9 Days China Heritage Tour Beijing Shanghai Suzhou Hangzhou: Culture, Elegance & Imperial Glory

Welcome to Shanghai, China's most international city! Your memorable tour of Beijing, Shanghai, Suzhou, and Hangzhou begins here in China's most cosmopolitan metropolis. Upon your arrival at Shanghai Pudong (PVG) or Hongqiao (SHA) Airport, your English-speaking guide and driver will greet you with a sign bearing your name and transfer you to your downtown hotel.

After check-in, you'll have free time to rest from jet lag. Evening Recommendation: (explore on your own) After dinner, take a leisurely walk along The Bund - illuminated by golden lights after sunset, it's the perfect spot to capture photos of the Huangpu River and Pudong's skyline. For a better view, opt for the optional Huangpu River Cruise (45 mins) to see both sides of the river in all their glory.

Shanghai Tips: Most shops and restaurants accept international credit cards (Visa/Mastercard), and many staff in tourist areas speak basic English. You are welcome to ask your tour guide for some useful tips to spend your free time based on your time and interest.

On this day, your guide will take you to Lujiazui Financial District in Shanghai Pudong New Area to the highest building in China - the Shanghai Tower. It features a dramatic 120-degree twist from its base to its peak. Take the world's fastest lifts (traveling at 64km/h) to the "Top of Shanghai Observatory" located on the 118th floor, 546 meters above ground level. Here, you'll have the unparalleled opportunity to enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of modern Shanghai and also look down upon the Oriental Pearl TV Tower (a cultural landmark of Shanghai), Jin Mao Tower (a traditional Chinese pagoda-like structure with a modern style) and the Shanghai World Financial Center (the third tallest building in China and the fifth tallest in the world).

Next, move to Yu Garden, the most celebrated classical Chinese garden hidden in the bustling downtown area of Shanghai, where you can appreciate the beauty of a Jiangnan water town ! Yu Garden was a private garden of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) with a history of over 460 years, was built in 1559 by Pan Yunduan (潘允端) for his father to enjoy his retired life. You will see the winding paths and changing scenery, the plants and ponds, the brick carvings, stone carvings, clay sculptures, and wood carvings in the garden, all designed with great craftsmanship. On the way to Yu Garden, you will pass by the iconic Jiuqu Bridge (九曲桥Nine-Bend Bridge/Zigzag Causeway) and the Huxin Pavilion (湖心亭Mid-lake Pavilion, built in the Qing Dynasty, 1616-1912). According to Chinese Fengshui, the zigzag causeway is designed to thwart spirits, who can only journey in straight lines. As you enter Yu Garden, you can explore various beautifully crafted dragons hidden in the buildings, count them, and learn more about the Chinese dragon totem from your guide.

Later, explore Yuyuan Bazaar (Chenghuangmiao Market) outside Yu Garden which is a vibrant Shanghai Old Street where you can try Shanghai's local snacks such as Xiaolongbao (Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant小笼包), Pan-Fried Pork Buns (Fried Dumplings生煎包), Soup Dumplings (灌汤包), and Won-ton Soup (上海馄饨). You can also buy some traditional Chinese handicrafts and artworks for souvenirs here.

After lunch, it's time to venture into the Xintiandi near the French Concession, where you can admire the elegant residences that stand as a testament to that era. Xintiandi (新天地) is a bustling place that seamlessly blends Shikumen architecture (石库门) with modern urban fashion style. It offers a comprehensive introduction to the local Shikumen (stone-gate house) architecture, along with enticing dining and shopping options. This upscale entertainment and shopping complex is modeled on traditional “Nong Tang” (弄堂alleyway) homes and stands as the pioneering development in the city, demonstrating the commercial viability of preserving historical architecture.

Then, enjoy a leisure walk from Nanjing Road to the Bund, which is less than a 2 km walk. Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street is one of the iconic attractions of Shanghai, known as the "Number One Commercial Street in China". It serves as a window to Shanghai's openness to the world and a paradise for shoppers from both domestic and international locations. Nanjing Road is the perfect place to experience century-old Chinese time-honored shops.

At last, move to the Bund, the Top 1 Place to Visit on the Shanghai Bucket List. The Bund is the best spot to view the Oriental Pearl TV Tower (a symbol of Shanghai) and the three skyscrapers of Lujiazui that are famed as the "Kitchen Three Piece Set" (陆家嘴三件套) by locals due to their shapes: a syringe (Jin Mao Tower, 421m), bottle opener (Shanghai World Financial Center, 493m), and eggbeater (Shanghai Tower, 546m), respectively. Kown as “An Exhibition of International Buildings”, the Bund is a collection of 52 buildings representing various international architectural styles. Since 1844 (Qing Dynasty), foreign banks, trading companies, clubs, and newspapers have gathered here, showcasing the former glory of the "Wall Street of the Far East" (远东华尔街). You will visit the Zhapu Road Bridge (乍浦路桥) to capture the "Shanghai Version of Seine River Scenery"(上海版塞纳河风光), followed by Waibaidu Bridge (外白渡桥Garden Bridge of Shanghai), where you can admire the Russian Consulate building (俄罗斯领事馆green roof) that combines Baroque and German Renaissance styles. At Huangpu Park (黄埔公园), established in 1886, you can pay tribute to the Monument to the People's Heroes (人民英雄纪念塔) and discover more about the history of the Bund. After passing the Peace Hotel, you won't miss the iconic Clock Tower at the Shanghai Customs House (江海关大楼), the HSBC Building (汇丰银行), the Golden Bull Plaza (金牛广场sculpture of a golden bull), and the Gutzlaff Signal Tower (外滩天文台), all of which are classic attractions of the Bund.

This morning, your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby and escort you to the train station for the bullet train to Suzhou (about 30 minutes). Welcome to Suzhou, the Venice of the East! After you arrive, you will head to the Lingering Garden (Liu Garden), one of China’s four most famous classical gardens, first built in 1593. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it showcases elegant architecture, exquisite stones, tranquil ponds, and the refined artistic style of the Qing Dynasty.

Continue to Pingjiang Ancient Street (Pingjiang Road) for a relaxing stroll. This well-preserved stone-paved street, about 1,606 meters long, was an important main route during the Song Dynasty over 800 years ago.

Later, visit Tiger Hill (Hu Qiu), a historic hill park filled with cultural relics, ancient tombs, temples, pagodas, and beautiful scenery. As the saying goes, “It would be a pity to visit Suzhou without seeing Tiger Hill.” Be sure not to miss the iconic Tiger Hill Pagoda - often called China’s Leaning Tower - standing for more than 1,000 years.

Next, wander along Shantang Street, known as “Suzhou’s No. 1 Ancient Street,” with a history of over 1,100 years. Here, you’ll find traditional houses, temples, bridges, gardens, guild halls, and charming local shops. Don’t forget to try some classic Suzhou snacks along the way. In the late afternoon (when night falls), the red lanterns along the riverbanks light up, reflecting softly on the dark water. You will enjoy wonderfully poetic scene.

After the tour, you will be transferred to your hotel in Suzhou.

his morning, drive to visit the Suzhou Museum, a museum of ancient Chinese art, paintings, calligraphy, and handmade crafts in Suzhou. Designed by the famous architect Ieoh Ming Pei, Suzhou Museum is rare among the world's museums because of the building itself.

After that, transfer to the famous Zhouzhuang Water Town (周庄), located about an hour away from Suzhou (approximately 47km away). As the premier water town in the Jiangnan region and selected as one of CNN's "Top Ten Most Beautiful Towns in the World", Zhouzhuang is renowned for its well-preserved Ming and Qing architectural ensembles that showcase the traditional charm of a water town. With a history spanning 900 years, over 60% of the buildings in Zhouzhuang proudly retain their original style. The picturesque scenery of bridges, canals, and traditional homes gained worldwide fame through the renowned painting "Double Bridges" by artist Chen Yifei (陈逸飞) in 1983.

As you step into Zhouzhuang, take a leisurely stroll on the Fu'an Bridge, where you can admire the scenic beauty of the Jiangnan landscape with the Double Bridges as a backdrop. Along the river, visit Shen Hall, known as the "Seven Entries and Five Gate Towers," featuring a typical architectural layout of a "front hall and rear hall." Make sure to also visit Zhang Hall, which bears witness to the saying "Entering by sedan chair through the front gate and departing by boat from the backyard." Immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of Zhouzhuang by visiting the Zhouzhuang Museum, where you can explore the traditions and heritage of this thousand-year-old water town. Time will stand still as you savor the moments and conclude your day at a leisurely pace.

Continuing the scenic Jiangnan leg of your tour of Beijing, Shanghai, Suzhou, and Hangzhou, you will leave the water town and head to Hangzhou (140km, about 2 hours). Welcome to Hangzhou, the Paradise on Earth.

After arriving Hangzhou, you can move to stroll through

Qinghefang Street

(Hefang Street清河坊), located in the old Hangzhou city, which will bring you back to the scenes of prosperity at the foot of the old imperial city. As the markets at the back of the imperial court of the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279), Hefang Street (河坊街) has not only witnessed the thousand years of changes in Hangzhou but also retained the cultural memories of the old generations. If you are interested in Chinese Herbal Medicine Culture you can visit the landmark of the Hefang Street -

Hu Qing Yu Tang

(胡庆余堂 intangible cultural heritage), a over 100-year-old traditional Chinese medicine pharmacy and

Traditional Chinese Medicine Museum

(self-pay胡庆余堂中药博物馆). Founded by Hu Xueyan (胡雪岩) in 1874, the wealthiest merchant in the late Qing Dynasty and the Medicine King of Jiangnan, the museum is an excellent spot to appreciate the Qing Dynasty architectural style with a front shop and rear workshop, watch pharmacists make a prescription, try a cup of healthy herbal tea. Today, the "

Golden Shovel and Silver Pot

" (金铲银锅) displayed in the museum have become national-level cultural relics and are acclaimed as "Chinese National Treasures". Wandering along the street you can try to find a unique architecture made of bronze (江南铜屋) while passing all kinds of shops and sampling all kinds of local snacks. Also, if time permits you can also visit the

Former Residence of Hu Xueyan

(胡雪岩故居) to learn more about Hu Xueyan and his brand of Hu Qing Yu Tang. Overnight in Hangzhou.

This morning, your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby and escort you to explore Hangzhou, the “Heaven on Earth” and a cultural city with a history of over 5,000 years.

You will first explore the China National Tea Museum, the only national museum dedicated entirely to tea culture. It houses 3,865 items, including ancient tea specimens and foreign tea sets. The museum has two branches: (1) Shuangfeng Branch - closer to West Lake, featuring Jiangnan-style garden, a statue of Lu Yu, and exhibits on Longjing Tea and Chinese tea history. (2) Longjing Branch - set on a hillside overlooking West Lake, focusing on global tea culture, traditional tea-making techniques, and historic tea rituals such as Tang-dynasty tea boiling and Song-dynasty Dian Cha.

Continue to Meijiawu Tea Culture Village, the largest Longjing Tea-producing area. Known for receiving state leaders and foreign guests since the 1950s, the village becomes especially lively during the Qingming tea-picking season. More than 30,000 fresh tea buds are needed to produce 1 kg of premium Longjing Tea. Stroll through streets lined with Ming and Qing architecture, tea houses, and workshops. Visit Lu Zhenghao Tea Plantation to witness traditional tea roasting. If time permits, you can stop by the Premier Zhou Enlai Memorial Hall (closed Mondays). Meijiawu is also a great place to enjoy lunch featuring authentic Hangzhou cuisine and Longjing tea.

Afterward, experience West Lake (UNESCO World Heritage Site) like a local. West Lake is famous for temples, gardens, bridges, pagodas, tea houses, willow-lined paths, and literary heritage. Countless poems, legends, and love stories are tied to its beauty. Choose your way to explore: take a walk, bike (free for the first hour), take a lake cruise (self-pay), or ride a sightseeing bus (self-pay).

Walk along the Su Causeway (苏堤) and recall Su Dongpo’s famous lines:

“The shimmering ripples delight the eye on sunny days;

The misty hills are marvelous in rainy haze…”

If you’re a fan of Chinese legends, you may also explore:

• Wan Song Academy (万松书院) where Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai studied together in the “Butterfly Lovers” legend.
• Long Bridge (长桥) their farewell spot, now known for views of Leifeng Pagoda at Sunset.
• Leifeng Pagoda (self-pay) - central to the legend of The White Snake, one of China’s most beloved myths.

Fans of Dream of the Red Chamber can visit the filming site Quyuan Fenghe (曲院风荷) or take a boat tour (self-pay) to Three Ponds Mirroring the Moon, the scene depicted on the Chinese one-yuan banknote.

After enjoying West Lake, visit Jingci Temple (净慈寺), facing Leifeng Pagoda across the lake. Founded in 954, it is famous for the “Evening Bell at Nanping Hill,” one of the Ten Scenes of West Lake, and is associated with the legendary monk Ji Gong. Every afternoon after 4:00 PM, the temple bell echo across the hills. Enjoy peaceful view and feel its charm.

Optional Evening Programs:

1. Impression West Lake Show (19:40–20:35)

A world-famous outdoor performance directed by Zhang Yimou, staged directly on West Lake with lights, music, dance, and breathtaking water effects. It features scenes inspired by classical poems, legends, and music including “The Butterfly Lovers,” “High Mountains and Flowing Water,” and “Memories of Jiangnan.” (Tickets must be booked in advance. Shows may be canceled due to weather or technical issues.)

1. Hangzhou Grand Canal Night Cruise (19:00/19:30/20:20; about 1 hour)

Enjoy a nighttime cruise on the world’s oldest and longest man-made canal (UNESCO). The 2,500-year-old Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal is beautifully illuminated at night. See cultural squares, historic wharfs, old warehouses, and the ancient Gongchen Bridge before returning to Wulinmen Wharf. (Best time: April–October. In winter, cruise schedules may be reduced.)

This morning, experience the 'China Speed' that makes this China heritage tour of Beijing, Shanghai, Suzhou, and Hangzhou possible. Your guide will escort you to the station for a seamless Bullet Train ride to Beijing (about 4-5 hours), bridging the poetic south with the imperial north.

Upon arrival in Beijing, your guide will meet you at the train station and escort you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free on your own so you can explore by yourself around your hotel.

Today marks the imperial highlight of your Beijing, Shanghai, Suzhou, and Hangzhou tour. You will spend the whole day exploring the ancient citadel of Beijing through China’s famous landmarks, epic imperial grandeur, and royal gardens.

After breakfast, your guide will pick you up at your hotel and then head to Tian'anmen Square, which is the world’s largest public square and also the symbol of China. It has witnessed many big events in China over the past decades, and from here you can take good pictures of Tiananmen Gate shown on CCTV News every day.

Walk across the square and you will visit the might and splendor of the awe-inspiring Forbidden City, the world’s largest palace complex and one-time home to 24 emperors of China. Listed as a world heritage site, the Forbidden City has about 500 years, and served as the political and ritual center of China during the Ming (1368-1644) and the Qing (1644-1911) dynasties. With over 8,728 rooms, the Forbidden City is not only China’s largest and best-preserved collection of ancient buildings, but also a city within the city, like the Vatican in Rome. Enter through Meridian Gate and visit along the central axis to ensure you won’t miss any highlighted palaces. You can admire its brilliant architecture and numerous ancient art treasures while listening to your guide and learning more about the emperors' stories hidden inside the Imperial Palace. Later, take another 15-minute walk up to Jingshan Park, where you can have a magnificent panorama of modern Beijing and princely views over the russet roofs of the Forbidden City.

This afternoon, drive to the "Museum of Royal Garden" - Summer Palace, which used to be the resort for royal families to flee the summer heat. The grounds, temples, gardens, pavilions, lakes, bridges, gate-towers, and corridors are a marvel of landscaping. Enjoy the leisurely walk and take your time to appreciate the imperial architectures, hilltop views, and beautiful lakes, which offer a pastoral escape into the landscapes of traditional Chinese painting.

Recommended Optional Activity: You can try the famous Peking Roasted Duck at Quanjude this evening.

This morning, you will head northwest of Beijing (about 1.5-2 hours’ drive, 73km) to the Great Wall at Mutianyu. The Great Wall boasts a history of over 2,000 years and stretches more than 3,000 miles across several provinces of northern China, making it one of the most impressive ancient masterpieces on the planet. Mutianyu Great Wall is connected with the Jiankou Great Wall in the west and the Gubeikou Great Wall in the east. Mutianyu is the longest and best fully-restored Great Wall with fewer tourists and is also famed for its 23 Ming-era watchtowers and stunning views. Take the cable car up to the 14th watchtower and then enjoy the memorable hiking time on the wall while visiting its western route. With the green pines and cypresses covering the surrounding area, and the winding wall standing majestically on the vast land, you will capture the most stunning natural scenery in this section. Challenge yourselves while climbing up to the 20th watchtower, where you can fulfill your Great Wall dream. Cherish the chance and take as many photos as you like!

After the once-in-a-lifetime experience, head back to downtown Beijing and have the chance to take photos with the exterior of the Bird's Nest (Beijing National Stadium) and Water Cube (Beijing National Aquatics Center). They were both designed for the 2008 Beijing Olympics and used for the 2022 Winter Olympic Games.

After that, transfer back to your hotel and have a good rest tonight.

This morning, you will head to the Temple of Heaven. Located in Beijing's Tiantan Park, the Temple of Heaven is much bigger than the Forbidden City and smaller than the Summer Palace. As a World Heritage site, the Temple of Heaven (Taoist temple) is also known for its rigorous symbolic layout, distinctive structure, and magnificent decoration. The Temple of Heaven was once a place where 22 Chinese emperors offered sacrifices to Heaven twice a year to ensure good harvests. You can learn more about the grand praying ceremony there, as well as observe the amazing designs such as the Echo Wall and the Triple Sound Stones. Nowadays, it is also a park for local people to do morning exercise, and you are welcome to join them.

If there is more time, you can also enjoy the relaxing time exploring the ordinary local life through the old Hutongs. Take a rickshaw tour to travel through the narrow alleys with many featured shops standing on both sides.

It is time to conclude your 9-day classic tour of Beijing, Shanghai, Suzhou, and Hangzhou. You have traversed from the Bund to the Great Wall, creating memories of a lifetime. You will be escorted to the airport/train station for your flight or high-speed train to your next destination.

Trip Extension Ideas: If you want to explore other Asia destinations rather than return home right away, we would be glad to assist you with an extension trip. Feel free to tell us your ideas!

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your China tour, and we are always here working for you and hope to see you again for your next trip to China/Asia. Safe journey!