5-Day Bullet Train Tour of Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou

Breakfast and lunch

Quick Facts

The Bund The oldest building on the Bund was built in 1846. It used to be the Richards Hotel, but is now the Astor House Hotel.

There are 22 heritage buildings still on the Bund.

Classic architectural styles on the Bund include Baroque, Gothic, and Romanesque.Yu Gardens These used to be private gardens. They have over 400 years of history. For political reasons, their owner was almost killed by the emperor (see below).

These were the most domineering private Chinese gardens, with five resident dragons. A dragon was symbolic of the emperor, and only emperors could use dragons as decoration.Activities

You will have a Western breakfast at your hotel. Your private driver and guide will be waiting in the lobby after breakfast, prepared with drinks and map, ready to maximize your time.

Visit the archetypal traditional Chinese gardens, Yu Gardens, and appreciate their elaborate layout.

Get a feel for Shanghai's history by walking around the Former French Concession Precinct. Wander through the Bund to experience the combination of ancient and modern.

Have a bird's-eye view of the entire city of Shanghai, take the fastest elevator in the world, and stand on the highest building in Shanghai — the Shanghai Tower.

Breakfast and lunchZhejiang International Hotel (4-star) / Sofitel Westlake Hangzhou (5-star)

Quick Facts

Meijiawu Tea Plantation This tea village is situated behind West Lake Park and is an important tea production base. Here you are in a beautiful natural environment. Just relax and enjoy the special tea culture. Taste the fragrant tea while appreciating the beautiful village scenery.Activities

Your guide will accompany you to the train station in Shanghai. Sit back and enjoy a fast and comfortable bullet train journey. After an hour relaxing on the train, meet your Hangzhou guide at the train station.

Hangzhou is the birthplace of high-quality Chinese green tea –dragon-well tea. Visit Meijiawu Tea Plantation and learn the process for making tea.

Drive towards West Lake and pay a visit to Lingyin Temple, the most prosperous temple in Hangzhou. Then enjoy a relaxing boat ride on West Lake.

Breakfast and lunchHoliday Inn Jasmine Suzhou (4-star) / Pan Pacific Suzhou (5-star)

Activities

Take a bullet train from Hangzhou to Suzhou, and meet your Suzhou guide at the station.

Your first visit in Suzhou will be to Lingering Garden. This lovely little garden contains many exquisite designs. Look carefully on the ground, at the windows, and at the small gates. You will find many surprises!

Take a rickshaw and head into the narrow lanes of Suzhou's old town. Observe local life by the ancient canal, and explore a food market.

In the afternoon drive 40 minutes to the Tongli Water Town, enjoy the lovely stone bridges and ancient architecture.

Optional evening ideas

Night Tour of The Nets Master Garden

Visiting classical gardens by night is a totally different experience from during the day.

Follow the staff's guidance using lanterns, explore the quiet garden, and appreciate some traditional Chinese performances, including Kun Opera, traditional instruments, Pingtan (storytelling and ballad singing in the Suzhou dialect), and a tea ceremony.

Opening hours are 19:30-22:00, from late March to late November.

Breakfast

Activities

In the morning, your guide and driver will escort you to Suzhou train station, and you will take the bullet train back to Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station, from where you can easily return to downtown Shanghai.

Transportation Suggestion

If you need to go to Shanghai Pudong Airport, a shuttle bus is available from Hongqiao Railway Station. You could alternatively take the metro.

If you prefer a private transfer from Suzhou direct to Shanghai, please let us know.