Explore the Elegant China
Embark on a cultural journey through three most elegant cities in China: Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of West Lake in Hangzhou, and explore the exquisite gardens of Suzhou. Marvel at Shanghai’s fascinating blend of ancient and modern China. As you journey through these cities, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the rich cultural heritage and timeless elegance that define Chinese civilization.
Discover the joy of traveling on a private and personalized journey through China with us. We will curate an itinerary that perfectly suits your interests and pace, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable experience. Click “Inquire” to let us know your needs.
Suggested 7-Day Itinerary
Day |
Highlights |
1-3 |
The Bund, Shanghai Tower, Yu Gardens, Wukang Road, Shanghai Museum East |
4-5 |
The West Lake, the Tea Plantations, Driverless Bus, Local Flavor Taste |
6 |
The Master of the Nets Garden, Pingjiang Road, Tongli Water Town |
7 |
Shanghai Departure |
Tour ‘Wow’ Points
Travel Back in Time through the Bund’s Legendary Landmarks.
Walking along the Bund, you’re surrounded by grand European-style architecture set against the glittering modern skyline across the river — it creates a striking contrast between past and present.


Stroll along the Picturesque Avenues with European-style Buildings and Leafy Canopies.
Follow your guide and you will admire the elegant Art Deco and colonial-era mansions, villas, and residential houses that once belonged to affluent foreigners and well-to-do Chinese residents.


Savor the Beauty of Chinese Exquisite Garden Art.
The Master of the Nets Garden is a smaller, yet incredibly exquisite garden. It creates an illusion of vastness within a relatively small space.


Explore the Serene Canals and Rich Opera Culture of a Traditional Water Town.
Tongli Water Town is a picturesque destination known for its well-preserved ancient architecture, canals, and bridges.


Brew a Perfect Cup of Tea and Savor Its Unique Flavors.
Be warmly welcomed by a local tea farmer from Meijiawu Tea Village. Harvest your own tea and witness the intricate process of stir-frying.


Dive into a Stylish Market with Bold Flavors and Fresh Culinary Delights.
Unlike traditional markets, this one is modern, clean, and buzzing with energy, showcasing the city’s vibrant urban spirit.


Suggested Itinerary
Your dedicated private tour guide will greet you at the airport, ensuring a stress-free transfer to your hotel in a comfortable private vehicle. Sit back and relax as your luggage is handled and your hotel check-in is seamlessly completed.
Begin your journey by soaring to the summit of an iconic skyscraper at the Shanghai Tower, where the city unfurls beneath you like a shimmering tapestry.
Next, feel the pulse of Shanghai on a public ferry cruise along the legendary Huangpu River. Step ashore and wander amidst the Bund’s captivating streetscapes, each building a silent storyteller. Then, let curiosity guide you down a hidden alleyway, where the true essence of local life thrives. Here, you’ll savor exquisite local bites from a Michelin-starred spot.
Next, immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Yu Garden, a quintessential example of traditional Chinese garden design. Marvel at the intricate layout and harmonious blend of natural elements.
Visiting Shanghai Museum East is a fusion of art, culture, and modern architecture. It offers visitors an immersive journey through thousands of years of Chinese civilization, with masterpieces ranging from ancient bronzes and ceramics to calligraphy.
Step back in time and immerse yourself in the enchanting Former French Concession. As you wander through its leafy avenues like Wukang Road, Huaihai Road, Fuxing Road, and Sinan Road, you’ll discover a treasure trove of French colonial-style buildings.
On a sun-drenched day, the graceful shadows cast by the majestic Chenar trees dance upon the pavements, weaving a tapestry of romance that’s truly captivating. This is a journey through a living, breathing testament to Shanghai’s elegant past.
Explore Shanghai’s cultural heritage on the Xujiahui City Walk. This serene route highlights history, art, and local life—from the Xu Guangqi Tomb and Xujiahui Academy to the Gothic Catholic Church, Xujiahui Park, and Little Red House, birthplace of China’s national anthem.
Finally, Tianzifang! This unique area preserves its original labyrinthine alleyways and traditional Shikumen houses, offering a genuine glimpse into local life. Explore narrow alleys filled with boutique shops selling handmade souvenirs, vintage items, and crafts, perfect for finding unique treasures and enjoying a meal or drink.
A stroll through Shanghai’s old alleys near Tianzifang offers a unique glimpse into the city’s traditional culture and timeless charm. Step into the real life of the Shanghainese. Share tea and conversation with locals in their homes.
Today, you will take a 45-minute high speed train from Shanghai to Hangzhou.
Steeped in over 1,200 years of history, West Lake isn’t just a destination; it’s a living poem, a timeless muse that has inspired poets, painters, and emperors for generations. As you glide across its tranquil waters, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into a classical Chinese landscape painting.
Journey to Meijiawu Tea Village, the birthplace of China’s renowned West Lake Dragon Well tea. A local tea farmer will welcome you with traditional bamboo baskets and hats, guiding you to the tea plantations.
Learn to select and pick tea leaves correctly. Then, observe the stir-frying process, which dehydrates the leaves and preserves their vibrant green. Conclude by mastering the art of brewing a perfect cup of this legendary tea.
Then we head to a living museum of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Except learning the history and principles of TCM, you can see experienced pharmaceutical workers demonstrating the art of manual pill-making, slicing herbs, and compounding prescriptions using ancient tools.
Qing He Fang Old Street is not a vibrant and historically significant area, but also a paradise for foodies. It offers a wide array of local treats like Dingsheng Cake, Cong Bao Hui, etc. Your guide will ensure you have personal time to explore.
Step into a popular local market—more than a marketplace, it’s a living gallery of Hangzhou life. Wander past stalls bursting with fresh produce, savor local snacks, and feel the city’s authentic energy. Then, board a driverless “bus from the future,” where the wheel moves on its own and the ride glides effortlessly through the streets.
Arrive at the Alibaba Creative Ecological Park, once the heart of the tech giant. Discover how Alibaba and Hangzhou grew together, shaping a spirit of innovation that still defines the city.
The Hangzhou Urban Planning Exhibition Hall showcases the city’s past, present, and future with immersive VR/AR displays, highlighting its vision as a “livable, innovative, and humanistic” city. Nearby, the City Balcony offers sweeping views of the Qiantang River, Olympic Sports Center, and Hangzhou Century Center.
Embark on a scenic 1.5-hour drive from Hangzhou to Suzhou, covering a distance of approximately 162 kilometers.
Though not as sprawling as the Humble Administrator’s Garden, the Master-of-Nets Garden offers an unparalleled sense of intimacy and delicate beauty. This miniature masterpiece condenses the essence of a classical Chinese landscape garden.
Pingjiang Road is a vibrant, living echo of Suzhou’s rich past. This 1,600-meter-long historic street, a bustling thoroughfare since the Song Dynasty, continues to thrive today. It’s a lively blend of shops, delectable local eateries, and scenic canals.
In the afternoon, visit the Tongli Water Town, a picturesque destination steeped in history dating back over a millennium. Explore its network of canals, adorned with historic bridges that connect charming islands. Taking a leisurely boat through the canals offers a unique perspective on the daily life of local people.
As your journey comes to a close, your dedicated guide and driver will escort you from Suzhou to the Shanghai airport, ensuring a smooth departure. We look forward to welcoming you back for another unforgettable adventure in China.
Hotel Selection
—the Icing on the Cake
Boutique hotels are recommended to enrich your travel experience.



Tour Price
From US$1,729 p/p
Based on a private tour for 2 people. Price varies depending on program, travel date, number of people and chosen hotel
Price includes:
- Private air-conditioned business car with big windows and ample space
- English speaking local guide
- Activities, hotels, and meals listed in the itinerary
- Flights/trains between itinerary cities
- 24/7 helpline for while you are traveling