14-Day Comprehensive Deep Dive Tour of Shanghai, Suzhou, Wuxi, Nanjing & Hangzhou

• Premium Airport Transfer: A professional driver will arrive at the airport 30 minutes in advance, waiting with a sign displaying your name to assist with luggage. A 7-seater luxury commercial vehicle will take you directly to a selected hotel in downtown Shanghai.
• Leisurely Rest: After checking in, explore the hotel’s surroundings. We recommend walking to Jing’an Temple Business District or People’s Square to taste authentic Shanghai cuisine (braised pork, shengjian mantou, Nanxiang xiaolongbao) and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of this mega-city.
• Accommodation Guarantee: Holiday Inn Shanghai Jing’an (Reference) — Located in the core of Jing’an District, close to Metro Lines 1/2, within walking distance of Nanjing West Road Business District. The hotel offers a Chinese-Western buffet breakfast, complete facilities, and attentive service.

Morning: Yu Garden + Shanghai Old Town — Nostalgia & Elegance of Old Shanghai

• Visit Yu Garden (approx. 1.5 hours): A classic example of Jiangnan classical gardens, featuring pavilions, terraces, winding paths, the Nine-Zigzag Bridge, and the Mid-Lake Pavilion. Explore the on-site souvenir market for unique handicrafts. Don’t miss the crab roe xiaolongbao at Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant inside the garden — thin skin, juicy filling, and rich flavor.
• Wander around Shanghai Old Town (approx. 1 hour): A retro neighborhood centered on City God Temple, with bluestone streets and scattered Ming-Qing dynasties buildings. Tea houses and time-honored shops line the streets. Visit City God Temple Main Hall to experience the religious culture and local vibe of old Shanghai.

Afternoon: Xintiandi (French Concession) + Jade Buddha Temple — Fusion of Modernity & Zen

• Explore Xintiandi (French Concession) (approx. 1.5 hours): A high-end business district renovated from century-old shikumen (stone-gate) mansions, blending gray bricks, black tiles, and floor-to-ceiling glass windows. Starbucks, luxury brands, and historic buildings coexist harmoniously, making it perfect for photo shoots that blend retro and modern aesthetics. It was also the site of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China, boasting both historical depth and fashionable charm.
• Visit Jade Buddha Temple (approx. 1 hour): A renowned Han Buddhist temple in Shanghai, a peaceful Zen sanctuary amidst the bustling city. The temple houses two precious jade Buddha statues (Sakyamuni sitting statue and reclining statue), exquisitely carved and lifelike. Offer incense and pray for blessings while experiencing the tranquility and solemnity of Buddhist culture.
• Transport & Accommodation: Round-trip private car transfers throughout the day; travel time between attractions is 15-30 minutes. Stay at Holiday Inn Shanghai Jing’an (Reference) for another night.

Morning: Oriental Pearl TV Tower — Overlook the City from the Clouds

• Visit Oriental Pearl TV Tower (approx. 2.5 hours): An iconic symbol of Shanghai. Take a high-speed elevator to the 259-meter suspended glass observation deck for an exhilarating “walk in the clouds” with the Huangpu River and urban skyline beneath your feet. Later, explore the Shanghai Urban History Museum, tracing the city’s transformation from a small fishing village to an international metropolis through cultural relics, wax figures, and scene restorations.

Afternoon: Huangpu River Day Cruise + The Bund — Enjoy Scenery on Both Banks

• Take a Huangpu River Day Cruise (approx. 1 hour): Depart from Jinling East Road Cruise Terminal and sail downstream. On your left, admire the Lujiazui skyscraper cluster (Shanghai Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, Jin Mao Tower); on your right, take in the Bund’s “Gallery of World Architecture.” Fully experience the charm of the Huangpu River as a “golden waterway.”
• Stroll along The Bund (approx. 1 hour): A 1.5-kilometer riverside boulevard lined with over 20 historic buildings of Gothic, Baroque, Romanesque, and other architectural styles, known as the “Museum of World Architecture.” Check in at landmarks like Peace Hotel and Custom House, and enjoy the refreshing river breeze.

Evening: Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street — Carnival on a Century-Old Commercial Street

• Explore Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street (approx. 1.5 hours): Shanghai’s busiest century-old commercial street, stretching 5.5 kilometers from The Bund to Jing’an Temple. It features time-honored brands such as Yong’an Department Store and No.1 Food Store, as well as trendy brands like Nike and Uniqlo. Taste local snacks such as double-stuffed glutinous rice cakes from Shen Dacheng and pickled food from Shao Wansheng, and feel the commercial vitality and local charm of the mega-city.
• Transport & Accommodation: Private car accompaniment throughout the day; the cruise terminal, The Bund, and Nanjing Road are within walking distance. Stay at Holiday Inn Shanghai Jing’an (Reference) for another night.

• After breakfast, a driver will wait at the hotel entrance with a sign and take you to Shanghai Disneyland Resort (approx. 40 minutes’ drive) for an all-day adventure:
• ✅ Popular Attractions: Prioritize experiencing “TRON Lightcycle Power Run” (a sci-fi roller coaster), “Seven Dwarfs Mine Train” (family-friendly roller coaster), “Soaring Over the Horizon” (3D flight simulation around the world), and “Pirates of the Caribbean — Battle for the Sunken Treasure” (immersive boat ride).
• ✅ Exciting Shows: Watch the “Mickey’s Storybook Express” parade in the afternoon and the “Ignite the Dream” nighttime spectacular (a feast for the senses combining lights, fireworks, and music) in the evening.
• ✅ Attentive Services: The guide will provide a travel guide in advance (including FastPass tips and queue time references), assist with ticket redemption, and offer real-time communication and coordination within the park.
• Return Guarantee: At 21:30, the driver will wait at the designated location outside the park with a sign and take you back to the hotel, avoiding the hassle of hailing a taxi at night.
• Accommodation: Holiday Inn Shanghai Jing’an (Reference)

All Day: Shanghai Legoland Resort — Endless Joy

• After breakfast, a driver will wait at the hotel entrance with a sign and take you to Shanghai Legoland Resort (approx. 1 hour’s drive) for a brick-themed carnival:
• ✅ Themed Zones: Experience rides such as “Lego Racers” (drive Lego race cars), “Fantasia Carousel” (classic parent-child ride), and “Lego Castle Adventure” (medieval-style roller coaster).
• ✅ Creative Displays: Admire world landmarks (Eiffel Tower, Great Wall, The Bund skyline) and cartoon characters (Marvel heroes, Disney princesses) built with tens of millions of Lego bricks — intricate and highly creative.
• ✅ Interactive Experiences: Join parent-child Lego building workshops to create your own unique Lego works as souvenirs. Watch the “Lego Ninjago” live stage show for an immersive storyline.
• Return Guarantee: At 20:30, the driver will wait at the park exit with a sign and take you back to the hotel.
• Accommodation: Holiday Inn Shanghai Jing’an (Reference)

Morning: Shanghai → Zhouzhuang — Head to “China’s No.1 Water Town”

• After breakfast, depart by private car (approx. 1.5 hours’ drive) to Zhouzhuang Water Town and start a slow tour:

  • Visit Twin Bridges (approx. 30 minutes): The iconic landmark of Zhouzhuang, consisting of Shide Bridge and Yong’an Bridge. One horizontal and one vertical, the bridges resemble a key, hence the name “Key Bridge.” Stand on the bridge to overlook the entire water town — gray tiles, white walls, small bridges, flowing rivers, and black-awning boats form a picturesque scene, perfect for photography.
  • Explore Zhang Hall & Shen Hall (approx. 1 hour): The most representative Ming-Qing mansions in Zhouzhuang. Zhang Hall is famous for its unique layout where “sedans enter through the gate and boats pass through the courtyard.” Shen Hall is the largest and best-preserved mansion among Jiangnan dwellings, with exquisite carvings on beams and elegant furniture, showcasing the lifestyle of wealthy Jiangnan merchants.

Afternoon: Leisurely Tour of Zhouzhuang — Integrate into Water Town Life

• Wander freely around Zhouzhuang’s streets and lanes (approx. 2 hours): Boatwomen in blue cloth shirts row black-awning boats along the rivers. Pingtan (Suzhou storytelling and ballad-singing) drifts from tea houses by the bank. Local snacks such as Wansan Pork Knuckle, Grandma’s Tea, and Euryale Seed Cake are sold in street shops. Opt for a rowboat ride (at your own expense) to experience the poetic “boating on the river, walking in a painting.” Or relax in a riverside tea house with a cup of tea and enjoy the water town scenery.

Evening: Zhouzhuang → Suzhou — Head to the “City of Gardens”

• Gather at 16:00 and travel to Suzhou by private car (approx. 1 hour’s drive). After checking in, enjoy free time. We recommend trying Suzhou’s specialty cuisine (sweet and sour mandarin fish, stir-fried shrimps, Aozao noodles).
• Accommodation Guarantee: Phili Hotel Suzhou Lumudu Metro Station (Reference) — Close to Metro Line 2, with convenient transportation. The hotel is clean and tidy, offering a buffet breakfast and within walking distance of surrounding business districts

Morning: Lingering Garden — Garden Art of China’s Four Great Classical Gardens

• Visit Lingering Garden (approx. 1.5 hours): Ranked among China’s Four Great Classical Gardens (along with Summer Palace, Chengde Mountain Resort, and Humble Administrator’s Garden), renowned for its “compact size and changing scenery with each step.” The garden is divided into four parts: the central part features water scenes, the eastern part showcases architecture, the western part offers mountain and forest views, and the northern part presents pastoral scenery. Highlights include the Guanfeng Peak (one of Jiangnan’s Three Famous Stones), Nanmu Hall, and fish fossils. Experience the unique charm of Jiangnan gardens — “man-made yet seemingly natural.”

Afternoon: Panmen Gate + Tiger Hill — Ancient City Gate & “Top Scenery of Wu”

• Visit Panmen Gate (approx. 1 hour): The best-preserved ancient city gate in Suzhou and the only well-preserved water-land city gate in China. Composed of a land gate, water gate, and barbican, it has a rigorous layout and a complete defense system. Climb the city wall to overlook the ancient Grand Canal and admire Wumen Bridge and Ruiguang Pagoda, experiencing the military culture and urban heritage of ancient Suzhou.
• Explore Tiger Hill (approx. 1.5 hours): Known as “Top Scenery of Wu,” it is said that Fu Chai, King of Wu during the Spring and Autumn Period, buried his father Helü here. Legend has it that a white tiger appeared on the hill three days after the burial, hence the name. Core attractions include Tiger Hill Pagoda (Yunyan Temple Pagoda, one of China’s oldest existing brick pagodas, leaning yet standing firm), Sword Pool (said to hold Helü’s sword), and Thousand-Person Stone. Enjoy pine and cypress trees and cliff carvings while climbing the hill, feeling the “small mountain with quiet scenery.”
• Transport & Accommodation: Round-trip private car transfers throughout the day; travel time between attractions is 15-20 minutes. Stay at Phili Hotel Suzhou Lumudu Metro Station (Reference) for another night.

Morning: Ancient Grand Canal Cruise — Sail Through the Ancient City & Hear History

• Take an Ancient Grand Canal Cruise (approx. 1 hour): Depart from Xinshiqiao Cruise Terminal on a traditional Chinese-style painted boat and sail slowly along the Suzhou section of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal. Admire ancient city gates such as Panmen, Xumen, and Changmen along the way. White-walled dwellings and willow-lined riverbanks form a Jiangnan water town painting. The guide provides commentary throughout, sharing historical stories and cultural legends along the canal.

Afternoon: Shantang Street + Pingjiang Road — Wander Old Streets & Taste Life

• Explore Shantang Street (approx. 1.5 hours): Known as “No.1 Street of Gusu,” it was built in the Tang Dynasty, stretching 3.5 kilometers. A large number of Ming-Qing buildings are preserved along the street, with rivers running parallel to the roads and black-awning boats shuttling between them. Taste local snacks such as sweet porridge, crab roe soup dumplings, and plum cakes, and visit time-honored shops (e.g., Zhuhongxing Noodle House, Caizhizhai) to experience the local vibe of old Suzhou.
• Listen to Pingtan at Pingjiang Road (approx. 1 hour): One of Suzhou’s oldest streets, preserving the ancient urban pattern of “water and land running parallel, rivers and streets adjacent.” Find a riverside tea house (e.g., Pipa Yu Pingtan Guan) and order a cup of Biluochun tea. Listen to Suzhou Pingtan performances such as “Pearl Pagoda” and “Jasmine Flower,” immersing yourself in the soft Wu dialect accompanied by melodious sanxian (three-stringed instrument) and pipa (lute) music.
• Transport & Accommodation: Private car transfers; core areas are accessible on foot. Stay at Phili Hotel Suzhou Lumudu Metro Station (Reference) for another night.

Morning: Suzhou → Wuxi Lingshan Giant Buddha — Pray for Blessings & Feel the Power of Faith

• After breakfast, depart by private car (approx. 1 hour’s drive) to Lingshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area (approx. 2.5 hours):

  • Worship Lingshan Giant Buddha: An 88-meter-tall outdoor bronze statue of Sakyamuni, one of the tallest Sakyamuni Buddha statues in the world. Take an elevator or walk up the mountain to touch the Buddha’s feet and pray for blessings, symbolizing “touching the Buddha’s feet for peace and good luck.”
  • Watch Nine Dragons Bathing the Buddha: A large-scale dynamic Buddhist cultural landscape. The “Nine Dragons Spraying Water to Bathe the Buddha” performance is held regularly every day, a spectacular sight. Receive “holy water” for blessings.
  • Explore Brahma Palace: Magnificently decorated inside, integrating Buddhist culture and modern art. Admire treasures such as large glazed murals, wood carvings, and jade carvings, and feel the charm of religious art.

Afternoon: Nianhua Bay Zen Town — Encounter Slow Life

• Visit Nianhua Bay (approx. 2 hours): A town themed around “zen life,” with architectural styles blending Jiangnan water town and Japanese garden features. Clean streets, gurgling streams, and a strong zen atmosphere fill the town. Explore zen-themed shops (e.g., cultural and creative stores, tea houses, vegetarian restaurants) and experience zen activities such as calligraphy copying, flower arrangement, and vegetarian dining. In the evening, watch the “Nianhua Smile” light show, where lights blend with buildings and water to create a dreamy zen atmosphere.
• Transport & Accommodation: Private car accompaniment throughout the day; travel time from Lingshan Giant Buddha to Nianhua Bay is 30 minutes. Accommodation at May Peng Hotel Wuxi (Reference) — Close to Metro Line 1, with convenient dining nearby, complete hotel facilities, and a buffet breakfast.

Morning: Three Kingdoms City + Water Margin City — Immersive Film & TV Experience

Visit Three Kingdoms City and Water Margin City (approx. 3 hours): Adjacent to each other, these two major film and television bases are the shooting locations for classic dramas such as Romance of the Three Kingdoms and Water Margin. Their architectural styles perfectly restore the features of the Three Kingdoms and Northern Song Dynasty periods.

• Watch Exciting Shows: Enjoy equestrian performances like “Three Heroes Fighting Lü Bu” (in Three Kingdoms City) and live-action shows such as “Wu Song Killing Xi Menqing” (in Water Margin City). With skilled equestrian skills and realistic plots, the performances offer an immersive film-shooting experience.
• Explore Film & TV Scenes: Check in at iconic spots like Ganlu Temple and Wu King’s Palace (Three Kingdoms City), as well as Qingming Riverside Street and Loyalty Hall (Water Margin City). Take photos and feel as if you’ve traveled back to the era of the Three Kingdoms and Water Margin.

Afternoon: Turtle Head Islet — Top Scenery of Taihu Lake

Wander around Turtle Head Islet (approx. 2 hours): A peninsula on the northwest bank of Taihu Lake, named for its shape resembling a turtle’s head and hailed as “Top Scenery of Taihu Lake.”

• Stroll along the lake to admire the vast, misty scenery of Taihu Lake. Cherry blossoms bloom in spring (March-April) and red maples shine in autumn (October-November).
• Visit attractions such as Yuantou Spring Tide, Lighthouse, and Changchun Bridge, and experience the artistic conception of “low yet elegant mountains and shallow yet vast water.”

Evening: Wuxi → Nanjing — Head to the Ancient Capital of Six Dynasties

Gather at 16:00 and travel to Nanjing by private car (approx. 2.5 hours’ drive). After checking in, enjoy free time. We recommend trying Nanjing’s specialty cuisine, such as duck blood vermicelli soup, salted duck, and xiaolongbao.

• Accommodation Guarantee: Holiday Inn Express Nanjing Riverside (Reference) — Located by the Yangtze River, close to Metro Line 10, offering river views, complimentary breakfast, and attentive service.

Morning: Niushou Mountain Cultural Tourism Area — Buddha’s Top Sacred Land & Architectural Wonder

Visit Niushou Mountain (approx. 3 hours): An important Buddhist cultural sacred site in Nanjing, named for its two peak-like horns at the top.

• The core attraction, Foding Palace, is the world’s largest Buddhist palace, featuring luxurious interior decorations and enshrining the Buddha’s parietal bone relic.
• Take an elevator to the underground Buddhist hall to admire attractions like the Thousand Buddha Hall and Ten Thousand Buddha Corridor, and feel the stunning integration of Buddhist culture and modern architecture.

Afternoon: Giant Wild Goose Pagoda Ruins Park — Thousand-Year Buddha Light & Repayment Culture

Explore Giant Wild Goose Pagoda Ruins Park (approx. 2 hours): First built in the Ming Dynasty by Emperor Chengzu Zhu Di to commemorate his birth mother, it was once the largest and most prestigious temple in ancient China.

• Rebuilt on the original ruins, it retains structures such as the Glazed Pagoda, Heavenly King Hall, and Scripture Collection Pavilion.
• Climb the 98-meter-high Glazed Pagoda to overlook Nanjing’s cityscape. The pagoda is brightly lit inside, with different Buddhist-themed exhibitions on each floor.
• Visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda Ruins Museum to learn about the temple’s historical changes through cultural relics and archaeological site restorations.
• Transport & Accommodation: Private car accompaniment throughout the day; travel time between attractions is 40 minutes. Stay at Holiday Inn Express Nanjing Riverside (Reference) for another night.

Morning: Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum + Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum — Imperial Mausoleum & Great Man’s Memorial

Visit Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum (approx. 2 hours): The joint mausoleum of Zhu Yuanzhang, the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty, and Empress Ma. As the first imperial mausoleum of the Ming and Qing dynasties, it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Walk along the Sacred Way to admire Shixiang Road (lined with 12 pairs of stone beasts and 6 pairs of stone figures; red maples and stone statues create a charming scene in autumn), Sifang City, and Baocheng Baoding (the mausoleum’s core), and feel the grandeur and feng shui layout of the imperial mausoleum.

Wander around Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum (approx. 1.5 hours): The mausoleum of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, a great forerunner of China’s democratic revolution, featuring an architectural style that blends Chinese and Western cultures.

• Climb 392 steps to the Memorial Hall to overlook Nanjing’s panoramic view. Inside the hall, a marble seated statue of Dr. Sun Yat-sen stands solemnly, allowing visitors to pay tribute to his achievements.

Afternoon: Mei Ling Palace + Zhonghua Gate — Republican Style & Ancient City Defense

Visit Mei Ling Palace (approx. 1 hour): Formerly known as the “Residence of the Chairman of the National Government,” it was the former residence of Chiang Kai-shek and Soong Mei-ling.

• Its architectural style is a combination of Chinese and Western elements from the Republican Era, with luxurious interior decorations and a large collection of furniture and cultural relics from that period.
• A large number of plane trees are planted in the courtyard. From an aerial view, Mei Ling Palace and the surrounding plane tree avenue form a “gem necklace” shape, romantic and unique.

Morning: Head to Hangzhou · West Lake Cruise — Check In at the “One-Yuan Note” Scene

After breakfast, depart from Nanjing by private car via expressway to Hangzhou, the “Paradise on Earth” (approx. 2.5 hours’ drive). Upon arrival, directly go to the West Lake Cruise Terminal:

• Take a West Lake Cruise (approx. 1.5 hours): Board a traditional Chinese-style painted boat to enjoy the stunning scenery of West Lake — “three sides surrounded by mountains and one side by the city.” Overlook classic attractions such as Su Causeway Spring Dawn, Leifeng Pagoda, and Broken Bridge Remnant Snow (a winter highlight; the ancient style of the bridge can be admired in other seasons).

Visit Three Pools Mirroring the Moon Island (approx. 1 hour): The only island in the middle of West Lake, one of the “Ten Scenes of West Lake,” and the real scene depicted on the back of the fifth set of RMB one-yuan note.

• The island features pavilions, terraces, and winding bridges, with lotus flowers and weeping willows planted everywhere. Find the three stone pagodas to take photos and experience the poetic pattern of “an island within a lake, a lake within an island.”
• Wander along the Nine-Zigzag Bridge to enjoy the lake and mountain scenery, and feel the comfort of “walking in a painting.”

Afternoon: Lingyin Temple & Feilai Peak · Tea Fragrance of Longjing — Integration of Nature & Humanities

Visit Lingyin Temple & Feilai Peak (approx. 2 hours): Hangzhou’s oldest Buddhist temple, first built in the Eastern Jin Dynasty, backed by Beigao Peak and facing Feilai Peak, with a quiet and zen atmosphere.

• First explore Feilai Peak Scenic Area: Its cliffs are covered with 345 stone carvings from the Five Dynasties to the Song and Yuan dynasties, among which the carvings of Budai Monk and the Eighteen Arhats are the most famous, with exquisite craftsmanship and vivid expressions.
• Then enter Lingyin Temple: The temple’s halls are magnificent, enshrining Buddha statues such as Sakyamuni and Guanyin, with strong incense. Offer incense and pray for blessings to experience the tranquility and solemnity of the thousand-year-old temple.
• Don’t miss Lengquan Pavilion and Feilai Peak Stone Carving Museum to gain a deeper understanding of Buddhist culture and stone carving art.

Visit Longjing Tea Village (approx. 1.5 hours): Drive to Longjing Tea Village west of West Lake (approx. 30 minutes’ drive), the core production area of “West Lake Longjing Tea.”

• Lush tea gardens stretch across the mountains. Walk into local tea farmers’ gardens to learn about Longjing tea planting techniques and picking standards (the difference between pre-Ming tea and pre-rain tea) under the guidance of tea farmers, and experience the fun of picking tea buds by hand.
• Then go to a tea farmer’s home to taste freshly brewed pre-Ming Longjing tea — clear soup, fragrant aroma, and fresh taste. Listen to tea farmers talk about the historical origin and production process of Longjing tea, and optionally purchase authentic West Lake Longjing tea as souvenirs (voluntary consumption).

Evening: Return to Shanghai · Rest & Prepare for Departure

Gather at 17:00 and return to Shanghai from Hangzhou by private car (approx. 2 hours’ drive). After checking in, relax to relieve the fatigue of the day. For dinner, freely choose local Shanghai cuisine or specialty restaurants near the hotel to revisit the delicious food and beautiful scenery of the East China trip.

• Accommodation Guarantee: Holiday Inn Shanghai Jing’an (Reference) — Return to the starting hotel of the trip for convenient luggage packing and smooth departure. The hotel provides a comfortable sleeping environment and complete services.

Premium Airport Drop-Off · Smooth Return

According to your return flight time, the driver will wait in the hotel lobby with a sign in advance, assist with luggage, and take you directly to Shanghai Airport by 7-seater luxury commercial vehicle.

• During the journey, the accompanying staff can help verify flight information and remind you of security check precautions, bringing the trip to a perfect end.
• If time permits, we will recommend Shanghai specialty stores at the airport, where you can purchase souvenirs such as White Rabbit Creamy Candy, five-spice beans, and City God Temple pear paste candy to take away the exclusive memories of your East China trip.

Warm Farewell · Look Forward to Reunion

Upon arrival at the airport, the accompanying staff will assist with luggage check-in guidance, bid you a warm farewell, and wish you a safe journey. We look forward to meeting you again in the future to explore more wonderful destinations.

The above itinerary is for reference only. Please follow the actual situation for specific arrangements.