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Overview
This group tour preserves the full Jiangnan arc of our quality small-group design, with the entire schedule tailored to the same cohort of guests. Shanghai opens on the water, with a night each in Zhouzhuang and Wuzhen, Suzhou adds gardens and pingtan storytelling, and Hangzhou concludes with wetlands and West Lake. Set meals are not included, so dining follows the group's own tastes rather than a fixed tour menu.
LyrikTrip Route Design Team
This private route departs with just 2 guests. The vehicle, hotel, tour dates, and airport transfers will be confirmed in writing prior to payment.
Why you'll love this trip
- Private departure for just 2 people
- Main course is your choice
- Chinese Driver-Guide
- From airport pickup in Shanghai to final drop-off, one vehicle for the entire group throughout the journey.
- Spend one night in each of Zhouzhuang and Wuzhen, so you don't have to 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 accommodations, with one night inside Wuzhen Xizha Scenic Area.
Things to do
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River View
Water Town
Folk Arts
Water Town
Wetland
Show
Temple
LakesRiver ViewWater TownFolk ArtsWater TownWetlandShowTempleLakesRiver ViewWater TownFolk ArtsWater TownWetlandShowTempleLakesItinerary
Arrivals
Shanghai · Day 1
· Shanghai: Old Town Gardens and Riverside Night Views
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 at your own pace by the same group of guests.
汽车
Zhouzhuang · Day 2
· Shanghai and Zhouzhuang: From Urban Memories to an Ancient Town Night Tour
Spend the morning exploring Shanghai's modern and contemporary neighborhoods, then take our private car to Zhouzhuang in the afternoon. Dinner and evening sightseeing can be arranged to match the pace of your fellow travelers.
汽车
Suzhou · Day 3
· Suzhou and Wuzhen: Temples, Gardens, Pingtan, and Water Alleys
Spend a day weaving through Suzhou's temples, gardens, and opera, then take a private car to stay in Xizha, Wuzhen. Meals are at your own choice, not limited to fixed group dining.
汽车
Wuzhen · Day 4
· Wuzhen and Hangzhou: From Morning Waterways to Xixi Wetland
Start the day by retracing the morning paths of Xizha, staying within the scenic area, then take a private car into the wetland waterways of Hangzhou. Wrap up the evening with a grand stage performance.
汽车
Hangzhou · Day 5 - Day 6
· Hangzhou: Temples, Tea Villages, and the Waters of West Lake
Walk from the Feilai Peak stone carvings to Meijiawu Tea Village, then look back at the mountains and causeways from the surface of West Lake. Lunch is at your own choice and expense.
· Hangzhou: Hefang Street & Private Airport Transfer
Spend the last morning in Hangzhou's old town. After lunch, take a private car to Shanghai Pudong Airport or Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport according to your confirmed flight.
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
Sheraton Shanghai Pudong Riverside Hotel
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.
NEWFeature Stay
Kunshan
Pullman Zhouzhuang Paris Resort
An elegant Pullman resort adjacent to Zhouzhuang water town, with serene lake gardens and refined rooms.
NEWFeature Stay
Wuzhen
Tong An Inn Wuzhen
A traditional waterside inn in Wuzhen Xizha, tranquil and canal-side.
Wuzhen Zhaoming Study Inn
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.
Wuzhen
Shui Xiang Yi Wuzhen
A boutique inn in Wuzhen Xizha with elegant canal and lane views.
NEWFeature Stay
Hangzhou
Hangzhou Sofitel Hotel
Perfectly located in the heart of Hangzhou, adjacent to the Binjiang Central Business District and close to the emerging "Qianjiang Century City" business hub.
Hangzhou
Hyatt Centric Hotel Shangcheng Hangzhou
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.
Hangzhou
Crowne Plaza Hangzhou Qiantang
Nestled in the heart of the Jinsha Lake CBD in Hangzhou's Qiantang District.
Shanghai
Sheraton Shanghai Waigaoqiao Hotel
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.
Shanghai
Windham Hotel Shanghai Pudong
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.
Jiaxing
Puyuan Fashion Ancient Town Pujin Grand Hotel
Located adjacent to the Ancient Town Visitor Center, our resort features a variety of guest rooms and an all-day buffet restaurant, seamlessly integrating accommodations, dining, and conference facilities.
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 Lujiazui Financial and Trade Zone and Jinqiao, this deluxe business hotel is one of the closest options to the Shanghai New International Expo Centre.
NEWFeature Stay
Kunshan
Pullman Zhouzhuang Paris Resort
An elegant Pullman resort adjacent to Zhouzhuang water town, with serene lake gardens and refined rooms.
NEWFeature Stay
Wuzhen
Tong An Inn Wuzhen
A traditional waterside inn in Wuzhen Xizha, tranquil and canal-side.
Wuzhen Zhaoming Study Inn
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.
Wuzhen
Shui Xiang Yi Wuzhen
A boutique inn in Wuzhen Xizha with elegant canal and lane views.
NEWFeature Stay
Hangzhou
Hangzhou Sofitel Hotel
Perfectly located in the heart of Hangzhou, adjacent to the Binjiang Central Business District and close to the emerging "Qianjiang Century City" business hub.
Hangzhou
Hyatt Centric Hotel Shangcheng Hangzhou
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.
Hangzhou
Crowne Plaza Hangzhou Qiantang
Nestled in the heart of the Jinsha Lake CBD in Hangzhou's Qiantang District.
Shanghai
Sheraton Shanghai Waigaoqiao Hotel
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.
Shanghai
Windham Hotel Shanghai Pudong
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.
Jiaxing
Puyuan Fashion Ancient Town Pujin Grand Hotel
Located adjacent to the Ancient Town Visitor Center, our resort features a variety of guest rooms and an all-day buffet restaurant, seamlessly integrating accommodations, dining, and conference facilities.
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 Lujiazui Financial and Trade Zone and Jinqiao, this deluxe business hotel is one of the closest options to the Shanghai New International Expo Centre.
NEWFeature Stay
Kunshan
Pullman Zhouzhuang Paris Resort
An elegant Pullman resort adjacent to Zhouzhuang water town, with serene lake gardens and refined rooms.
NEWFeature Stay
Wuzhen
Tong An Inn Wuzhen
A traditional waterside inn in Wuzhen Xizha, tranquil and canal-side.
Wuzhen Zhaoming Study Inn
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.
Wuzhen
Shui Xiang Yi Wuzhen
A boutique inn in Wuzhen Xizha with elegant canal and lane views.
NEWFeature Stay
Hangzhou
Hangzhou Sofitel Hotel
Perfectly located in the heart of Hangzhou, adjacent to the Binjiang Central Business District and close to the emerging "Qianjiang Century City" business hub.
Hangzhou
Hyatt Centric Hotel Shangcheng Hangzhou
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.
Hangzhou
Crowne Plaza Hangzhou Qiantang
Nestled in the heart of the Jinsha Lake CBD in Hangzhou's Qiantang District.
Shanghai
Sheraton Shanghai Waigaoqiao Hotel
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.
Shanghai
Windham Hotel Shanghai Pudong
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.
Jiaxing
Puyuan Fashion Ancient Town Pujin Grand Hotel
Located adjacent to the Ancient Town Visitor Center, our resort features a variety of guest rooms and an all-day buffet restaurant, seamlessly integrating accommodations, dining, and conference facilities.
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 an inn inside Wuzhen Xizha Scenic Area
- Vehicle & Driver-Guide6 days of 7-seater Buick GL8 or similar vehicle, with Chinese-speaking driver-guide
- Admission ticketYu 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 transportationFlights between Taiwan and Mainland China
- Main courseLunch and dinner are at guests' own choice and expense; recommendations do not imply reservations.
- Personal expensesBeverages, gratuities, laundry, and personal purchases not listed in the itinerary
Special Notes
Vehicle, flight, and venue details are confirmed based on group size and date.
- Vehicle Size — The standard vehicle is a 7-seat Buick GL8 or similar. 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 allows for 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
Jenessa
Private China Route Concierge
“A bilingual planning desk for tailor-made China journeys.”
Our China team tunes pacing, hotels and local hosts around each route style.
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 traveler 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 traveler.
Before You Book
Everything worth knowing before you book.
The vehicle and itinerary are exclusively for accompanying guests, with a minimum departure requirement of 2 people.
Not included. Meals are chosen and paid for by guests themselves; the driver-guide can offer suggestions, but there will be no forced shopping or dining stops.
Standard use of a 7-seat Buick GL8 or similar. For groups of 6 or more, an upgrade to a 9-seat vehicle can be confirmed at an additional cost of CNY 200 per person.
Not included; the quoted price covers local reception services only.
