TravelTidesChina: Your Personalized Journey Through China
Discover China with TravelTidesChina, a specialist in customized inbound China tours designed by experienced local travel experts. We create thoughtfully curated itineraries that showcase China's iconic landmarks, rich history, and authentic local life-crafted entirely around your interests, travel pace, and budget.
Highlights
- Experience Shanghai’s Iconic Skyline: Ascend the world-famous Shanghai Tower for breathtaking panoramic views, then cross the Huangpu River by local ferry and stroll along the historic The Bund, where colonial architecture meets futuristic skyscrapers.
- Discover Classical Chinese Beauty: Step into the elegant Yu Garden, a masterpiece of traditional Chinese landscaping with pavilions, koi ponds, and winding corridors
- Experience Authentic Dragon Well Tea Culture: Visit Meijiawu Tea Village and learn the traditional craft of picking and roasting China’s most famous green tea, Longjing Tea, with local farmers.
- Cruise the Poetic Waters of West Lake:Enjoy a tranquil boat ride on the UNESCO-listed West Lake, one of China’s most celebrated scenic landscapes that has inspired poets and painters for centuries.
- Discover China’s Tech Innovation Hub:Step into the future in Hangzhou with a visit to the Alibaba Xixi Campus, and explore the city’s vision for smart urban living.
- Wander Through Classical Suzhou Gardens: Experience the refined beauty of the Master of the Nets Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage garden known for its poetic design and tranquil atmosphere.
- Explore a Thousand-Year-Old Water Town: Drift through the canals of Tongli Water Town, where stone bridges, historic houses, and peaceful waterways reveal the charm of traditional Jiangnan life.
- Please note: Based on a private tour for 2 people. Price varies depending on program, travel date, number of people and chosen hotel. Custom designed personal tour. Prices subject to change.
Day 1: Arrival in Shanghai
Arrive in Shanghai, China's most dynamic metropolis. Your private guide will greet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle. Sit back and relax while your luggage and hotel check-in are handled for you.
Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a leisurely walk near your hotel to get your first glimpse of Shanghai's vibrant atmosphere.
Day 2: Shanghai Highlights
Meals: Breakfast
Start the day with spectacular panoramic views from Shanghai Tower, one of the tallest buildings in the world.
Next, experience local life with a public ferry ride across the Huangpu River, offering a unique perspective of the city skyline.
Continue to the historic Bund, where grand European architecture stands opposite the futuristic skyscrapers of Pudong.
Explore the classical beauty of Yu Garden, a masterpiece of traditional Chinese garden design filled with elegant pavilions, koi ponds, and winding corridors.
In the afternoon, visit Shanghai Museum East, where thousands of years of Chinese civilization come to life through ancient bronzes, ceramics, paintings, and calligraphy.
Along the way, your guide will introduce you to hidden food spots loved by locals, including famous Michelin-rated pan-fried buns.
Day 3: Former French Concession
Meals: Breakfast
Today you'll explore the charming Former French Concession, known for its leafy boulevards and historic villas.
Stroll along picturesque streets such as Wukang Road, Huaihai Road, Fuxing Road, and Sinan Road, where French colonial architecture and Art Deco buildings reflect Shanghai's cosmopolitan history.
Continue with a cultural Xujiahui City Walk, visiting highlights including:
- Xu Guangqi Tomb
- Xujiahui Catholic Church
- Xujiahui Park
- Little Red House (birthplace of China's national anthem)
In the afternoon, wander through Tianzifang, a maze of narrow alleyways filled with boutiques, cafés, art studios, and traditional Shikumen houses.
If conditions allow, enjoy a special moment visiting a local Shanghainese home, sharing tea and conversation for an authentic glimpse into daily life.
Day 4: Shanghai to Hangzhou
Meals: Breakfast
Travel by high-speed train (about 45 minutes)to Hangzhou, a city famously described as “Heaven on Earth.”
Begin with a visit to the legendary West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has inspired poets and painters for centuries. Enjoy a relaxing boat ride across its serene waters.
Continue to Meijiawu Tea Village, the birthplace of the famous Dragon Well (Longjing) Tea. Join local tea farmers to: Pick fresh tea leaves.Learn traditional stir-frying techniques.Brew the perfect cup of Longjing tea.
Later, visit a historic Traditional Chinese Medicine pharmacy, where artisans demonstrate ancient techniques such as herb slicing and pill making.
End the day exploring Qinghefang Old Street, a lively historic street filled with local snacks, tea houses, and cultural shops.
Day 5: Hangzhou
Meals: Breakfast
Discover the modern and innovative side of Hangzhou.
Start at a local market, where vibrant stalls showcase fresh produce and authentic street snacks.
Then experience a glimpse of the future by riding a driverless smart bus, demonstrating how technology is transforming urban transportation.
Continue to the Alibaba Creative Ecological Park, once the headquarters of the global tech giant. Learn how Alibaba helped shape Hangzhou into one of China’s most innovative cities.Visit the Hangzhou Urban Planning Exhibition Hall, featuring immersive VR and AR displays that reveal the city’s development and future vision.
End the day at the City Balcony, enjoying sweeping views of the Qiantang River, Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center, and the modern skyline.
Day 6: Hangzhou to Suzhou
Meals: Breakfast
Travel by private vehicle to Suzhou, a city famous for its classical gardens and canals.
Visit the elegant Master-of-Nets Garden, a UNESCO-listed masterpiece known for its delicate layout and poetic design.
Stroll along Pingjiang Road, a historic canal street dating back over 1,000 years, lined with traditional houses, tea shops, and stone bridges.
In the afternoon, explore Tongli Water Town, one of the most picturesque ancient towns in the region. Wander through its network of canals and historic bridges, and enjoy a traditional boat ride for a peaceful glimpse into local life.
Day 7: Suzhou to Shanghai
After breakfast, your guide and driver will escort you back to Shanghai for your departure flight. As your journey comes to an end, take with you unforgettable memories of:
- Shanghai’s vibrant skyline
- Hangzhou’s poetic West Lake
- Suzhou’s timeless gardens and water towns
We look forward to welcoming you again on another adventure in China
Reference Hotels (3-Star)
Hampton by Hilton / Holiday Inn Express / All Seasons Hotel / Orange Hotel, or similar
Made to order
- Various types of accommodation are available, including famous 5-star hotel chains, 4-star hotels in the best locations, good value 3-star hotels, or boutique hotels that reflect the style of the region. Whatever your accommodation preferences are, our travel experts will seek out and find the perfect one for you.
- Tailor your trip to include a wide variety of activities, from the must-see's to the lesser-known, local experiences, and even the exclusive ones you may not know about.
- With no fixed dates or set schedules, you can explore on your terms.
- Whether you're celebrating one of life's big moments or looking to fulfill a personal journey, we always work with you to ensure we're creating a trip-of-a-lifetime.
What's included
- Private air-conditioned business car with big windows and ample space
- English speaking local guide
- Activities, hotels, and meals listed in the itinerary
- Flights/trains between itinerary cities
- 24/7 helpline for while you are traveling
What's not included
- Your international airfare - please do let your expert know if you'd like to receive pricing from our Air Team
- Travel insurance, which we offer and can be purchased after you've booked your tour
- Visas (unless noted)
- Tips for services and experiences
- Excess baggage charges, and where applicable, baggage not included in your fare
- Personal charges such as laundry, phone calls, SIM cards or room service
- Early check-in or late check-out from hotels (unless otherwise specified)
- Additional sightseeing, activities and experiences outside of your itinerary
- Optional enhancements like room or flight upgrades, or local camera or video fees
- Passport fees, immunization costs, and local departure taxes (when applicable)
We listen: Share your travel goals and preferences, and we bring them to life.
We plan: Every detail of your itinerary is carefully arranged by our travel experts.
We refine: We collaborate with you to perfect your trip, even if plans change while traveling.
To help us create your personalized itinerary, please provide:
- Planned travel dates
- Number of travelers
- Duration of your trip
- Special interests or requests
