Exclusive Package Tour To Shanghai & Beyond!
Private Tour Shanghai & Beyond
Our Exclusive Package Tour to Shanghai & Beyond takes you through Eastern China: Shanghai offers modern urban allure, Suzhou is its classical gardens and silk heritage, and Hangzhou captivates with its temples, tea hills and scenic lake.
China Golden Triangle Tour
This region is called the Golden Triangle due to its prosperity and cultural richness, forming a vibrant triangle in the Yangtze River Delta – a golden blend of commerce, tradition, and natural beauty that draws travelers and investors alike.
Our Journey
| FROM | TO | KM | TRAVEL TIME |
|---|---|---|---|
| SHANGHAI | GOUQI ISLAND | 80 KM | 2H 00MIN |
| SHANGHAI | SUZHOU | 110 KM | 0H 40MIN |
| SUZHOU | HANGZHOU | 163 KM | 0H 36MIN |
| HANGZHOU | SHANGHAI | 180 KM | 1H 00MIN |
Day 1: Arrival in Shanghai
- Morning/Afternoon: Arrive in Shanghai and dive straight into the city’s enchanting contrast of old and new. Visit serene Jing’an Temple, wander through the classical Yu Garden and bustling Old Town.
- Evening: Stroll the stylish French Concession lanes and Xintiandi area, then head to The Bund for the dazzling night-time skyline across the Huangpu River.
- Night: Dinner followed by cocktails at a rooftop bar with panoramic city lights.
- Overnight: Hotel in central Shanghai.
Day 2: Houtouwan Ghost Island
- Morning: Private transfer + speedboat to magical Houtouwan on Gouqi Island – an abandoned fishing village completely reclaimed by lush green vines (one of China’s most photogenic hidden gems). Explore the ivy-covered houses and coastal trails at your own pace.
- Late afternoon: Return by speedboat and car to Shanghai.
- Overnight: Same hotel in Shanghai.
Day 3: Shanghai → Suzhou
- Morning: Relaxing bullet train ride (25–30 min) to Suzhou. Visit the UNESCO-listed Humble Administrator’s Garden – the finest classical Chinese garden – followed by the stunning I.M. Pei-designed Suzhou Museum.
- Afternoon: After tasting delicate Suzhou specialties (sweet & sour squirrel fish, biluochun tea-infused dishes), free time to drift along ancient canals by small boat, browse Pingjiang Road, or shop for silk and handicrafts.
- Overnight: Hotel in Suzhou.
Day 4: Suzhou → Hangzhou
- Morning: Bullet train to Hangzhou (approx. 1 h). Explore Lingyin Temple (one of China’s most important Zen Buddhist temples) and the fascinating Feilai Peak grottoes with hundreds of ancient stone carvings.
- Afternoon & sunset: Boat cruise on iconic West Lake as the sun sets behind pagodas and willow-lined shores.
- Overnight: Hotel in Hangzhou.
Day 5: Hangzhou Nature’s Splendors
- Morning: Gentle boat ride through the tranquil bamboo waterways and bird-filled trails of Xixi National Wetland Park.
- Afternoon: Scenic hike or drive through the emerald Longjing tea plantations, visit Longjing Village, and enjoy a traditional tea ceremony at a local farmer’s tea house while tasting China’s finest green tea.
- Evening: Free time to relax or stroll along the lake.
- Overnight: Same hotel in Hangzhou.
Day 6: Hangzhou → Shanghai, Departure
- Morning: After breakfast, take the high-speed train back to Shanghai (approx. 1 h).
- Transfer: Private car to Shanghai Pudong or Hongqiao Airport for your onward flight.
Recommended 6-day itinerary. We handcraft each experience to match your style and budget.
Start designing your exclusive China journey today.
Ancient Legacies, Future Horizons
Shanghai
Shanghai transformed from a fishing village into a global hub, with its historic waterfront now standing in contrast to the futuristic Pudong skyline— embodying China’s blend of tradition and modernity.
Suzhou
Suzhou, the 2,500-year-old “Venice of the East,” is renowned for its UNESCO-listed classical gardens with elegant pavilions, bridges, and artistic rockeries that have inspired poets and artists for centuries.
Hangzhou
Hangzhou, described by Marco Polo as “the finest city in the world,” served as China’s Southern Song Dynasty capital. Its West Lake is renowned for having inspired Chinese Gardens unique design.
Shanghai (上海)
China’s financial center, Shanghai showcases a striking contrast between colonial architecture along the historic Bund and the futuristic skyline of Pudong district across the Huangpu River.
From its humble origins as a fishing village to its rise as a vital international trading port in the 19th century, Shanghai embodies China’s remarkable transformation. The European-style buildings along the Bund face the gleaming towers of Lujiazui financial district, including the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower.
The city offers world-class shopping on Nanjing Road, vibrant arts in the former French Concession, and exceptional cuisine ranging from street food to fine dining. With excellent transportation infrastructure, Shanghai serves as the perfect gateway to our exploration of Eastern China’s rich cultural landscape.
Best Things To Do In Shanghai
The Bund
PAST & FUTURE
Stroll along this iconic waterfront with colonial-era buildings offering spectacular views of the Pudong skyline across the river.
Yu Garden
GREEN ELEGANCE
Explore this exquisite Ming Dynasty garden featuring ornate pavilions, rockeries, ponds, and the famous zigzag bridge in the Old City.
Nanjing Road
SHOPPING MODE
Experience one of the world’s busiest shopping streets with a mix of traditional shops, modern malls, and local eateries.
Xintiandi
100% FANCY
Discover this fashionable pedestrian area where traditional shikumen houses stylish boutiques, and cafes mix in a perfect blend of old and new.
Jing’An Temple (静安寺)
Originally built in 247 AD, Jing’An Temple Shanghai is a magnificent Buddhist temple which stands as a peaceful sanctuary amid Shanghai’s bustling urban landscape. The temple was relocated to its current site on West Nanjing Road in 1216 during the Song Dynasty.
It features impressive architecture, with its gleaming golden roofs and ornate details create a striking contrast against the surrounding skyscrapers.
Visitors can witness monks performing daily rituals, admire ancient artifacts and relics, and experience a moment of tranquility in the temple’s incense-filled courtyards.
Let Your Private Tour Shanghai naturally extend to its fascinating beyond! Day trips from Shanghai will take you deeper in the Golden Triangle and its wonders! Your exclusive package tour to Shanghai continues…
Gouqi Island (枸杞岛)
Located about 40 miles from Shanghai, Gouqi Island was once home to a thriving fishing community. The island’s now-famous abandoned village of Houtouwan has been gradually reclaimed by nature since the 1990s when residents began relocating to the mainland.
Today, the former fishing village presents a hauntingly beautiful landscape where lush vegetation has enveloped the derelict houses. Emerald vines cascade over stone walls, climb through empty window frames, and blanket rooftops, creating an ethereal atmosphere.
Stroll Suzhou’s tranquil gardens and glide along ancient canals where timeless serenity captivates the voyagers. We tailor your journey, ensuring the things to do in Suzhou match your unique travel narrative.
Suzhou (苏州)
Often called the “Venice of the East,” Suzhou is world-renowned for its meticulously designed classical gardens, intricate canal networks, and delicate silk production that has flourished since ancient times.
Suzhou’s UNESCO World Heritage gardens exemplify traditional Chinese landscape artistry which creates poetic miniature worlds designed for contemplation and artistic inspiration.
While preserving its cultural heritage, modern Suzhou has emerged as a high-tech manufacturing hub in the Yangtze River Delta region, creating a fascinating blend of traditions and innovation.
Suzhou Highlights
Humble Administrator’s Garden
GREEN HARMONY
Explore UNESCO-listed gardens like the Humble Administrator’s Garden featuring traditional Chinese design with elegant pavilions and serene ponds.
Pingjiang Road
VENICE OF THE EAST
Stroll this historic street with its picturesque canal, stone bridges, and whitewashed buildings housing traditional teahouses and craft shops.
Suzhou Museum
ART & HISTORY
Visit I.M. Pei’s masterfully designed museum showcasing ancient Chinese art and artifacts within contemporary architecture.
Enraptured by the ethereal West Lake, ancient temples, and vibrant tea villages, visitors find endless things to do in Hangzhou. Ink Voyages curates your bespoke journey, blending these enchanting experiences with your personal travel aspirations.
Hangzhou (杭州)
Known as “Heaven on Earth,” Hangzhou has been celebrated for its natural beauty for centuries. The city is famous for the UNESCO-listed West Lake, whose picturesque landscapes have inspired poets and artists throughout Chinese history.
Hangzhou was once one of the world’s largest cities during the Song Dynasty when it served as an imperial capital. Today, it seamlessly blends cultural heritage with technological innovation as home to tech giants like Alibaba.
Hangzhou is also renowned for its legendary Longjing (Dragon Well) tea, produced in the lush rolling hills surrounding the city, and its distinctive regional cuisine that emphasizes fresh ingredients and delicate flavors.
Hangzhou Trip Highlights
West Lake
ICONIC CHARM
Admire the breathtaking scenery of this UNESCO World Heritage site with its iconic shores, ancient pagodas, and charming bridges. This magnificent landscape has inspired artists throughout the centuries.
LONGJING TEA
TEA HILLS TRAILS
Explore the hillside Longjing terraces where China’s most famous green tea grows, learn about harvesting methods, and experience a traditional tea ceremony.
Buddhist Temples
SPIRitual GEMS
Discover Hangzhou’s ancient Buddhist heritage through its magnificent temples featuring grand halls, intricate wood carvings, and Buddha statues that showcase centuries of religious artistry.
Hangzhou is home to several historic Buddhist temples, each with their own remarkable stories and spiritual significance:
Lingyin Temple
Founded in 326 CE, this “Temple of Soul’s Retreat” is one of China’s oldest Buddhist temples. During the Cultural Revolution, Premier Zhou Enlai personally ordered its protection, saving its ancient halls and artifacts from destruction.
Leifeng Pagoda
Originally built in 975 CE, it’s famous for its connection to the “Legend of the White Snake,” one of China’s most beloved folktales about a snake spirit imprisoned beneath the pagoda by a powerful monk.
Jingci Temple
Founded in 954 CE, this temple houses the “Evening Bell at Nanping Hill,” one of the classical “Ten Views of West Lake.” Its massive bronze bell weighs over 10 tons and was cast during the Southern Song Dynasty.
Yongfu Temple
Nestled on Lingyin Mountain, this temple witnessed a miracle during a severe drought in 1215 when, according to legend, the monk Zhi Yuan prayed for nine days straight until rain finally came, saving countless lives.
Table Of Contents
Your Journey Includes:
Considering the customizable nature of your trip, please regard the following as indicative and subject to modification based on your preferences. What will be included will ultimately be clearly specified in the Travel Services Contract prepared specifically for your travel experience:
- Private Transfers & Transportation
- Private airport transfers at the start/end of the trip
- Private vehicle and driver for all major overland journeys outlined in the final itinerary / Rental vehicle for self-drive trips, including insurance coverage
- Major train journeys
- Domestic flights and related taxes
- Guide/Coordinator & Activities
- Dedicated English-speaking guide/coordinator
- All entrance fees and activity costs per itinerary
- Accomodation
- Hotels based on availability and your preferred travel style (double occupancy)
- Daily breakfast
- Travel Support & Equipment
- In the case of an independent trip, remote support from the Ink Voyages Team throughout the duration of your journey
- Camping equipment (tents, sleeping bags) where applicable
- Support for setting up the main Chinese apps required for traveling in China
Your Journey does not include:
Considering the customizable nature of your trip, please regard the following as indicative and subject to modification based on your preferences. Anything not included will be clearly specified in the Travel Services Contract prepared specifically for your travel experience:
- Chinese tourist visa (can be required for some foreign passport holders – See our dedicated section “Tips&Tools – VISA Guidelines”)
- International flights and related taxes
- In the case of a self-drive itinerary, fuel costs and tolls
- Excursions/activities beyond the planned itinerary
- Personal expenses
- Travel/medical insurance (See our dedicated section “Tips&Tools – Travel Insurance)
- Meals and dining expenses
- Gratuities for guides and drivers (at your discretion)
- Any items/services not specified in “Your Journey Includes”
