Destinations: Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou, Wuzhen
This relaxing 8-day summer group tour is designed for international leisure travelers to discover the timeless charm of Jiangnan in summertime. Lush green foliage covers ancient classical gardens, lotus flowers bloom across West Lake, and quiet canal water towns offer cool evening breezes away from bustling city heat. This itinerary balances modern Shanghai city sightseeing, UNESCO heritage gardens, lake cruises and slow water-town exploration, with easy high-speed train transfers, comfortable accommodation and no heavy academic activities, perfect for mature foreign groups seeking culture and natural scenery.
Highlights
Optional Extensions
Day 1: Arrive in Shanghai. Our English-speaking guide and private group coach greet your group at Shanghai Pudong or Hongqiao airport. Transfer to centrally located hotel for check-in and rest after your international flight. Late afternoon take a casual guided walk along The Bund, appreciate the blend of historic colonial architecture and futuristic skyscrapers across Huangpu River. Welcome dinner serves classic Shanghai cuisine. Overnight Shanghai.
Day 2: Shanghai city sightseeing. Visit Yu Garden, where lotus blooms decorate ponds in summer. Wander pavilions, rockeries and covered corridors inside the ancient garden. Afterwards explore Yu Garden Bazaar, browse silk, tea and handicraft stalls. Walk along Nanjing Road pedestrian street for leisure shopping. Optional Huangpu River evening cruise to enjoy illuminated skyline. Overnight Shanghai.
Day 3: Take high-speed train Shanghai to Suzhou (25 mins). Private coach transfers group to hotel for luggage drop. Visit Lingering Garden, one of Suzhou's UNESCO classical gardens, famous for lush summer greenery and lotus ponds. Stroll Pingjiang Road ancient canal lane, lined with old white-wall houses, teahouses and boutique shops. Dinner features Suzhou sweet-style dishes. Overnight Suzhou.
Day 4: Full day Suzhou exploration. Morning visit Humble Administrator's Garden, the largest classical garden in Suzhou, shaded by old trees in summer. Then travel to Tiger Hill, a historic scenic spot with ancient pagodas. Enjoy a gentle canal boat ride through Suzhou old town, gliding under stone bridges beside waterside homes. Evening free for group relaxation or tea tasting. Overnight Suzhou. Day 5: High-speed train Suzhou to Hangzhou (approx 1 hour). Check in lakeside hotel. Board a West Lake cruise boat, admire blooming lotus flowers along Su Causeway and Bai Causeway. Stop at Broken Bridge for photos of summer lake scenery. Dinner includes West Lake vinegar fish and seasonal local vegetables. Overnight Hangzhou.
Day 6: Hangzhou countryside tour. Drive to Dragon Well tea village. Walk through summer tea terraces, learn about summer tea picking and roasting from local farmers, followed by formal tea tasting. Visit peaceful Longjing Temple surrounded by green hills. Free evening to wander village lanes. Overnight Hangzhou.
Day 7: Private coach transfer Hangzhou to Wuzhen water town. Check in hotel inside West Scenic Zone. Explore East Wuzhen in the afternoon: ancient workshops, preserved residential houses and stone alleys. After sunset, walk West Wuzhen and take canal boat trip under red lanterns reflecting on the water. Experience the magical summer night atmosphere of this ancient canal town. Overnight Wuzhen.
Day 8: Early morning quiet walk in Wuzhen before tourist crowds arrive. Return to Shanghai by private coach, stop for lunch en route. Transfer to Shanghai airport for departure. Tour concludes.
