Explore the Elegant China
Embark on an unforgettable journey through three most elegant cities in China: Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of West Lake in Hangzhou, and explore the exquisite gardens of Suzhou. Marvel at Shanghai's fascinating blend of ancient and modern China. As you journey through these cities, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the rich cultural heritage and timeless elegance that define Chinese civilization.
Discover the joy of traveling with your family on a private and personalized journey through China with us. We will curate an itinerary that perfectly suits your family's interests and pace, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable experience for everyone. Click "Inquire" to let us know your needs.
Suggested 7-Day Itinerary
Day | Highlights |
---|---|
1-3 Shanghai |
The Bund, Shanghai Tower, Yu Gardens, Wukang Road, Gong Yan |
4-5 Hangzhou |
The West Lake, the Tea Plantations, Song Dynasty Town |
6 Suzhou |
The Master of the Nets Garden, Pingjiang Road, Tongli Water Town |
7 Shanghai |
Shanghai Departure |
Tour 'Wow' Points
Indulge in a Royal Feast with Exquisite Imperial Cuisine and Captivating Live Performances.
Embracing tradition, the restaurant staff are all adorned in Hanfu. You are also welcome and encouraged to wear Hanfu during the dining experience.


Stroll along the Picturesque Avenues with European-style buildings and leafy Canopies.
Follow your guide and you will admire the elegant Art Deco and colonial-era mansions, villas, and residential houses that once belonged to affluent foreigners and well-to-do Chinese residents.


Savor the Beauty of Chinese Exquisite Garden Art.
The Master of the Nets Garden is a smaller, yet incredibly exquisite garden. It creates an illusion of vastness within a relatively small space.


Explore the Charming Network of Canals That Wind through the Water Town.
Tonli Water Town is a picturesque destination known for its well-preserved ancient architecture, canals, and bridges.


Glide across the Tranquil Waters on a Leisurely Boat Trip.
Embark on a leisurely cruise and listen to intriguing tales about the landmarks on West Lakes that you'll encounter.


Brew a Perfect Cup of Tea and Savor Its Unique Flavors.
Be warmly welcomed by a local tea farmer from Meijiawu Tea Village. Harvest your own tea and witness the intricate process of stir-frying.


Immerse in the Song Dynasty amidst Authentic Replicas of Ancient Architecture and Vibrant Streets.
Song Dynasty Town offers a blend of historical realism and fantastical entertainment. You will learn about Song Dynasty life with your guide's explaination.


Engage All Your Senses between Reality and the Hyper-Realistic Virtual Worlds.
The VR Park offers different themed experiences, including adventure, fantasy, and historical narrative. Most attractions are based on Chinese history and culture, which brings you to experience the China's ancient life.

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

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Amazing experience with Brenda in Suzhou
![]() We just had a two day tour from may 28th in Suzhou with our guide Brenda. She is very experienced and knowledgeable about the city and its history. She was always available for questions and tips online even at night. We loved how she presented the history in a comprehensive way that did not overwhelm us but rather contributed to the landscape. She was very flexible in adjusting the schedule to our needs. She picked authentic delicious restaurants for lunch just as we requested. It was an amazing experience, and we would recommend her as a guide at any time. more
May 2025, Manuel H
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A high spot of our 2-week tour in this part of China
![]() My partner and I spent two and a half days in Suzhou last week, with an itinerary arranged by China Highlights. The area in and around the city was a high spot of our 2-week tour in the region around Shanghai. Fabulous museums, ancient canals and historic gardens. Our Suzhou guide Brenda was topnotch; extremely knowledgeable about both old and new China and a lovely person to spend time with too. We preferred Suzhou to Hangzhou, I must say. more
May 2025, Howard B
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Fun 6 days private tour to Suzhou, Wuxi, Yixing and Xitang
![]() We had a fun 6 days private tour to Wuxi, Yixing, Suzhou and Xitang where MI 3 was filmed. Our tour guide Brenda is very knowledgeable about Chinese history, rearranged our schedule to avoid holiday crowds, took us to local restaurant where we got to try delicious authentic local specialties, and gave us great recommendations we requested outside our tour like restaurants in Shanghai and spa for massage. And she took many pictures for us :) Highly recommend. more
May 2025, fltnlau
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Suggested Itinerary
Your dedicated private tour guide will greet you at the airport, ensuring a stress-free transfer to your hotel in a comfortable private vehicle. Sit back and relax as your luggage is handled and your hotel check-in is seamlessly completed.
Begin your journey by soaring to the summit of an iconic skyscraper at the Shanghai Tower, where the city unfurls beneath you like a shimmering tapestry.
Next, feel the pulse of Shanghai on a public ferry cruise along the legendary Huangpu River. As you glide through the water, the city's dual personality unfolds: on one side, the historic Bund whispers tales of a bygone golden age through its magnificent architectural gems; on the other, the audacious towers of Pudong pierce the clouds, a testament to Shanghai's relentless evolution.
Step ashore and wander amidst the Bund's captivating streetscapes, each building a silent storyteller. Then, let curiosity guide you down a hidden alleyway, where the true essence of local life thrives. Here, you'll savor exquisite local bites from a Michelin-starred spot.
Next, immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Yu Garden, a quintessential example of traditional Chinese garden design. Marvel at the intricate layout and harmonious blend of natural elements.
In the evening, enjoy an immersive dining experience at Gong Yan, a highly sought-after banquet-style restaurant. Throughout the meal, professional performers bring different Chinese dynasties to life with traditional melodies, dances, and engaging skits.
Step back in time and immerse yourself in the enchanting Former French Concession. As you wander through its leafy avenues like Wukang Road, Huaihai Road, Fuxing Road, and Sinan Road, you'll discover a treasure trove of French colonial-style buildings.
On a sun-drenched day, the graceful shadows cast by the majestic Chenar trees dance upon the pavements, weaving a tapestry of romance that's truly captivating. This is a journey through a living, breathing testament to Shanghai's elegant past.
Take the chance to experience the VR technology with multi-sensory elements at X-META theme park. It utilizes virtual reality to create engaging and interactive experience based on popular Chinese cultural IPs, like TV shows and historical narratives.
Then walk to the Columbia Circle, which seamlessly blends historical charm with modern vibrancy. You'll find preserved historical buildings and colonial-era structures, often in a Spanish Colonial Revival style. It's a perfect area for leisurely wandering.
Finally, Tianzifang! This unique area preserves its original labyrinthine alleyways and traditional Shikumen houses, offering a genuine glimpse into local life. Explore narrow alleys filled with boutique shops selling handmade souvenirs, vintage items, and crafts, perfect for finding unique treasures and enjoying a meal or drink.
Today, you will take a 45-minute high speed train from Shanghai to Hangzhou.
Steeped in over 1,200 years of history, West Lake isn't just a destination; it's a living poem, a timeless muse that has inspired poets, painters, and emperors for generations. As you glide across its tranquil waters, you'll feel as if you've stepped into a classical Chinese landscape painting.
Located close to the West Lake, Lingyin Temple is a highlight due to its 1,600-year history as one of China's most important Buddhist temples. Before even reaching the main temple complex, you'll encounter these incredible rock carvings. The sheer number and artistry of these ancient sculptures provide a unique historical and artistic experience.
Then we head to a living museum of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Except learning the history and principles of TCM, you can see experienced pharmaceutical workers demonstrating the art of manual pill-making, slicing herbs, and compounding prescriptions using ancient tools.
Qing He Fang Old Street is not a vibrant and historically significant area, but also a paradise for foodies. It offers a wide array of local treats like Dingsheng Cake, Cong Bao Hui, etc. Your guide will ensure you have personal time to explore.
Journey to Meijiawu Tea Village, the birthplace of China's renowned West Lake Dragon Well tea. A local tea farmer will welcome you with traditional bamboo baskets and hats, guiding you to the tea plantations.
Learn to select and pick tea leaves correctly. Then, observe the stir-frying process, which dehydrates the leaves and preserves their vibrant green. Conclude by mastering the art of brewing a perfect cup of this legendary tea.
In the afternoon, we will head to Song Dynasty Town, a massive theme park that immerses you in the culture and daily life of the Song Dynasty (960–1279 AD). Explore the streets and others lined with ancient architecture, shops, teahouses, and even people in traditional Song Dynasty costumes. Enjoy various street shows, puppet shows, shadow plays, and even participate in traditional customs.
Embark on a scenic 1.5-hour drive from Hangzhou to Suzhou, covering a distance of approximately 162 kilometers.
Though not as sprawling as the Humble Administrator's Garden, the Master-of-Nets Garden offers an unparalleled sense of intimacy and delicate beauty. This miniature masterpiece condenses the essence of a classical Chinese landscape garden.
Pingjiang Road is a vibrant, living echo of Suzhou's rich past. This 1,600-meter-long historic street, a bustling thoroughfare since the Song Dynasty, continues to thrive today. It's a lively blend of shops, delectable local eateries, and scenic canals.
In the afternoon, visit the Tongli Water Town, a picturesque destination steeped in history dating back over a millennium. Explore its network of canals, adorned with historic bridges that connect charming islands. Taking a leisurely boat through the canals offers a unique perspective on the daily life of local people.
As your journey comes to a close, your dedicated guide and driver will escort you from Suzhou to the Shanghai airport, ensuring a smooth departure. We look forward to welcoming you back for another unforgettable adventure in China.
Hotel Selection
—the Icing on the Cake
Boutique hotels are recommended to enrich your travel experience.



Tour Price
Price includes: