Description
6‑Day Shanghai Essence Tour: From Ancient Water Towns to Modern Skylines
| Group Sizes | Total Price (USD) |
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| 5 guests | 680 |
*Prices are per person on twin sharing. A single room surcharge applies if a traveler stays alone in a separate room at the designated hotel for the entire trip.
*If your group has fewer or more than 5 people, please contact us for a recalculated price.
Tour Highlights
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Boutique Group: Max 5 guests per group. No early mornings—depart daily at 8:30 AM for a relaxed journey.
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Top Attractions: Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, Confucius Temple, Nianhuawan, Lingshan Grand Buddha, Lingering Garden, Wuzhen (West & East), West Lake.
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Immersive Experience: Enjoy Nianhuawan Zen Town and Wuzhen by day and night—light shows, water town charm, and cultural depth.
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Zen in Jiangnan: Witness the grand Nine-Dragon Bathing Ceremony at Lingshan Buddha, a sacred Buddhist ritual.
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Garden Tranquility: Explore Lingering Garden—classic Jiangnan beauty in the heart of the city.
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Premium Hotels: Stay in 5-diamond hotels plus scenic stays at Nianhuawan Zen Guesthouse and Wuzhen West 5-star inn.
6-Day Itinerary
+ Day 1: Arrival in Shanghai or Nanjing
The day before travel our guide/driver will text or call—please keep your phone on.
Complimentary Arrival Transfer – Need‑to‑Know:
1. You may be met by either a driver or the guide—please follow their arrangements.
2. The free transfer is a value‑added perk—unused service is non‑refundable. Early check‑in or extra nights do not include free transfers.
3. Free pick‑up operates 8 AM–11 PM. Flights/trains after 11 PM: arrange your own ride or book the paid transfer.
4. Free pick‑up points only:
Shanghai: Pudong Int’l Airport (PVG), Hongqiao Airport (SHA), Hongqiao Railway Station, Shanghai Railway Station, Shanghai South Station
Nanjing: Lukou Airport (NKG), Nanjing South Station, Nanjing Railway Station
Sample Hotels:
Shanghai: Zhiwei Century Hotel • Ramada Plaza Pudong • Wanxin Theme Hotel (Disney Area) • Novotel Suning, or similar
Nanjing: C‑plus Crown Hotel • Jinbao Holiday Jiangning • Mingfa Xinheshui • Mövenpick (Riverside) • New Century Hotel Pukou • Meriton Jurong, or similar
+ Day 2: Shanghai ➜ Nanjing ➜ Wuxi
Qinhuai River Scenic Belt & Confucius Temple District (≈ 1 hr) – stroll over Wende Bridge, see historic Wuyi Lane and the famed screen wall; sample classic Nanjing street food at your own expense.
Sun Yat‑sen Mausoleum (AAA‑rated, ≈ 1.5 hrs) – national shrine to the “Father of Modern China.” Closed Mondays; if unavailable we visit Rain Flower Terrace or a similar site.
Real‑name ticketing: as a join‑in group we cannot pre‑book before names are finalized; if slots fill, a substitute attraction will be arranged.
Drive to Wuxi (≈ 2.5 hrs).
Evening at Nianhuawan Zen Town – when the lights come on, enjoy the open‑air “Zen Walk” spectacle:
Lighting the Pagoda ceremony
Lotus Fountain Show at Five‑Lamp Lake
“Holding the Flower and Smiling” kinetic sculpture on Smile Plaza (18 m/59 ft).
Overnight: Nianhuawan Guesthouse (on‑site). If full, we use a city 5‑Diamond hotel such as Newlizer Hotel, Deray Hotel, Wyndham Park, Xizhou Garden, Rui‑Ting West Suburb, Winter‑Leis Zhangde, etc.
+ Day 3: Wuxi ➜ Suzhou ➜ Tongxiang (Wuzhen)
Coach to Suzhou (≈ 1.5 hrs).
Lingering Garden (Liuyuan) (≈ 1.5 hrs) – one of China’s Four Great Classical Gardens; winding corridors, lattice windows, rockeries and ponds evoke refined Jiangnan life.
Optional: Ancient Grand Canal Cruise (≈ 1 hr; ¥150 pp incl. guide & motor‑coach). See Panmen, Xu Gate, She Gate, historic bridges, on‑board Suzhou Pingtan (ballad singing) and tea service.
Coach to Tongxiang (≈ 1.5 hrs).
Evening in Wuzhen West Scenic Zone – the water town’s night scene is simply magical: soft floodlighting on stone bridges, riverside inns and Ming‑Qing façades reflect in quiet canals.
Overnight: Inside‑town inns such as Tong’an Guesthouse • Zhaoming Library Hotel • Zhenshui Resort. If rooms are full, we stay at a 5‑Diamond outside Wuzhen: Yunbell Noble • Eden Platinum • Pujin • Zhenshi • Relax‑Hotel, etc.
+ Day 4: Wuzhen ➜ Jiashan ➜ Hangzhou
Mao Dun’s Former Residence (famed novelist)
Hundred‑Bed Museum
God of Wealth Bay
Wood Carving Hall / Indigo Workshop / Distillery, etc.
Drive to Hangzhou (≈ 1.5 hrs).
West Lake Scenic Area (≥ 1.5 hrs). Optional cruise (¥55 pp) for an in‑depth loop past Su Causeway, Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, Leifeng Pagoda, Fish Viewing at Flower Harbor.
Holiday/Weekend Note: On busy days, tourist coaches are banned; a shuttle surcharge of ¥20 pp may apply on‑site.
Optional Night Program: Song Dynasty Town + “Romance of the Song” Stage Spectacular (≈ 2 hrs; ¥320–350 pp incl. guide & coach). Epic dance‑drama from ancient Yue culture to the legends of White Snake and Lady Meng Jiang.
Overnight: Boutique or upscale hotels such as Junting Design (Zijingang) • Relax Linping • Radisson Xiaoyuan • Art‑Section Radisson Plaza • Shama Zijingang, or similar.
+ Day 5: Hangzhou ➜ Shanghai
Hefang / Qinghefang Street (≈ 1 hr free time) – once the commercial heart of the Southern Song capital. Snack on Dingsheng cakes, crispy su‑oil pancakes, dragon‑beard candy; browse century‑old stores like Wangxingji Fans and Zhang Xiaoquan Scissors.
Afternoon coach back to Shanghai (≈ 3.5 hrs).
Optional “Modern Shanghai” Combo (≈ 2 hrs; ¥320 pp incl. guide & coach):
Jin Mao Tower 88F Observatory – skyline views of Lujiazui
Huangpu River Night Cruise – see the Bund and Pudong lit up.
Overnight: Same Shanghai hotel list as Day 1.
+ Day 6: Shanghai ➜ Homeward
Free time on Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street (≈ 2 hrs) – China’s “Fifth Avenue,” packed with flagship stores, boutiques, malls and street snacks.
Included Departure Transfer to airport/train station.
Departure Transfer – Need‑to‑Know
1.Three complimentary departures. As a result, you may wait 2–3 hours at station or airport.
Run 1: Hotel pickup for trains/flights before 12 PM. (If you take this run, the Nanjing Road visit is forfeited—no refund.)
Run 2: 12 PM shuttle from Shiliupu Pier (No. 16 Pier) downtown.
Run 3: ~3 PM final shuttle from the same pier.
2. Free drop‑off only to airport or railway station.
3. Shanghai traffic is unpredictable; we normally depart hotel 3–4 hours before your scheduled train/flight.
4. The escort may be a driver rather than the guide; please check in and collect boarding passes on your own.
Tour 'Wow' Points
The Bund (Shanghai)
The Bund is where old Shanghai meets the future. Stroll along this iconic waterfront and admire a stunning row of historic buildings showcasing European architectural styles from the early 20th century. Across the Huangpu River, the futuristic skyline of Lujiazui—including the Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Tower—creates a breathtaking contrast. Day or night, The Bund offers one of the most unforgettable views in all of China.
West Lake (Hangzhou)
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, West Lake is famous for its poetic landscapes and cultural legacy. Surrounded by weeping willows, pagodas, and arched bridges, the lake has inspired poets and artists for centuries. Highlights include Su Causeway, Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, and Leifeng Pagoda.
Wuzhen Water Town
Often referred to as the “Venice of the East,” Wuzhen is a charming ancient water town with stone bridges, wooden houses, and tranquil canals. Both the West and East Scenic Areas offer a glimpse into China’s past, with museums, craft workshops, and glowing night scenes that feel like a living painting.
Lingering Garden (Suzhou)
One of China’s Four Great Classical Gardens, Lingering Garden is a masterpiece of traditional landscape design. Featuring elegant pavilions, winding corridors, rockeries, and lotus-filled ponds, it embodies the harmony between architecture and nature found in Suzhou’s rich garden heritage.
Nianhuawan Zen Town (Wuxi)
A tranquil retreat nestled by Lake Tai, Nianhuawan offers a serene atmosphere blending Zen philosophy with natural beauty. In the evening, the Zen Light Show brings the town to life with music, lights, and artistic performances, offering a truly immersive cultural experience.
Confucius Temple (Nanjing)
Step into the heart of ancient Nanjing at the Confucius Temple and Qinhuai River Scenic Area. Explore centuries-old alleyways, traditional architecture, and bustling street markets along the riverbanks. It's a perfect place to experience Jiangnan culture and taste authentic Nanjing street food.
Price Includes & Price Excludes
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Important Notes
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Itinerary Adjustments
To ensure the smooth execution of the tour, the guide or driver may adjust the order of visits based on actual conditions such as weather or traffic, provided no attractions are omitted and guests agree to the changes. In case of price fluctuations due to uncontrollable factors, any cost difference will be refunded or charged accordingly. We appreciate your understanding. -
Unforeseen Circumstances
If a listed attraction cannot be visited due to force majeure or other uncontrollable reasons, the guide will consult with the group and either cancel or replace the activity based on the actual situation. If a refund is applicable, it will be calculated based on the internal tour pricing rather than the public ticket price of the attraction. -
Meeting Time Adjustments
In the event of sudden traffic issues or road closures, the meeting time may be adjusted accordingly. Please refer to notifications from your guide or tour assistant. -
Complimentary Items
Complimentary attractions or experiences are subject to availability and weather conditions. The scenic area reserves the right to cancel them based on capacity. Participation is optional. -
Leaving the Group
During scheduled group activities (i.e., outside of designated free time), participants may not leave the group without guide/leader approval. If permitted, you must sign a waiver of responsibility and are fully accountable for your personal safety and belongings during the independent period. Unused portions of the itinerary will be considered voluntarily forfeited, and no refund will be issued for missed services already arranged or paid.
Avoid Travel During Chinese Public Holidays:
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New Year's Day: January 1
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Spring Festival (Chinese New Year): January 28 – February 4
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Valentine’s Day: February 14
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Qingming Festival: April 4 – April 6
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Labor Day: May 1 – May 5
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Dragon Boat Festival: May 31 – June 2
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Mid-Autumn Festival: October 6
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National Day Holiday: October 1 – October 8
Traveler Information
Adult: 6~75 years old
Child: 2~5 years old
Change & Cancellation Policies
- If a cancellation request is submitted before 00:00 on the day 7 day(s) before departure, no fee will be charged for cancellation.
- If a cancellation request is submitted before 00:00 on the day 5 day(s) before departure, a fee of 30% will be charged.
- If a cancellation request is submitted before 00:00 on the day 3 day before departure, a fee of 100% will be charged.
- If a discount is applied, the fee will be calculated as a proportion of the pre-discount price. It will not exceed the amount actually paid.
- *Partial refund not available
- *If you need to change the date, please cancel the booking and then rebook.
Attractions in Sichuan, China
Huanglongxi Ancient Town Tours | People's Park Tours | Daocheng Yading | Jiuzhaigou Valley | Mt. Emei (Emeishan) Tours | Mt. Qingcheng (Qingcheng Shan) Tours | Chongqing | Terracotta Warriors | Dujiangyan Tours | Wuhou Temple Tours | Kuan Zhai Alley Tours | Leshan Giant Buddha Tours