9 Days Classical Gardens & Ancient Water Towns Tour
Destination:Hangzhou, Nanjing, Shanghai, Suzhou
Tour Code: CTT06
Tour Duration: 9 Days
- Tour overview:
- Suzhou is home to China’s traditional gardens. Each one is unique, and is an artistic representation of nature. They are beautiful and a new surprise waits around every corner. Suzhou is just one of the many destinations in this China train tour. On this tour you will visit ancient sites, modern cities, and West Lake, home to some of China’s most famous legends. This tour is a wonderful one, and one that is truly special.
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Day by Day Itinerary
Tour Summary
Reviews
B=Breakfast,L=Lunch,D=Dinner
Day 1
Shanghai Arrival
Transfer via: Flight on your own arrangement
Upon your arrival in Shanghai, our local guide will meet you and escort you to your hotel. Then you will be free at leisure exploring the near streets, or relaxing to help you get over the jet lag.
Day 2
Shanghai (B, L)
Sightseeing: The Bund, Yu Garden, Jade Buddha Temple, Oriental Pearl TV Tower
Let's start today's activities with a visit to the Bund to take a walk along the waterfront and experience the smells, sights and sounds of the old "Wall Street"" in Shanghai. Actually, some people say that the Bund is like "an exhibition of buildings". Finally we will walk along the famous pedestrian street-Nanjing Road, known as "China's No.1 Shopping Street".
Then we will take a stroll through the lovely Yuyuan Garden, one of the best Suzhou-style gardens in southern China, which has many scenic courtyards decorated with baroque rockery, pools and flora, all connected by corridors and passageways. Afterwards, you will get an insight into Shanghai's local life on the Yuyuan Market – taste a pot of tea, shop for unique souvenirs and get a feeling for Old Shanghai.
Follow us to the Jade Buddha Temple. It is famous for its two rare statues of Buddha carved out of a single piece of white jade. One is a 1,000kg, 1.9 meter-high figure carved from Burmese jade brought to China in 1882, and the other is a sleeping Buddha; The temple receives thousands of visitors and worshipers every day. If you're lucky, you can watch the monks serving a ceremony in a side room.
After lunch you will visit the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, the highest TV Tower in Asia and the world's third highest, creating a picture of 'twin dragons playing with pearls'. Like the Statue of Liberty in New York, Sydney Opera House and Eiffel Tower in Paris it has become Shanghai's symbolic architecture. The evening will be free for your own activities.
Day 3
Shanghai to Suzhou (B, L)
Transfer via: soft seat train arranged by us
Sightseeing: Shanghai Museum, Humble Administrator's Garden, Tiger Hill
In the morning we'll depart from your hotel and begin today's activities with a visit of the Shanghai Museum. As the biggest museum of ancient Chinese art in China, with a collection of over 120,000 pieces of Chinese art & cultural relics, Shanghai Museum is especially famous for its treasures of bronzes, ceramics, paintings and calligraphy, ancient Sculpture, ancient Jade, coins, Ming and Qing furniture and seals. Actually Shanghai Museum has eleven galleries and three special temporary exhibition halls.
Then you will be escorted to the railway station and take the express train to Suzhou. Suzhou is praised as the "Oriental Venice" and called 'paradise on earth' along with Hangzhou.
Upon your arrival in Suzhou, our guide will meet you and escort you to a local restaurant to have lunch. Then you will visit the Humble Administrator's Garden, the largest classical garden in Suzhou and one of the four most famous ones in China. Originally built in 1513 AD, the garden consists of three parts with different types buildings around streams and ponds.
Then we'll see the Tiger Hill (Huqiu). Tiger Hill is the most famous sight in Suzhou city, enjoying the reputation of "The first scenic spot in Wu area" due to its imposing beauty, including Leisure Spring, Testing Sword Rock, Third Spring, Broken-Pillar-Hall and Mountain Villa Wrapped in Emerald Green etc. With only 36 meters height and an area of 20 hectares, you might think it is an artificial hill, but its history can be traced back to 2500 years ago. The Tiger Hill Pagoda in the park is the landmark of Suzhou city.
Day 4
Suzhou to Hangzhou (B, L)
Transfer via: PM train (soft seat)-arranged by us
Sightseeing: Rickshaw Tour, Lingering Garden, Silk Factory
Today we will start off with a special Rickshaw Tour. Being driven through the old streets and Hutongs of Suzhou, you will see local people's life.
The arrangement will be made to visit the No.1 Silk Factory in Suzhou, as this city is also famous for its silk production. In the factory you can see how silk is made from the silk worm to the final woven cloth.
Finally we visit the Lingering Garden, one of the four most famous gardens in China. The garden is celebrated for its artistic way of handling the spaces between various architectural forms and garden courts. With pavilions, terraces, grotesque rocks, clear streams and rare vegetations, the corridors are able to separate the garden into several courtyards with distinct styles. The scenery of gardens within a garden is really attractive and makes tourists linger in this renowned Jiangnan Garden.
After lunch, you will be transferred to the railway station and take the train to Hangzhou. An old Chinese saying goes, "There is heaven above, Suzhou and Hangzhou below." Centuries ago, Marco Polo called Hangzhou the most enchanting city in the world.
Upon your arrival in Hangzhou, our local guide will meet you and escort you to your hotel. For the rest of the day you can discover the city on your own.
Day 5
Hangzhou (B, L)
Sightseeing: West Lake, Lingyin Temple, Peak Flying from Afar, Pagoda of Six Harmonies, Dragon Well Tea Plantation
Today you will experience the beautiful West Lake. We will take a cruise boat across the lake to see the 3 pagodas in the lake. The West Lake is the most famous tourist spot of Hangzhou. Graceful mountains surround it on three sides. It has a charming scenery and many cultural relics and historic sites.
Then we will visit Lingyin Temple (Soul's Retreat Temple) including the Peak Flying from Afar. Close to the West Lake, the main hall in Lingyin Temple is about 34 meters (111 feet) tall - incredibly high for a one-storey building. In the center of the hall there is a statue of Sakyamuni Buddha, which was carved from 24 pieces of camphor wood. The temple was named Lingyin Temple for its extremely beautiful environment which is serene and suitable for "Soul’s Retreat". After having lunch at local restaurant, we will drive to the Six Harmonies Pagoda, highly erected by the Qiantang River and in the south of the West Lake. It is a perfect symbol of brick-and-wood structure built in the ancient China and was built in 970 AD in the Northern Song dynasty (960-1127) to press down the evil of the river tidal bore in Qiantang River.
Dragon Well Tea is well known worldwide, so you will be guided to the Dragon Well Tea Plantation to discover the history of Chinese tea and the tea ceremony. The water of dragon well is sweet and good taste. The green tea here enjoys very high reputation since Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 A.D) for its four special features: green color, fragrant aroma, sweet taste and smooth even appearance. Finally you will be transferred back to your hotel.
Day 6
Hangzhou to Nanjing (B)
Transfer via: soft seat train arranged by us
You can enjoy leisure time until our guide will transfer you to the railway station where you will take your train to Nanjing. Known as the Capital City of Ten Dynasties in China's history, Nanjing has many places of historic interests
After your arrival in Nanjing, you will be met and transferred to hotel by our local guide. For the rest of that day you can enjoy some leisure time.
Day 7
Nanjing (B, L)
Sightseeing: Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, Yangtze River Bridge, Nanjing City Wall, Zhonghua City Gate, The Confucius Temple
Today we will start our tour by visiting Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum. Sun Yat-Sen, leader of the 1911 Revolution that toppled the Qing Dynasty and ushered in the first republic in China's history, died in 1925.The mausoleum offers beautiful scenery and architecture.
Then we will proceed to the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge. It was the first double deck and double track highway and railway bridge designed and constructed by Chinese people themselves. The upper highway bridge is 4589 meters long and the lower railway bridge is 6772 meters long. Each arch of the main bridge spans 160 meters.
After a Chinese lunch at a local restaurant, we will jaunt to Nanjing City Wall and the Zhonghua City Gate. It is the best preserved Chinese ancient castle, and the biggest and most splendid city gate of Nanjing. The gate was built from 1366 to 1386 and is made of huge bricks and special cement which is extraordinarily strong.
Afterwards our guide will accompany you to Confucius Temple. Consisting of 3 architectural complexes, Confucius Temple (Fuzimiao) was originally built in 1034. Enjoy yourself here, since the entire area around the temple consists of a series of tourist shops, snack bars, restaurants and entertainment arcades all being decorated in "Ming" and "Qing" style.
At the end of the day you will be transferred back to your hotel.
Day 8
Nanjing to Shanghai (B)
Transfer via: soft seat train arranged by us
Enjoy some leisure time until you will be transferred to the railway station and take your train back to Shanghai. After your arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Then you will create the evening of the tour as you like.
Day 9
Shanghai Departure (B)
Transfer via: Flight on your own arrangement
You will have some more leisure time until our guide will escort you to the airport for your next destination.
B=Breakfast,L=Lunch,D=Dinner
| Tour Dates | Destinations | Services Provided | Meals Included | ||||||||||||||
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| Day 1 |
Shanghai
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Arrive at Shanghai, our local guide will meet you at the airport then transferred to your hotel. Free at leisure in the evening.
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| Day 2 |
Shanghai
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Depart from your hotel to visit Nanjing Road The Bund ,Then visit the Yuyuan Garden Jade Buddha Temple ,After having lunch at a nice local restaurant, visit the Oriental Pearl TV Tower ,Free at leisure in the evening.
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| Day 3 |
Shanghai/Suzhou
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In the morning, you will visit the Shanghai Museum .After this, be transferred to the railway station and take express train to Suzhou. Arrive in Suzhou, be transferred to a local restaurant to have lunch, then visit the Humble Administrator's Garden ,Then visit the Tiger Hill ,Free at the rest of the day.
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| Day 4 |
Suzhou/Hangzhou
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Depart from your hotel in the morning to have a special Rickshaw Tour through the old part of Suzhou city, you will see the small Hutongs, the open markets and the local people's life. Finally visit the Lingering Garden (Garden to linger in) ,After lunch, be transferred to railway station and take train to Hangzhou.Arrive in Hangzhou, be met and transferred to the hotel, free at the rest of the day.
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| Day 5 |
Hangzhou
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Depart from your hotel to have a boat cruise on the beautiful West Lake ,Then visit the Ling Yin Temple (Temple of Soul's Retreat) ,After having lunch at local restaurant, visit the Six Harmonies Pagoda ,Finally visit the Dragon Well Tea Plantation.Then be transferred back to your hotel.
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| Day 6 |
Hangzhou/Nanjing
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Free at leisure until to be met and transferred to the railway station and take train to Nanjing. Lies on the south bank of the Yangtze River, Nanjing, the capital of Jiangsu Province, is one of the most delightful of Chinese cities. Known as the Capital City of Six or Ten Dynasties in China's history, it has a brilliant cultural heritage.
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| Day 7 |
Nanjing
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Depart from your hotel to visit Dr.Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum ,Then visit the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge.After having lunch at local restaurant, visit the Nanjing City Wall and the Zhonghua City Gate. Finally visit the Confucius Temple ( Fuzimiao ) .Then be transferred back to your hotel.
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| Day 8 |
Nanjing/Shanghai
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Free at leisure until to be met and transferred to the railway station and take train back to Shanghai, arrive in Shanghai, be met and transferred to your hotel, free at the rest of the day.
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| Day 9 |
Shanghai
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Free at leisure until transferred to the airport for next city. |
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Price
| Season | Tour Class | Group Size | Single Room Supplement |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1pax | 2-5pax | 6-9pax | |||
| Peak Season | 3*(Tourist Class) | $1369 | $862 | $663 | $239 |
| 4*(Deluxe Class) | $1657 | $1006 | $807 | $383 | |
| 5*(First Class) | $2117 | $1236 | $1037 | $613 | |
-NOTE:
1. Normally hotels allow a maximum of 3 adults per room with an extra bed, at extra charge. Some hotels will allow three adults and a small child.
2. Tour price is indicative only, please enquire for a detailed quotation.
3. More people more discounts. Please enquire for more details.
Price Includes
A. Entrance fees：To scenic spots as listed above in the itinerary.
B. Meals: All meals as specified in the itinerary.
C. Private Transfers: Among airports, hotels and scenic spots while sightseeing in the above cities by the private air conditioned vehicle.
D. Guide and Driver: As outlined in the itinerary, a well selected English-speaking guide and driver will accompany you throughout the entire tour in that city. They do not fly with you from one city to another.
E. Hotels: Hotel Based on two persons sharing one room with twin beds. All hotels as listed in the above itinerary serve daily western or Chinese breakfast. All rooms are air-conditioned with private facilities unless specified.
F. Luggage Transfers: Between airports and hotels.
G. Service Charge & Government Taxes.
H. Travel insurance in mainland China during the above travel period.
I. Arrangements: The tour cost includes planning, handling, operational and communication charges.
I have just come back from the most amazing 4 day visit to Guilin and Yangshuo that was organised by VisitOurChina. It was my first trip to China, and researching everything online felt daunting and overwhelming until I communicated with Lisa from VisitChina. She planned my entire trip and thought about every single detail. She even noticed that my flight arrival time wouldn’t allow me to take the train from Guangzhou to Guilin, so she organised a very convenient hotel for me to stay in so I could catch the right train the next morning. Little details like that made my trip completely carefree. I trusted Lisa, and she did not disappoint — she planned everything perfectly. My guide, Janet, spoke English very well and was a wealth of knowledge, which made travelling in a foreign country so much easier and more interesting. Without Janet and our driver, I would have had so much difficulty getting around. I really would have been frustrated and lost without her. Janet made the whole trip easy and enjoyable. She was friendly, patient, and always willing to help us with anything extra we needed or any additional places we wanted to go. She was so knowledgeable and gave us interesting information as we toured the places. That’s something I wouldn’t have got if I had organised a trip on my own. We visited Reed Flute Cave, Fubo Hill, Elephant Trunk Hill, and Janet took us to a local place to try the famous and delicious Guilin rice noodles. On the second day, we went to see the spectacular Longji rice terraces and visited the traditional Yao village. On the third day, we went on a cruise along the majestic Li River and stayed in Yangshuo, which became my favourite part of the trip. The bamboo rafting along the Yulong river was the highlight — such stunning and serene scenery. This morning, we visited Xianggong Hill to see the spectacular view of the Li River and the karst mountains. Now I am on the train and Janet had come into the train station to ensure all ...
- Booking Code:VOC-20251226
- Tour Starting Date:Friday, 26 December 2025
- Client's information:Sonya, Australia
Lisa from Visit Our China is awesome! She answers messages promptly and replies to emails within the day. Planning for my trip to Chongqing with my elderly parents was a breeze thanks to her efficiency. The prices of show tickets and Yangtze River cruise were cheaper than what I could get online. She even came personally to greet us in Guilin when I visited Guilin in September. Will definitely be asking her to plan all of my China trips from now on!
- Booking Code:VOC-20251109
- Tour Starting Date:Sunday, 9 November 2025
- Client's information:Shin Yuet, Singapore
Contacted Lisa from Visit Our China to arrange a 9D8N tour of Guangzhou Guilin for a group of 8. I provided a list of places to visit and Lisa was able to craft out the itinerary. We also made some changes along the way as one of the members had difficulty walking. The member even contacted Lisa to ask for advice on alternative locations to visit. Lisa's response is within 24 hours, crystal clear and very open for discussions. The tour itself ran perfectly with English speaking guides in both locations. The tour guides were extremely knowledgeable and gave in-depth details of the various locations which we visited. They were patient and obliged with taking photos for us. Overall, great customer experience. Am already working with Lisa for our next China trip!
- Booking Code:VOC-20251024
- Tour Starting Date:Friday, 24 October 2025
- Client's information:Mr. Yeoh from Malaysia
Had a wonderful experience with Lisa of Visit Our China tour agency on our oct trip to Beijing, Luoyang and Xian. She was very responsive and patiently answered all our queries before the trip. During the trip, service levels of the tour guides and drivers were excellent. They always made sure we were safe and comfortable. Will be looking to book with Lisa again in our future China trips.
- Booking Code:VOC-20251017
- Tour Starting Date:Friday, 17 October 2025
- Client's information:Ms. Woon, Singapore
We (8 pax seniors) had a truly memorable 11-day tour covering Shanghai, Wuxi, Wuzhen, Hangzhou, and Huangshan Mountain in mid-October 2025. A big thank you to Lisa for her well-planned and thoughtful itinerary. She was patient in accommodating all our requests and consistently checked in on our well-being throughout the trip — even though the assigned guide and driver were already very caring and knowledgeable. Lisa is someone who genuinely goes the extra mile, and her dedication made our trip smooth and enjoyable. We will definitely seek her service again for our next adventure in China!
- Booking Code:VOC-20251014
- Tour Starting Date:Tuesday, 14 October 2025
- Client's information:Chris, Malaysia
It was a wonderful experience. The places suggested by LISA from VisitourChina have been perfect. The organization and coordination of the whole trip was fantastic. There was not a single drawback, I highly recommend LISA service.
- Booking Code:VOC-20051009
- Tour Starting Date:Thursday, 9 October 2025
- Client's information:Marina, Mexico
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