Orchids by the Water – Enchanted Jiangnan - 6 Days
Shanghai · Hangzhou · Wuzhen · Nanxun · Suzhou
Water Town Charm, Tea Culture & Jiangnan Flavours
6 DAYS
ENGLISH-SPEAKING TOUR GUIDE
CULTURAL & GOURMET JOURNEY
Step into the timeless beauty of Jiangnan, where peaceful canals, classical gardens, ancient water towns and refined local cuisine come together.
This 6-day journey travels from vibrant Shanghai through Hangzhou, Wuzhen, Nanxun and Suzhou, combining some of Jiangnan’s most celebrated cultural landscapes with immersive experiences including traditional Hanfu dress, tea culture, classical gardens and specially selected regional dining.
With comfortable 5-star accommodation, English-speaking guiding and thoughtfully planned sightseeing, this tour is ideal for travellers looking for a more immersive and comfortable introduction to eastern China.
Top Trip Features
Experience the Romance of Jiangnan Water Towns
Discover some of eastern China’s most atmospheric historic towns, including Wuzhen and Nanxun.
Walk beside traditional canals, cross stone bridges and explore streets lined with historic architecture while experiencing the slower rhythm and distinctive character of Jiangnan.
1
Dress in traditional Chinese Hanfu while exploring the picturesque waterways and historic surroundings of Wuzhen.
It is a unique opportunity to experience traditional Chinese aesthetics while capturing memorable photographs among ancient canals, bridges and waterside buildings.
2
Traditional Hanfu Experience
Tea Culture & West Lake
3
Explore Hangzhou’s famous West Lake landscape and experience an introduction to traditional Chinese tea culture through a tea-picking activity.
Discover the connection between tea, local culture and the landscape of Hangzhou.
Day by Day Itinerary
-
Welcome to Shanghai!
Arrive in Shanghai and begin your Jiangnan journey.
Scheduled arrival transfers are available from:
Shanghai Pudong International Airport
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport
Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station
Upon arrival, meet the local representative and transfer to your hotel by private vehicle.
After checking in to your international 5-star hotel, the remainder of the day is yours to relax after your journey.
There are no compulsory sightseeing activities scheduled today, giving you time to rest or independently explore the surrounding area.
Shanghai is one of China’s most dynamic international cities, blending historic neighbourhoods with modern shopping districts and an impressive contemporary skyline.
Accommodation: International 5-Star Wyndham Garden Shanghai Pudong / Crowne Plaza Shanghai Xiayang Lake or similar
Meals: Meals at own arrangement.
-
Grand Canal & Historic Hangzhou
After breakfast, depart Shanghai and travel to Hangzhou, historically celebrated as one of China’s most beautiful cities.
Begin with a visit to the Grand Canal Hangzhou Section, part of China’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Grand Canal.
Stretching across eastern China, the Grand Canal played a major role in connecting regions, supporting trade and shaping the historical development of cities such as Hangzhou.
Continue to Qinghefang Ancient Street, one of Hangzhou’s best-known historic neighbourhoods.
Walk among traditional-style buildings, shops and local establishments while experiencing the atmosphere of old Hangzhou.
The journey continues along Southern Song Imperial Street, reflecting Hangzhou’s history as the capital of the Southern Song Dynasty.
Together, these historic districts introduce the architecture, commercial culture and everyday character of the ancient city.
After sightseeing, check in to your hotel and relax for the evening.
Accommodation: International 5-Star Wyndham Hangzhou Linping / Crowne Plaza Hangzhou Linping by IHG or similar
Meals
Breakfast: Hotel buffet
Lunch: Premium Hangzhou cuisine
Dinner: Qianjia Courtyard specialty banquet
-
West Lake · Tea Culture · Hanfu Water Town Experience
Begin the day by exploring the famous West Lake Scenic Area in Hangzhou.
Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, West Lake is renowned for its combination of tranquil water, landscaped gardens, historic structures and surrounding hills.
Enjoy time around the scenic area before taking part in a traditional tea-picking experience, providing an introduction to the tea culture closely associated with Hangzhou and the West Lake region.
Wuzhen Water Town
After lunch, continue to Wuzhen Xizha Scenic Area, one of Jiangnan’s most famous historic water towns.
Wander through a landscape of:
Traditional canals
Historic bridges
Waterside homes
Narrow lanes
Traditional architecture
During your visit, participate in a traditional Hanfu costume experience.
Dress in traditional Chinese attire and experience the water town from a different perspective while enjoying opportunities for photographs among Wuzhen’s canals and historic streets.
Nanxun Ancient Town
Later, continue to Nanxun, another important historic water town in eastern China.
In the evening, experience Yiyuan Song Charm, an immersive light-and-shadow performance inspired by the refined aesthetics and culture of the Song Dynasty.
Afterwards, check in to your luxury hotel in Nanxun.
Accommodation: International 5-Star Huzhou Marriott Hotel Nanxun / Hilton Huzhou Nanxun / Four Points by Sheraton or similar
Meals
Breakfast: Hotel buffet
Lunch: Jiangnan Tea Banquet
Dinner: At own arrangement in Nanxun Ancient Town
-
Classical Gardens & Historic Suzhou
After breakfast, depart Nanxun and travel to Suzhou, a city famous throughout China for its classical gardens, canals and traditional architecture.
Lion Grove Garden
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Lion Grove Garden.
One of Suzhou’s celebrated classical gardens, Lion Grove is particularly known for its intricate rock formations, traditional pavilions, pathways and carefully composed garden scenery.
Explore the garden while discovering the design principles that have made Suzhou’s classical gardens internationally recognised examples of Chinese landscape art.
Twin Pagoda Market
Continue to the Twin Pagoda Market, a contemporary local market located within a historic area of Suzhou.
Browse stalls featuring local produce, traditional foods, creative products and everyday specialties while experiencing a more contemporary side of local life.
Suzhou-Style Afternoon Tea
Continue to Lanliyuan for a leisurely traditional Suzhou-style afternoon tea.
Relax and experience the slower pace and refined culinary traditions associated with the Jiangnan region.
Shantang Street
Later, explore Shantang Street Historic and Cultural Block.
With canals, bridges, historic architecture, local shops and traditional streetscapes, Shantang Street offers a classic introduction to Suzhou’s distinctive character.
After sightseeing, return to the hotel for the evening.
Accommodation: International 5-Star KYLN Hotel Suzhou / Four Points by Sheraton Suzhou, Wuzhong or similar
Meals
Breakfast: Hotel buffet
Lunch: Local market cuisine
Afternoon Tea: Traditional Suzhou-style afternoon tea
-
Historic Shanghai & The Bund
After breakfast, return to Shanghai for a full day exploring some of the city’s most famous cultural and historical districts.
Wukang Road
Walk through the Wukang Road Historical and Cultural Area, known for its tree-lined streets and historic architecture.
The area reflects Shanghai’s distinctive blend of Chinese and international influences.
Shanghai City God Temple Area
Continue to the Shanghai City God Temple Tourist Area, one of the city’s best-known traditional neighbourhoods.
Explore the lively streets and experience another side of Shanghai beyond its modern skyline.
Zhangyuan
Visit Zhangyuan, a historic Shanghai neighbourhood that has been revitalised while retaining elements of the city's architectural heritage.
Nanjing Road
Continue to Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, one of Shanghai’s most famous shopping and commercial areas.
Walk through the vibrant city centre and experience the energy of modern Shanghai.
The Bund
Finish the sightseeing program at The Bund, Shanghai’s iconic waterfront promenade.
Admire the historic architecture along the western bank of the Huangpu River while looking across towards the modern skyline of Pudong.
The contrast between historic Shanghai and the city's futuristic skyscrapers provides one of the most recognisable views in China.
After sightseeing, return to the hotel.
Accommodation: International 5-Star Wyndham Garden Shanghai Pudong / Crowne Plaza Shanghai Xiayang Lake or similar
Meals
Breakfast: Hotel buffet
Lunch: At own arrangement at City God Temple
Dinner: Shanghai No.1 Premium Banquet
-
Farewell to China
Enjoy your final morning at your hotel.
Depending on your flight or train schedule, a transfer will be arranged to:
Shanghai Pudong International Airport
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport
Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station
Depart Shanghai with memories of Jiangnan’s ancient water towns, traditional gardens, regional cuisine and vibrant cities.
End of tour.
Meals
Breakfast: Hotel buffet
Important Information
October: 6, 13, 20, 27
November: 3, 10, 17, 24
December: 1, 8, 15, 22
*Departure dates and availability are subject to confirmation at the time of booking.
2026 Departure Dates
Your tour package includes:
5 nights' accommodation in selected international 5-star hotels
Daily hotel breakfast as specified
Selected lunches, dinners and afternoon tea as listed in the itinerary
Transportation throughout the tour
Scheduled Shanghai airport / railway station arrival transfer
Scheduled Shanghai airport / railway station departure transfer
English-speaking tour guide
Sightseeing included in the published itinerary
Admission to included attractions
Traditional Hanfu costume experience
Tea-picking experience
Selected cultural experiences listed in the itinerary
Important Tour Information
Deposit & Payment: Full payment is required at booking.
Changes: After payment, no changes allowed.
Minimum Booking: A minimum of 2 travellers is required.
The following are not included in the advertised tour price:
International airfares
China visa fees, where applicable
Travel insurance
Compulsory service fee / gratuity
Meals not specified in the itinerary
Optional activities
Personal shopping
Laundry and telephone expenses
Other expenses of a personal nature
Additional expenses resulting from circumstances beyond the tour operator's reasonable control
What’s Included
What’s Not Included
Optional Experience
Your tour package includes:
5 nights' accommodation in selected international 5-star hotels
Daily hotel breakfast as specified
Selected lunches, dinners and afternoon tea as listed in the itinerary
Transportation throughout the tour
Scheduled Shanghai airport / railway station arrival transfer
Scheduled Shanghai airport / railway station departure transfer
English-speaking tour guide
Sightseeing included in the published itinerary
Admission to included attractions
Traditional Hanfu costume experience
Tea-picking experience
Selected cultural experiences listed in the itinerary
Terms and Conditions
-
Accommodation is based on twin-share or triple-share rooms unless otherwise stated.
Single travellers requiring their own room are required to pay the applicable single supplement.
Hotel names listed in the itinerary represent the planned accommodation at the time of publication.
If a listed hotel becomes unavailable, the tour operator may substitute another property of a similar standard.
-
Children under 12 may qualify for the published child rate.
Children occupying a separate bed will be charged at the adult rate.
Hotel breakfast may not be included for children travelling without a separate bed.
All travellers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
-
This tour may operate on a shared or seat-in-coach basis with other travellers.
Guests are expected to follow scheduled meeting and departure times and reasonable instructions provided by the tour guide.
Transportation arrangements may be combined with other travellers provided that the advertised overall standard and included tour services remain unchanged.
-
The itinerary represents the planned touring arrangements at the time of publication.
The order of sightseeing, transportation, hotels, restaurants or activities may be changed where reasonably necessary because of:
Local operating conditions
Traffic
Weather
Attraction opening arrangements
Transport changes
Government restrictions
Safety considerations
Other circumstances beyond the operator's reasonable control
Where changes are required, reasonable efforts will be made to maintain the overall standard and principal inclusions of the tour.
-
The hotels and restaurants shown are based on planned arrangements.
Where an advertised hotel or restaurant cannot be used, an alternative of a comparable standard may be arranged where reasonably possible.
-
Travellers are responsible for ensuring they hold appropriate travel documents before departure, including:
A valid passport
An appropriate Chinese visa or entry permission where required
Any documents required by airlines or relevant authorities
Visa and entry requirements may vary depending on nationality and individual circumstances.
-
Travel insurance is not included.
Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended and should provide appropriate cover for matters such as:
Overseas medical expenses
Cancellation
Travel delays
Personal belongings
Lost luggage
Emergency assistance
Travellers should review their insurance policy carefully to ensure that the level of cover is appropriate for their circumstances.
-
Expenses of a personal nature are not included unless specifically stated.
These may include:
Shopping
Laundry
Telephone charges
Additional food and beverages
Optional activities
Other personal purchases
-
Circumstances beyond the reasonable control of the tour operator may affect the operation of the tour.
These may include events such as:
Natural disasters
Severe weather
Government restrictions
Civil disturbance or social unrest
Major transportation disruption
Public health emergencies
Other events that make the scheduled tour impossible or impractical to operate
Where these circumstances affect the itinerary, reasonable changes to transportation, accommodation or sightseeing arrangements may be required.
Additional costs resulting from circumstances beyond the operator's control are not included in the original tour price unless otherwise advised.