4 Day Suzhou + Hangzhou Highlights Tour

On arrival at Suzhou train station, enjoy the welcome from your local guide who will escort you to the hotel for check in. Make the most of it on your first night here by stepping out. Your hotel is centrally located, allowing you to explore the surroundings, including the grand canal and other highlights in the area with ease.

Meals included: None

Note: Fancy a little Chinese operatic drama? We can help. Consider booking tickets for the famous Kunqu Opera, first performed in the 1600s, and now preserved as an intangible UNESCO World Heritage of Humanity. For a deep dive into the ‘mother of all Chinese drama’, ask us to arrange tickets for a performance at Zhenqu Garden of Shantang Ancient Street.

Today’s adventure begins with a morning departure when your guide collects you from the hotel lobby. The first stop is one of the most renowned and spectacular gardens in China, the Humble Administrator’s Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in downtown Suzhou. Allow yourself time to reflect and feel at peace in this classically designed private garden. Wander through the picturesque landscape in which traditional architecture, hills, lawns, flowers and meandering streams harmonize the natural and build environment in poetic elegance. A contrast in style and history, enjoy the artistic features and architectural values of the Suzhou Museum, which houses the new building designed by world famous architect I. M. Pei, responsible for designing the Louvre Pyramid. It’s here that you will also find the historic site of Prince Zhong’s Mansion of Taiping Heavenly Kingdom. The relics found here are reflective of the ancient collections, in particular of the Ming and Qing Dynasties’ paintings and aircraft. Wander around the garden style museum, enjoying the opportunity to gain a sense of the historic and cultural significance of Su style gardens. Awe-inspiring scenery will have you reaching for your camera. Make your way to Jiangnan Water Town by visiting Tongli Water Town. Renowned for its well preserved old buildings, private gardens, temples and traditional dwellings, Tongli is a delight. The town’s location, surrounded by five lakes, makes for charming water scenes and a tranquil atmosphere. Feel free to wander the flagstone streets or stop in at a simple teahouse to savor the experience over a cup of Chinese tea. At the end of the day’s activities, you will be returned to the hotel in Suzhou.

Meals included: Breakfast

Note: Due to the closure of Suzhou Museum on Mondays, your guide may make some adjustments of your itinerary if your travel falls on this day.

Check out from the hotel and travel with your guide to the railway station to board the high speed train to Hangzhou. In Hangzhou, you will be greeted by the local guide. Your visit here commences with the West Lake. Here you’ll make a stopover at the Red Carp Pond, one of the top ten famous views of this landmark. Indulge in a boat cruise to appreciate tranquil natural scenery enhanced by historic pagodas and pavilions. Spot a number of scenic sites like the Three Pools Mirroring the Moon and Su Causeway as the boat meanders through the water.

Drive to Feilai Peak where you stand to be surprised by hundreds of ancient Buddhist rock carvings from various periods throughout history. Drop by the Lingyin Temple, one of the most famous Buddhist temples in China. Marvel at ornately painted walls and ceilings with the scent of incense thick in the air. Listen as your guide unveils the historical legends behind the temple. Lastly, you will enjoy the picturesque view of a tea plantation surrounded by verdant tea fields. Further understanding of Chinese tea history and culture can be gained at the China Tea Cultural Museum that holds collections of tea varieties, tea sets and machines for making tea.

Meals included: Breakfast

Note: Hangzhou by night offers more opportunities to experience the city. Consider taking in the Enduring Memories of Hangzhou (Impression of West Lake) or a relaxing walk at Qianjiang Xincheng for the stunning light show. Booking is easy. Just ask us!

Start your day at a leisurely pace until check out, at which time you’ll be collected by your guide and driven you to the airport or train station for travel to your next destination.

Meals included: Breakfast

Note: If you would like to continue making beautiful travel memories in China, please let us know. Our expert travel consultants can assist with travel bookings and arrangements, including the purchase of train tickets and other tours. We offer custom, private and small group tours, with opt in and out flexibility. And we take care of every detail, so there’s no need to worry about a thing.