wulin Square, near West Lake, museums and top malls; a walk from Wulin Square Metro (Line 1). - Image: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/2vkXGnVf.webp ## Included / Excluded ### What's Included - Admission ticket: First entrance ticket to attractions listed in the itinerary - Meals: 4 breakfasts and 3 light meals arranged according to the source meal plan - Accommodation: 4 nights in a mid-range chain or upscale hotel; in Wuzhen, accommodation is located outside the Xizha Scenic Area - Local Transport: Local transport and Chinese-speaking guide, plus airport or station transfers in Shanghai (terms and conditions apply) ### Not Included - Round-trip transport: Flights or trains to and from Shanghai - Optional cruise at own expense: Wuzhen Night Cruise and West Lake Cruise Fees - Other meals and personal expenses: Meals, 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 - Name: Jenny - Title: China Private Travel Route Consultant - Tagline: A concierge desk offering bilingual planning services for bespoke China journeys - Bio: Our China team carefully tailors the pace of the itinerary, hotel arrangements, and local reception services to suit the style of each route. - Avatar image: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/4g5K6CDX.webp ### Stats - 20+ Years - 300+ Trips designed - 24/7 On-trip care ### The Conversation Every LyrikTrip journey begins with a conversation. Tell us your dates and who's coming — and if this length isn't right for you, we'll say so and shape a shorter arc. First reply within four hours; a clear price for your dates within one business day. - CTA: Start the conversation ### 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 - CTA: Talk to Us ## Guest Reviews - Overall rating: 4.9 - Total reviews: 523 - Count label: from 523 verified reviews 4.9 / 5 ### Platforms - google: 4.9 (312 reviews) - tripadvisor: 5.0 (211 reviews) - Filter tabs: All, Google, TripAdvisor - Emily Carter (🇺🇸 Seattle, USA · 5★ · May 2026 · google): 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. - Claire Brooks (🇬🇧 London, UK · 5★ · Apr 2026 · tripadvisor): 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. - Laura Bennett (🇨🇦 Toronto, Canada · 5★ · Mar 2026 · google): 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. - Mark Henderson (🇺🇸 Denver, USA · 4★ · Feb 2026 · tripadvisor): 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. - Rebecca Miller (🇺🇸 Boston, USA · 5★ · Jan 2026 · google): Really listened to what we wanted - Really helpful team. They listened to what we wanted and delivered. Beijing and Xi'an were incredible. ## China Ready We've solved the hard parts. Here's everything a first-time Western traveller needs to know before arriving. ### VPN & Internet Access - Badge: Do this before you fly - 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. ### Paying in China - Badge: Your concierge sets this up on Day 1 - 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. ### Visa & Entry - Badge: We handle the paperwork - 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. ### Safety & Practical Tips - Badge: Our responsibility, always - 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. ### Is this a private tour? No. This is a local group tour of up to 25 people. ### Is the cruise fare included? Not included. Both the Wuzhen night cruise and the West Lake cruise are optional at your own expense. ### What meals are included? Includes 4 breakfasts and 3 arranged light meals; other meals are at your own expense. ### Will we stay within the West Scenic Area of Wuzhen? No, the included hotel is located outside the scenic area.