5 Days Suzhou Hangzhou Huangshan Tour

Summary

Day 1 Suzhou: The Master of Nets Garden, Hanshan Temple, Panmen Gate, Pingjiang Street
Day 2 Suzhou: Zhouzhuang Water Town, Take train to Hangzhou
Day 3 Hangzhou: West Lake Boat Ride, Guo's Villa, Meijiawu Tea Plantation, Yunqi Bamboo Forest, Hefang Street
Day 4 Hangzhou-Huangshan by train, Huangshan, stay at summit
Day 5 Huangshan: Enjoy sunrise at Huangshan, Hongcun Village, Huangshan Departure

Day 1 Suzhou

In the morning, our tour guide will pick you up at your hotel or Suzhou train station, you will find a welcome signage "Your Way Holiday". And your tour includes the following activities.

Your day tour starts at the Master of the Nets Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Suzhou’s finest classical gardens. Though smaller in scale compared to other famous gardens, it is renowned for its exceptional layout and artistic design, often praised as the most delicate and refined of Suzhou’s classical gardens. The garden masterfully blends architecture with nature, creating a harmonious space where every pavilion, rockery, and pond is thoughtfully positioned to reflect balance and tranquility. Its clever use of space and perspective makes the garden feel much larger than it truly is, showcasing the ingenuity of classical Chinese landscape design. As you stroll through winding paths, elegant courtyards, and serene water features, you’ll experience the peaceful ambiance that has inspired scholars and artists for centuries. A perfect spot to quiet the mind and appreciate the timeless beauty of Jiangnan garden artistry.

Next, visit Hanshan Temple, one of Suzhou’s most iconic and culturally rich Buddhist temples, with origins tracing back to the 6th century. The temple gained lasting fame through the Tang Dynasty poem A Night Mooring by Maple Bridge, and its bell tower remains a symbol of spiritual reflection and poetic beauty. The temple complex features grand halls, tranquil courtyards, ancient stone inscriptions, and towering pagodas nestled among maple and pine trees, creating a peaceful retreat from the bustling city. You’ll also see the famous bell, still rung during special ceremonies, believed to bring blessings and peace. As you explore, your guide will provide meaningful insights into the temple’s historical background, architectural style, and literary connections, making your visit both informative and culturally enriching.

Enjoy lunch at a local Chinese restaurant featuring authentic Suzhou cuisine. Known for its delicate flavors and artistic presentation, Suzhou food often highlights seasonal ingredients and a balance of sweet and savory tastes. Signature dishes you might sample include Squirrel-Shaped Mandarin Fish with its crispy texture and tangy-sweet sauce, or braised pork belly slow-cooked to perfection. The cozy setting and traditional decor of the restaurant offer a relaxing break before the afternoon's exploration. If you have any dietary preferences, feel free to let your guide know in advance to ensure a satisfying dining experience.

After lunch, we will head to Panmen Gate, a historic landmark dating back over 1,500 years to the Spring and Autumn Period. Built by the ancient Wu State, Panmen is the only remaining intact city gate in Suzhou’s ancient city wall, showcasing impressive traditional Chinese military architecture. The gate complex includes both the land gate and the water gate, reflecting Suzhou’s unique integration of waterways and city defenses. As you explore the site, you’ll see beautifully preserved towers, archways, and stone walls that tell stories of the city’s rich past. Your guide will share fascinating details about the gate’s strategic importance and cultural significance, bringing the history of Suzhou’s ancient fortifications to life.

The last stop is Pingjiang Road, one of Suzhou’s most charming and well-preserved ancient streets. With a history spanning over 1,000 years, this historic district showcases traditional Jiangnan architecture, narrow cobblestone lanes, and serene canals lined with quaint teahouses, boutique shops, and local residences. Strolling along Pingjiang Road, you’ll experience the authentic atmosphere of old Suzhou, where the blend of water, stone bridges, and ancient buildings creates a picturesque and peaceful setting. Your guide will share stories about the street’s cultural heritage and its role in Suzhou’s daily life throughout history, making it a perfect place to explore the city’s timeless charm.

After the tour ends drive you back to your hotel.

Day 2 Tongli Water Town

This morning, your journey will take you to Tongli Water Town, a remarkably well-preserved ancient town nestled in the Jiangnan region, just a short drive from Suzhou. With a history that spans over a millennium, Tongli is celebrated for its peaceful ambiance, intricate canal network, and time-honored traditions. As you step into this storybook setting, you’ll be greeted by narrow flagstone streets, rows of whitewashed residences with black-tiled roofs, and tranquil waterways that wind like silver threads through the heart of the town.

Your exploration begins with Tuisi Garden, a jewel of classical garden design and a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built during the Qing Dynasty by a retired imperial official, the garden's name, which means “to reflect on oneself,” captures its philosophical essence. The garden is a harmonious blend of water, stone, and architecture—featuring lotus ponds, winding corridors, moon gates, rockeries, and poetic pavilions designed for contemplation and literary gatherings. Your guide will explain how each element of the garden reflects the owner's inner world and pursuit of a balanced life between nature and civilization.

Leaving the quiet elegance of Tuisi Garden, you’ll make your way to the Three Bridges—Taiping (Peace), Jili (Luck), and Changqing (Celebration). These iconic stone bridges, arranged in a triangle, are the spiritual center of the town. According to local custom, walking across all three bridges is believed to bring peace, prosperity, and long life. Even today, locals and visitors alike take part in this ritual during weddings, festivals, and birthdays. Your guide will share the symbolic meanings of the bridges and the legends that surround them.

You will also visit Pearl Tower (Zhenzhu Ta)—a garden-residence that has become famous through Chinese opera and folk tales. The “tower” refers to a richly decorated building associated with the touching story of Chen Cui’e, who gave her dowry to support her fiancé’s academic dreams. The residence features charming courtyards and intricate carvings that speak to the romantic spirit of the story and the scholarly values of the time.

Next, step into the grandeur of Chongben Hall (Chongben Tang), once home to a prosperous merchant family. The hall’s layout, decorated beams, and fine woodwork offer insight into the aesthetics and daily life of Suzhou's elite during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Just a short stroll away is Jiayin Hall, known for its elegant symmetry and carved lattice windows. Its quiet courtyards and ancestral shrine evoke the rhythm of family life in a bygone era.

Continue to Gengle Hall (Gengle Tang)—whose name translates to “Happiness from Farming”—a spacious residence that once hosted gatherings of scholars, poets, and officials. Its architecture reflects a unique combination of Confucian ideals and rural elegance, with open halls and deep courtyards designed for both leisure and study.

Don’t miss the Chongben Academy, a Confucian school that once nurtured the minds of Tongli’s most promising youth. Here, you’ll learn about traditional Chinese education, examination systems, and the town’s deep-rooted emphasis on learning and ethics. You may also visit the Ancient Chinese Wedding Museum, housed in a traditional courtyard compound, where beautifully curated exhibits walk you through the elaborate rituals, costumes, and customs of traditional weddings.

As you wander deeper into Tongli’s quieter corners, you’ll pass elegant stone archways, preserved ancestral halls, old water wells, and flower-filled courtyards. Local craftspeople display their skills in silk embroidery and fan-making, while teahouses offer canal-side respite with a warm cup of Biluochun green tea.

The soft echo of wooden oars on water, the warm glow of red lanterns swaying overhead, and the gentle rhythm of life here create a timeless atmosphere—one that transports you far from the bustle of modern life. With stories and insights shared by your guide throughout the visit, you’ll come away with a rich understanding of Tongli’s history, its deep cultural roots, and its lasting charm as a living museum of Jiangnan heritage.

In the afternoon, your driver will escort you to the train station, where your guide will assist with check-in before you board the high-speed train to Hangzhou. As the train glides through the countryside, relax and enjoy glimpses of village life and rice paddies passing by your window.

Upon arrival in Hangzhou, you’ll be welcomed at the station exit by your new local guide, holding a “Your Way Holiday” sign. You’ll then be transferred comfortably to your hotel for check-in and some well-deserved rest. The evening is yours to enjoy at leisure as you prepare to explore the scenic wonders of Hangzhou in the days to come.

Day 3 Hangzhou

Start your Hangzhou journey with a peaceful boat ride across West Lake, the city’s most iconic landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As your boat glides across the gentle waters, you’ll be surrounded by willow-lined banks, distant pagodas, and arched stone bridges emerging from the mist. Sites like Broken Bridge and Leifeng Pagoda offer a poetic backdrop as your guide shares stories and legends—most famously, the romantic tale of the White Snake. This leisurely cruise is a tranquil way to appreciate the harmonious blend of natural beauty and cultural symbolism that defines West Lake.

Continue your morning at Viewing Fish at Flower Pond, a lesser-known but incredibly charming corner of the West Lake area. This garden-like retreat is filled with vibrant koi fish swimming beneath clear waters and lush plants lining the ponds. The playful movement of the fish and the quiet surroundings create a meditative atmosphere. Here, your guide will point out elements of traditional symbolism: koi for perseverance and success, lotus blossoms for purity and peace. It’s a beautiful spot for photos and a restful break amidst nature.

After disembarking, continue to the nearby Guo’s Villa (Guo Zhuang), considered one of the most exquisite private gardens in Hangzhou. Nestled beside the lake, this classical garden is a masterpiece of traditional Chinese landscaping, combining elegant pavilions, winding corridors, rockeries, and reflecting ponds into a serene retreat. Unlike larger imperial gardens, Guo’s Villa offers an intimate and poetic atmosphere, designed with scholarly aesthetics and refined simplicity. As you stroll through its secluded paths, your guide will introduce the architectural symbolism and literati philosophy behind its layout.

Next, escape to the countryside with a visit to Meijiawu Tea Plantation, a scenic village surrounded by rolling hills and verdant tea fields. Known for its production of Longjing (Dragon Well) Tea, Meijiawu offers a hands-on look at Hangzhou’s famous tea culture. Wander through the tea terraces as your guide explains the tea-picking process, the pan-firing method, and the health benefits of this prized green tea. You’ll also enjoy a freshly brewed tasting session in a traditional tea house, learning about the customs and rituals that have made tea a vital part of Chinese life.

Enjoy lunch at a local farmhouse-style restaurant nestled in the Meijiawu area, where you can savor regional specialties made from fresh ingredients. Dishes often include tea-flavored shrimp, locally raised vegetables, and delicately prepared tofu or bamboo shoots, providing a taste of Hangzhou’s seasonal and elegant cuisine.

In the afternoon, take a refreshing walk through the peaceful Yunqi Bamboo Forest, a lesser-known but breathtaking natural area on the outskirts of the city. Shaded by tall bamboo groves and crisscrossed with winding stone paths, this quiet retreat offers cool air and a sense of calm. The forest’s poetic charm, combined with the rustling leaves and filtered light, makes it a perfect spot to reconnect with nature and enjoy a moment of serenity away from the bustle of the city.

Your final stop is Hefang Street, Hangzhou’s most famous historic shopping street, filled with charm and local flavor. This bustling pedestrian zone is home to traditional medicine shops, snack stalls, antique stores, and artisan workshops. Sample popular street foods like sweet osmanthus cakes or crisp fried noodles, and browse for souvenirs including embroidered silk, hand fans, and tea sets. Your guide will share the history of this centuries-old commercial hub, highlighting preserved buildings and pointing out cultural landmarks like Hu Qing Yu Tang, the city's renowned traditional pharmacy.

At the end of the day, your guide and driver will escort you comfortably back to your hotel in Hangzhou. Take this time to relax and reflect on the tranquil landscapes, cultural treasures, and rich experiences that made your day in Hangzhou truly unforgettable.

Day 4 Huangshan

In the morning, your private driver will pick you up from your Hangzhou hotel and transfer you to the train station. You'll then take the high-speed train to Huangshan North Railway Station. Upon arrival, your Huangshan local guide will greet you at the station exit, holding a “Your Way Holiday” sign. From there, your scenic adventure begins.

After a 1-hour drive, arrive at Tangkou Town, the gateway to Huangshan Scenic Area. Transfer to the park’s official shuttle bus, which takes you to Yungu Cable Car Station. Enjoy a cable car ride up the mountain, offering panoramic views of the forested valleys and rising peaks.

Once at the mountain entrance, your adventure officially begins as you ascend Huangshan via cable car, surrounded by breathtaking views. Your first stop will be Beginning-to-Believe Peak (Shixin Peak), where you’ll be greeted by panoramic vistas that showcase why this mountain has inspired awe for centuries. The scenery here is a blend of jagged cliffs, rolling clouds, and ancient pines that appear almost magical.

Next, you will encounter the iconic Black Tiger Pine, a magnificent tree gripping the rocks with strength and grace. Its gnarled branches twist and turn like a crouching tiger, symbolizing the mountain’s enduring spirit and resilience through countless storms.

Not far from here lies the natural wonder known as Monkey Gazing at the Sea — a unique rock formation that resembles a monkey attentively gazing over a vast sea of clouds stretching endlessly below. This poetic sight perfectly captures the harmony between nature’s art and the mountain’s mysterious atmosphere.

After exploring these famed spots, you’ll continue wandering along scenic paths featuring towering granite peaks, ancient pine trees, and mysterious cloud seas. As evening approaches, check in to your mountain-top accommodation, where you can rest and prepare for the next day’s sunrise spectacle.

Day 5 Huangshan

Start your day early to witness the unforgettable Huangshan Sunrise, one of the most celebrated natural wonders in China. From the mountaintop, watch as the sun gradually emerges, illuminating the clouds and peaks with a golden glow. This breathtaking moment offers a serene and spiritual experience, perfect for photography or quiet reflection.

After descending from Huangshan, your journey continues to the enchanting Hongcun Village, a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its classical Anhui-style architecture and idyllic water-town landscape. Nestled at the foot of Mount Leigang, Hongcun dates back to the Song Dynasty and has retained its original village layout for centuries. As you step into the village, you’ll be greeted by a harmonious blend of whitewashed walls, dark-tiled roofs, and tranquil canals that weave through narrow stone-paved lanes, creating a scene straight out of a traditional Chinese painting.

Your exploration begins at South Lake, located at the southern entrance of the village. Originally built for irrigation and flood control, this serene man-made lake now mirrors the surrounding historic buildings and willow trees, offering a peaceful introduction to Hongcun’s unique beauty. A gentle stroll along the lakeside path reveals sweeping views and picturesque stone bridges, perfect for photos and quiet reflection.

Next, you’ll arrive at Moon Pond, the symbolic heart of the village. Shaped like a crescent moon, this tranquil body of water is encircled by graceful old dwellings that reflect perfectly on its still surface. Once a gathering spot for villagers to collect water and socialize, it remains the spiritual and visual centerpiece of Hongcun. It’s also one of the most beloved locations for artists and filmmakers, famously featured in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

As you continue, you’ll visit Chengzhi Hall, an expansive and richly decorated residence built by a prosperous salt merchant during the Qing Dynasty. With more than 60 rooms, intricately carved wooden panels, and stone reliefs, Chengzhi Hall showcases the grandeur and artistry of Huizhou architecture. Your guide will lead you through the halls and courtyards, sharing the stories of the family who once lived here and pointing out symbols of wealth, status, and cultural values hidden in the details.

You'll also explore the Southern Lake Academy, a historic Confucian learning center where young scholars once studied for the imperial exams. Today, the academy provides insight into traditional Chinese education and scholarly life, surrounded by peaceful gardens and period furnishings that reflect the village’s intellectual heritage.

As you wander deeper into Hongcun’s labyrinth of ancient alleyways and family courtyards, you’ll come across lesser-known gems like Lexu Hall, a quiet retreat known for its refined wooden carvings and elegant simplicity. Along the way, you’ll pass under horse-head walls, peek through carved lattice windows, and observe everyday life that still pulses through this living museum.

Throughout the visit, your guide will share fascinating insights into Hongcun’s unique "ox-shaped" layout, ingenious water system, and the village’s enduring role in Chinese culture and art. With every turn, Hongcun offers a perfect fusion of architecture, nature, and tradition—making it not just a sightseeing destination, but a timeless journey into the heart of rural China.

After your immersive exploration of Hongcun Village, your driver will escort you to Huangshan North Railway Station or Huangshan Tunxi International Airport, depending on your departure arrangements. Sit back and relax as you journey through the scenic countryside one last time, reflecting on the rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable moments from your Huangshan adventure. 

Price Per Person in US Dollars