6-Day East China Discovery: Hangzhou, Suzhou, Wuzhen & Shanghai

Day 1 Arrive Hangzhou

Welcome to Hangzhou, an enchanting city where timeless natural beauty meets rich Imperial heritage and modern innovation. Renowned across China as a true paradise on earth, Hangzhou centers around the world-famous West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage site surrounded by misty hills, historic pagodas, and tranquil tea plantations producing China’s celebrated Longjing green tea. Upon arrival at the airport or the train station, your friendly tour guide will greet you and whisk you away in a private vehicle to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.

Meals Included: Dinner at a halal restaurant
Accommodation: 4-star Mercure Hangzhou West Lake or similar

Day 2  Hangzhou | Hangzhou City Highlights, Bullet Train to Suzhou

Begin your day with a leisurely cruise on West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you glide across the calm waters, admire the stunning scenery of pagodas, gardens, and temples that dot the lake’s shores. Next, Delve into China’s tea culture at China National Tea Museum. This impressive institution houses an extensive collection of tea artifacts, including historical tea sets, brewing tools, and ancient tea leaves. Head to Meijiawu Tea Culture Village. This picturesque village is nestled amidst lush tea plantations and offers a glimpse into the daily lives of tea farmers. Conclude your day with a leisurely stroll along Qinghefang Street, a charming pedestrian street lined with traditional shops, tea houses, and restaurants. Visit the landmark of the Qinghefang Street, Hu Qing Yu Tang, a over 100-year-old Chinese herbal dispensary and Traditional Chinese Medicine Museum. Take a bullet train to Suzhou (approx. 1.5 hours), the “Venice of the Orient,” as praised by Marco Polo.

Salat Prayer: Phoenix Mosque
Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Accommodation: 4-star Mercure Suzhou City Center or similar

Day 3 Hangzhou – Suzhou | Wuzhen Water Town, Transfer to Suzhou

Set off on a captivating 1.5 hour journey from Hangzhou to Wuzhen, a picturesque water town embodying the timeless charm of ancient China. Begin your exploration at the East Gate, where you’ll wander through timeworn alleys lined with wooden houses. Stroll over iconic stone arch bridges and watch as boats glide silently beneath, reflecting the town’s serene beauty. Don’t miss the Hundred-Bed Museum, showcasing intricately carved wooden beds that narrate centuries of craftsmanship. Visit the traditional indigo fabric dyeing workshop, where the vibrant hues of dyed fabrics create a striking contrast against the town’s rustic backdrop. Embark on a traditional rowboat journey along the Xishi River towards the west, culminating at the White Lotus Pagoda, Wuzhen’s tallest structure. Continue the journey to Suzhou (approx. 1.5 hours), the “Venice of the Orient,” as praised by Marco Polo.

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Accommodation: 4-star Mercure Suzhou City Center or similar

Day 4 Suzhou – Shanghai | Suzhou City Highlights, Transfer to Shanghai

After breakfast, immerse yourself in the beauty of the Humble Administrator’s Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned as the finest garden in southern China. Delve into the world of silk at a silk factory, where you can witness the remarkable transformation from silkworm to luxurious fabric. Explore the historic Panmen Gate, a 2,400-year-old gateway to the city. Discover the allure of Tiger Hill, a UNESCO-listed gem boasting stunning landscapes, ancient architecture, and rich history. Experience the charm of Suzhou’s past on Shantang Street, a 1,200-year-old thoroughfare lined with traditional shops and residences. Watch as wooden boats glide beneath arched bridges, creating a picturesque scene reminiscent of the Tang Dynasty. Transfer to Shanghai, a vibrant metropolis where the echoes of its colonial past seamlessly blend with the awe-inspiring skyline of its modern architectural marvels.

Salat Prayer: Suzhou Taipingfang Mosque
Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Accommodation: 4-star Sunrise On The Bund Hotel Shanghai or similar

Day 5  Shanghai | Shanghai City Highlights

Begin your Shanghai adventure at Yuyuan Garden, a labyrinth of Ming Dynasty pavilions, intricate rockeries, arched bridges, and goldfish ponds, all enveloped by a serpentine dragon wall. Follow this with a shopping spree at the bustling Chenghuangmiao market just outside the garden. After shopping at a silk store, ascend the Oriental Pearl Tower for a breathtaking 360-degree view of Shanghai’s skyline. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Bund, Shanghai’s famous 1.6 km waterfront on the west shore of the Huangpu River, and explore the vibrant Nanjing Road, one of the busiest shopping streets in the world. Conclude your day with a walk through the charming French Concession, where tree-lined avenues and elegant old houses evoke the spirit of the “Paris of the East.” Afterwards, savor a delightful tea break and explore the vibrant Tianzifang, a captivating blend of local culture and contemporary art.

Day 6 Depart Hangzhou

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel

A private transfer to the airport or train station will be provided for your departure. If you would like to extend your stay, please let us know and we would be delighted to assist you in customizing your itinerary. Have a wonderful trip!