A 9-day cultural journey through Hangzhou, Suzhou and Shanghai, from West Lake and classical gardens to water towns, Disneyland and the Shanghai skyline.
Discover the timeless beauty and modern charm of East China on a captivating journey through Hangzhou, Suzhou, and Shanghai.
Begin in Hangzhou, renowned for the enchanting beauty of West Lake, tranquil gardens, historic temples, and picturesque tea plantations. Continue to Suzhou, celebrated for its elegant classical gardens, charming waterways, and traditional Chinese architecture.
The journey concludes in Shanghai, a vibrant metropolis where rich history meets modern sophistication. Explore iconic landmarks, bustling shopping districts, historic neighbourhoods, and spectacular city skylines.
Daily departure
From SGD 3000 per person — min 2 to go
From SGD 2600 per person — min 4 to go
From SGD 2200 per person — min 6 to go
Upon arrival in Shanghai, you will be warmly welcomed by your local guide at the airport. After meeting your guide, proceed to the railway station for your high-speed train journey to Hangzhou, one of China’s most picturesque cities, renowned for its beautiful West Lake, tea plantations, and rich cultural heritage.
Enjoy a comfortable and scenic train ride through the Chinese countryside. Upon arrival at Hangzhou Railway Station, your local guide will meet you and assist with the transfer to your hotel.
Upon arrival at the hotel check in and enjoy some time to relax and refresh after your journey. The remainder of the day is free at leisure, allowing you to rest or explore the surrounding area at your own pace.
Accommodation: 4-star hotel Hangzhou
Transport: Private transfer
Begin your Hangzhou day tour in the morning with a visit to the China National Silk Museum, where you can discover the fascinating history of Chinese silk and admire its exquisite craftsmanship—one of China’s most celebrated cultural heritages.
Next, explore Hefang Street, a lively historic street known for its traditional snacks, local handicrafts, and nostalgic atmosphere, offering a glimpse into the charm of old Hangzhou.
In the afternoon, discover the modern side of the city at the City Balcony Urban Planning Exhibition Hall. Explore impressive architectural models and multimedia displays showcasing Hangzhou’s remarkable development and vision for the future.
Afterward, enjoy a relaxing electric boat ride on West Lake, taking in the lake’s picturesque scenery at a leisurely pace without stopping at any of the islands.
In the evening, experience the Impression West Lake Night Show, a spectacular outdoor performance associated with renowned director Zhang Yimou. The show combines music, lighting, dance, and the natural beauty of West Lake to create a memorable evening experience.
Accommodation: 4-star hotel Hangzhou
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, your full-day private tour begins at Canal Square, a lively area along Hangzhou’s historic Grand Canal. Here, you’ll explore a series of distinctive museums dedicated to traditional Chinese craftsmanship, including the Knives, Scissors, Swords, Fans, and Umbrellas Museums. These museums offer an interesting insight into the history, cultural significance, and traditional techniques behind some of China’s most distinctive handicrafts.
Continue to the Workmanship Demonstrations Pavilion, where you can watch traditional crafts being demonstrated and take part in hands-on cultural activities. You’ll have the opportunity to paint on a circular fan and try traditional techniques such as Chinese paper cutting and bamboo weaving. These interactive experiences provide a fun and memorable way to discover China’s rich craftsmanship. Additional craft experiences can be arranged on-site for a small cash payment.
Next, enjoy a scenic canal boat ride along the historic waterways of the Grand Canal. Relax as you take in the peaceful waterfront scenery, traditional architecture, bridges, and charming surroundings from the water.
After the boat ride, take a leisurely stroll through the historic Dadoulu District, an atmospheric area known for its cultural heritage, traditional streets, and charming blend of historic and contemporary Hangzhou. Enjoy the relaxed pace as you explore the neighborhood and experience a different side of the city.
The day concludes with a visit to Xiangji Temple, an ancient Buddhist temple dating back to the Northern Song Dynasty. Take time to admire the temple’s traditional architecture, tranquil courtyards, and peaceful surroundings while learning about its long-standing cultural and religious significance.
Accommodation: 4-star hotel Hangzhou
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, begin your day with a visit to Meijiawu Tea Village, one of Hangzhou’s most scenic tea-growing areas, surrounded by lush green hills and extensive tea plantations. The village is particularly famous for Longjing (Dragon Well) tea, one of China’s most renowned varieties.
During your visit, immerse yourself in Hangzhou’s rich tea culture and learn about the traditional methods used to cultivate, harvest, and produce Longjing tea. Enjoy the peaceful countryside atmosphere while discovering the importance of tea in Chinese history and daily life. Depending on the season, you may also have the opportunity to see tea leaves being carefully picked and processed.
After the morning tea experience, continue your journey to the railway station for your high-speed G train to Shanghai, travelling in a comfortable First Class seat. The high-speed rail offers a convenient and scenic way to travel between the two cities.
Upon arrival in Shanghai, meet your local representative and transfer to your hotel for check-in and a short rest before heading out for your evening activities.
As night falls, visit The Bund, Shanghai’s iconic waterfront promenade along the Huangpu River. Take a leisurely walk along the famous waterfront and admire the impressive collection of historic European-style buildings on one side and Shanghai’s spectacular modern skyline on the other.
In the evening, enjoy a Huangpu River Night Cruise, one of Shanghai’s most memorable experiences. Relax aboard the cruise as the city comes alive after dark, with the illuminated skyscrapers of Lujiazui, historic buildings along The Bund, and dazzling city lights creating a spectacular panoramic view of Shanghai.
Transfer via: High-Speed G Train, First Class Seat
Accommodation: 4-star hotel Shanghai
Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy an exciting day at Shanghai Disneyland, where the whole family can experience thrilling attractions, spectacular live shows, colorful parades, and memorable encounters with beloved Disney characters.
Your experience includes a private round-trip transfer from your hotel to Disneyland and back. Please note that the transfer is provided by a Chinese-speaking driver only, without a guide.
Accommodation: 4-star hotel Shanghai
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, depart from Shanghai and enjoy a comfortable 1.5-hour private drive to Suzhou, often referred to as the “Venice of the East” for its beautiful network of canals and waterways. With a history spanning more than 2,500 years, Suzhou is renowned for its elegant classical gardens, traditional architecture, silk heritage, and picturesque water towns.
Upon arrival, begin your sightseeing with a visit to the Lingering Garden, one of Suzhou’s most famous classical gardens and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Designed with a harmonious blend of landscaped gardens, ponds, rock formations, pavilions, courtyards, and traditional Chinese architecture, the garden offers a peaceful escape from the bustle of the city. Take time to stroll through its beautifully designed pathways and admire the intricate details that showcase the artistry of traditional Chinese garden design.
Continue to the charming ancient water town of Tongli, a historic town characterized by its tranquil canals, stone bridges, narrow lanes, and well-preserved traditional residences. The town’s waterways have played an important role in its history and continue to form the heart of everyday life.
Take a leisurely walk through Tongli’s atmospheric streets, passing traditional houses, small shops, courtyards, and scenic waterways. The town provides wonderful opportunities to experience the slower pace and distinctive character of traditional Jiangnan life.
A highlight of the visit is a traditional boat ride along the canals. Relax as the boat glides beneath historic stone bridges and past traditional homes lining the waterways, offering a different perspective of this picturesque town.
After exploring Suzhou and Tongli, enjoy a comfortable private transfer back to Shanghai, arriving at your hotel in the evening.
Accommodation: 4-star hotel Shanghai
Meals: Breakfast
Transfers: Private Transfer
After breakfast, begin your Shanghai cultural journey with a visit to Yuyuan Garden, a celebrated classical Chinese garden with a history dating back to the Ming Dynasty. Designed as a peaceful retreat, the garden features beautifully landscaped ponds, ornate pavilions, traditional courtyards, rockeries, bridges, and winding corridors.
Take a leisurely walk through the garden and appreciate the harmony between architecture and nature. Along the way, discover the distinctive elements of traditional Jiangnan garden design, with carefully framed views and tranquil spaces creating an atmosphere of elegance and serenity. Continue to Yuyuan Bazaar (City God Temple Market), located around the historic City God Temple. The lively area offers a fascinating contrast to the peaceful garden, with its traditional-style buildings, bustling streets, specialty shops, and local eateries.
Enjoy time to explore the market at your own pace. Browse a variety of local snacks, traditional handicrafts, souvenirs, specialty products, and tea houses, while experiencing the lively atmosphere of one of Shanghai’s best-known historic districts. This is also an excellent opportunity to sample traditional Shanghai treats or pick up a few memorable souvenirs.
In the afternoon, visit a Su Embroidery Silk Store to discover the refined artistry of Chinese silk and Suzhou-style embroidery, one of the most highly regarded forms of traditional Chinese embroidery. Learn about the delicate craftsmanship involved in creating these intricate works, and admire the fine stitching, detailed patterns, and elegant designs characteristic of Su Embroidery. The visit provides an insight into China’s long-standing silk heritage and the skill passed down through generations of artisans.
Continue to a distinctive traditional teahouse for an immersive introduction to Chinese tea culture. In a peaceful and elegant setting, a tea master will guide you through the traditions and etiquette associated with Chinese tea. Discover how different varieties of tea are selected and prepared, learn how to appreciate the appearance and aroma of premium tea leaves, and observe the traditional brewing process. You will also have the opportunity to taste carefully prepared teas while learning about the cultural significance of tea in Chinese daily life and hospitality.
Accommodation: 4-star hotel Shanghai
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, begin the day at Shanghai Tower, one of Shanghai’s most iconic landmarks and the tallest building in China. Located in the heart of the Lujiazui financial district, the tower’s observation deck offers breathtaking panoramic views across the city. Take in the spectacular skyline, the winding Huangpu River, and the contrast between the modern skyscrapers of Pudong and the historic cityscape beyond.
Continue to Xujiahui, a vibrant commercial and lifestyle district known for its major shopping malls, electronics stores, restaurants, and lively streets. Take some time to experience the energetic atmosphere of this modern urban hub and observe the fast-paced rhythm of everyday life in Shanghai.
Next, explore the French Concession, one of Shanghai’s most charming and historically significant districts. Stroll along its leafy, tree-lined streets and admire the distinctive European-influenced architecture, historic residences, boutique stores, cafés, and quiet lanes. The relaxed atmosphere makes this area ideal for a leisurely walk while discovering a different side of Shanghai.
Continue to Xintiandi, a stylish pedestrian precinct where Shanghai’s architectural heritage meets contemporary dining, shopping, and entertainment. Explore the beautifully restored Shikumen houses, characterized by their stone gates and unique blend of Chinese and Western architectural influences. Today, these historic buildings are complemented by fashionable restaurants, cafés, boutiques, and galleries.
Afterward, visit Tianzifang, a charming maze of narrow lanes known for its artistic and creative atmosphere. Wander through the traditional neighborhood and discover independent galleries, handicraft stores, small studios, cafés, and local eateries. The intimate lanes provide an opportunity to experience Shanghai’s contemporary creative scene while retaining the character of its historic residential architecture. Conclude the day in the Shikumen Area, where traditional stone-gate residences offer an insight into Shanghai’s architectural heritage and local way of life. Take a leisurely walk through the historic lanes and appreciate the distinctive combination of traditional Chinese residential features and Western architectural influences.
Accommodation: 4-star hotel Shanghai
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy some free time at leisure until it is time for your departure. Later, your local guide and driver will meet you at the hotel and transfer you to Shanghai Pudong International Airport for your onward flight.
Farewell Shanghai! We hope you take home wonderful memories of your time in this vibrant city.
Meals: Breakfast
