--- title: "Jiangnan in Five Days: An Introduction" description: "Five days strolling through Shanghai’s alleys to West Lake: explore the essence of Jiangnan at an accessible price" type: "tour" route_id: "jiangnan-essentials-5d" total_days: 5 price: 296 highlights: ["Shanghai", "Wuzhen", "Hangzhou"] url: "https://www.lyriktrip.com/tours/jiangnan-essentials-5d" canonical_url: "https://www.lyriktrip.com/tours/jiangnan-essentials-5d" locale: "en-US" alternates: {"en-US":"https://www.lyriktrip.com/tours/jiangnan-essentials-5d","en-GB":"https://www.lyriktrip.com/en-GB/tours/jiangnan-essentials-5d","zh-CN":"https://www.lyriktrip.com/zh-CN/tours/jiangnan-essentials-5d","zh-TW":"https://www.lyriktrip.com/zh-TW/tours/jiangnan-essentials-5d","de-DE":"https://www.lyriktrip.com/de-DE/tours/jiangnan-essentials-5d","fr-FR":"https://www.lyriktrip.com/fr-FR/tours/jiangnan-essentials-5d","es-ES":"https://www.lyriktrip.com/es-ES/tours/jiangnan-essentials-5d","it-IT":"https://www.lyriktrip.com/it-IT/tours/jiangnan-essentials-5d","x-default":"https://www.lyriktrip.com/tours/jiangnan-essentials-5d"} --- # Jiangnan in Five Days: An Introduction Five days strolling through Shanghai’s alleys to West Lake: explore the essence of Jiangnan at an accessible price 5 days from the lanes of Shanghai to West Lake, a glimpse of Jiangnan at an entry-level price - No shopping arrangements - Group Formation Conditions ## 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. ## Summary - Route ID: jiangnan-essentials-5d - Duration: 5 days / 4 nights - Starting price: $296 - Status: active - Highlights: Shanghai, Wuzhen, Hangzhou - Cover image: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/04adfec749e3.png ## Hero tags - No shopping - Fully tailored - Multilingual services — Tours run in English. Other languages can be arranged with 30 days' notice and an added fee. ## Highlight notes - Up to 25 people - 4 mornings, 3 simple meals - Shanghai Airport/Station Transfer ## Selling points - 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. ## City highlights - Shanghai (2 days): Shanghai - Image: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/4234545a9276.webp - Shanghai (1 days): Shanghai - Image: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/4234545a9276.webp - Wuzhen (1 days): Wuzhen - Image: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/8db182da7b9c.png - Hangzhou (1 days): Hangzhou - Image: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/95608f425efb.png ## Experiences Spend 5 days traversing Shanghai, Suzhou, Wuzhen, Nanxun, and Hangzhou, including listed first-admission tickets, 4 breakfasts, 3 light meals, and shared transfers. - Wuzhen Xizha Scenic Area (Wuzhen): Take a leisurely walk through Wuzhen West Zha's riverside lanes and historic architecture. - Subtitle: Explore the waterways and old streets of Jiangnan's water towns - Tags: Water Town - Host: Wuzhen, Wuzhen Local Host — Water Town Alleys and Canal Life - Access: Includes first-admission ticket to the scenic area; the area remains open to other visitors. - Images: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/892a8a08a840.png, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/c4186942fca8.png - Nanxun Ancient Town (Nanxun): Take a walking tour of the ancient town of Nanxun and visit Xiaolian Garden and Jiaye Library, following the source itinerary. - Subtitle: Waterways and Late-Qing Garden Residences - Tags: Water Town - Host: Huzhou, Local Host of Huzhou — Water Towns and Taihu Lake Culture - Access: Includes standard first admission ticket; private access is not guaranteed. - Images: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/339e02c6c5d6.jpg - Leifeng Pagoda and West Lake (Hangzhou): After visiting the Leifeng Pagoda, stroll along Su Causeway to Changqiao Park to explore the West Lake Scenic Area. - Subtitle: Climb high for city views, then stroll along the lake - Tags: Lakes - Host: Hangzhou, Hangzhou Lens — Lake beauty and future tech - Access: Includes regular admission and walking routes; West Lake boat ride is at your own expense. - Images: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/95608f425efb.png - Songcheng Evergreen Love Story (Hangzhou): Watch a large-scale outdoor stage performance. Seat tiers are subject to the original itinerary and the final confirmation details. - 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 - Shanghai High-Rise Observation Deck (Shanghai): As scheduled for the day, ascend to the observation deck of the Jin Mao Tower or the Shanghai World Financial Center for a panoramic view of the urban landscape on both banks of the Huangpu River. - Subtitle: A Bird's-Eye View of the Bund and Pudong - Tags: Cityscapes - Host: Shanghai, Shanghai Lens — Skyline and riverfront culture - Access: Includes admission to the regular observation decks as specified in the itinerary; the specific buildings are subject to final arrangements. - Images: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/66fa928eeaa9.jpg - The Bund (Shanghai): Standing at the Bund, you can take in both Shanghai's historic waterfront and Pudong's modern skyline at a single glance. - Subtitle: Shanghai's iconic riverfront skyline - Tags: Riverfront - Host: Shanghai, Shanghai Lens — Skyline and riverfront culture - Access: A signature Shanghai orientation stop for architecture and city contrast. - Images: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/59b1d2774a93.jpg, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/819f854bed70.jpg, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/494cee6c7aae.jpg, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/45251ad66040.jpg, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/eed1a59d8207.jpg, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/334c0bdef4be.jpg, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/a2a8d5aca0bf.jpg, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/2e92d8293a47.jpg, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/eb8770c3dfbd.jpg, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/5d861058a1f8.jpg ### Capture banner - Label: Save this itinerary - Title: 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 ### Introduction to Jiangnan - 3 days Ancient Town and West Lake #### Shanghai (1 days) - Subtitle: Shanghai - Recommendation: Gather in Shanghai and begin your five-day journey through Jiangnan with free arrival and city settling in. - Transport: 汽车 - Transport mode: car Keep the first day free, then meet your guide on the second day to head to Suzhou and Wuzhen. - Images: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/4234545a9276.webp, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/f9ec789a2073.png, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/79ab0d21522d.png, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/c566e79e41d0.png, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/6b98d0b018a6.png ##### Day 1: Arrive in Shanghai, settle in at your leisure - (transport) — Meet the local team at the confirmed Shanghai airport or train station; shared transfer may wait up to 1.5 hours. - (accommodation) — Check in after 14:00 at a hotel in the Hongqiao Hub or Pudong Wildlife Park area. - (note) — Free time for the rest of your stay after check-in. #### Wuzhen (1 days) - Subtitle: Wuzhen - Recommendation: After visiting the Lingering Garden, settle into Wuzhen and leave the evening at Xizha for your own plans. - Transport: 汽车 - Transport mode: car The West Gate ticket is already included. Boat rides and other optional activities are available at your discretion on-site. - Images: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/8db182da7b9c.png, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/4odW0kLY.webp, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/c066246bdb9b.webp, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/e3e888bd1862.webp, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/8f7662e7826a.webp ##### Day 2: Suzhou Gardens and Wuzhen at Night - (transport) — Travel to Suzhou by group vehicle and meet up with the local guide. - (sight) — Visit the Lingering Garden for about 1 hour. - (dining) — This is one of the 3 light meals included in the source package. - (transport) — After lunch, continue to Wuzhen. - (sight) — Visit Xizha for approximately 1.5 hours, including the first admission ticket. - (note) — Stay for about 2 hours; you may take a boat ride or walk around the scenic area at your own expense. - (dining) — This is one of the 3 light meals included in the source package. - (accommodation) — The package hotel is located outside the Xizha Scenic Area. #### Hangzhou (1 days) - Subtitle: Hangzhou - Recommendation: Entering Hangzhou from Nanxun, the city's silhouette emerges between Leifeng Pagoda, the West Lake shoreline, and Songcheng. - Transport: 汽车 - Transport mode: car West Lake is best explored on foot; boat rides and other unlisted activities are optional at your own expense as needed on site. - Images: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/95608f425efb.png, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/f179c6f27b61.png, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/iaR0bamU.webp, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/k6sWrbCB.webp, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/l9EeMn7n.webp ##### Day 3: Nanxun and West Lake, Hangzhou - (sight) — Explore Nanxun Ancient Town; the ticket includes Xiaolianzhuang (Little Lotus Garden) and Jiaye Library. - (dining) — Lunch is at your own discretion; choose from local Hangzhou cuisine. - (transport) — After touring the ancient town, continue on to Hangzhou. - (sight) — Visit Leifeng Pagoda and enjoy panoramic views of the West Lake area. - (sight) — Take a walk along Su Causeway and Changqiao Park; boat rides are at your own expense. - (dining) — This is the final light meal included in the source package. - (sight) — After touring Songcheng Street, watch the regular-seat performance. - (accommodation) — Stay one night in Hangzhou. ### Return to Shanghai - 2 days City Wrap-Up #### Shanghai (2 days) - Subtitle: Shanghai - Recommendation: After returning to Shanghai, walk from the high-rise skyline to the old town and the Bund to complete the route. - Transport: 统一送站 - Transport mode: car Return to Shanghai in the evening of Day 4; after visiting the Bund and Nanjing Road on Day 5, we will arrange a unified drop-off. - Images: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/4234545a9276.webp, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/f9ec789a2073.png, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/79ab0d21522d.png, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/c566e79e41d0.png, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/6b98d0b018a6.png ##### Day 4: Hangzhou's Alleys and Shanghai's Skyline - (sight) — Explore Hefang Street, a historic commercial street in Hangzhou, for about 1.5 hours. - (dining) — Lunch is not included. - (transport) — Return to Shanghai by group vehicle, approximately 2.5 hours by car. - (sight) — Choose between the 88th floor of the Jin Mao Tower or the 94th floor of the Shanghai World Financial Center, subject to availability. - (sight) — Walk through the old town commercial district for about 1.5 hours. - (note) — Choose your own dinner before returning to the hotel. - (accommodation) — Stay at a hotel in the Pudong Wildlife Park area for the confirmed group tour dates. ##### Day 5: The Bund, Nanjing Road & Return - (sight) — Walk along the Bund waterfront for about 30 minutes. - (sight) — Continue exploring Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street for about 1 hour. - (transport) — Afternoon group transfer to departure points; different earliest return times apply for Hongqiao and Pudong flights. ## Daily plan ### 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. - Shared pickup: Meet the local group at the designated Shanghai airport or train station, then take a shared transfer to the hotel. Please note that the shared transfer may involve waiting for other group members, with a maximum wait time of 1.5 hours. - Check-in & Free Time: Hotel check-in is available after 2:00 PM at locations near Hongqiao Transport Hub or Pudong Wild Animal Park, subject to final itinerary confirmation. There are no organized tours after check-in; guests are free to rest, dine, or explore at their own discretion. - Accommodation: Shanghai Hongqiao Transport Hub or the Pudong Wild Animal Park area - Meals: Full day at leisure ### 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. - Lingering Garden: After meeting with your local guide, explore the Humble Administrator's Garden for about an hour, passing through its halls, corridors, framed views, and rockery spaces. - Wuzhen Xizha: After lunch, continue to Wuzhen and enter Xizha for about 1.5 hours; the first admission ticket is included. Walk along the waterways, stone bridges, and waterside streets to complete the main scenic route. - Free time in the evening: Enjoy about two hours of free time in the evening, ideal for strolling to see Xizha's night views. Wuzhen's night boat tours are not included in the package; if you wish to board, please purchase tickets on-site at your own expense. - Accommodation: Outside Xizha Scenic Area, Wuzhen - Meals: Hotel breakfast; group simple lunch; group simple dinner ### 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. - Nanxun Ancient Town: Explore the ancient town of Nanxun, where the ticket includes Xiaolianzhuang (the Small Lotus Manor) and the Jiaye Library. The gardens, waterways, and library are all within a single walking route, revealing that Jiangnan's ancient towns offer more than just riverside commercial streets. - Leifeng Pagoda: Upon arrival in Hangzhou, visit Leifeng Pagoda to identify the West Lake's surface, causeways, and surrounding city from a higher vantage point. The climb takes about an hour and serves as a directional reference for the subsequent lakeside walk. - West Lake Walk: Walk along Su Causeway and Changqiao Park to enjoy close-up views of the water and distant mountains from the lakeshore. The West Lake cruise is not included; if you wish to take it, please pay on-site at your own expense. - Songcheng Street and Eternal Love Show: After dinner, explore Songcheng Street, then watch the regular-seat show included in the source package. The show features a grand stage, dance, and scene changes to weave together stories related to Hangzhou. - Accommodation: Hangzhou - Meals: Hotel breakfast; lunch on your own; simple group dinner ### Day 4 — 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. - Hefang Street: Spend about 1.5 hours exploring Hefang Street, Hangzhou's historic commercial street, passing by shops, alleyways, and traditional architecture. Then, return to Shanghai by group vehicle, with an estimated drive of about 2.5 hours. - Shanghai High-Rise Observation Deck: Depending on the final arrangement, ascend to either the 88th floor of Jin Mao Tower or the 94th floor of Shanghai World Financial Center. From the heights, identify the Huangpu River, the Bund waterfront, and the cluster of high-rises in Pudong. - City God Temple Commercial Area: After descending, you'll enter the old commercial district of Shanghai, a walk of about 1.5 hours. Compared to the panoramic city views from the observation deck, this stretch brings you back to street level, where you can take in the shops, alleys, and bustling crowds. - Accommodation: Pudong Wild Animal Park area - Meals: Hotel breakfast; lunch and dinner at your own expense ### Day 5 — 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. - The Bund and Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street: Begin with a roughly 30-minute walk along the Bund riverfront, viewing the Pudong skyline from the side of the historic buildings. Then head into Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street for about another hour. - Unified drop-off: After noon, the group will be transferred to the airport or train station as arranged. Different earliest departure times apply for flights from Hongqiao and Pudong; please refer to the final confirmation for booking your return transportation. - Accommodation: None - Meals: Hotel breakfast; lunch and thereafter at your own expense ## Hotels ### Ji Hotel (Shanghai Hongqiao Airport) - City: Shanghai - Description: Season Hotel, conveniently located near Hongqiao Airport, offers consistent chain-standard rooms with breakfast — an ideal choice for layovers between flights or conferences. - Image: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/ko3VreqF.webp - Labels: NEW, Feature Stay ### Royal Garden Hotel Shanghai (Shanghai International Resort Area) - City: Shanghai - Description: Royal Garden Hotel Shanghai: A luxurious garden hotel near Pudong Airport and Disneyland, offering complimentary shuttle service to both destinations. - Image: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/a07e8f886100.jpg ### Rezen Hotel Wuzhen (Xizha Scenic Area) - City: Wuzhen - Description: Upscale local hotel near Wuzhen’s Xizha Scenic Area, suited for leisure stays. - Image: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/gT6jYtYP.webp - Labels: NEW, Feature Stay ### Wuzhen Golden Riverside Grand Hotel - Description: Between Wuzhen's East and West scenic areas, surrounded by tranquil nature for an escape from the bustle. - Image: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/8HgrCKFV.webp ### Wuzhen Maison New Century Grand Hotel - City: Wuzhen - Description: Upscale hotel in Wuzhen with comfortable facilities for leisure travelers. - Image: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/fhDH8MXs.webp ### Junshang Yunyi Hotel Hangzhou (Chihua Street Metro Station) - City: Hangzhou - Description: 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. - Image: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/dMIhM9dR.webp - Labels: NEW, Feature Stay ### Manju Hotel (Hangzhou Gongshu Wanda Branch) - City: Hangzhou - Description: 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. - Image: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/8npORJut.webp ### Fenghui Heyue International Hotel - City: Hangzhou - Description: 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. - Image: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/fxssJ2oJ.webp ### Hangzhou Rezen Haozhi Hotel - City: Hangzhou - Description: 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. - Image: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/288Az7WI.webp ### Mercure Shanghai Yu Garden on the Bund - City: Shanghai - Description: 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. - Image: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/gGDOuejx.webp ### Wuzhen Waterfront Resort Hotel - Description: Located in Wuzhen's Xizha scenic area along Xishi River, right by the parking lot and visitor center. - Image: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/hcRIOMtW.webp ### Pagoda Design Hotel (Hangzhou West Lake & Wulin Square) - Description: In central Hangzhou at Wulin Square, near West Lake, museums and top malls; a walk from Wulin Square Metro (Line 1). - Image: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/2vkXGnVf.webp ## Included / Excluded ### What's Included - Admission ticket: Admission tickets to the first entrance of the attractions listed in the itinerary - Meals: 4 breakfasts and 3 light meals arranged according to the package meal plan - Accommodation: 4 nights at a mid-range chain or upscale hotel; in Wuzhen, not staying inside Xizha Scenic Area - Local Transportation: Local team transportation, Chinese-speaking guide, and airport or train station pickup/drop-off in Shanghai as per the stated rules. ### Not Included - Round-trip transportation: Flights or trains to and from Shanghai - Self-funded cruise: Night cruise in Wuzhen and West Lake cruise fees - Other meals and personal expenses: Meals, 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 - 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. ### Is this a private tour? No. This is a local group tour of up to 25 people. ### Is the cruise fare included? Not included. Both the Wuzhen night cruise and the West Lake cruise are optional at your own expense. ### What meals are included? Includes 4 breakfasts and 3 arranged light meals; other meals are at your own expense. ### Will we stay within the West Scenic Area of Wuzhen? No, the included hotel is located outside the scenic area.