Sample Itineraries
Slow Jiangnan: 8 Days, Suzhou + Hangzhou + Huangshan
Classical gardens in Suzhou, tea hills framing Hangzhou's West Lake, and the high granite ridges of Huangshan, linked by high-speed rail.
- Duration
- 7 nights / 8 days
- Pace
- Moderate (2 of 4)
- Cities
- Suzhou → Hangzhou → Huangshan
- Best for
- Unhurried travellers who enjoy gardens, tea and walks
Who this route is for
This route suits travellers who want a balanced journey through Jiangnan's garden towns, green valleys and dramatic mountains without rushing. Suzhou and Hangzhou provide relaxed days beside canals, teahouses and lakeside paths, while Huangshan adds an active walking day along the high stone ridges. The pace stays moderate, with comfortable rail transfers between each base.
Reference prices
Price checked: 24 October 2026
- Independent
- From $2,200per person
- Private Guided
- From $3,500per person
2026 reference prices · reference price for 2 travelers sharing · international flights not included
Season, hotel level and group size change the price; your consultant quotes the exact trip.
Compare what each level includesThe route
- 1. Suzhou3 nights
- 2. Hangzhou2 nights
- 3. Huangshan2 nights
High-speed rail
High-speed rail
Day by day
01
Arrive in Suzhou
Suzhou
Morning
Arrive at Shanghai Hongqiao or Pudong airport and take a road transfer or high-speed rail to Suzhou.
Afternoon
Check in to your hotel and take an unhurried rest to settle into the time zone.
Evening
A quiet evening walk along the stone paving and lantern-lit canal side of Pingjiang Road.
02
Classical gardens and local art
Suzhou
Morning
Explore the pavilions, covered walkways and quiet lotus ponds of the Humble Administrator's Garden.
Afternoon
Visit the light-filled courtyards and contemporary galleries of the Suzhou Museum, designed by I.M. Pei.
Evening
An optional evening performance of Kunqu opera or pingtan ballad singing in an old teahouse.
03
Canals and courtyards in Tongli
Suzhou
Morning
Travel by road to the water town of Tongli, about 40 minutes away, to wander its stone alleys and visit Tuisi Garden.
Afternoon
Board a slow wooden boat along the residential canals, drifting past whitewashed walls and stone bridges.
Evening
Return by road to Suzhou for dinner at a neighbourhood restaurant.
04
High-speed rail to Hangzhou
Hangzhou
Morning
Take the high-speed train from Suzhou to Hangzhou, checking in to your lakeside or city hotel.
Afternoon
Walk along Su Causeway on West Lake, sheltered by willow trees and stone bridges with views across the water.
Evening
A relaxed dinner near West Lake, tasting local freshwater fish and seasonal vegetables.
05
Tea terraces and ancient halls
Hangzhou
Morning
Head into the hills of Meijiawu or Longjing village for a walk through the tea fields and a tea tasting.
Afternoon
Visit the forest courtyards of Lingyin Temple, or spend a quiet afternoon walking the southern lake shoreline.
Evening
A light evening meal near the hotel and an early night before travelling inland tomorrow.
06
Rail journey to the foot of Huangshan
Huangshan
Morning
Board the Hangzhou–Huangshan high-speed railway to Huangshan North station.
Afternoon
Take a road transfer to Tangkou village at the base of the mountain and settle into your hotel.
Evening
An easy dinner in the village and an early night to prepare for a full day on the peaks.
07
The high ridges of Huangshan
Huangshan
Morning
Ride the cable car up to the granite peaks and follow the stone paths toward viewpoints around Beihai.
Afternoon
Continue walking the ridge trails toward the Xihai area, negotiating the many stone steps, before taking the cable car back down.
Evening
Rest your legs back in Tangkou over a warm meal of Anhui mountain specialties.
08
Departure from Huangshan
Huangshan
Morning
Travel by road to Huangshan North station for your high-speed train to Hangzhou or Shanghai, or transfer to Huangshan Tunxi airport.
Afternoon
Connect with your onward flight or onward rail connection home.
Evening
Depart China or continue your travels.
2026 reference prices
Two ways to take this route.
Your final price depends on hotels, car arrangements and what you ask for — usually a little above this, sometimes more.
Independent
From $2,200
per person · reference price for 2 travelers sharing · international flights not included
- Guide
- No full-time guide; add a guide for set times or sights
- Car
- On request
Private Guided
From $3,500
per person · reference price for 2 travelers sharing · international flights not included
- Guide
- English-speaking private guide throughout
- Car
- Private car throughout
Included on both
- Hotels selected by us, confirmed by you, usually with breakfast
- Transport inside China: high-speed rail, domestic flights and transfers, including 12306 handling
- Entrance tickets for the sights in your itinerary
- Restaurant bookings made ahead where China requires it
- 24h WhatsApp / WeChat support while you travel, plus the LocalKey app
Not included
- International flights — we can book them on request, quoted separately
- Visa fees — many passports can enter China visa-free. Check your passport
- Personal spending and shopping
- Travel insurance
Tipping is not customary in China. There are no tips in your price, and you do not need to tip anyone who looks after you during your trip.
Make it yours
Keep the shape. Change the details.
Every sample here can be shortened, stretched, or rebuilt around what you care about.
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Per person · reference price for 2 travelers sharing · international flights not included. Your final price depends on hotels, car arrangements and what you ask for — usually a little above this, sometimes more. 2026 reference prices.