Shanghai and Its Neighbors Tour by High Speed Train
4-Day Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou and Nanjing Tour
The thriving city of Shanghai is surrounded by some beautifully contrasting scenery. A few hours by fast bullet train will get to the classical charm of Suzhou, Hangzhou and Nanjing.
Highlights
- Race with speed by riding on fast and comfortable bullet train between cities
- In-depth Chinese tea culture experience
- Boat ride on the beautiful West Lake
- Classic landscape gardens in Suzhou
- Immerse in ancient Chinese culture at Confucius Temple
About China Highlights
Since 1998 we've guided everyone ranging from US presidents, Australian Geographic and retired backpackers. Our goal is to create unique trips that take you off-the-beaten path, helping you discover China in a more authentic way. Our motto: "Discovery Your Way!"
Our family trip to China ended with a couple of days in historical Shanghai. We loved seeing and visiting the historic centers, traveling up the Shanghai Tower, eating delicious dumplings, and visiting the best Chinatown we have ever experienced. Our guide, Quing Quing, and driver Ken were fantastic, informative, professional and fun. Quing Quing even took us to experience the marriage market where Chinese parents try to help their children find potential mates after we expressed that it would be an interesting thing to see. Quing Quing, her American name is Clair, is an excellent and vivacious tour guide. Ask for her when you book with China Highlights you will be in good hands. --Inspire819460 more
Suggested Itinerary
We will have your train tickets booked and delivered to your hotel or appointed place in Shanghai at least one day prior to departure. Today you will arrange transport to the train station by yourself to take bullet train to Hangzhou (G7305: 0900-0945). Upon arrival in Hangzhou, your guide and driver meet you at the train station and start today's tea culture tour.
On this in-depth Longjing Tea cultural tour, you will get to know about the tea's history, process, brewing and taste the tea at Meijiawu Tea Plantation. Later visit China National Tea Museum and see exhibitions showing some ancient tea making tools and exquisite teapots.
Watch a short tea ceremony in Chenghuang Pavilion located on top of the hill. The walk up is easy, and the pavilion is an optimum spot for a bird's eye view of Hangzhou. The view of 'Heavenly Wind over Wu Hill' is one of 'the Ten Scenes of West Lake'.
Accommodation in Hangzhou: Haihua Hotel Hangzhou (4-star)/Grand Metropark Hotel Hangzhou (5-star)
Chinese Tea CultureHangzhou is often called "The Venice of China". This lakeside city is not only a beautiful place to unwind and relax but offers some interesting historic attractions.
Enjoy exploring West Lake, the symbol of Hangzhou. While boating on the West Lake, the occasional pagoda and Chinese-style arched bridges add atmosphere to the tree-lined walkways, lush islands and hills make it a very special part of any China experience. As one of the most famous and popular Buddhist temples in China, Lingyin Temple boasts plenty of Buddhist grottoes and pagodas.
In the afternoon, transfer to the train station for bullet train (D3136: 1631-1836) to Suzhou. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel in Suzhou.
Accommodation in Suzhou: Holiday Inn Jasmine Suzhou (4-star)/Pan Pacific Suzhou (5-star)
Buddhist Statues at Lingyin TempleSuzhou's famous gardens are the highlight of the day, and we have selected the two most representative gardens - Lingering Garden and the Humble Administrator's Garden. You will find out how people created a poetic residence with pools, artificial hills, pavilions, trees, and flowers.
The ancient Grand Canal ranks alongside the Great Wall of China as the country's greatest engineering achievement and it is the longest man-made waterway in the world. Cruising on the Grand Canal (about 30-40 minutes) and the view will remind you of Suzhou being the original source of the marine Silk Road.
Accommodation in Suzhou: Holiday Inn Jasmine Suzhou (4-star)/Pan Pacific Suzhou (5-star)
Boating on the Grand CanalIn the morning, transfer to train station for bullet train (D3022: 0938-1115) to Nanjing. Upon arrival, your guide and driver will meet you at train station and start today's Nanjing Tour.
Visit the Sun Yat-Sen Mausoleum to unfold the history of this honorable man in the Republic of China era. As a representative of Chinese history in terms of modern architecture, it will let you see the development of Chinese architecture if you compare it with traditional Chinese buildings. Zhonghua Gate is China's largest castle-style gate was built in 1366, the construction of the gate lasted 21 years and it can accommodate 3,000 people.
The Confucius Temple was built in 1034 and dedicated to worshiping the great philosopher Confucius. There you will explore the educational system and the etiquette of ancient China. Take a short cruise on Qinhuai River, the mother river of the city who witnessed its history and life.
Accommodation in Nanjing: Nanjing Central Hotel (4-star)/Jinling Hotel Nanjing (5-star)
Dr. Sun Yat-sen MausoleumTrip Notes
1. Tailoring your tour
This tour is very flexible. You can alter the itinerary, extend or shorten it to suit your price, interest and schedule. Feel free to tell us your requirements, and we are happy to help you arrange with our professional knowledge and experience.
2. Tips for riding a bullet train in China
Arrive at the correct train station at least 30 minutes before departure time. You are required to do a security check before entering the train station, and there's a 5-8 minute walk from ticket gate to the platform. There may be long stairs and slopes without escalator, so it is suggested that you pack light.
Bring some food and drinks for the ride, which come less in varieties and higher in prices on the train.
Keep your train ticket in place. It might be checked again during the ride and at the exit of train station.
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