7 Days of Shanghai, Wuxi, Nanjing, Suzhou, Hangzhou

A 7-Day Journey Through East China: Cities, Water Towns, and Scenic Wonders

This 7-day tour covers the highlights of Jiangnan, a region famed for its stunning water towns, historic sites, and modern metropolises. For $1,835 per person, you’ll visit Shanghai, Wuxi, Nanjing, Suzhou, and Hangzhou, with comfortable 3-star accommodations and private transfers. The program is well-paced, offering a mix of iconic skyline views, ancient water villages, cultural museums, and scenic landscapes.

What we particularly like about this tour are the carefully curated stops that balance urban excitement with traditional charm. The visit to the Lujiazui Skywalk provides a jaw-dropping view of Shanghai’s futuristic skyline — a must-see for anyone who loves architecture. Meanwhile, the exploration of Suzhou’s Classic Gardens reveals the quiet beauty of Chinese landscape design, perfect for those craving tranquil, authentic settings.

A potential consideration is the tight schedule — you’ll be covering a lot of ground in just 7 days, which means early mornings and some long travel stretches. This is a good fit for travelers eager to see a broad swath of Southern China’s highlights but who don’t mind a busy itinerary.

If you’re someone who appreciates a solid balance of sightseeing, culture, and scenic relaxation, this tour generally suits adventurous travelers, history buffs, and anyone wanting a taste of both China’s modern and traditional sides.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Diverse Environments: Experience towering skyscrapers and serene water towns all in one trip.
• Authentic Cultural Stops: Explore historic districts, temples, and traditional markets to get a real sense of Jiangnan life.
• Scenic Highlights: From West Lake to Qingming Bridge, expect stunning views and peaceful escapes.
• Expert-guided: The tour is led by knowledgeable guides who enrich your understanding of each site.
• Flexible Options: Some activities, like boat tours and evening shows, are pay-on-site, giving you optional ways to customize your experience.
• Value for Price: Six nights of hotel stays, all transfers, and entrance fees included offer a practical way to see major sights without the hassle of planning every detail.

The Itinerary in Detail: What You’ll Experience

Day 1: Arrival in Shanghai

Arriving at Shanghai Airport, you’ll be greeted and transferred to your hotel. This initial step is straightforward and stress-free, setting the tone for a smooth trip. Depending on your arrival time, you might have a few hours to explore nearby neighborhoods or simply unwind after your journey.

Day 2: The Modern Skyline and Water Town Flavors

Starting your day at the Lujiazui Skywalk, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of Shanghai’s impressive skyline — think mega towers like the Shanghai Tower and the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower. This experience is particularly enjoyable for those who love modern architecture and cityscapes.

En route to Wuxi, a charming stop at the Hui-style Ancient Village Food Street offers a chance to taste traditional flavors. Here, small stalls serve local snacks and delicacies, a highlight for food lovers eager to get a sense of regional cuisine. Later, a stroll through Qingming Bridge Water Alley provides a peaceful reprieve with its traditional waterside scenes.

Optional: The Nianhua Bay Zen Town Tour allows visitors to reflect amid temples, gardens, and tea houses. The serene atmosphere here appeals to those seeking spiritual calm and authentic Zen culture, although it costs extra if you choose to visit.

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Day 3: Wuxi and Nanjing – Nature and History

The day kicks off at Changguangxi Wetland Park, where we loved the way the landscape offers both lush greenery and peaceful waters, ideal for leisurely walks or photography. The Taihu Pearl Museum showcases China’s pearl cultivation industry, which is both fascinating and educational.

In Nanjing, the Confucius Temple and Qinhuai River district are bustling with traditional shops and historic sights. Walking through the Laomendong Cultural District, you’ll see well-preserved architecture that feels like stepping back in time, with plenty of shops selling crafts and snacks.

Day 4: Ancient Ruins and the Gardens of Suzhou

The Shitoucheng Archaeological Park reveals remnants of ancient Chinese settlements, giving a rare look into the region’s historical depths. Then, at the Jade Artifacts Exhibition Center, you can marvel at delicate jade carvings — a craft that has been prized for millennia.

The highlight is Suzhou’s UNESCO-listed Couples Garden, a peaceful spot filled with pavilions, ponds, and winding pathways. It’s perfect for slowing down and appreciating traditional Chinese landscape design. Optional: The Qili Shantang Street Boat Tour floats past historic canals and charming homes, offering a picturesque view of Suzhou’s famous “Venice of the East.”

Day 5: From Silk to West Lake

The Silk Culture Museum is a fascinating visit into China’s silk industry, showcasing the process from cocoon to cloth — a reminder of Suzhou’s ancient reputation as a silk hub. Then, traveling to Hangzhou, you’ll visit the Chenghuang Pavilion for sweeping city views.

Optional: The West Lake Impression Show by Zhang Yimou is a cultural spectacle blending dance, lights, and water, staged directly on the lake. It’s a visual treat that adds a magical touch to your visit.

Day 6: Scenic Hangzhou and Return to Shanghai

In Meijiawu Tea Village, you’ll get a hands-on look at Chinese tea culture, often described as a calming experience. The G20 City Balcony offers panoramic views of the Qiantang River, a perfect spot for photos and reflection.

The Health Preservation Center introduces Chinese wellness traditions, adding depth to your understanding of local health practices. Returning to Shanghai in the evening, you’ll have free time to explore Nanjing Road for shopping and people-watching.

Optional: An Huangpu River Night Cruise shows off Shanghai’s dazzling skyline lit up at night, a fitting conclusion to your trip.

Day 7: Departure

The last morning provides some free time for last-minute shopping or sightseeing before heading to the airport, ending your whirlwind tour of Jiangnan.

What Sets This Tour Apart

This itinerary excels at blending urban modernity with timeless tradition. The inclusion of scenic water towns such as Suzhou and Wuxi offers peaceful escapes and a chance to see what makes Jiangnan so unique — its intricate canals, classical gardens, and traditional crafts. Meanwhile, Shanghai and Hangzhou show off China’s economic dynamism and natural beauty, respectively.

The guidance provided by experienced hosts ensures you gain context about each site, making the experience more meaningful. The tour also balances sightseeing and leisure, with optional activities to tailor your day.

While the schedule is comprehensive, some travelers might find it a bit rushed, especially if they prefer lingering longer at each site or enjoy unstructured exploration. Also, since optional activities like boat rides and evening shows cost extra, budget-conscious travelers should plan accordingly.

The value-for-money is notable — six nights in comfortable hotels, all transfers, and entrance fees included make it a practical choice for those wanting to see a lot without the hassle of organizing transport and tickets themselves.

The Sum Up

This 7-day Jiangnan tour offers an appealing mix of scenic beauty, cultural depth, and modern marvels. It’s best suited for travelers who want a well-organized, immersive trip that touches on the essence of this vibrant region. If you’re looking to experience both the stunning water towns and the bustling cityscapes, this journey delivers those sights in a manageable, thoughtful package.

The inclusion of iconic attractions like West Lake and Shanghai’s skyline alongside quieter spots like traditional gardens and temples makes it perfect for those who appreciate both grand vistas and intimate cultural moments. And at this price point, with all logistics managed, you can focus on enjoying the sights rather than stressing over the details.

For anyone eager to get a broad yet authentic taste of Jiangnan, this tour offers a practical, value-packed way to see China’s favorite riverine landscape while enjoying comfortable accommodations and expert guidance.

FAQ

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers 6 nights of 3-star hotel accommodation, all transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle, sightseeing entrance fees as specified, and an experienced English-speaking guide.

Are meals included?
Meals that are not specified in the itinerary are not included, so you’ll want to budget for additional food expenses.

Can I book optional activities?
Yes, activities like boat tours and the West Lake Impression Show are pay-on-site, allowing you to choose whether to participate based on your interests and budget.

What is the typical group size?
While the exact group size isn’t specified, the tour is organized with a guide and private transfers, suggesting a small group or private experience.

Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely. The organized nature and included transport make it a convenient choice for solo travelers wanting companionship and guidance.

What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and a camera are advisable. Bring some cash for optional activities and personal expenses.

How flexible is the schedule?
The itinerary is fixed, but optional activities allow some customization. Early mornings and travel days mean some flexibility is limited.

Embark on this journey through Jiangnan, and you’ll come away with a deeper appreciation for China’s scenic beauty, historic towns, and vibrant cities. Whether you’re fascinated by ancient gardens, modern skylines, or tranquil canals, this tour provides a solid foundation to experience it all.

You can check availability for your dates here: