China Tour Packages: 10-Day Enchanting South-Eastern China Itinerary

Highlights of the Trip 

Take a dip in the unique authentic local culture and get ready for an unforgettable experience. Enjoy the meandering water towns, romantic lanes, and breathtakingly beautiful rivers. Take a walk down the lush green alleys, experimenting with local dishes – from wine tasting and fruit picking, to learning about the ancient culture and traditional customs. Or why not take some time for yourself and enjoy a health spa and hot spring soaking? This is one of our best China tour packages, offering you an abundance of sights and unique experiences! You will indulge in the local culture and craftsmanship that makes the southeast region famous.

During this trip to China, witness the magnificent achievements that have taken place in modern Shanghai. The Bund, Nanjing Road, and the World Global Financial Centre (492 meters high) offer breath-taking sights. The interesting Former French Concession neighbourhood provides visitors a glimpse into the past, providing a perspective on China’s open-mindedness. Meanwhile, Suzhou offers a look at classical gardens while the Suzhou Museum offers the work of the famous architect I.M. Pei. You will also take a visit to the poetic West Lake in Hangzhou and to the original plantation of Dragon Well Tea at Meijiawu. You can also admire the tranquil beauty of Lingyin Temple and the splendid Buddhist grottoes. Alternatively, spend some time in the Yellow Mountain where the archetypal granite peaks and twisted pines will take your breath away. Finally, explore two remarkable villages listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Hongcun and Xidi. They best represent traditional ancient Huizhou architecture. You can explore all these sites through the convenient and punctual high-speed bullet train. Spend your days appreciating the stunningly beautiful scenery and marvelling in China’s centuries-long history and culture.

Destinations and the Landmarks / Sights to Visit 

Shanghai

• Shanghai Museum: Located in the People’s Square, this museum is not only a cultural landmark, but also a symbol of the city’s rich history and artistic heritage.
• Shanghai World Financial Center: A symbol of modernisation and economic prosperity in Shanghai. As one of the tallest skyscrapers in the world, it stands at a staggering 492 meters with 101 floors.
• The Bund: A historic waterfront area that runs along the western bank of the Huangpu River.

Suzhou

• Lingering Garden: One of the most famous and well-preserved classical gardens in China. This beautiful garden has a history dating back over 400 years.
• Tiger Hill: This hill is considered a symbol of the city and holds great cultural and architectural significance.
• Pingjiang Road: A narrow and picturesque street located in the heart of Suzhou, a charming city in eastern China known for its tranquil canals and beautiful gardens.
• Suzhou Museum: Designed by renowned architect I.M. Pei, the museum seamlessly blends traditional Chinese architecture with modern design elements.

 Zhouzhuang

• Double Bridge: This ancient bridge is comprised of two arched stone bridges that cross over the famous Twin Rivers.
• Old Drama Stage: Dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties, this traditional Chinese opera stage has a history spanning over 300 years.
• Zhang’s Residence and Shen’s Residence: These residences offer a unique glimpse into the lifestyles and traditions of wealthy Chinese families from centuries ago.

Hangzhou

• Su and Bai Causeway: Stretching over three kilometers and connects the West Lake with the Qiantang River.
• Gushan Hill: This hill is considered to be one of the ‘Ten New Scenes of West Lake’ and has been a popular tourist destination for centuries.
• Feilai Peak: This awe-inspiring peak stands tall at 209 meters and is located within the Lingyin Temple complex.
• Lingyin Temple: This ancient temple has a history dating back over 1,700 years. It was founded by an Indian monk named Hui Li in 328 AD, during the East Jin Dynasty.
• China National Tea Museum: As the birthplace of tea, Hangzhou has a rich history and culture surrounding this beloved beverage, and the museum is a perfect place to learn about it.

Huangshan

• Tunxi Ancient Street: A charming and bustling pedestrian street that dates back over 800 years.
• Mount Huangshan (Yellow Mountain): Known for its stunning natural landscapes and impressive granite peaks, this mountain has been a source of inspiration for poets, painters, and travellers for centuries.

Cultural Experiences & Activities of this Holiday

Chinese silk culture at Suzhou No.1 Silk Factory: Chinese silk culture has a long and rich history, and the Suzhou No.1 Silk Factory is a testament to this enduring tradition. Located in the picturesque city of Suzhou, known as the ‘Silk Capital of the World,’ this factory has been producing and preserving the art of silk for over 90 years.

Acrobatic Show (optional): Shanghai is home to some of the most spectacular and jaw-dropping acrobatic shows in the world, showcasing the incredible skills and agility of its performers. Here you can witness the breath-taking “balls of death” acts, chair balancing, hula hoops, juggling of benches, walking in the air, and other breath-taking performances.

Meijiawu Tea Village: As one of the most famous tea villages in Hangzhou, Meijiawu has a rich history that dates back over 600 years. It was during the reign of the Ming Dynasty that this village gained recognition for its high-quality Longjing green tea, which continues to be a local specialty to this day. Visitors can witness the entire process of tea production, from picking the tender leaves by hand to the delicate steps of drying and roasting, all while soaking in the soothing aroma of tea drifting through the air.

Hongcun and Xidi. These two villages, also known as the Huangshan Villages, are nestled at the foot of the famous Yellow Mountains and are a must-visit for those seeking to experience traditional Chinese architecture and culture. Hongcun and Xidi were both built during the Ming and Qing dynasties, and their buildings have remained relatively unchanged since then. The villages were designed to mimic the shape of a buffalo, with the curved rooftops representing the horns and the narrow alleyways representing the horns.

Local Cuisine and Traditional Dishes to try while in China 

During this tour, numerous opportunities will arise for you to savour the authentic local cuisine, whether from the menus of included meals or from your own culinary exploration during your free time in the itinerary. Indulge in traditional dishes that showcase the rich flavours of the region, including Peking duck, which originated in Beijing and is known for its crispy skin and succulent meat. In Shanghai, the cuisine is known for its sweet and delicate flavours, with dishes such as Shanghai-style braised pork belly and steamed pork dumplings.

Water-based Activities and Cruises

Zhouzhuang Boat Ride (optional): Meander through the sceneic canals to admire the captivating scenery. You can listen to the traditional songs of the local sculler.

West Lake cruise Hangzhou: Experience the serene beauty of the lake on a 45-minute leisure cruise. Admire the ancient pagodas, traditional arched bridges, tree-lined walkways, and stunning hills as you sail by.

Accommodation of this Tour

During your travels, rest assured that you will have a comfortable and convenient place to stay at each destination. Our selection process for hotels takes into consideration various factors such as star rating, ideal locations, top-notch amenities, cosy beds, excellent service, and favourable reviews from past guests. Comfortable and spacious 4-star accommodations. Many of the hotels also offer a breakfast that caters to both Western and Chinese tastes, with plenty of options to choose from.

To discover more of our China travel packages, browse our website or contact us on +01473356000 or at enquiry@asiara-holidays.com.

Itinerary

Day 1: Shanghai Arrival

Ni Hao! Welcome to Shanghai, the biggest metropolis in China! Upon arrival, you will be met by a local tour guide at the arrival hall of the airport/train station/port and escorted to check in your hotel by a private comfortable vehicle. The rest of the day is your own. If you want to explore nearby, feel free to get some practical suggestions from your tour guide. Shanghai boasts a wide array of attractions for its visitors, such as historical architecture, desirable shopping malls, temples, museums, gardens, and theme parks. You can opt for a visit to Nanjing Road – Shopping Paradise, Yuyuan Garden – one of the most renowned classical gardens. Or explore the Bund of Shanghai with its picturesque view and breath-taking Huangpu River cruise, City God Temples to absorb the Spirit of Ancient Shanghai, Shanghai World Financial Centre, Shanghai Tower, Oriental Pearl TV Tower, and the beautiful Huaihai Road.

An optional activity is available to you to experience a spectacular Acrobatic Show. This includes the exciting “balls of death” acts, chair balancing, hula hoops, juggling of benches, walking in the air, and other exciting performances (usually performed during 19:30~21:00).

You can arrive in Shanghai city by taking a high-speed train from Beijing (5-6hrs), Xian (6-7hrs), Hangzhou (1hrs), Suzhou (30mins), Huangshan (4hrs), as well as many international and domestic flights.

Day 2: Explore Shanghai

After enjoying breakfast, take a stroll to the Shanghai Museum, one of the Four Best Museums in China. Inside, over one billion cultural relics related to Chinese ancient history and art are displayed, including bronzes, paintings, calligraphy, ceramics, jade, sculptures, traditional furniture, seals, and old coins, dating from over 5,000 years ago to the Qing Dynasty. Make sure to look at the Da Ke Ding (bronze food vessel from over 3,000 years ago) and the Bianzhong of Marquis Su of Jin (ancient musical instruments). An Audio Explanation Device is available to help you gain a deeper understanding of the exhibits. Continue your journey in the charming Former French Concession, which served as a special living quarter and retail district for expatriates in early Shanghai (1849 – 1943 AD). Here, you can explore hundreds of beautiful old French and European style buildings, apartments, villas, boutique shops, and restaurants of various culinary styles, all situated along tree-lined avenues. The Former French Concession is a treasury of heritage, a window into the city’s turbulent history, and an excellent example of the cultural fusion of the East and Europe. Conclude your day with a trip to the Shanghai World Financial Center (SWFC), or “the Eye of Shanghai”, one of the most impressive skyscrapers in Lujiazui. Standing at 492 meters (1,614 ft), it is the second tallest building after the nearby Shanghai Tower (632 meters/2,073 ft). Take an exciting skywalk on the transparent glass walkway on the 100th floor observation deck and marvel at the spectacular bird’s eye view of the entire city, including the Bund, Shanghai Tower, Jinmao Tower, and many other attractions. Enjoy the feeling of having Shanghai at your feet and the blue sky above your head.

After your tour, head over to Nanjing Road, the oldest commercial street in Shanghai and one of the most popular destinations today. Here, you will find plenty of big-name brands, restaurants, cafés, souvenir shops and towering buildings. When you’re done, make your way to the Bund, the No. 1 attraction in Shanghai. This 1.5km-long road was initially just a towpath for transporting goods but eventually evolved into the ‘East Wall Street’ of the late 19th century, showcasing the perfect mix of Eastern and Western cultures. The Bund is home to many European-style architectures, as well as amazing skyscrapers in the Lujiazui district across the river. Spend some time here admiring the stunning views before heading back to your hotel. (If you want to spend extra time exploring the Bund, Nanjing Road or anywhere else, please let your tour guide know.)

✓ Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3: Enjoy a train ride to Suzhou

Today, you are going to embark on a 0.5 hour’s high-speed train journey to Suzhou, renowned for its magnificent gardens and water towns. Get your journey started by visiting the tremendous Lingering Garden, the perfect representation of traditional gardens from Suzhou. Composed of a variety of landscapes, like residential areas, shrines, temples and gardens, the Lingering Garden puts a clever use of the variations between big and small, high, and low, bright, and dark, clustered, and sparse, with the aid of trees, flowers, lakes and the sky as a backdrop. Here, you will find buildings, rocks, corridors, pavilions and ponds which are all placed just right, neither so distractive nor too spread apart. What will really surprise you is that, from different angles, you can enjoy different views from the same place – just a few steps away, you’ll get a different sensation.

After checking out Lingering Garden, head to Pingjiang Road – a picturesque street with canals running by its side. The narrow lanes, humpbacked bridges, and vintage cafes and shops make the area a lovely spot. Don’t worry about missing out on a water town – you can find one here! Enjoy a calming walk and take some lovely photos along the way.

This afternoon, take a visit to Suzhou’s Tiger Hill, a site lauded in Chinese history since the Song Dynasty (960-1279) when the poet Su Shi famously declared, “It is a lifelong pity if having visited Suzhou you did not visit Tiger Hill.” The hill stands 36 meters tall but encompasses 3.5 acres of land with historical relics dating back over 2,500 years. Notable sights include the Yunyan Pagoda, a seven-story tower that leans similarly to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the Sword Pool, where the King of Wu, He Lu, conducted and buried his treasured swords thousands of years ago. Not only is the Tiger Hill rich in history, but it also offers a peaceful respite for visitors who wish to explore its natural beauty and experience the local culture. Afterward, make your way to Suzhou’s No.1 Silk Factory, where you can observe the entire silk-making process, from silkworm to product, and learn about the history and culture of silk in China. Finally, check into your hotel for a well-deserved rest!

✓ Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4: Explore the historic water town of Zhouzhuang

Your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel after breakfast to visit the Suzhou Museum. Designed by the world-renowned architect I.M. Pei, the architect of the Louvre’s pyramids in Paris, the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas, and the Miho Museum in Japan, the museum is a perfect combination of classical Suzhou Gardens with modern and fashionable characteristics. It has collected over 40,000 pieces of ancient Chinese art, paintings, calligraphy, porcelains, jade wares, and handmade crafts, from the Bronze Age to the Ming and Qing Dynasties. After that, you will head to the beautiful water town of Zhouzhuang, about an hour’s drive away. Referred to as the ‘No.1 Water Town in China’ and one of the ‘Ten Most Beautiful Towns in the Globe’, Zhouzhuang is known for its 1000-year-old history and its gorgeous sights. Here, you can explore the 14 ancient stone bridges from the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, the multiple courtyards next to the winding water, and the 800 residents living by the river. You can also find the Double Bridge, Old Drama Stage, Cultural Street, Zhang’s Residence, and Shen’s Residence. Immerse yourself in the unique folk culture of the Wu area and experience the true charm of this enchanting place.

In Zhouzhuang, visitors can take advantage of some of its optional activities such as taking a boat ride through its picturesque canals to admire the scenic views of rivers, bridges, and local homes, and listening to the traditional songs of the boatman. In addition, you can enjoy an authentic Kun Opera Performance. Afterward, one can take the high-speed bullet train to Hangzhou, which takes about 1.5 hours, where you will be met by a local guide and driver who will then take you to your hotel in the downtown area of Hangzhou and assist with the check-in process. Have a pleasant stay!

✓ Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5: Uncover a charming Tea Village

Your guide and driver will meet you at your hotel after breakfast to begin your exploration of Hangzhou. Make a symbolic visit to the incredible West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and take a 45-minute cruise to admire the tranquil lake views, ancient pagodas, arched bridges, tree-lined walkways, hills, islands, and gardens. While there, try to visit the Three Ponds Mirroring the Moon, the Su Causeway, Bai Causeway, Broken Bridge, Gushan Hill, parks of Fish Viewing at the Flower Pond, Lotus Swaying in the Breeze, and Orioles Singing in the Willows. If the lake is too large, you can take a sightseeing vehicle at any point to save energy. The fee is included.

Head off to Feilai Peak (Peak Flying from Afar), which has been a part of Chinese culture since it was said to have flown here from India to spread Buddhism. Over 300 Buddhist carvings can be found along the banks of the river and hillsides, as well as in grottoes, making it a treasure with over 1,000 years of history in the regions south of the Yangtze River. Not far away is the Lingyin Temple, one of the oldest and most popular temples in Hangzhou, which has been around for almost 1,700 years and is nestled in a lush forest. Find tranquillity and peace here, as the strong Buddhist atmosphere is felt within the large scale of antique temple clusters. Afterward, take a drive uphill to the Meijiawu Tea Village, a stunning wonderland surrounded by mountains, with emerald Dragon Well tea plantations in neat lines and curves. Walk among the tea fields and take some beautiful photos (optional activity – pay a visit to the local tea grower’s family and pick tea leaves, watch stir-drying tea leaves, experience a tea ceremony, and taste Dragon Well tea, with an additional fee). Finally, visit China’s National Tea Museum to learn about Chinese tea culture, including the history, procession, customs, and classification of tea, and admire the various kinds of tea wares and machines. Once the day is done, you will be escorted back to your hotel in Hangzhou downtown. Have a good night’s rest!

For an evening of fun, you can check out Enduring Memories of Hangzhou, a live performance by Yimou Zhang with lights, music, and dancing on the West Lake. The show usually begins at 7 pm and requires an extra fee. Alternatively, you can enjoy the Music Fountain Show at Third Park, near the eastern lakeside of West Lake, which is free of charge.

✓ Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6: Enjoy a high-speed bullet train to Huangshan.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to take a high-speed bullet train from Hangzhou East Railway Station to Huangshan North Railway Station. The comfortable train journey will take approximately 1.5 hours. Upon arrival, your private tour guide and driver will pick you up and take you to your hotel in Huangshan City. After some rest, you will explore the well-preserved Tunxi Ancient Street. This 900-year-old street was built during the Song Dynasty (960-1279) and is 100% ‘old’ with Huizhou style houses. It was even coined ‘the Eastern Ancient Rome’ by an ancient Western-European architect. Stroll down this 1.5 kilometre long and 7-meter-wide street and enjoy the local snacks, purchase souvenirs, antiques, and knick-knacks, and sip the region’s special Maofeng tea with hospitable locals – all adding up to the best experience in this ancient street.

✓ Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7: Discover Mount Huangshan – a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Your memorable Huangshan trip begins today when you are picked up from your hotel for the 1.5-hour drive to the foot of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mount Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). To save energy and time, you will transfer by park bus to Yungu Temple to take a cableway to North Sea Scenic Area. Here, you can marvel at the precipitous peaks, beautiful giant pine trees and far-reaching vision. To get the best views, you can hike to Begin-to-Believe Peak (1668m) and Dispelling Cloud Pavilion (to look down upon the Dreamland – West Sea Grand Canyon). If you’re feeling energetic, you can hike the 1st Ring and 2nd Ring of the canyon, taking 2 hours and 2.5 hours respectively. There is also a monorail cable train for those who don’t want to return by walking. If you have time and energy, you can explore the Sky Sea Scenic Area, where you can enjoy the sunset from the second highest peak – Bright Summit (1840m) and visit the incredible Flying-over Rock. Afterwards, return to your hotel on the mountain and have a rest. (Please Note: from December to the late March of next year, West Sea Grand Canyon is usually closed for the cold weather and heavy snow. Please feel free to contact us to adjust your itinerary.)

Walking Distance: about 7~9km/5~6 hrs

✓ Breakfast

Day 8: Huangshan:  Embrace a glorious sunrise

Wake up early (typically between 5am and 6am) and experience the stunning sunrise from Huangshan. We recommend you watch it from the Refreshing Terrace, just a short walk away from the Beihai Hotel. On clear days, you can see the sun’s golden light piercing through the mist, and the rocky peaks rising above the foamy sea of ever-changing white clouds. After the sunrise, return to the hotel for breakfast before continuing your sightseeing at Yellow Mountain. Don’t miss the Dawn Pavilion and Stone Monkey Watching the Sea on the Lion Peak (1690m), and then follow the wooden path to the cable station to take a cable car down the mountain. Your driver will be waiting for you at the mountain foot to take you back to Huangshan City. For the rest of the day, relax and get some rest.

✓ Breakfast,

Day 9: Hongcun – Xidi – Huangshan Departure

Today, you will have the chance to explore two of the most remarkable ancient villages, Hongcun and Xidi, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These villages are renowned for their Huizhou-style architecture, distinct from other traditional Chinese villages. Hongcun, constructed during the Song Dynasty (960-1276), is renowned for its beauty and is even featured in the Chinese painting. The village is organized in the shape of an ox, and it was the location of the Oscar-winning film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Xidi Village is located about 10 kilometers away and is equally impressive. Its houses with white walls, elegant decorations, and black tiles are surrounded by mountains, making it a perfect place for painting from life. Xidi is home to over 124 well-preserved ancient dwellings, many of which were built by imperial officers during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. After sightseeing, your tour guide and driver will escort you to the rail station for your connection high-speed rail transfer to Shanghai. You will check into your hotel and settle down in the now familiar surroundings of Shanghai for an evening to explore and enjoy at your leisure.

✓ Breakfast,

Day 10: Shanghai Free Morning & Departure Flight

Today is the last day to fit in any last-minute sightseeing that you may have missed or wish to visit one last time before heading home. This is a good opportunity to get some final souvenirs to take home if you haven’t already or have some last moments of Chinese cuisine that you’ve enjoyed during your travels before leaving the country. After this you will check out of the hotel and be transferred to Shanghai International Airport for your departure flight back home.

✓ Breakfast,

To discover more of our China travel packages, browse our website or contact us on +01473356000 or at enquiry@asiara-holidays.com. We would love to help you create your dream trip to China.

Price

£2479

– Price per person based on two-people group size.

– The price is subject to availability, based on twin or double room sharing.

– Peak season surcharges may apply during local public holidays.

Please note, this package is an example of our many exciting daily offers. We are happy to check up-to-date prices for the dates and times that suit you for your perfect package holiday, or to tailor or upgrade elements of any package. Please feel free to contact us at enquiry@asiara-holidays.com or call us on 01473 356 000.

Tour Map

Tour Summary

Day 1: Arrive in Shanghai and enjoy free time to explore attractions like Nanjing Road, Yuyuan Garden, and the Bund.

Day 2: Visit Shanghai Museum to explore ancient artifacts, then stroll through the Former French Concession and ascend the Shanghai World Financial Center for panoramic views.

Day 3: Travel to Suzhou by high-speed train to visit Lingering Garden and stroll along picturesque Pingjiang Road.

Day 4: Explore the water town of Zhouzhuang, visit Suzhou Museum, and enjoy optional activities like a boat ride or Kun Opera performance before taking a bullet train to Hangzhou.

Day 5: Cruise on West Lake, visit Feilai Peak and Lingyin Temple, then explore Meijiawu Tea Village and China’s National Tea Museum.

Day 6: Take a high-speed train to Huangshan, visit Tunxi Ancient Street, and immerse yourself in the town’s rich history.

Day 7: Discover the stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site of Huangshan Mountain, marvelling at its peaks, trails, and scenic viewpoints.

Day 8: Experience the glorious sunrise atop Huangshan Mountain before returning to Huangshan City for relaxation.

Day 9: Shanghai Explore the UNESCO-listed ancient villages of Hongcun and Xidi before returning to Shanghai by high-speed rail.

Day 10: Enjoy a free morning in Shanghai for last-minute sightseeing or shopping before departing for your flight home.

FAQs

1. How do I get to Shanghai for the start of the tour?
   • You can reach Shanghai by high-speed train from various cities like Beijing, Hangzhou, Suzhou, and Huangshan, or by international and domestic flights.
2. What are some highlights of Day 2 in Shanghai?
   • Day 2 includes a visit to the Shanghai Museum, exploring the Former French Concession, and ascending the Shanghai World Financial Center for panoramic views.
3. What optional activities are available in Suzhou on Day 3?
   • Optional activities in Suzhou include a boat ride in Pingjiang Road or attending a Kun Opera performance.
4. What is the significance of the Meijiawu Tea Village in Hangzhou?
   • Meijiawu Tea Village offers a picturesque landscape surrounded by tea plantations and provides insight into Chinese tea culture through tea ceremonies and tastings.
5. How is transportation arranged between destinations like Suzhou, Hangzhou, and Huangshan?
   • Transportation between cities is arranged via high-speed bullet trains for a comfortable and efficient journey.
6. What can I expect during the exploration of Huangshan Mountain on Day 7?
   • Day 7 involves exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Huangshan Mountain, including its peaks, trails, and scenic viewpoints, offering breathtaking natural beauty.
7. Are there opportunities for cultural immersion during the tour?
   • Yes, you’ll visit ancient villages like Hongcun and Xidi, known for their Huizhou-style architecture, providing insights into traditional Chinese village life and culture.