--- title: "Sleeping on the Waters of Jiangnan" description: "Others experience Jiangnan by day—this route gives you the water town's nights and early mornings." type: "tour" route_id: "jiangnan-after-dark-6d" total_days: 6 price: 1032 highlights: ["Shanghai", "Zhouzhuang", "Suzhou", "Wuzhen", "Hangzhou"] url: "https://www.lyriktrip.com/tours/jiangnan-after-dark-6d" canonical_url: "https://www.lyriktrip.com/tours/jiangnan-after-dark-6d" locale: "en-US" alternates: {"en-US":"https://www.lyriktrip.com/tours/jiangnan-after-dark-6d","en-GB":"https://www.lyriktrip.com/en-GB/tours/jiangnan-after-dark-6d","zh-CN":"https://www.lyriktrip.com/zh-CN/tours/jiangnan-after-dark-6d","zh-TW":"https://www.lyriktrip.com/zh-TW/tours/jiangnan-after-dark-6d","de-DE":"https://www.lyriktrip.com/de-DE/tours/jiangnan-after-dark-6d","fr-FR":"https://www.lyriktrip.com/fr-FR/tours/jiangnan-after-dark-6d","es-ES":"https://www.lyriktrip.com/es-ES/tours/jiangnan-after-dark-6d","it-IT":"https://www.lyriktrip.com/it-IT/tours/jiangnan-after-dark-6d","x-default":"https://www.lyriktrip.com/tours/jiangnan-after-dark-6d"} --- # Sleeping on the Waters of Jiangnan Others see Jiangnan by day—this route gives you the water towns at night and in the morning. Others experience Jiangnan by day—this route gives you the water town's nights and early mornings. - Airport pickup at Shanghai Pudong International Airport; for the return leg, transfer to Hangzhou Xiaoshan or Shanghai Pudong Airport per your confirmed flight. ## Overview The Jiangnan region reveals more depth after the day-trippers have gone. This route includes an overnight stay in Zhouzhuang and another in Wuzhen's Xigang, allowing the water alleys to be seen not only by night but also the next morning, before the crowds return. Shanghai offers a view of the riverside skyline, Suzhou adds gardens and Pingtan storytelling, and Hangzhou closes the journey with wetlands and West Lake. What you take away is not just the impression of a water town, but the authentic differences between them. LyrikTrip Route Design Team This group tour departs with a minimum of 10 participants. Hotel, tour dates, and airport transfers are subject to written confirmation before payment. ## Summary - Route ID: jiangnan-after-dark-6d - Duration: 6 days / 5 nights - Starting price: $1,032 - Group size: 25 travelers - Status: active - Highlights: Shanghai, Zhouzhuang, Suzhou, Wuzhen, Hangzhou - Cover image: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/d5IOoJX3.webp ## Hero tags - No shopping stops ## Highlight notes - Stay in Xizha | Leave the nights and dawns to Wuzhen's Xizha. - Overnight in Zhouzhuang｜Mainly featuring select hotels in the old town; walk back after the night cruise. - VIP Theater Viewing | VIP seats for *Songcheng Ancient Feelings*; performance time to be confirmed based on your travel dates. - Ten meals included | Full package features hotel breakfast and ten dining experiences. - International Five-Star | Four nights featuring brands like Sheraton and Pullman. - Sightseeing-only itinerary｜No shopping or paid activities included; everything is detailed in the itinerary. ## Selling points - Stay in Xizhai | Live inside Wuzhen's Xizhai scenic area, stroll along the water canals in the evening, and revisit the stone bridges and alleyways at dawn the next day. - 【Overnight in Zhouzhuang】 We prioritize a hotel in Zhouzhuang Town; after the night tour, you can walk back to your accommodation. If changes are made to the hotel, we will notify you before departure. - 【Premium Theater Seating】 The VIP seats for *Songcheng Everlasting Love* are included in the itinerary; specific performance times will be confirmed based on the tour schedule. - 【Ten Meals Included】 Hotel breakfast plus ten full meals are part of the itinerary, with lunch at Meijiawu Tea Village as one of them. - 【International 5-Star】 Enjoy 4 nights across international brands like Sheraton, Pullman, and Sofitel, with two consecutive nights in Hangzhou—no need to pack and unpack daily. - 【Pure Enjoyment Throughout】 No shopping stops or out-of-pocket expenses—every day’s itinerary and all ten meals are included in your schedule. ## City highlights - Shanghai (1 days): Shanghai - Image: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/4234545a9276.webp - Zhouzhuang (1 days): Zhouzhuang - Image: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/2d6f5756b3b6.png - Suzhou (1 days): Suzhou - Image: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/8bb3d5363732.png - Wuzhen (1 days): Wuzhen - Image: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/4odW0kLY.webp - Hangzhou (2 days): Hangzhou - Image: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/95608f425efb.png ## Experiences A 6-day journey through Shanghai, Zhouzhuang, Suzhou, Wuzhen, and Hangzhou, with two nights in the water towns. Main meals and admission tickets are included. - Huangpu River Night Cruise (Shanghai): The cruise boat passes between the historic Bund buildings and the Pudong skyline; after dark, enjoy the lights on both banks from the water. - Subtitle: A Voyage to See Shanghai's Nightscape on Both Banks - Tags: River View - Host: Shanghai, Shanghai Lens — Skyline and riverfront culture - Access: Includes standard evening cruise ticket; private deck or exclusive access is not guaranteed. - Images: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/4234545a9276.webp - Zhouzhuang Night Cruise (Zhouzhuang): Board the included ancient town cruise, then walk again through the old streets and waterways as evening winds down and the crowds thin out. - Subtitle: Return to the stone alley after dinner - Tags: Water Town - Host: Suzhou, Suzhou Lens — Classical gardens and Jiangnan - Access: Includes regular admission, shuttle service, and boat ride; the ancient town remains open to other visitors. - Images: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/2d6f5756b3b6.png - Shantang River Cruise & Pingtan (Suzhou): Glide through the Shantang River by boat, then enjoy a performance of Suzhou Pingtan, a traditional storytelling art accompanied by vocals and string instruments. - Subtitle: Listen to a Suzhou storytelling performance after the boat ride - Tags: Folk Arts - Host: Suzhou, Suzhou Lens — Classical gardens and Jiangnan - Access: Includes tickets and public performances within the scheduled dates; private venue hire is not guaranteed. - Images: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/8bb3d5363732.png - Wuzhen Xizha in the Early Morning (Wuzhen): After checking into your in-park hotel, stroll through Xizhang’s waterways, stone arch bridges, and cobbled alleys the following morning. - Subtitle: Water alley moments before the crowds arrive - Tags: Water Town - Host: Wuzhen, Wuzhen Local Host — Water Town Alleys and Canal Life - Access: Enjoy an early morning walk within the scenic area, which remains open to overnight guests. - Images: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/8db182da7b9c.png - Boat Ride Through West Wetland (Hangzhou): Take a boat through sections of the Xixi Wetland and connect to a broader area via the scenic area's electric shuttle. - Subtitle: Slowly Exploring Hangzhou's Wetlands by Water - Tags: Wetland - Host: Hangzhou, Hangzhou Lens — Lake beauty and future tech - Access: Includes regular cruise and electric cart; private boat not guaranteed. - Images: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/67e3a27878f7.png - Songcheng Everlasting Love (Hangzhou): Watch a large-scale live stage performance. Seat tiers are subject to the original itinerary and the final confirmation. - Subtitle: Hangzhou Grand Night Stage Performance - Tags: Show - 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 - Lingyin Temple & Feilai Peak (Hangzhou): Walk from the Feilai Peak Buddhist rock carvings into the Lingyin Temple courtyard; the itinerary includes internal shuttle service within the scenic area. - Subtitle: Stone Carvings and Temple Courtyards of West Hill, Hangzhou - Tags: Temple - Host: Hangzhou, Hangzhou Lens — Lake beauty and future tech - Access: Includes regular admission and shuttle service; entry to restricted areas is not guaranteed. - Images: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/7feac0a4f9a4.png - West Lake Boat Cruise (Hangzhou): Take a scheduled cruise through parts of West Lake, then stroll along the Su Causeway and visit the Flower Harbor Fishery. - Subtitle: Hangzhou's Lakeshore from the Water - Tags: Lakes - Host: Hangzhou, Hangzhou Lens — Lake beauty and future tech - Access: Includes standard ferry tickets; private boat not guaranteed. - Images: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/95608f425efb.png ### Capture banner - Label: Save this itinerary - Title: Send the full route to your inbox - Subtitle: We will include the latest hotels, hosts and pacing notes. - Placeholder: Email address - CTA: Send route - Sent label: Sent ## Itinerary ### Jiangnan Water Town - 6 days Water Town Culture #### Shanghai (1 days) - Subtitle: Shanghai - Recommendation: From the old city's lanes to the banks of the Huangpu River, this is the urban starting point of the Jiangnan waterway. - Transport: 汽车 - Transport mode: car After arrival, visit Yu Garden and Nanjing Road in sequence, and save the Huangpu River night cruise for after the lights come on. - 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: From Garden Walls to Shanghai's Riverside Lights - (transport) — Meet at Shanghai Pudong International Airport, then transfer to downtown Shanghai after pickup. - (sight) — Visit Yu Garden and the surrounding old town streets. - (sight) — Enjoy an evening stroll along Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street after dinner. - (sight) — After nightfall, take a boat cruise to see the illuminated skylines of the Bund and Pudong on both sides of the river. - (accommodation) — The specific hotel will be confirmed in writing with the tour date. #### Zhouzhuang (1 days) - Subtitle: Zhouzhuang - Recommendation: Stay in Zhouzhuang and continue boating and exploring the ancient town after the daytime crowds have left. - Transport: 汽车 - Transport mode: car Arrive in Shanghai in the afternoon, take a boat ride first, then leave the evening after dinner for the ancient town's streets and alleys. - Images: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/2d6f5756b3b6.png, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/cyLaR0RV.webp, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/8ffe06f75f24.jpg, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/339e02c6c5d6.jpg ##### Day 2: Shanghai Streets and Zhouzhuang Nightfall - (sight) — Visit the Sihang Warehouse, associated with the 1937 Battle of Shanghai. - (sight) — Take a walking tour of Wukang Road and Columbia Circle, observing modern architecture and urban renewal. - (transport) — After lunch, take the group vehicle to Zhouzhuang. - (sight) — Take the included boat ride, enjoy dinner, then return to the old town streets after nightfall. - (accommodation) — After the night tour, stay near Zhouzhuang Ancient Town. #### Suzhou (1 days) - Subtitle: Suzhou - Recommendation: Explore Suzhou's temples, gardens, and folk arts through Hanshan Temple, Lingering Garden, and Shantang River. - Transport: 汽车 - Transport mode: car Explore temples and gardens by day, then take a boat ride on the Shantang River in the evening and enjoy a live performance of Pingtan. - Images: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/8bb3d5363732.png, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/8x7tIAsz.webp, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/17b0087f4a26.png, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/bf7d5dd4921c.png ##### Day 3: Suzhou Gardens, Quyi Opera & Wuzhen Waterways - (transport) — After breakfast, take a bus to Suzhou. - (sight) — Visit Hanshan Temple beside the ancient canal west of Suzhou. - (sight) — Pass through the halls, framed views, and rockery spaces of the Lingering Garden. - (sight) — Take a boat cruise along Shantang River and enjoy a live Suzhou Pingtan performance. - (transport) — Head to Wuzhen, check in and have dinner inside the Xizha Scenic Area. - (sight) — After dinner, take a stroll through Xizha at night; the ticket is already included. - (accommodation) — Stay inside Xizha Scenic Area for easy access to the sights the next morning. #### Wuzhen (1 days) - Subtitle: Wuzhen - Recommendation: Stay inside Xizha Scenic Area to experience both the night and early morning of the water alleys. - Transport: 汽车 - Transport mode: car After check-in, take a night stroll through Xizha, and the next morning, walk along the water alleys before the crowds arrive. - Images: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/4odW0kLY.webp, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/c066246bdb9b.webp, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/892a8a08a840.png, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/e3e888bd1862.webp, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/8db182da7b9c.png ##### Day 4: Wuzhen Morning and Hangzhou Waterways - (sight) — Take advantage of staying within the scenic area and take a morning walk along the water alleys of Xizha. - (transport) — After lunch, depart Wuzhen and travel by coach to Hangzhou. - (sight) — Take a boat tour through part of Xixi Wetland and use the scenic area's electric shuttle. - (sight) — Watch the VIP seating performance of Songcheng Eternal Love; the specific showtime is subject to performance confirmation. - (accommodation) — Stay in Hangzhou, the first of two consecutive nights. #### Hangzhou (2 days) - Subtitle: Hangzhou - Recommendation: Spend two nights connecting Xixi Wetland, Songcheng, Lingyin Temple, tea villages, and West Lake. - Transport: 机场接送 - Transport mode: car Arrive in Hangzhou via Xixi on the afternoon of day one, and spend the second day exploring Lingyin Temple, Meijiawu, and West Lake in full. - Images: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/95608f425efb.png, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/67e3a27878f7.png, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/7feac0a4f9a4.png, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/iaR0bamU.webp, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/af404827d295.png ##### Day 5: Temples, Tea Fields, and West Lake - (sight) — Visit the Feilai Peak stone carvings and Lingyin Temple complex, including scenic area shuttle and incense ticket. - (dining) — Enjoy lunch and taste local tea in Meijiawu Tea Village. - (sight) — Take a boat tour of part of West Lake, then stroll along Su Causeway and visit Huagang Fish Pond. - (accommodation) — Accommodation for the second night in Hangzhou. ##### Day 6: Hefang Street and Return - (sight) — Take a morning walk along the historic commercial street, Hefang Street. - (note) — Keep a short buffer of flexible time before airport transfers. - (transport) — Transfer to Shanghai Pudong Airport or Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport per confirmed flight. ## Daily plan ### Day 1 — From Garden Walls to Shanghai's Riverfront Lights Arrive in Shanghai and explore the old town; as night falls, take in the view of both banks from the Huangpu River. - Arrive in Shanghai: Meet at Shanghai Pudong International Airport and transfer to the city center. The remaining itinerary will be arranged based on your actual arrival time. - Yu Garden & Nanjing Road: Stroll through the old town lanes around Yuyuan Garden, then walk along Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street. - Huangpu River Night Cruise: As night falls, take a boat cruise to watch the lights come on across the Bund’s historic façades and the Pudong skyline. - Accommodation: International brand hotel in Shanghai; the specific hotel is subject to the itinerary confirmation. - Dining: Meals on arrival day will be arranged according to your flight and confirmed itinerary. ### Day 2 — Shanghai Alleys & Zhouzhuang at Night Explore Shanghai’s modern heritage districts in the morning, take a boat through the canals of Zhouzhuang in the afternoon, and stroll along the water lanes in the evening. - The Fourth Bunker and the District: Visit the Sihang Warehouse, then walk along Wukang Road to the Shangsheng New Institute to admire Shanghai's architecture from different eras. - Head to Zhouzhuang: After lunch, board the group vehicle to Zhouzhuang. Upon arrival, take a boat into the ancient town. - Water Alleys in the Evening: After dinner, stroll along Zhouzhuang's old street and water lanes, then return to your hotel. - Accommodation: Our primary selection is an international-brand hotel in Zhouzhuang; the specific hotel will be confirmed in your travel itinerary. - Dining: Includes hotel breakfast; the ten meals included in the itinerary are main meals, with the exact meal arrangements subject to the confirmed itinerary. ### Day 3 — Suzhou Gardens, Arts & Wuzhen Water Alleys Spend the day exploring temples, gardens, and the Shantang River, then arrive at Wuzhou's West栅 at night. - Zhouzhuang to Suzhou: After breakfast, travel by car to Suzhou and begin the day with a visit to Hanshan Temple along the ancient canal in the city’s west. - Humble Administrator's Garden & Shantang River: Wander through the halls, rockeries, and framed views of the Lingering Garden, then board a boat on the Shantang Canal to enjoy a session of Suzhou pingtan storytelling. - Journey to Wuzhen: After sightseeing in Suzhou, drive to Wuzhen to check in and enjoy dinner within the Xizha Scenic Area. - West Gate Night Cruise: After dinner, take a stroll past Xizha's stone bridges and waterside lanes, staying inside the scenic area. - Accommodation: A guesthouse located within the West Gate scenic area of Wuzhen; please refer to the itinerary confirmation for the specific hotel. - Dining: Hotel breakfast included; Wuzhen dinner arranged according to the confirmed itinerary. ### Day 4 — Early Morning in Wuzhen and Waterway to Hangzhou Begin with a morning stroll along Xizha’s water lanes, then continue to Hangzhou by car. - Morning Stroll in Xizha: Set out from your accommodation within the scenic area, walking along the water lanes past stone bridges and riverside homes. - Journey to Hangzhou & Xixi Wetland: After lunch, transfer to Hangzhou by car. Tour a section of the waterways at Xixi Wetland by boat and use the scenic area's shuttle cart. - Songcheng Eternal Love Show: Watch the 'Eternal Love of Songcheng' performance from the VIP seats; the specific showtime will be confirmed based on your tour dates. - Accommodation: Stay at a Hangzhou international-brand hotel for two consecutive nights; the specific hotel will be confirmed on the travel itinerary. - Dining: Hotel breakfast included; main meals are part of the ten meals included in the full itinerary. Specific meal times are subject to confirmed itineraries. ### Day 5 — Temples, Tea Fields & West Lake Walk from the Feilai Peak rock carvings to Chacun, then spend the afternoon at West Lake. - Lingyin Temple & Feilai Peak: Explore the Feilai Peak rock carvings and the Lingyin Temple grounds; shuttle transfers and incense tickets are included. - Meijiawu Tea Village: Lunch in the tea village, sample local teas, and stroll village paths past the tea fields. - West Lake Boat Tour: Cruise across a portion of West Lake, then disembark and stroll along the Su Causeway to the Flower Port Fish Viewing spot. - Accommodation: Internationally branded hotel in Hangzhou, second night. - Dining: Hotel breakfast included. Lunch at Meijiawu is subject to the daily itinerary; other meals are subject to the confirmed itinerary. ### Day 6 — Hefang Street and the Return Journey Spend your final morning in Hangzhou, then transfer to the airport for your confirmed flight. - Hefang Street: Walk through Hangzhou's historic commercial street; if the return flight is early, adjust the duration of the stop accordingly. - Airport Transfer: Transfer to Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport or Shanghai Pudong Airport on the confirmed flights, and the itinerary concludes. - Accommodation: Return on the same day; accommodation not included. - Dining: Includes hotel breakfast; other meals on the return day are subject to itinerary confirmation. ## Hotels ### Sheraton Shanghai Pudong Riverside Hotel - City: Shanghai - Description: Located at the junction of Lujiazui Financial and Trade Zone and Jinqiao, this deluxe business hotel is one of the closest options to the Shanghai New International Expo Centre. - Image: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/exF56rPy.png - Labels: NEW, Feature Stay ### Pullman Zhouzhuang Paris Resort - City: Kunshan - Description: An elegant Pullman resort adjacent to Zhouzhuang water town, with serene lake gardens and refined rooms. - Image: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/2951d06d29c5.png - Labels: NEW, Feature Stay ### Tong An Inn Wuzhen - City: Wuzhen - Description: A traditional waterside inn in Wuzhen Xizha, tranquil and canal-side. - Image: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/b09c624380bc.png - Labels: NEW, Feature Stay ### Wuzhen Zhaoming Study Inn - Description: Decorated in a style inspired by the historic Zhaoming Academy in Wuzhen, the hotel is located north of the central section within the Wuzhen West Scenic Area, seamlessly blending with the cultural heritage of Jiangnan water towns. - Image: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/4ZNETzwz.webp ### Shui Xiang Yi Wuzhen - City: Wuzhen - Description: A boutique inn in Wuzhen Xizha with elegant canal and lane views. - Image: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/3f3453e3920a.png ### Hangzhou Sofitel Hotel - City: Hangzhou - Description: Perfectly located in the heart of Hangzhou, adjacent to the Binjiang Central Business District and close to the emerging "Qianjiang Century City" business hub. - Image: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/bVXETQkj.png - Labels: NEW, Feature Stay ### Hyatt Centric Hotel Shangcheng Hangzhou - City: Hangzhou - Description: Nestled within the enchanting West Lake Scenic Area, with the remnants of the Southern Song Imperial City nearby, southward views of the Qiantang River, and the Bagua Fields landscape embraced at your doorstep. - Image: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/fmBaTErL.webp ### Crowne Plaza Hangzhou Qiantang - City: Hangzhou - Description: Nestled in the heart of the Jinsha Lake CBD in Hangzhou's Qiantang District. - Image: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/30v3WE0O.png ### Sheraton Shanghai Waigaoqiao Hotel - City: Shanghai - Description: A five-star Sheraton hotel located in the Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, offering river views and spacious guest rooms, near the mouth of the Yangtze River and Pudong's transportation hub. - Image: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/klXsKlth.webp ### Windham Hotel Shanghai Pudong - City: Shanghai - Description: A five-star Wyndham hotel located in Chuansha, Pudong, adjacent to Shanghai Disneyland and the Wild Animal Park, offering comfortable guest rooms and family-friendly facilities. - Image: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/lVhvZUpT.webp ## Included / Excluded ### What's Included - Accommodation: 4 nights at an international five-star hotel and 1 night at an inn inside Wuzhen Xizha Scenic Area - Meals: Hotel breakfast and 10 pre-arranged meals - Guide & Vehicle: Full-service Chinese-speaking local guide and team transportation throughout the trip - Admission ticket: Yu Garden, Huangpu River cruise, Zhouzhuang tickets with shuttle boat, Hanshan Temple, Lingering Garden, Shantang Street boat ride and pingtan performance, Wuzhen West Scenic Area, Xixi Wetland electric cart and boat tour, Songcheng VIP seating, Lingyin Temple and Feilai Peak shuttle and West Lake cruise ### Not Included - Round-trip transportation: Flights between Taiwan and Mainland China - Personal expenses: Beverages, gratuities, laundry, and personal purchases not listed in the itinerary ### Special Notes Route execution is subject to group formation, flight availability, and venue availability. - Group Formation Conditions: This tour requires a minimum of 10 participants to operate; departure is not guaranteed until written confirmation is received. - Scheduled items: Songcheng seating and final airport transfers are subject to reconfirmation based on the confirmed tour date and flight. ## Is Six Days Your Length? Need other days? ### 6 days To keep two nights of water-town lodging and a full day in Hangzhou, you need 6 days to avoid a rushed itinerary. ## Good to Know - Group Type: Small-group departure, minimum 10 guests - Language: Chinese-speaking guide - Start and end cities: Arrive in Shanghai; depart from Shanghai or Hangzhou on confirmed flight ## Your Private Concierge - Name: Jenessa - Title: Private China Route Concierge - Tagline: A bilingual planning desk for tailor-made China journeys. - Bio: Our China team tunes pacing, hotels and local hosts around each route style. - 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 traveler 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 traveler. ## Before You Book Everything worth knowing before you book. ### I've never heard of LyrikTrip. How do I know you're not a scam? Every credential is independently verifiable — you don't have to take our word. Trip design, contracting, payment and support are handled by LyrikTrip, a Hong Kong-registered company you can look up in the Hong Kong Companies Registry's online search. On the mainland we operate through our own licensed travel agency (Nanjing Langke International Travel Service, license L-JS-101018); ground execution is handled by a licensed agency under Tuniu, a US-listed group (Nanjing Tuniu International Travel Service, license L-JS-CJ00107), running its own ground operations with no subcontracting. Enter either license number on the Ministry of Culture and Tourism's National Tourism Supervision Service Platform to verify. Payments are charged by card via Stripe into a corporate account — no private transfers — and card purchases carry a bank chargeback mechanism. Before departure you sign a formal contract with the itinerary, restaurants and hotels spelled out in writing. ### Will I be taken to shopping stops? Are there on-the-spot surcharges? No shopping and no optional add-ons for the entire trip — this is written into the itinerary. Ten attraction tickets, ten main meals and five nights of accommodation are all included in the price; the itinerary lists what you do each day, hour by hour, with no shopping stop anywhere. The only thing not included is the cross-strait flights (see Q7). ### Are the hotels truly five-star, or just "quasi five-star"? Will any be quietly swapped? All four nights are international brands, and here's the list: Sheraton Shanghai Pudong Riverside, Pullman Zhouzhuang, and in Hangzhou a choice of Sofitel Hangzhou / Hotel Indigo Hangzhou Shangcheng / Crowne Plaza Hangzhou Qiantang (one per city from the list). You can look these up online yourself. The backup hotels are the same tier — no quiet substitution. The one thing to flag up front is the Zhouzhuang night: the primary option, Pullman Zhouzhuang, is right in town; if it's fully booked and we move to an equivalent hotel in downtown Suzhou, the tier is the same but the "staying in town" part is gone. If that happens we'll tell you in advance, never on-site. ### Is the "inn" in Wuzhen a private homestay? No, it's not a private homestay. Tong'an Inn, Zhaoming Library and Shuixiang Yizhan are all run officially by Wuzhen Tourism inside the Xizha scenic zone. Staying inside the zone is genuinely different: unlimited face-scan entry/exit, free shuttle buses and free luggage transfer — after the daytime crowds disperse, Xizha belongs to overnight guests. ### Will Wuzhen and Zhouzhuang be crowded? This route only departs Sunday or Saturday, precisely so Wuzhen lands on Tuesday or Wednesday — weekend Xizha is very different from weekdays, and we already dodge that in the scheduling. On top of that, staying inside Xizha lets you roam at night until 9pm and head out at 6:30am, two windows before day-trippers arrive. ### How many people will I share the group with? Capped at twenty-five, and the seats are never full: ten to nineteen travellers get a 33-seater, twenty to twenty-five get a 38-seater, with empty seats the whole way. Want no group at all? Add NT$10,800 per person when travelling with four or more to upgrade to a private charter (for 4–8 people). ### Does the price include flights? How do we meet once in Shanghai? Cross-strait flights are not included — this is a land-joining tour: you book your own flights, and we can help suggest options (e.g. China Airlines CI501, departing Taoyuan 08:40, arriving Pudong 10:50). After landing there's a pickup point at Pudong Terminal 1 with a private transfer into the city; from then on, all six days have vehicle and guide. The return airport drop-off is also in the itinerary. ### Do I need Alipay during the tour? What about mobile internet? For the six days on tour you basically don't need any mainland payment app: tickets, transport, accommodation and ten main meals are already covered, and a guide accompanies you throughout. If you want to buy something on your own, you can use cash, and the guide will help. For mobile data or roaming, we suggest arranging a SIM or roaming plan in Taiwan before departure — our support team can advise. ### How does this differ from the NT$20,000-plus Jiangnan tours I see online? It differs on three things you can check one by one: one, staying inside the Xizha scenic zone in Wuzhen (standard tours visit for two hours in daytime and stay outside town); two, staying in Zhouzhuang town and strolling back to the hotel after the night tour; three, ten main meals fully included and every restaurant named, with lunch budgeted at RMB 100 and dinner averaging RMB 144. If these three don't matter to you, the NT$20,000-plus tier is a reasonable choice — we also have an entry tour at NT$9,600 to try first. ### Is it suitable for elderly family? Are there discounts? Yes, with two things made clear up front. Itinerary: two of the six days are longer (day three until 9pm, day five until 7:30pm), the other four are relaxed, and both Hangzhou nights are in the same hotel so there's no repacking; the itinerary is broken down hour by hour so you can review it first. Discounts: ticket reductions are refunded on-site in cash — over 70 refunds up to RMB 122, aged 60–69 refunds RMB 44, and a first-issue Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents (issue number 01) refunds RMB 102, verified on the spot with documents and settled at the actual refund amount. ### How do I pay? What if I want to cancel? Payment is by card via Stripe, charged in full at booking, with a formal contract signed. The cancellation policy is in writing: 20% loss at 31 days or more before departure, 50% at 8–30 days, and 70% within 7 days.