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Private, on your own dates · China

8 Nights East China Discovery: Shanghai, Huangshan, Hangzhou & Suzhou

A 9-day East China tour through Shanghai, Huangshan, Hangzhou and Suzhou, combining scenic high-speed rail, classical gardens, West Lake and the Yellow Mountains.

The route4 cities, 1 nights in each, joined by rail.
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9 days, 8 nightsDuration
4 cities, 24 hotelsWhere you sleep
Daily breakfast at hotel, Daily dinnerMeals

Why this journey

Discover a classic East China route that brings together modern city life, mountain scenery, tea culture and some of the country’s most admired historic landscapes. This 9-day journey begins in Shanghai, where contemporary skylines sit alongside traditional temples, gardens and old-world riverfronts, before moving inland by high-speed train to Huangshan for a change of pace among forests, granite peaks and mountain villages.

In Shanghai, the itinerary balances the city’s landmark sights with time to experience its most recognisable neighbourhoods and viewpoints. The route then continues to Huangshan, where Hongcun introduces the architectural character of Anhui’s historic villages before a cable car ascent into Mount Huangshan for its famous pine trees, weathered rock formations and cloud-filled scenery.

The journey then shifts to Hangzhou, a city long associated with poetic landscapes and refined leisure. West Lake sets the tone, followed by stops that bring in temple architecture, lakeside parkland and Longjing tea traditions. The final stretch leads to Suzhou, where classical garden design, canal-side heritage and silk craftsmanship give the trip a distinctly elegant finish before returning to Shanghai for departure.

With rail connections linking the cities and a mix of included sightseeing, this itinerary suits travellers who want one China holiday to capture both natural scenery and cultural depth without rushing between regions. It is a good fit for those looking for an East China tour with Shanghai, Huangshan, Hangzhou and Suzhou in one route, along with comfortable hotel stays, guided sightseeing and organised city-to-city transfers.

Trip highlights

  • 01See Shanghai’s best-known heritage and modern city landmarks in one balanced day.
  • 02Travel between key cities by high-speed train for a smooth East China route.
  • 03Visit Hongcun Village, one of the itinerary’s cultural highlights and a UNESCO-listed area.
  • 04Ride the cable car up Mount Huangshan for classic cloud-and-pine mountain views.
  • 05Spend time at West Lake in Hangzhou, one of China’s most recognisable scenic settings.
  • 06Experience Suzhou’s classical gardens, canal heritage and silk tradition.
  • 07Enjoy guided sightseeing in each destination with hotel stays arranged throughout.
  • 08Combine urban sightseeing, mountain scenery and heritage towns in a single 9-day journey.

Day-by-day itinerary

What's included

Included in your trip8 items covered in this fare
Hotels1
  • Hotel accommodation based on two adults sharing one standard twin-bed room
Transfers2
  • Private transfers between hotels, railway stations and sightseeing points as mentioned
  • One driver in each destination
Entrances1
  • All first-gate entrance fees to scenic spots shown in the itinerary
Guides1
  • One English-speaking guide on normal sightseeing activities in each destination
Meals3
  • Daily breakfast at hotel
  • Daily dinner
  • Mineral water
Plan and pay separately10 items not covered by this fare
Flights3
  • International airfare
  • Domestic airfare
  • Train ticket
Visa1
  • Visa fee and passport application or renewal fee
Insurance1
  • Travel insurance
Tips1
  • Tips for guides, escort, drivers and bellman
Personal Expenses1
  • Personal expenses such as excess luggage fees, laundry, postage, communications and beverages
Meals1
  • Meals not mentioned in the inclusions
Taxes2
  • Hotel/Resort Tax
  • Tourism Fee

Your hotels

ShanghaiShanghai Huajing Hotel★★★
ShanghaiShanghai Huajing Hotel★★★
HuangshanHuangshan Xin'an Country Villa Hotel★★★
HangzhouHangzhou Braim Canal Hotel★★★
HangzhouHangzhou Braim Canal Hotel★★★
SuzhouKayton Resorts Hotel★★★
ShanghaiShanghai Huajing Hotel★★★
ShanghaiShanghai Huajing Hotel★★★
ShanghaiShanghai Park Inn by Radisson Hotel★★★★
ShanghaiShanghai Park Inn by Radisson Hotel★★★★
HuangshanTiandu International Hotel★★★★
HangzhouHangzhou Best Western★★★★
HangzhouHangzhou Best Western★★★★
SuzhouSuzhou Garden Hotel★★★★
ShanghaiShanghai Park Inn by Radisson Hotel★★★★
ShanghaiShanghai Park Inn by Radisson Hotel★★★★
ShanghaiShanghai Delta by Marriott Hotel★★★★★
ShanghaiShanghai Delta by Marriott Hotel★★★★★
HuangshanHuangshan International Hotel★★★★★
HangzhouZhejiang International Hotel★★★★★
HangzhouZhejiang International Hotel★★★★★
SuzhouPan Pacific Suzhou★★★★★
ShanghaiShanghai Delta by Marriott Hotel★★★★★
ShanghaiShanghai Delta by Marriott Hotel★★★★★
Meeting & drop-off
You're met atShanghaiReport by On arrival
You're dropped atShanghaiBy about After breakfast on day 9
15 go inside0 walk through1 exterior only
Shanghai7 places
ShanghaiEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Jade Buddha TempleEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Yuyuan GardenEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
The BundEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Nanjing RoadEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Suzhou First Silk FactoryEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Oriental Pearl TowerSeen from outside — no entry
Exterior view
Huangshan2 places
Hongcun VillageEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Mount HuangshanEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Hangzhou4 places
West LakeEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Six Harmonies PagodaEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Huagang ParkEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Longjing Tea PlantationEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Suzhou3 places
Master of the Nets GardenEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Suzhou MuseumEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Grand CanalEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside

China

IdealGoodFairAvoid
OctIdeal

Spring (Mar–May) and autumn (Sep–Nov) are ideal. Avoid Golden Week (Oct 1–7) peak crowds.

Beijing
Average High
18°C
Rainfall
16mm
Shanghai
Average High
23°C
Rainfall
62mm
Guilin
Average High
25°C
Rainfall
52mm
Xi'an
Average High
18°C
Rainfall
52mm
Essential

Documents for China travel

  • Guests must carry a valid passport and any visa required for entry into China.
  • Passport renewal, visa processing and related document costs are excluded from the package.
Essential

Mandatory travel insurance

  • Travel insurance is compulsory and must be purchased before departure.
  • Please ensure your policy covers the full trip duration and any activities included in the itinerary.
Essential

Rail and transfer arrangements

  • Private transfers are included between hotels, railway stations and sightseeing points as listed.
  • Train tickets are excluded unless specifically confirmed in your booking.

Hotel standards and check-in

  • The package is based on twin-sharing standard rooms.
  • Hotel check-in and check-out times follow property policies and may vary by city.

Meal plan on tour

  • Breakfast and dinner are included as stated in the itinerary.
  • Any meals not mentioned in the inclusions will be at your own expense.

Packing for East China

  • Carry comfortable walking shoes for city sightseeing and garden visits.
  • A light jacket is useful in mountain areas such as Huangshan, where conditions can change quickly.

Cultural sightseeing etiquette

  • Be respectful when visiting temples, gardens and heritage sites.
  • Follow guide instructions at scenic spots and on cable car or rail transfers.

Extra spending to plan for

  • Budget for visa costs, optional extras, personal shopping and any meals not included.
  • Hotel taxes and tourism fees are excluded unless stated otherwise.

Common questions

What cities are covered on this East China tour?

The route covers Shanghai, Huangshan, Hangzhou and Suzhou, with a return to Shanghai at the end of the tour.

Are the train journeys included in the package?

Train tickets are not included, so they should be arranged separately unless your booking states otherwise.

Is the Mount Huangshan cable car part of the itinerary?

Yes, the itinerary includes a cable car ascent to Mount Huangshan as part of the sightseeing program.

What kind of hotels are used on this tour?

The package is based on standard twin-sharing hotel accommodation, subject to availability and final confirmation.

Is the tour suitable for travellers who prefer guided travel?

Yes, the route includes an English-speaking guide in each destination, along with transfers and planned sightseeing.

Policies & booking terms
Booking terms
  1. Full payment must be completed 30 days prior to departure, unless otherwise specified.
  2. All bookings are subject to availability at the time of confirmation.
  3. Travel insurance is mandatory and must be purchased prior to departure.
  4. Prices are subject to change due to fluctuations in currency exchange rates, taxes, or supplier costs.
  5. Guests are responsible for obtaining valid passports, visas, and any required vaccinations.
  6. Cancellations or amendments are subject to the applicable cancellation policy outlined in the package.
  7. The company is not liable for delays, cancellations, or changes due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather, strikes, or other force majeure events.
  8. All travelers must adhere to the local laws and customs of the destinations visited.
  9. No refunds will be issued for unused services, including but not limited to meals, accommodations, or activities.
  10. The company reserves the right to modify the itinerary or substitute hotels of similar standards if necessary.
  11. All special requests (e.g., room preferences, dietary requirements) are subject to availability and not guaranteed.
  12. Guests are responsible for any additional costs incurred due to personal expenses, such as phone calls, laundry, or minibar charges.
  13. Check-in and check-out times are subject to hotel policies and may vary by property.
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