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 5-Day Itinerary
Day | Highlights |
---|---|
1-2 Shanghai |
Cruise on Huangpu River, The Bund, Shanghai Tower, and Yu Gardens |
3 Hangzhou |
The West Lake and the Tea Plantations |
4 Suzhou |
The Lingering gardens and Tongli Water Town |
5 Shanghai |
Shanghai Departure |
Tour 'Wow' Points
Savor the Beauty of Chinese Exquisite Garden Art.
The Lingering Garden is renowned for its unique garden art and rich cultural heritage. Its ingenious design seamlessly blends the grandeur of mountains and rivers with the serene tranquility of a courtyard.


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.


Cruise the Huangpu River for a Scenic Journey.
Embark on a scenic journey along the Huangpu River on a public ferry, offering stunning views of Shanghai's iconic landmarks.


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.
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.
Soar above the city skyline from the pinnacle of the iconic Shanghai Tower. Take a moment to savor a refreshing coffee break before embarking on a scenic cruise along the Huangpu River on a public ferry.
Explore the architectural gems of the Bund, where historic buildings stand as silent witnesses to Shanghai's golden age. Venture into a hidden alleyway, uncovering the city's vibrant culture and rich heritage.
Your dedicated guide will accompany you to the Shanghai train station. Swift to a comfortable bullet train journey to Hangzhou. After an hour of travel, your Hangzhou guide will greet you at the train station.
Immerse yourself in the heart of Chinese tea culture by visiting Meijiawu Tea Plantation, the birthplace of the renowned Dragon Well tea. Gain insights into the intricate process of tea making, from harvesting to brewing. Then savor the delectable flavors of tea-inspired cuisine at a local restaurant nestled within the tea plantation.
Continue your journey by exploring the serene beauty of West Lake. Visit Lingyin Temple, Hangzhou's most celebrated temple, and embark on a relaxing boat ride on the tranquil waters, taking in the picturesque scenery.
Embark on a scenic 1.5-hour drive from Hangzhou to Suzhou, covering a distance of approximately 162 kilometers. Your first stop will be the Lingering Garden, a renowned destination celebrated for its exquisite landscape and design. Marvel at the harmonious integration of rocks and water, creating a visually stunning and dynamic scene.
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: