Destinations: Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou, Wuzhen
This 8-day classic Jiangnan spring group tour is tailored for international leisure groups to discover the gentle beauty of eastern China when flowers bloom. Travelers will wander Shanghai's modern skyline, Suzhou's UNESCO classical gardens, Hangzhou's iconic West Lake and the preserved canal town Wuzhen. With mild spring weather, blooming peach blossoms and tulips, the trip balances city sightseeing, slow countryside views, local cuisine and relaxed cultural encounters, designed for comfortable group travel without heavy academic activities.
Highlights
Optional Extensions
Day 1: Arrive in Shanghai. Our professional English-speaking guide and private group coach meet your team at the airport, then transfer to your centrally located hotel for check-in and rest after the long flight. In the late afternoon, take a casual guided stroll along The Bund. Admire the mix of historic colonial architecture and glittering modern skyscrapers across Huangpu River. Enjoy a welcome dinner featuring classic Shanghai dishes such as red-braised pork and hairy crab seasonal appetizers. Overnight Shanghai.
Day 2: Shanghai city spring sightseeing. Visit Yu Garden, a traditional Ming-dynasty garden dotted with blooming magnolia and peach blossoms in spring. Wander through twisting pavilions, ponds and rock formations. After the garden, explore Yu Garden Bazaar to browse local handicrafts, silk souvenirs and tea shops. Walk down Nanjing Road, Shanghai’s most famous pedestrian shopping street. In the evening, groups may choose the optional Huangpu River cruise to see the city skyline illuminated after dark. Overnight Shanghai.
Day 3: Take high-speed train from Shanghai to Suzhou (around 25 mins). Upon arrival, private coach transfers the group to the hotel for luggage drop-off and check-in. Visit Lingering Garden, one of China's finest UNESCO classical gardens, famous for spring blossoms and delicate landscape design. Later walk Pingjiang Road ancient canal street, lined with old white-wall houses, blossom trees, teahouses and small boutique shops. Enjoy a leisurely dinner of Suzhou-style sweet and light dishes including squirrel fish. Overnight Suzhou.
Day 4: Suzhou full-day exploration. Morning visit to Humble Administrator's Garden, the largest classical garden in Suzhou, with plenty of spring flowers reflecting on ponds. Afterwards travel to Tiger Hill, known as “the first sight of Suzhou”. Enjoy a gentle canal boat ride through Suzhou old town, gliding past ancient stone bridges and waterside homes. The evening is free for the group; guests can relax at a local teahouse or shop for silk scarves. Overnight Suzhou.
Day 5: High-speed train Suzhou to Hangzhou (approx 1 hour). Check in at lakeside hotel. Embark on a relaxing boat cruise across West Lake, viewing peach blossoms and willow trees along Bai Causeway and Su Causeway. Visit Broken Bridge, the most famous landmark of West Lake, and take photos of spring lakeside scenery. Dinner serves the iconic West Lake vinegar fish and local seasonal vegetable dishes. Overnight Hangzhou.
Day 6: Hangzhou spring countryside tour. Drive to Dragon Well tea village, nestled in green rolling hills. Walk through layered spring tea terraces, learn the history of Dragon Well tea from local farmers, watch hand tea-leaf picking and roasting demonstration, followed by a formal tea tasting session. Tour Longjing Temple, a quiet ancient Buddhist temple surrounded by fresh spring greenery. Free evening to wander local villages. Overnight Hangzhou.
Day 7: Private coach transfer from Hangzhou to Wuzhen water town. Check in at the ancient town hotel inside Wuzhen West Scenic Zone. Explore East Wuzhen in the afternoon: stone lanes, old workshops and preserved residential houses. As dusk falls, walk West Wuzhen, take a canal boat trip under red lanterns floating above the water. Experience the magical lantern-lit night scenery of this ancient canal town. Overnight Wuzhen.
Day 8: Early morning leisure walk in quiet Wuzhen before crowds arrive. Transfer back to Shanghai by private coach. Stop briefly for lunch en route. Proceed to Shanghai airport for departure. Tour concludes.
