Duration

5 Days

Tour Type

Private & Bespoke

Tour Style

Classic

About This Trip

“Heaven above, Suzhou and Hangzhou below” – this famous phrase encapsulates their esteemed place in traditional Chinese culture and aesthetics. Over the past thousand years, Suzhou and Hangzhou have appeared countless times in Chinese classical poetry, calligraphy, and painting.

In these five days, traveling between Suzhou and Hangzhou, you will be captivated by the essence of classical Chinese: quaint Suzhou gardens, tranquil West Lake, ancient Wuzhen Water Town, exquisite silk and embroidery, and the overflowing tea aroma.

Itinerary Summary

DAYPLACEHIGHLIGHTS
1SuzhouArrival & Private Transfer to Hotel
2SuzhouLingering Garden, Night Show at Master of Nets Garden, Suzhou Museum, Suzhou Embroidery Research
3Suzhou – HangzhouWuzhen Water Town and Boat Ride, Private Transfer to Hangzhou
4HangzhouWest Lake, Lingyin Temple, Feilai Peak, a Traditional Chinese Medicine Drugstore
5HangzhouTea Experience at a Tea Plantation, Departure
Quick Question

Itinerary

Welcome to Suzhou, the city of gardens! On arrival, be welcomed by your local guide and take a private transfer to your centrally-located hotel for a peaceful night.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Spend the day delving into the endless charm of historic Suzhou. Stroll the celebrated Lingering Garden to appreciate its tranquil ponds, unique rock formations, and elegance. Visit the Suzhou Museum, an architectural gem blending traditional features and modern minimalism and housing a vast collection of ancient Chinese artistic masterpieces.

At Suzhou Embroidery Research Institute, marvel at intricate embroidery with precise and detailed stitches depicting lifelike images. In the evening, at the Master of Nets Garden, enjoy colorful live shows that are very popular among locals.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Driving about 1.5 hours south, you will arrive in Wuzhen, a famous ancient water town between Suzhou and Hangzhou. Explore its rustic charm by wandering its narrow cobblestone streets or gliding its peaceful waterways, passing by well-preserved wooden houses and stone bridges. Don’t miss the unsung ancient theaters, museums, and traditional handicrafts. Afterward, continue with another 1.5-hour drive to Hangzhou, the capital city of Zhejiang Province.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Naturally, your exploration of Hangzhou begins at the West Lake, the city’s cultural heart and poetic inspiration. Cruise its serene waters and spot the classic scenic spots, such as the Broken Bridge and Three Pools Mirroring the Moon.

Then, among forested hills near the urban center, visit an active Buddhist temple – the Lingyin Temple. Appreciate its grand architecture and observe or even join local worship rituals. Nearby, at the Feilai Peak, discover hundreds of Buddhist statues carved into the limestone cliffs.

Finish the day on the bustling Hefang Street, browsing local souvenirs and exploring the Museum of Hu Qing Yu Tang Traditional Chinese Medicine Drugstore, a microcosm of the traditional Chinese medical system.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Though both were significant economic hubs along the ancient Grand Canal, Suzhou thrived on silk and textile production, while Hangzhou was known for its tea culture. This morning, you will visit a tea plantation and engage in the plucking and processing craft of the famous Dragon Well Tea. Afterward, enjoy a cup of freshly brewed tea, savoring its delicate fragrance while immersing yourself in the rich tea traditions of Hangzhou. Afterward, be transferred to the airport or railway station for your next journey.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Why Choose Inner Mongolia Jiuhong Travel Service Co., Ltd.

12-Year TripAdvisor Award

Travellers’ Choice winner every year since 2013

No Commission Shopping

Zero shopping stops, zero pressure, zero hidden agendas

100% Private

Every tour is exclusively yours — no strangers, no shared buses

Expert Local Guides

Licensed, English-speaking guides with deep local knowledge

Real reviews from real travellers

  • u003cemu003eu003cemu003eI highly recommend Inner Mongolia Jiuhong Travel Service Co., Ltd. The team is very easy to work with, has excellent ideas and the guides are knowledgeable and easy to be with. Very solid itineraries and execution — flexible, high quality, and great value for money.u003c/emu003eu003c/emu003e
    James T.
    Verified · TripAdvisor
  • u003cemu003eu003cemu003eWe visited both Xi’an and Shanghai under Jiuhong’s arrangement and received the same first-class service in both cities. The guides were knowledgeable, flexible, and happy to discuss all aspects of modern China — giving insights difficult to obtain elsewhere. Strongly recommended.u003c/emu003eu003c/emu003e
    Greenfly
    Couples · Verified · TripAdvisor
  • u003cemu003eu003cemu003eWe had a wonderful action-packed day. Fei Fei was amazing — her knowledge was very impressive and she was a real pleasure to be with. This was certainly the highlight of our stay in this beautiful city. Thanks so much.u003c/emu003eu003c/emu003e
    Ludovic V.
    Couples · London, UK · Verified · TripAdvisor

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