9 Days Typical East China Train Tour 

Sincerely welcome you to this magical and multi-cultural city of China – Shanghai. Our professional and local guide will meet you at the airport, railway station, or port, then take you to your hotel by a comfortable private vehicle and help you with check-in. In the rest of the day, you can explore nearby as much as possible by your own, and please feel free to get some useful suggestions from your tour guide.

Meal: No

Altitude: 5m

Traffic: Car

Hotel: In Shanghai

First, after having your breakfast, head to one of the best museums in China – Shanghai Museum, where you can appreciate historical relics of various dynasties and generations especially ancient bronze ceramics, calligraphy and paintings and feel the strong historical atmosphere. Meanwhile, the Shanghai Museum is a large museum of ancient Chinese art, with 12 special galleries and a collection of more than 120,000 works. In addition, special exhibitions are often held in the museum, featuring various domestic and foreign cultural relics, art works, paintings and calligraphy. An Audio Explanation Device will help you better learn the facts and knowledge of the exhibitions.

Then, your tour guide will take you to visit the far-famed Southern China classic garden – Yu Garden(Yuyuan), which was originally a private garden in the Ming Dynasty and was built during the Jiajing and Wanli dynasties, with a history of more than 450 years. It covers a large area of about 2 hectares, with jagged pavilions, rugged mountains and lush trees, so you can walk around the garden to take some beautiful pictures, appreciate the marvelous architectural style, and spend a peaceful time here. Besides, Yuyuan Bazaar outside the garden, where you can buy some traditional Chinese handicrafts and artworks and try some delicious local snacks.

Next, pay a visit to the Shanghai World Financial Center, which is regarded as the “Eye of Shanghai”, one of the most incredible and iconic buildings in China. It is the second tallest building with a height of 492 meters (1,614 ft), you can enjoy an absolutely amazing panoramic view of entire Shanghai on the 100th floor observation deck, and surrounding famous attractions such as Shanghai Tower, Jinmao Tower, and other iconic skyscrapers are totally worthy for your appreciation.

Later, transfer to visit the Nanjing Road after having lunch, as one of the top famous pedestrian streets in China, which is the earliest commercial street established after the opening of Shanghai. It is a gathering place of many big name brands, restaurants, cafes as well as various souvenir shops and towering buildings. There are many chairs can be found in the middle of the street, you can sit to have a break time and feel the literary and fashionable atmosphere here. You may also experience the trolley cars on the pedestrian street, which look like a miniature version of the old trams shuttling back and forth, gives a strong feelings of old Shanghai.

Continue your walk to the Bund, the most gorgeous and iconic place in Shanghai. Located on the banks of Huangpu River, it is about 1.5KM long, if you walk from south to north, you’ll see the broad Zhongshan Road on the left side, where dozens of foreign buildings with different styles are lined up. Close to the Huangpu River, a lot of giant ships shuttle across the river and on the other side of the river, you can see many incredible skyscrapers such as Jinmao Tower, World Financial Center, etc.
There are 52 classical revival buildings of different styles standing on the Bund, which is known as the Exhibition of World’s Architecture as well as an important historical site and representative architecture in modern China. It is a nice choice for you to walk on the Bund with your dearest one or friends to feel the romance and unique charm of this “ever-bright city”. After visiting the Bund, your driver will escort you back to the hotel. (If you want to have some free time by your own to explore more at the Bund, or have a nice shopping time and dinner at Nanjing Road, or take a relaxing Huangpu River cruise to see the gorgeous and shimmering night of Shanghai, please let your tour guide know in advance.)

Meal: B

Altitude: 5m

Traffic: Car

Hotel: In Shanghai

Today, we’ll take the high speed train to visit the fascinating Suzhou, where you can explore many classic gardens as well as appreciate the unique Chinese architectural style. First, head up to Lingering Garden, which was built in the year of 1593 Ming Dynasty , the garden was selected to be one of the first batch of places enjoying the status of the key cultural and historical relic site under state-level protection. It has been known as one of the “Four Famous Classic Gardens”, and was included in UNESCO’s the World Cultural Heritage List in 1997. The year 2010 witnessed the garden added to the list of national 5A-level scenic areas.

Next, we’ll head to the Pingjiang Road, which is a peaceful water town style street with canals by side. There are lots of distinctive cafes and shops, which makes the whole street more attracting. You can stroll around the narrow lanes, enjoy the amazing scenery of the water town as well as take some nice shots.

Then, we’ll go to pay a visit to the famous Tiger Hill, which is only 36 meters in height, but covers about 3.5 acres areas with a number of historical sites some of which have history over 2,500 years. There is a well-known site such as Yunyan Pagoda, which is an time-honored pagoda with seven stories in height and famously leans much like the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the Sword Pool where the King of Wu, He Lu, tested and buried his treasured swords about 2500 years ago. Besides, you can also enjoy a walk and admire the natural scenery around the Tiger Hill.

At last, we’ll visit the Suzhou No.1 Silk Factory, you can not only see how the silk is processed from worm to the final product here , but also learn about the history and culture of silk in China. After the tour, go to check in your hotel. Have a good rest!

Meal: B

Altitude: 4m

Traffic: Car, High Speed Train

Hotel: In Suzhou

Start a brand-new day by visiting the famed museum in Suzhou – Suzhou Museum, which is a best place to experience the artistic vibe and admire the both classic and fashionable characteristics of the Suzhou Gardens. In addition, the museum has collected more than 40,000 decent items of ancient Chinese art, ancient Chinese paintings, calligraphy, porcelains, jade wares, handmade crafts, etc., from bronze ages to Ming and Qing Dynasties.

Next, drive about an hour to visit the Zhouzhuang Water Town, which is regarded as the No.1 Water Town in China with a long history of more than 1,000 years. Zhouzhuang Water Town is famous for its fascinating view and unique flavor of regions south of Yangtze River in China. Here, you can wondering around the historical stone bridges which are built in Ming and Qing dynasties, multiple courtyards linking together on the winding water, more than 800 residents living by the river, etc. which is exactly the look of serene historic water town in east China. There are many famous attractions such as the Double Bridge, Old Drama Stage, Cultural Street, Zhang’s Residence and Shen’s Residence, etc.

Optional Activities in Zhouzhuang: 1) riding a boat through the canals to appreciate the fascinating scenery of rivers, bridges and local residences and listen to the old songs of the local sculler. 2) enjoying an authentic Kun Opera Performance.

Lastly, drive to take a high speed bullet train to Hangzhou(about 1.5hrs). Upon your arrival in Hangzhou, be met by your local guide and driver and escorted to your hotel in Hangzhou downtown and helped with the check-in procedure. Have a good rest!

Meal: B

Altitude: 19m

Traffic: Car, High Speed Train

Hotel: In Hangzhou

The journey today will begin from the West Lake, a fabulous place for photography because of its natural beauty. Suggest you rent a bicycle or take a boat to enjoy the beautiful views of lake and surrounding mountains. Then go to view fish at flower pond, hang out for 30 minutes or 1 hour to see the sight of brightly colorful fish swimming around and listen the brisk melody of chirpy birdsong.

Then pay a visit to the Leifeng Pagoda, which is one of the Ten Views of the West Lake, and become famous because of “White Snake” legend. Then, we transfer to Wuzhen Dongzha, one of the most well-preserved ancient towns in China, located in Wuzhen, Zhejiang Province. It features traditional Chinese architectural styles such as Ming and Qing Dynasties’ buildings, stone bridges, winding canals, and narrow alleyways. Visitors can explore the various attractions that reflect local customs, culture, and history, enjoy picturesque views, and experience a unique atmosphere of ancient China.

Meal: B

Altitude: 19m

Traffic: Car

Hotel: In Hangzhou

Today after breakfast, you’ll be transferred to take a morning high speed bullet train to Huangshan from Hangzhou East Railway Station. The fast and comfortable train journey costs you only about 1.5 hours to reach Huangshan North Railway Station. After arrival, your private tour guide and driver will pick you up and go to check in your hotel in Huangshan City. The rest of the day is free for you to explore this town, you can enjoy a walking tour at the Tunxi Old street on your own.

Tunxi Old Street: a strip of traditional Huizhou-style shops and residences. This street dates back to the Song Dynasty. Along the way you’ll be able to learn more about the city.

Meal: B

Altitude: 1865m

Traffic: Car, High Speed Train

Hotel: In Huangshan

In the morning, we’ll drive about 80 kilometers (1.5 hours) to the foot of UNESKO – recognized World Natural and Cultural Site Mount Huang (Yellow Mountain). We’ll take a park bus from the foot to Yungu Temple to take a cable way to upper beautiful sightseeing area of Mount Huang. The north of the scenic area is famous for incredible peaks, amazing giant pine trees, and far-reaching vision. Walk to lofty Begin-to-Believe Peak (1668m) to stretch your eyesight over cloud seas to far distance, and then hike about 40 minutes to Dispelling Cloud Pavilion to look down the Dreamland – West Sea Grand Canyon. Walk down along the stone steps to the deeper area of the canyon while enjoying the Avatar-like rising rock peaks, unfathomable cliffs, bizarre stones and tenacious pine trees.

If you are a mountain climber and nature lover, you can also spend about 1 hour to explore the Sky Sea Scenic Area, where you can enjoy the sunset from the second highest peak – Bright Summit (1840m), visit the incredible Flying-over Rock, then return to your hotel on the mountain and have a good rest.

Meal: B

Altitude: 1865m

Traffic: Car

Hotel: In Huangshan

If you want to enjoy the fascinating sunrise from Mount Huang, then you need to get up early and you can admire the amazing sunrise from the Refreshing Terrance, which is only a few minutes’ walking from Beihai Hotel. In good-weather days, you can see clearly the golden light of the sun piercing the mists, and rocky peaks rising above the frothy, ever-changing sea of white clouds. After the sunrise, get back to your hotel for breakfast.

Then, you can pay a visit to the famous attractions in Mount Huang such as Dawn Pavilion, Stone Monkey Watching the Sea on the Lion Peak (1690m), etc. After enjoying the fantastic natural scenery, walk along the wood path to the cable station to take a cable car to exit the mountain. Your driver is ready at the mountain foot to transfer you back to Huangshan City. The rest of today is free for you to explore and have a good rest.

Meal: B

Altitude: 1865m

Traffic: Car

Hotel: In Huangshan

In the morning, firstly pay a visit to the remarkable ancient village – Hongcun, which is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site, and regarded as one of the best example of ancient Huizhou-style architecture. Originated during Song Dynasty, Hongcun is praised as the most beautiful village in China and it is famous as the ancient village in the Chinese painting. You can enjoy the Moon Lake, which is a crescent-like pond surrounded by several grand dwellings, and Southern Lake Academy, a private ancient school served for the village. One interesting fact is that the whole village is arranged in the shape of an ox. The famous Oscar-winner film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon was filmed in Hongcun.

Besides, Xidi Village is another famous village which is worthy for your exploring. It is only about 10kms from the Hongcun. Its well-spaced houses with white walls, elegant decorations and black tiles are surrounded by mountains, which makes Xidi an ideal place for paint from life. After the sightseeing, it’s time for departure. Your tour guide and driver will escort you to catch your flight/train for the next destination. Tour Ends.

Meal: B

Altitude: 1865m

Traffic: Car

Hotel: No