Located in the east of China, not far from Shanghai, the Chinese Venises refer to different water villages located in the delta of the Yangzi River and crossed by canals which are themselves crossed by many stone bridges. Come explore Suzhou, the most famous of these Venises and some districts of which have kept all the traditional charm of ancient Chinese water towns. This tour will also allow you to visit Tongli, a charming water village still not crowded with crowds of tourists. You will end your stay in Hangzhou, famous for its large lake and its tea.
Daily program: Chinese Venice (4 days)
Day 1: Shanghai - Tongli - Suzhou (L)
Meet your English-speaking guide and your driver at your hotel in Shanghai.
Direction the Tongli water village (2 hours drive) where you will visit the Tuisi garden (garden of retirement and meditation) and some museum houses. The Tuisi garden was the residence of a high dignitary of the army.
You can also take a short gondola ride on the city’s canals and stroll through this small village with cobbled streets and traditional architecture.
Resumption of the road for Suzhou (45min trip) where you can visit the Wangshi garden (master of the nets) and a silk factory. The origins of the Wangshi garden date back to the 12th century but it was reborn in the 18th century thanks to a retired fisherman (hence its name).
Breakfast not included, lunch included, dinner not included.
Overnight in Suzhou at the Garden Hotel (Liuyuan Lu).
Superior alternative: Pingjiang Scholars Hotel
Note :
If the meeting with the French-speaking guide and the driver takes place at Shanghai airport, count a supplement of 300RMB for 2 to 4 people or 400RMB for 6 to 8 people.
Day 2: Suzhou (B; L)
Meeting with your English-speaking guide and your driver. This morning, visit the Zhuozheng garden (Politics of simple or humble administrators) which is the largest garden in Suzhou.
Walk in the Pingjianglu district which is reserved for pedestrians. All the streets in this neighborhood have not been affected by the development of the city and the traditional architecture has been preserved.
In the afternoon, visit the Tiger Hill, which has a history dating back more than 2500 years, and its Bonzai garden.
Finally, discover the Shantangjie district which reflects the natural and cultural charm of the ancient city of Suzhou.
Breakfast and lunch included, dinner not included.
Overnight at Garden Hotel (Liuyuan Lu).
Day 3: Suzhou - Hangzhou (B; L)
Morning meeting with your English-speaking guide and your driver then departure for Hangzhou (3 hours drive).
Upon arrival in Hangzhou, you will visit Lingyinsi temple and Feilaifeng cave). Lingyin Temple is one of the 10 most famous Buddhist monasteries in China and it is also one of the largest.
Finally, a walk in the heart of a tea plantation, a walk that will be followed by a tasting.
Breakfast and lunch included, dinner not included.
Overnight at Friendship Hotel or Huaihua Hotel (same price).
Superior alternative: The Nook Hotel
Day 4: Hangzhou - Shanghai (B; L)
Meeting with your English-speaking guide and your driver.
This day begins with a boat trip on Lake Xi followed by a walk in Huagang Park around the goldfish ponds. Xi Lake (West Lake) consists of a large lake and several small ponds. This lake has the particularity of being crossed in its western part by a long path with bridges at regular intervals.
In the afternoon, visit the Huqingyutang pharmacy and the old Hefangjie district which has been restored but which retains the charm of an old Chinese pedestrian street.
At the end of the day, take the road back to Shanghai. Arrival in Shanghai.
Breakfast and lunch included, dinner not included.
Note :
If there is transfer to Shanghai airport, count an additional 300RMB for 2 to 4 people or 400RMB for 6 to 8 people.
End of our services. Our teams wish you a pleasant return home or a pleasant continuation of your stay.