Elegant Water Town and Yellow Mountains Tour

9-Day Shanghai - Suzhou - Hangzhou - Huangshan - Shanghai

Explore traditional beauty across China and enjoy the stunning Yellow Mountains over 9 days. Discover lively Shanghai, visit Tongli water town, explore charming Hangzhou and Suzhou, relax on the Yellow Mountains, and marvel at ancient villages.

From US$
Per person based on 2 travelers in 4-star hotels

Highlights

Tour Itinerary

DAY 1 Arrival in Shanghai and Transfer to Your Hotel
  • Sunrise On The Bund 4-star hotel
  • None

Welcome to Shanghai, a vibrant global city and your first stop in China! Upon your international flight's arrival at Shanghai's airport, our local guide will meet you. They will help with your luggage and take you to your hotel for check-in. After settling in, you'll have time to relax and adjust to the new surroundings at your own pace. Please note that meals are not included on this arrival day.

Good to Know

  • This tour does not include international flights. However, we would be more than happy to help you book flights if you contact us.
The guide with a flag bearing the China Travel logo
The Guide with a Flag Bearing the China Travel Logo
DAY 2 The Bund, Shanghai Tower, Yuyuan Garden, Former French Concession
  • Sunrise On The Bund 4-star hotel
  • Breakfast, lunch

Start your day at The Bund — a 1.5-kilometer riverside promenade that was once the financial heart of colonial Shanghai, lined with 52 neoclassical, art deco, and Gothic Revival buildings. It offers unobstructed views of the Huangpu River and Pudong’s futuristic skyline (including Shanghai Tower), creating a striking contrast between Shanghai’s past and present.

Historic buildings along The Bund
Historic buildings along The Bund

Transfer to Shanghai Tower—the tallest building in China (632 meters) and the second-tallest in the world. The "Top of Shanghai" observation hall is on the 118th and 119th floors, at a height of 546 meters. It is a 360 - degree all - glass viewing platform.

The elevator speed of the Shanghai Tower can reach up to 40 km/h (25 mph), and the only takes about 55 seconds to go from the basement floor to the 118th floor

Shanghai Tower
On the Panoramic Floor of Shanghai Tower

Indulge in a delightful lunch experience at a renowned local restaurant known for its exquisite cuisine and authentic flavors.

Honey-Glazed Spare Ribs
Honey-Glazed Spare Ribs

Explore the Former French Concession in Shanghai, a place full of interesting stories and a mix of different cultures. Dating back to 1849, this area used to belong to the French. Now, it's a lively neighborhood where you can see a blend of Chinese and Western influences. Walk along the pretty streets with European-style buildings and discover a mix of old Chinese traditions and cool Western vibes.

Former French Concession
Former French Concession

Evening Free Time Ideas

The ERA Acrobatics Show is guaranteed to give you a wow night. Our Shanghai tour guide will assist you in booking tickets.   

DAY 3 Train from Shanghai to Suzhou, Hotel to Train station Transfer (Shanghai), Train station Transfer (Suzhou), Tongli Water Town, Tongli Boat Ride, Suzhou Rickshaw ride
  • Artyzen Habitat Suzhou 4-star hotel
  • Breakfast, lunch

Starting from your hotel in Shanghai. Enjoy a comfortable ride to the train station, where you will hop on a train to Suzhou. From there, travel to Tongli Water Town with your private guide and driver.

The town is often referred to as the "Venice of the East" due to its intricate network of waterways and bridges. Visitors can explore the town's well-preserved architecture, peaceful gardens, and quaint streets, offering a glimpse into China's past. Enjoy a leisurely boat ride along the canals, marvel at the historic buildings, and immerse yourself in the tranquil and romantic atmosphere of Tongli Water Town.

Leisurely Boat Ride
Leisurely Boat Ride along the Old Canals in Tongli

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Suzhou city. Next, dive deeper into Suzhou's culture with a delightful rickshaw ride, winding through its quaint streets and immersing yourself in its rich heritage

Suzhou Rickshaw Ride
Suzhou Rickshaw Ride through Quaint Streets
DAY 4 Humble Administrators Garden, Tiger Hill, Pingjiang Street, Hotel to Train station Transfer (Suzhou), Train station Transfer (Hangzhou)
  • Zhongwei Sunny Hotel 4-star hotel
  • Breakfast, Lunch

Tiger Hill is a historic site that holds significant cultural and architectural importance. It is known for its iconic leaning pagoda, the Yunyan Pagoda, which dates back over a thousand years.

Tiger Hill
Tiger Hill Pagoda

Then, to the Humble Administrators Garden is a masterpiece of traditional Chinese garden art.. Visitors can admire the intricate designs of the pavilions, bridges, and corridors, and experience a sense of peaceful serenity as they wander through the various sections of the garden.

Humble Administrators Garden
Great View of Humble Administrator's Garden

Visit Pingjiang Street after lunch, a historic and picturesque street in Suzhou, China, that has been in existence for over 800 years. The street has kept its traditional look, with cobblestones, red lanterns, and historic buildings. You can find shops, restaurants, and tea houses along the street.

Pingjiang Street
Pingjiang Street
DAY 5 The West Lake (including the Fish Viewing at the Flower Pond and cruise), Lingyin Temple, Meijiawu Tea Village
  • Zhongwei Sunny Hotel4-star hotel
  • Breakfast, Lunch

Start from the vicinity of the West Lake place of natural beauty and also a cultural hub, with historical sites such as the Leifeng Pagoda. Take a boat ride along the lake, typically following a fixed route, often including a photo stop at Flower and Fish Pond.

Boat Ride on the West Lake
Boat Ride on the West Lake

Then, visit Lingyin Temple, located near West Lake in Hangzhou, which is a renowned Buddhist temple. It is renowned for its rich history, intricate architecture, and beautiful natural surroundings. Visitors can explore ancient halls, pagodas, and rock carvings that reflect centuries of Buddhist culture and tradition.

Burning Incense for Blessings and Good Luck at Lingyin Temple
Burning Incense for Blessings and Good Luck at Lingyin Temple

Meijiawu Tea Village, nestled in the hills surrounding West Lake, is a charming village famous for its tea plantations and traditional tea culture. Visitors can learn about the art of tea production, sample a variety of high-quality teas, and enjoy the tranquil surroundings of the tea fields and forests.

Meijiawu Tea Village
Pick Tea Leaves in Meijiawu Tea Village

Evening Free Time Idea

Cultural Show - Enduring Memories of Hangzhou: A world-class, open-air performance on the water of West Lake, directed by Zhang Yimou (director of the 2008 Beijing Olympics opening ceremony). It combines dance, music, aerial acrobatics, and stunning water effects, all with the natural landscape of West Lake as its backdrop.

DAY 6 Hotel to Train Station Transfer (Hangzhou), Train Station Transfer (Huangshan), Hongcun Village, Tunxi Ancient Street
  • Huangshan International Hotel4-star hotel
  • Breakfast, Lunch

Start your day with a smooth transfer from your hotel in Hangzhou to the train station. Upon arrival in Huangshan, travel on to Hongcun Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its well-preserved ancient architecture and picturesque surroundings.

Take a stroll through the charming village, wander along its cobblestone streets, and admire the traditional Huizhou-style buildings and tranquil ponds.

Hongcun Village
Huizhou-style Buildings in Hongcun Village

After lunch in the village, head to Tunxi Ancient Street in Huangshan city, a historic street lined with old buildings, tea houses, shops, and art galleries. Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the area as you stroll through the bustling streets and sample local delicacies.

Tunxi Ancient Street
Tunxi Ancient Street
DAY 7 The Yellow Mountains, Yungu Cable Car (up), and West Sea Grand Canyon
  • Huangshan Paiyunlou Hotel4-star hotel
  • Breakfast, Lunch

Start your day early at the Yellow Mountains. Take the Yungu Cable Car to ascend to the mountaintop, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes as you glide up.

Yellow Mountains
The Viewing Platform at the Yellow Mountains

Explore the West Sea Grand Canyon after lunch, a stunning natural wonder known for its rugged cliffs, deep ravines, and panoramic vistas. Hike along the trails, crossing over unique rock formations, and soaking in the awe-inspiring beauty of the canyon.

Hike to West Sea Grand Canyon
Hike to West Sea Grand Canyon
DAY 8 Sunrise and Yungu Cable Car Down, Hotel to Train Station Transfer (Huangshan), Train Station Transfer (Shanghai)
  • Sunrise On The Bund 4-star hotel
  • Breakfast, Lunch

The best sunrise spots are at the Bright Top Peak or the Refreshing Terrace. Your guide will be able to advise on the best spot closest to you and the exact sunrise time.

Good to Know

  • You will need to wake up at least 1.5 hours before sunrise.
  • Check the sunrise time for your date of travel (e.g., if sunrise is at 5:30 AM, wake up at 4:00 AM).
  • It will be dark and cold. Dress in layers, wear good shoes, and bring a headlamp or a phone with a flashlight.
Stuning Sunrise
Watching the Stunning Sunrise on Yellow Mountain

Return to your hotel on the mountain for a quick breakfast (or pack it to go), check out, and pick up your stored luggage.

Walking towards the Yungu Cable Car (云谷索道) station. The walk from a central hotel like the Beihai or Xihai to the cable car can take 30 minutes.

Yungu Cable Car
Yungu Cable Car

A simple lunch, transfer to the railway station, and take a high-speed train from Huangshan North to Shanghai Hongqiao (the most convenient station for Shanghai’s city center). Your driver will pick you up there and transfer to your hotel.

DAY 9 Hotel to airport Transfer (Shanghai), Board Your Onward Flight to Next Destination
  • Breakfast

The driver meets you in the hotel lobby and drops you off at the airport terminal. Check in for your onward flight.

What's Included

Notes

Price is based on a 2-person tour with 4-star hotels in low season.

from US $ p/p

Code: ct-107s

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*Number of Travelers

*Hotel Preference

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