--- title: "The Water Towns Are Yours to Discover" description: "6 days from the Huangpu River to West Lake at your own pace: Shanghai, Zhouzhuang, Suzhou, Wuzhen and Hangzhou, with unhurried time in every water town." type: "tour" route_id: "jiangnan-at-your-pace-6d" total_days: 6 price: 1180 highlights: ["Shanghai", "Zhouzhuang", "Suzhou", "Wuzhen", "Hangzhou"] url: "https://www.lyriktrip.com/tours/jiangnan-at-your-pace-6d" canonical_url: "https://www.lyriktrip.com/tours/jiangnan-at-your-pace-6d" locale: "en-US" alternates: {"en-US":"https://www.lyriktrip.com/tours/jiangnan-at-your-pace-6d","en-GB":"https://www.lyriktrip.com/en-GB/tours/jiangnan-at-your-pace-6d","zh-CN":"https://www.lyriktrip.com/zh-CN/tours/jiangnan-at-your-pace-6d","zh-TW":"https://www.lyriktrip.com/zh-TW/tours/jiangnan-at-your-pace-6d","de-DE":"https://www.lyriktrip.com/de-DE/tours/jiangnan-at-your-pace-6d","fr-FR":"https://www.lyriktrip.com/fr-FR/tours/jiangnan-at-your-pace-6d","es-ES":"https://www.lyriktrip.com/es-ES/tours/jiangnan-at-your-pace-6d","it-IT":"https://www.lyriktrip.com/it-IT/tours/jiangnan-at-your-pace-6d","x-default":"https://www.lyriktrip.com/tours/jiangnan-at-your-pace-6d"} --- # The Water Towns Are Yours to Discover 6 days from the Huangpu River to West Lake, exploring two water towns at your own pace 6 days from the Huangpu River to West Lake at your own pace: Shanghai, Zhouzhuang, Suzhou, Wuzhen and Hangzhou, with unhurried time in every water town. - Private tour, minimum 2 guests. Lunch and dinner are on your own. ## 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. ## Summary - Route ID: jiangnan-at-your-pace-6d - Duration: 6 days / 5 nights - Starting price: $1,180 - Status: active - Highlights: Shanghai, Zhouzhuang, Suzhou, Wuzhen, Hangzhou - Cover image: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/7dcfaff58602.png ## Hero tags - No shopping stops - Group Formation Conditions ## Highlight notes - Private departure for just 2 people - Main course is your choice - Chinese Driver-Guide ## Selling points - 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. ## 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/8db182da7b9c.png - Hangzhou (2 days): Hangzhou - Image: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/95608f425efb.png ## Experiences A 6-day private Jiangnan itinerary for just 2 travelers, including a Chinese-speaking driver-guide, 5 nights' accommodation, and admission to major attractions. - Shanghai Huangpu River at Night (Shanghai): The cruise glides between the historic buildings of the Bund and the skyline of Pudong; after dark, the illuminated facades on both shores shimmer across 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 - Night Tour of Zhuzhou (Zhouzhuang): After dinner, when the crowds thin out, take the included cruise through the historic town and stroll once more down the old lanes and waterways. - 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 Creek Cruise & Pingtan Performance (Suzhou): Take a boat ride along the Shantang River, then enjoy a performance of Suzhou Pingtan, a traditional storytelling art accompanied by singing and string music. - 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 - Early Morning in Xizha, Wuzhen (Wuzhen): After checking into a hotel inside the scenic area, take a leisurely morning walk the next day along the waterways, stone arches, and cobbled lanes of Xizha. - 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 Trip Through West Xixi Wetland (Hangzhou): Cruise through select waterways of the Xixi Wetland and use the scenic shuttle to explore a wider area of the park. - 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 Mystery Play (Hangzhou): Experience a large-scale live stage performance; seating tiers are subject to the itinerary details and 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 and Feilai Peak (Hangzhou): Walk from the Feilai Peak Buddhist stone carvings to the Lingyin Temple complex; 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 - Boat Tour of West Lake (Hangzhou): Take a scenic cruise through part of West Lake, then stroll along Su Causeway and visit the Flower Pond to watch the fish. - 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 Private Water Town Tour #### 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 your driver-guide at Shanghai Pudong International Airport and take a private car to the city center. - (sight) — Visit Yu Garden and the surrounding old town streets. - (sight) — Stroll along Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street. - (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 first, then enjoy an evening stroll through the ancient town after dinner, following the group's pace. - Images: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/2d6f5756b3b6.png, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/cyLaR0RV.webp, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/3ZGlrBqq.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's private car to leave Shanghai for Zhouzhuang. - (sight) — Take the included cruise, then return to the old town streets after your optional dinner. - (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 By day, visit the temple, gardens, and Shantang's Pingtan storytelling, then head to Wuzhen by bus in the afternoon. - Images: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/8bb3d5363732.png, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/8x7tIAsz.webp, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/2bef5b36f7d7.png, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/17b0087f4a26.png, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/bf7d5dd4921c.png ##### Day 3: Suzhou Gardens, Quyi Opera & Wuzhen Waterways - (sight) — Visit Hanshan Temple and explore 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) — Travel by private car to Wuzhen and stay within the Xizha Scenic Area. - (sight) — After the optional dinner, take a leisurely evening stroll through Xizha. - (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/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/892a8a08a840.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 a self-selected lunch, leave Wuzhen and take a private car 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: 私人机场接送 - 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 internal shuttle service within the scenic area. - (dining) — Enjoy tea tasting in Meijiawu; lunch is at guests' own choice and expense. - (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) — Take a private car to Shanghai Pudong Airport or Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport according to the confirmed flight. ## Daily plan ### 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. - Yu Garden and City God Temple Area: Begin at the halls, covered bridges, and rockeries of Yu Garden, then stroll into the adjacent old-town lanes. The garden's intimate scale meets the flow of the commercial district, allowing you to experience both traditional landscaping and contemporary urban life in a single walk. - Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street: Walk along Nanjing Road toward the Huangpu River, passing the streetscape of Shanghai's central business district and its time-honored shops. This is a clear transition from the old city into modern Shanghai. - Huangpu River Night Cruise: After nightfall, board a cruise at Shiliupu Wharf to see the historic buildings of the Bund and the Pudong skyline in the same view. As the boat glides along the river, the illuminated cityscape on both banks unfolds section by section. - Accommodation: Shanghai - Meals: Lunch and dinner are at your own expense; for dinner, you may refer to Shenpin Hui. Recommendations do not imply reservations have been made. ### 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. - Sihang Warehouse: Visit the Sihang Warehouse, a site tied to the 1937 Battle of Shanghai, and learn about this chapter of Shanghai's modern history through the building itself. The preserved traces of the structure ensure that history lives on beyond the pages of books. - Wukang Road & Columbia Circle: Walk past the modern and contemporary buildings on Wukang Road, then enter Columbia Circle, a complex renovated from historic structures. Placing the two together offers a contrast that shows how Shanghai's neighborhoods have evolved from residential spaces of the past to the present day. - Zhouzhuang Boat Ride & Night Tour: After lunch, take a private car to Zhouzhuang, and first enjoy the included boat ride across the ancient town from the river. After choosing your own dinner, walk back into the alleys and continue the night tour along the stone bridges and waterside residences. - Accommodation: Near Zhouzhuang Ancient Town - Meals: Hotel breakfast; lunch and dinner on your own, with recommendations such as Kong Yiji Hotel and Mulan Suzhou Cuisine. ### 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. - Hanshan Temple and Lingering Garden: Start at Hanshan Temple beside the ancient canal west of Suzhou, then pass through the halls, corridors, framed views, and rockery spaces of the Lingering Garden. From temple to garden, two distinct Jiangnan spaces unfold in a single morning. - Seven-mile Shantang Canal Cruise with Suzhou Pingtan: From the water of Shantang River, view the riverside houses and bridges, then listen to a live performance of Suzhou Pingtan. The strings, singing, and Wu dialect transform the Suzhou you saw by day into an audible memory of the city. - Night Tour of Xizha, Wuzhen: In the afternoon, take a private car to Wuzhen and check in at the Xizha Scenic Area. After choosing your own dinner, take a stroll along the waterways and bridges at night, then return directly to your accommodation within the scenic area. - Accommodation: Inside Xizha Scenic Area, Wuzhen - Meals: Hotel breakfast; lunch and dinner on your own, with recommendations for Xiangji Su-style Cuisine and Tong'an Inn Chinese Restaurant. ### 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. - Morning visit to Xizha again: Walk along the water alleys of Xizha in the early morning, passing once more the bridges, docks, and waterfront houses seen last night. Staying within the scenic area saves you the hassle of re-entering, allowing you to witness a different rhythm of the ancient town before the crowds arrive. - Xixi Wetland Waterway: After a self-selected lunch, proceed to Hangzhou, where you'll take a boat tour through part of Xixi Wetland and use the scenic area's electric shuttle to connect between different zones. Arrive in Hangzhou via narrow waterways, reeds, and riverside villages, rather than just along city roads. - Songcheng Eternal Love: In the evening, enjoy a VIP seat performance of Songcheng Eternal Love. The show uses a grand stage, dance, and scene changes to weave together stories related to Hangzhou. The exact showtime is subject to final confirmation. - Accommodation: Hangzhou, first night of a two-night stay - Meals: Hotel breakfast; lunch and dinner at your own expense, with recommendations including Minguo Era and Cuixinyuan Zhejiang Mountain Cuisine. ### Day 5 — 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. - Feilai Peak and Lingyin Temple: Start with the Feilai Feng stone carvings, then enter the Lingyin Temple grounds. The itinerary includes internal shuttle service, with the walking focus on the relationship between the carvings, the temple spaces, and the mountain forest environment. - Meijiawu Tea Tasting: At noon, head to Meijiawu to taste local tea in the tea village and choose your own lunch. Transition from the city's temples to tea fields and villages, and learn how Hangzhou tea becomes part of daily life. - West Lake Boat Ride, Su Causeway, and Flower Harbor Fish Viewing: Cruise across part of West Lake, identifying the embankments, islets, and distant hills from the water. After disembarking, continue on foot along Su Causeway and view fish at Flower Harbor Park, connecting the distant views from the boat with the close-up scenery by the lakeshore. - Accommodation: Hangzhou, second consecutive night - Meals: Hotel breakfast; lunch and dinner on your own, with recommendations including Qixi Tea Banquet and Yuexi Hui Seafood Private Cuisine. ### Day 6 — 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. - Hefang Street: Take a morning walk along Hefang Street, lingering freely among the shops, alleys, and traditional architecture of this historic commercial street. It's an ideal spot for a relaxed urban interlude before heading home. - Lunch and Airport Send-off: After choosing your own lunch, a private car transfer to the airport will be arranged according to your confirmed return flight. The exact departure time will be confirmed based on the flight schedule and road conditions. - Accommodation: None - Meals: Hotel breakfast; lunch on your own, you may refer to Huangfan'er ## 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 ### Puyuan Fashion Ancient Town Pujin Grand Hotel - City: Jiaxing - Description: 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. - Image: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/itkYvvPr.webp ### Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund - Description: Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund offers river views over Pudong, walkable Nanjing Road, Aesop amenities and marble baths. - Image: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/hid1o57j.webp ### The Peninsula Shanghai - Description: The Peninsula Shanghai sits on the historic Bund along the Huangpu River, with views of the Bund, Pudong and its gardens. - Image: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/26TUUqAC.webp ### Alila Wuzhen - Description: A minimalist retreat in ancient Wuzhen, blending stone bridges, canals and Jiangnan heritage. - Image: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/gEE17Biw.webp ### Amanfayun Hangzhou - Description: A tranquil resort in a valley west of West Lake, 20 minutes from Hangzhou, with 47 Tang-era dwellings near Lingyin Temple. - Image: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/6s3FdM5b.webp ### Grand Hyatt Hangzhou - Description: Grand Hyatt Hangzhou sits on the east bank of West Lake, steps from the Hubin shopping and entertainment district. - Image: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/iqQ2E6rn.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 - Vehicle & Driver-Guide: 6 days of 7-seater Buick GL8 or similar vehicle, with Chinese-speaking driver-guide - 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 - Main course: Lunch and dinner are at guests' own choice and expense; recommendations do not imply reservations. - Personal expenses: Beverages, 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 - 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. ### How private is this tour? The vehicle and itinerary are exclusively for accompanying guests, with a minimum departure requirement of 2 people. ### Are lunch and dinner included? 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. ### What type of vehicle is used? 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. ### Does this include round-trip flights to and from Taiwan? Not included; the quoted price covers local reception services only.