Shanghai

Day Trips

You can either make your own way to the meeting point or be collected at your accommodation. Board the bus and leave Shanghai. Head to the oldest and most well-protected water village in China.  Located 16 miles west of downtown Shanghai, Zhujiajiao water village is 400 years old and is one of the city’s best-kept secrets. Discover the picturesque canals and rivers and admire the large Dian Shan Lake. Take the opportunity to go shopping, take a stroll, and explore this beautiful village. Try some local street food and be amazed by the tastes. You can even practice your bargaining skills at the local shops. After spending three hours taking in the local culture, you will return to downtown Shanghai for approximately 6:30 PM.

With its inviting views and outstanding scenery, Hangzhou is one of the leading tourist destinations in all of China. It is a city rich with history and was once the capital of China in the 12th Century. After a 3-hour drive, you will first cruise across the West Lake to view unforgettable scenery such as the Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, the Bai Causeway and Solitary Hill. After a traditional Chinese lunch, you will visit Guo’s Villa, one of the best traditional private gardens in the city. Hangzhou is also famous for its Dragon Well tea and you can discover the history of Chinese tea and the traditional tea ceremony on a visit to the Meijiawu Tea Village. Before returning to Shanghai, you will enjoy a drive along the Qiantang River where you can view the Liuhe Pagoda, also known as the Six Harmonies Pagoda. On this tour, you can immerse yourself in the history of Shanghai with the assistance of your own personal guide.

In the morning, your private tour guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel lobby at 8:00am. After a 3-hour drive, you will arrive at the Lingshan Grand Buddha, which is the number one attraction in Wuxi. It stands 88 meters tall and is the tallest bronze Buddha in the world. You will develop a comprehensive understanding about Buddhism and you can admire the Nine Dragons Bathing Shakyamuni and Ode to Auspice in Brahma Palace. Visit the Five Mudra Mandala and touch the largest Buddha's hand, which is said to bring you good fortune and longevity. Then you will have a vegetarian buffet lunch in the temple. After the spiritual tour, it is time to relax your body and mind with breathtaking natural scenery. You will have a walk along the northern bank of Taihu Lake. Taihu Lake is another of Wuxi’s Icons and is the third largest freshwater lake in China. You will then return to your hotel after the walk.

Suzhou was the capital of Wu culture 800 years ago and is one of China's leading historic cities. Developing around the Grand Canal that forged much of China's traditional north-south commerce Suzhou is built around a series of canals. Now a modern thriving city, Suzhou maintains a traditional core surrounded by a moat and is world-famous as a UNESCO world heritage site for its traditional Chinese gardens. Upon arrival, you will be met by your local guide in Suzhou and transferred to visit one of China's most exquisite gardens, The Humble Administrator's Garden, a Cultural Heritage site including both a residential quarter and a delicately landscaped garden. You will learn the beauty of the well-known Suzhou Garden while wandering around the pavilions, bridges, houses, etc. in the garden. After lunch at a local restaurant, you will be transferred to Shantang Street which is a good example of a water town in Southern China with well-preserved traditional architecture. You can wander around the old street to view the Opera Stage, Boat Museum, etc. Then you will take a boat on the Grand Canal for about 40 minutes to view the scenery. Then you will be moved to the Suzhou Silk Museum which exhibits the history of Chinese Silk from ancient times to modern times. Afterward, you will be transferred to Suzhou Railway Station to catch a bullet train back to Shanghai.

Benefit from pick-up at your hotel or the cruise port, and then explore Shanghai with a private guide and driver. Marvel at the historic buildings of The Bund along the banks of the Huangpu River. Get sweeping views of both sides of the river before making your way to Yu Yuan Garden. Located by the City God Temple in the Old City, the traditional garden was built during the Ming Dynasty and features dozens of monuments, pagoda temples and water features. See an old Shanghai street from the Qing Dynasty and more. Continue to the former French Concession and explore the charming neighborhood established when the city was a French settlement. Next, visit the 400-year-old Zhujiajiao Water Town to see why its' often referred to as the Venice of the Orient. Enjoy lunch in a famous Chinese restaurant, and then take a boat ride to get a sense of traditional life in southern China. Stroll the old alleyways to see more buildings and bridges, and get some time to shop before the drive back to Shanghai.

This is one of the most classic routes for visitors to experience Shanghai in a short period of time. You will cycle along the old Nongtang in the Former Concession area, an area which holds the most famous landmarks. Pass through the ancient garden bridge, then head to The Bund to view the most amazing skyline in the world. It’s well-known as the Shanghai epitome for the 19th century. From there, cross one of the busiest commercial roads - Nanjing Road. Afterward, head off to Yu Garden Area and hang around in its labyrinthine back alleyways and find a lot of interesting hidden gems. Get a taste of local life and see a city with its past and future. Join this unique bike tour and expereince the culture of Shanghai. 

This 9-hour combination tour begins at around 12:00 PM with a pick-up at your hotel. Drive to visit the Zhujiajiao Water Town, one of Shanghai’s 4 ancient villages, with a history spanning over 1,700 years. This small, fan-shaped village glimmers like a bright pearl, surrounded by a landscape of lakes and mountains. Ancient bridges cross bubbling streams and small rivers are shaded by willow trees – next to the vast metropolis of modern Shanghai. Drive back to Shanghai and visit the Shanghai Silk Museum. Afterwards, board the Shanghai Night-View Luxury Cruise to marvel at the illuminated city skyline and enjoy dinner in a local restaurant. 

Following pick-up from your hotel or the port in Shanghai at 10:00, journey for approximately 1-hour to the 400-year old water village of Zhujiajiao on the city's outskirts. Experience the "Venice of the Orient" up close with the help of your personal driver/guide. Climb aboard a boat to ride the waterways much like the residents would have done in years gone by. Take photographs of the village as you drift past historic buildings and houses. Then, take a walk along the old alleyways for even closer looks at the buildings and bridges, such as the 300-year old, Ming-era Fangsheng Bridge. Get recommendation on local restaurants to enjoy lunch at your own expense, or feel free to bring your own snacks to eat in a picturesque area.  Continue after lunch with a visit to some of the local shops in the afternoon. Bargain for good deals if you want to find souvenirs, experience everyday life or just have some fun! Then, journey back to Shanghai and get dropped off at your hotel or at the port.

Take this full-day private tour from Shanghai to discover the ancient town of Wuzhen. Built more than 1,300 years ago, and located 11 miles (17 kilometers) north of the modern industrial city of Tongxiang, Wuzhen is also known as the former home of the Chinese novelist Mao Dun. Your guide will pick you up in the morning from your hotel, for a 2-hour transfer to Wuzhen in northern Zhejiang Province. Upon arrival, explore the town’s main sights, divided into 6 districts, including a traditional workshop district, traditional food district, and water town customs area. Wander the well-preserved canals, crossing over bridges, and past canal houses, some of which are 4 centuries old and boast beautiful carved doors and windows. Visit an ancient indigo fabric workshop, and go to the water market to savor the scents of authentic foods. You will also visit a Wedding Museum, and learn about Chinese foot binding at the Culture Museum. Discover old schools and a performance stage, and try the local cuisine in a traditional restaurant.

At 08:00, your English-speaking guide will await you in your Shanghai hotel lobby while holding a sign with your name on it. Hop in the vehicle and embark on the 2-hour drive to Suzhou. Once you arrive, you will begin your tour with a visit to the incredible Humble Administrator's Garden. It is renowned as the largest classical garden in Suzhou and is typically referred to as on of the most impressive one in southern China. Head to the Liu Lingering Garden, yet another famously beautiful garden. Afterwards, take a much needed break for lunch at a local Chinese restaurant. Once you are satiated, go for a short visit at the Suzhou Silk Museum, where your guide will tell you the history of the traditional Chinese silks, including the techniques which are used to produce such a fine material. After your tour of the Silk Museum, begin your transport back to Shanghai for a 17:00 arrival. Your tour will end by dropping you off at your hotel.