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Overview
This is the shorter, more accessible Jiangnan route: two nights in Shanghai bookend the trip, with Suzhou and Wuzhen in the middle, Nanxun as a water-town transition, and West Lake in Hangzhou saved for last. The package clearly includes the first admission ticket, four breakfasts, three light meals, and group transport; two boat cruises and nighttime activities are left to individual choice. Get a clear sense of Jiangnan first, then decide whether your next journey should be slower.
LyrikTrip Route Design Team
Local group tours are limited to a maximum of 25 guests. Quoted prices do not include intercity round-trip transportation; transfers from the airport or train station will be arranged according to your confirmed onward travel details.
Why you'll love this trip
- Up to 25 people
- 4 mornings, 3 simple meals
- Shanghai Airport/Station Transfer
- Experience Shanghai, Suzhou, two water towns, and Hangzhou on a compact itinerary.
- The walking segments at Liuyuan Garden, Nanxun, and West Lake are included at no extra cost.
- Your free time in Wuzhen at night is yours to shape, with optional private boat tours available at your discretion.
- Conclude with visits to the Bund, Nanjing Road, and a high-rise observation deck in Shanghai.
Things to do
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Water Town
Water Town
Lakes
Show
Cityscapes
RiverfrontWater TownWater TownLakesShowCityscapesRiverfrontWater TownWater TownLakesShowCityscapesRiverfrontItinerary
Arrivals
Shanghai · Day 1
· Shanghai: Arrival and Free Time to Settle In
Day 1 is reserved for arrival, shared transfer from the station, and check-in. After completing hotel formalities, the rest of the day is free for guests to arrange as they wish.
汽车
Wuzhen · Day 2
· Suzhou & Wuzhen: From Lingering Garden to Xizha Night
Depart from Shanghai by group vehicle to Suzhou, visit a classical garden, then continue to Wuzhen. Enter Xizha in the evening, with free time to stroll at night.
汽车
Hangzhou · Day 3
· Nanxun and Hangzhou: Ancient Towns, Lakeshores, and Evening Shows
In the morning, explore Nanxun's gardens 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 Songcheng performance.
汽车
Shanghai · Day 4 - Day 5
· Hangzhou & Shanghai: From Hefang Street to the City Skyline
Spend the morning in Hangzhou's old town, then take an afternoon ride back to Shanghai. In the evening, overlook the Huangpu River from a high-rise observation deck, then walk into the old commercial district.
· Shanghai: The Bund, Nanjing Road, and Departure
Spend the final morning strolling along the Huangpu River and the central shopping street. After noon, we will arrange a group transfer to the station, with no further sightseeing.
Departures
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Hotels
These are sample stays typically included in the itinerary. Final pricing depends on the hotel level selected.
NEWFeature Stay
Shanghai
Ji Hotel (Shanghai Hongqiao Airport)
Season Hotel, conveniently located near Hongqiao Airport, offers consistent chain-standard rooms with breakfast — an ideal choice for layovers between flights or conferences.
Shanghai
Royal Garden Hotel Shanghai (Shanghai International Resort Area)
Royal Garden Hotel Shanghai: A luxurious garden hotel near Pudong Airport and Disneyland, offering complimentary shuttle service to both destinations.
NEWFeature Stay
Wuzhen
Rezen Hotel Wuzhen (Xizha Scenic Area)
Upscale local hotel near Wuzhen’s Xizha Scenic Area, suited for leisure stays.
Wuzhen Golden Riverside Grand Hotel
Between Wuzhen's East and West scenic areas, surrounded by tranquil nature for an escape from the bustle.
Wuzhen
Wuzhen Maison New Century Grand Hotel
Upscale hotel in Wuzhen with comfortable facilities for leisure travelers.
NEWFeature Stay
Hangzhou
Junshang Yunyi Hotel Hangzhou (Chihua Street Metro Station)
Junshang Yunyi, located next to Jihua Street Metro Station in West Lake District, is convenient for itineraries heading west of the city and toward the West Railway Station.
Hangzhou
Manju Hotel (Hangzhou Gongshu Wanda Branch)
North connects to the bustling Wanda Plaza, south to the Shangtang Elevated Road, and is close to key transportation hubs such as Moganshan Road and Dengyun Road.
Hangzhou
Fenghui Heyue International Hotel
A four-star international hotel in Hangzhou's Zijin Gang district, adjacent to West Lake and the science and innovation zone, with well-appointed rooms and convenient transportation.
Hangzhou
Hangzhou Rezen Haozhi Hotel
Located on Jiu Street in Longwu Tea Town, West Lake District, Hangzhou — the core area and permanent venue of the China International Tea Expo, just steps away from the Expo Convention Center.
Shanghai
Mercure Shanghai Yu Garden on the Bund
The Mercure Shanghai Yu Garden, located in Huangpu District, is adjacent to the Yu Garden and the Bund, and just a short walk from Metro Lines 8 and 10.
Wuzhen Waterfront Resort Hotel
Located in Wuzhen's Xizha scenic area along Xishi River, right by the parking lot and visitor center.
Pagoda Design Hotel (Hangzhou West Lake & Wulin Square)
In central Hangzhou at Wulin Square, near West Lake, museums and top malls; a walk from Wulin Square Metro (Line 1).
NEWFeature Stay
Shanghai
Ji Hotel (Shanghai Hongqiao Airport)
Season Hotel, conveniently located near Hongqiao Airport, offers consistent chain-standard rooms with breakfast — an ideal choice for layovers between flights or conferences.
Shanghai
Royal Garden Hotel Shanghai (Shanghai International Resort Area)
Royal Garden Hotel Shanghai: A luxurious garden hotel near Pudong Airport and Disneyland, offering complimentary shuttle service to both destinations.
NEWFeature Stay
Wuzhen
Rezen Hotel Wuzhen (Xizha Scenic Area)
Upscale local hotel near Wuzhen’s Xizha Scenic Area, suited for leisure stays.
Wuzhen Golden Riverside Grand Hotel
Between Wuzhen's East and West scenic areas, surrounded by tranquil nature for an escape from the bustle.
Wuzhen
Wuzhen Maison New Century Grand Hotel
Upscale hotel in Wuzhen with comfortable facilities for leisure travelers.
NEWFeature Stay
Hangzhou
Junshang Yunyi Hotel Hangzhou (Chihua Street Metro Station)
Junshang Yunyi, located next to Jihua Street Metro Station in West Lake District, is convenient for itineraries heading west of the city and toward the West Railway Station.
Hangzhou
Manju Hotel (Hangzhou Gongshu Wanda Branch)
North connects to the bustling Wanda Plaza, south to the Shangtang Elevated Road, and is close to key transportation hubs such as Moganshan Road and Dengyun Road.
Hangzhou
Fenghui Heyue International Hotel
A four-star international hotel in Hangzhou's Zijin Gang district, adjacent to West Lake and the science and innovation zone, with well-appointed rooms and convenient transportation.
Hangzhou
Hangzhou Rezen Haozhi Hotel
Located on Jiu Street in Longwu Tea Town, West Lake District, Hangzhou — the core area and permanent venue of the China International Tea Expo, just steps away from the Expo Convention Center.
Shanghai
Mercure Shanghai Yu Garden on the Bund
The Mercure Shanghai Yu Garden, located in Huangpu District, is adjacent to the Yu Garden and the Bund, and just a short walk from Metro Lines 8 and 10.
Wuzhen Waterfront Resort Hotel
Located in Wuzhen's Xizha scenic area along Xishi River, right by the parking lot and visitor center.
Pagoda Design Hotel (Hangzhou West Lake & Wulin Square)
In central Hangzhou at Wulin Square, near West Lake, museums and top malls; a walk from Wulin Square Metro (Line 1).
NEWFeature Stay
Shanghai
Ji Hotel (Shanghai Hongqiao Airport)
Season Hotel, conveniently located near Hongqiao Airport, offers consistent chain-standard rooms with breakfast — an ideal choice for layovers between flights or conferences.
Shanghai
Royal Garden Hotel Shanghai (Shanghai International Resort Area)
Royal Garden Hotel Shanghai: A luxurious garden hotel near Pudong Airport and Disneyland, offering complimentary shuttle service to both destinations.
NEWFeature Stay
Wuzhen
Rezen Hotel Wuzhen (Xizha Scenic Area)
Upscale local hotel near Wuzhen’s Xizha Scenic Area, suited for leisure stays.
Wuzhen Golden Riverside Grand Hotel
Between Wuzhen's East and West scenic areas, surrounded by tranquil nature for an escape from the bustle.
Wuzhen
Wuzhen Maison New Century Grand Hotel
Upscale hotel in Wuzhen with comfortable facilities for leisure travelers.
NEWFeature Stay
Hangzhou
Junshang Yunyi Hotel Hangzhou (Chihua Street Metro Station)
Junshang Yunyi, located next to Jihua Street Metro Station in West Lake District, is convenient for itineraries heading west of the city and toward the West Railway Station.
Hangzhou
Manju Hotel (Hangzhou Gongshu Wanda Branch)
North connects to the bustling Wanda Plaza, south to the Shangtang Elevated Road, and is close to key transportation hubs such as Moganshan Road and Dengyun Road.
Hangzhou
Fenghui Heyue International Hotel
A four-star international hotel in Hangzhou's Zijin Gang district, adjacent to West Lake and the science and innovation zone, with well-appointed rooms and convenient transportation.
Hangzhou
Hangzhou Rezen Haozhi Hotel
Located on Jiu Street in Longwu Tea Town, West Lake District, Hangzhou — the core area and permanent venue of the China International Tea Expo, just steps away from the Expo Convention Center.
Shanghai
Mercure Shanghai Yu Garden on the Bund
The Mercure Shanghai Yu Garden, located in Huangpu District, is adjacent to the Yu Garden and the Bund, and just a short walk from Metro Lines 8 and 10.
Wuzhen Waterfront Resort Hotel
Located in Wuzhen's Xizha scenic area along Xishi River, right by the parking lot and visitor center.
Pagoda Design Hotel (Hangzhou West Lake & Wulin Square)
In central Hangzhou at Wulin Square, near West Lake, museums and top malls; a walk from Wulin Square Metro (Line 1).
Included / Excluded
What's Included
- Admission ticketAdmission tickets to the first entrance of the attractions listed in the itinerary
- Meals4 breakfasts and 3 light meals arranged according to the package meal plan
- Accommodation4 nights at a mid-range chain or upscale hotel; in Wuzhen, not staying inside Xizha Scenic Area
- Local TransportationLocal team transportation, Chinese-speaking guide, and airport or train station pickup/drop-off in Shanghai as per the stated rules.
Not Included
- Round-trip transportationFlights or trains to and from Shanghai
- Self-funded cruiseNight cruise in Wuzhen and West Lake cruise fees
- Other meals and personal expensesMeals, beverages, tips, and personal purchases other than the 3 included set meals
Special Notes
This introductory route clearly lists optional paid activities and pickup times.
- Seats & Cruise Ship — Songcheng uses standard seating; the Wuzhen and West Lake boat rides are not included and can be purchased separately as needed.
- Hotel Location — The hotel in Shanghai is located in the Hongqiao transportation hub or the Pudong Wildlife Park area; the specific hotel is arranged according to the confirmed tour date.
Is Five Days Your Length?
Need other days?
5 days
A 5-day compact circuit captures all of Shanghai, Suzhou, Wuzhen, Nanxun, and Hangzhou.
Good to Know
- Group Type
- Small group tour, up to 25 people
- Language
- Chinese-speaking guide
- Pace
- 5 days, 4 nights, including one night in a water town and one night back in Shanghai
- Meals
- Includes 4 breakfasts and 3 light meals; other meals at your own expense
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.
No. This is a local group tour of up to 25 people.
Not included. Both the Wuzhen night cruise and the West Lake cruise are optional at your own expense.
Includes 4 breakfasts and 3 arranged light meals; other meals are at your own expense.
No, the included hotel is located outside the scenic area.
