This 7-day journey blends the elegance of classical gardens, misty canals, and refined tea traditions with the modern vibrance of China’s most dynamic metropolis. From the poetic water towns of Suzhou to the scenic splendour of Hangzhou’s West Lake, and finally into the urban energy of Shanghai, this itinerary offers a timeless taste of Jiangnan—the storied region south of the Yangtze known for its beauty, culture, and charm.
Arrive in Shanghai and meet your guide for a private transfer westward toward Suzhou. En route, stop at Fengjing Water Town, one of the region’s best-preserved canal towns, where everyday life still unfolds along narrow waterways. Take a private boat ride through the canals, sample local street snacks, and visit historic residences—including a former scholar’s home and a Mao-era bunker complex that speaks to Fengjing’s layered past. Continue on to Suzhou in the late afternoon, settling in for your first evening in this storied city.
Begin the day at the Lion Grove Garden, a UNESCO-listed masterpiece famed for its intricate rockeries and labyrinth-like paths designed to surprise at every turn. Continue to Pingjiang Road, one of Suzhou’s oldest neighbourhoods, where canals, whitewashed houses, and stone bridges frame a relaxed walk through daily life. Enjoy Suzhou-style noodles and a traditional pingtan performance before heading to Tiger Hill, home to the city’s iconic leaning pagoda, landscaped grounds, and ancient landmarks such as the Sword Testing Stone. Those wishing to linger may opt for quieter gardens like Canglang Pavilion or an evening opening at the Humble Administrator’s Garden.
Travel on to Hangzhou, where West Lake has inspired poets, painters, and emperors for centuries. Begin at the historic Xiling Seal Engraver’s Society, then walk a scenic stretch of Su Causeway, with willow-lined paths and open views across the water. Continue to Guo’s Garden, a refined lakeside retreat, before climbing Leifeng Pagoda for sweeping panoramas over the lake and surrounding hills. There is the option to take a private rowing boat into the heart of the lake, drifting past islands and pavilions. In the evening, attend Impressions West Lake, an open-air performance staged directly on the water, where light, music, and reflections create a quietly immersive finale to the day.
Spend the morning in the tea hills of Meijiawu, part of the core production area for Longjing (Dragon Well) tea. Visit a local tea farm to learn about cultivation techniques and enjoy a simple tasting of freshly prepared leaves. Continue into the Lingyin Scenic Area, exploring the Buddhist carvings at Feilaifeng before walking onward to Yongfu Temple, a lesser-visited monastery set above the main complex, offering a calmer atmosphere and forested views. Alternatively, the afternoon can be slowed further with time at a waterside teahouse, enjoying Hangzhou’s long-standing tea culture at an unhurried pace.
Return to Shanghai and shift gears into the city’s cosmopolitan past. Spend the afternoon exploring the French Concession, where plane trees shade historic villas, cafés, and independent boutiques. The neighbourhood’s quiet streets reveal a softer side of Shanghai, shaped by early 20th-century influences and modern creative life. Continue to Huaihai Road or a nearby district of your choice for relaxed shopping, from local designers and concept stores to established international brands.
Begin the day at Yuyuan Garden, a classical Ming-dynasty garden tucked into Shanghai’s Old Town. Wander through its pavilions, rockeries, and ponds before sampling xiaolongbao, the city’s iconic soup dumplings, at one of the traditional eateries nearby. Continue to the Rock Bund, where early 20th-century buildings mark the origins of modern Shanghai and its role as a global trading port. Walk along the Bund for views across the Huangpu River, then end the day along Suzhou Creek, whose quieter paths and renovated warehouses reveal a more local, lived-in side of the city.
Enjoy a final leisurely morning in Shanghai before your departure. Whether you explore a final local café or stroll a nearby street market, your Jiangnan adventure ends on a note of calm reflection.
This journey across Jiangnan captures the soft elegance and cultural richness of eastern China—from quiet canals and tea-covered hills to the luminous skyline of Shanghai. Whether it’s your first visit or a deeper exploration, this itinerary reveals the region’s timeless beauty and refined spirit.
