East China: Five-day Deep Experience of Garden Zen Spirit

Discover the beauty of Suzhou, Wuxi, Hangzhou, and Wuzhen on a 5-day tour from Shanghai. Explore classical gardens, ancient streets, and scenic landscapes.
Day 1: Suzhou

Begin your journey by taking a high-speed train from Shanghai to Suzhou. Arrive at Suzhou Station, where the architecture blends classical garden aesthetics with traditional Wu culture.

Visit the Humble Administrator's Garden, a masterpiece of Jiangnan garden design. Explore the garden's pavilions, rockeries, and water features, and admire the iconic "Yuanxiang Hall" and "Yushui Pavilion."

Next, visit a local family to learn how to make authentic Suzhou-style dumplings. Use seasonal ingredients from Taihu Lake and experience the warmth of Jiangnan hospitality.

In the evening, stroll along Shantang Street, a historic street lined with Ming and Qing dynasty stone roads and riverside houses. Take a boat ride and listen to traditional Wu songs as lanterns reflect on the water.

Day 2: Wuxi

Travel to Wuxi and visit the Oriental Hollywood, a film and television base built by China Central Television. Watch a live performance of "Three Heroes Fighting Lü Bu" and take a boat ride on Taihu Lake.

Next, visit the Lingshan Grand Buddha, a 88-meter-tall bronze statue of Shakyamuni Buddha. Experience the "Nine Dragons Bathing" performance, which recreates the birth of Buddha.

In the evening, visit Nianhua Bay, a Zen-themed town inspired by Japanese dry landscape gardens and Jiangnan architecture. Enjoy the "Nianhua Smile" light and shadow show and the tranquil atmosphere.

Day 3: Wuxi and Wuzhen

Visit Yuantouzhu, a scenic spot on Taihu Lake known for its cherry blossoms in spring, lotus flowers in summer, red maple leaves in autumn, and plum blossoms in winter. Climb Ludi Mountain for panoramic views of the lake.

Day 4: Hangzhou

Travel to Hangzhou and visit West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its natural beauty. Walk along the Su Causeway, Bai Causeway, and Broken Bridge, and admire the iconic Leifeng Pagoda.

Next, visit Songcheng, a theme park that recreates the life of the Southern Song Dynasty. Watch the "Songcheng Eternal Love" performance and experience traditional activities such as movable type printing and archery.

Day 5: Hangzhou and Shanghai

Visit a silk workshop to learn about the ancient techniques of silk production, from sericulture to weaving. Admire the exquisite patterns of Yun brocade and Song brocade.

Next, visit a tea plantation to learn how to pick and brew Longjing tea. Taste a cup of "green color, fragrant aroma, sweet taste, and beautiful shape" Longjing tea and listen to the tea farmers' stories about the "Lion, Dragon, Cloud, Tiger, and Plum" tea-producing areas.

In the afternoon, take a high-speed train back to Shanghai, ending your Jiangnan cultural journey.

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.