8 Days Nanjing, Wuxi, Suzhou and Shanghai

Nanjing, Wuxi, Suzhou, Shanghai

Traveler Reviews

Tour Code: TCT-Nanjing-01

Tour Type: Private Tour

Tour Highlights:

 Amazed by the long history and rich culture of Nanjing, one of the capital cities in ancient China.

 Indulge yourself in the beautiful riverside cities and towns in the Yangtze River Delta.

 Impressed by the elaborate and exquisite Southern China style gardens in Suzhou

 Enjoy a full day to explore Shanghai, the largest metropolis in China
 

Best Travel Time: Suitable for the whole year, best from April to November.

From on request

Free Inquiry

Day 1Arrival Nanjing
Meet at the railway station/airport, Zhanyuan Garden, Confucius Temple, Qinhuai River Scenery Belt

Meals: No meals
Accommodation: In Nanjing 

Arrive in Nanjing, literally 'Southern capital' of China, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
 

Upon your arrival, our local guide will meet you at the railway station or airport, and transfer to your hotel. 
 

In the afternoon, firstly visit Zhanyuan Garden, which is a garden with the longest existing history in Nanjing, with more than 600 years history, which was built in the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty.  
 

Then we will have a visit at the Confucius Temple, which was a place to worship and consecrate Confucius, a great philosopher and educator of ancient China. It is one of the 4 largest Confucian temples and was firstly built in 1034. Then walk to Qinhuai River Scenery Belt, a national AAAAA-level tourist area integrating natural scenery, landscape gardens, temples and schools, street residences and local lifestyle. At night the whole area is lit up with colorful lights thus creating a very impressive night scenario. It is very popular to take a colorfully decorated boat to ride on this ancient river, which will be a memorable experience.
 

Then you will be escorted and dropped off at your hotel. Enjoy a leisurely and free time for the rest of the day. 

Nanjing City View
Nanjing City View

Day 2Nanjing
Zijin Mountain, the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, Meiling Palace, Xiaoling Mausoleum of Ming Dynasty, Linggu Temple

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Nanjing
 

After breakfast in the morning, we start to explore this ancient city. Our tour starts from Zijin Mountain (Purple Mountain), which is known as one of the four most famous mountains in Southern China. The mountain covers a total area of 31 square kilometers, with more than two hundred scenic spots, such as Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, the Xiaoling Mausoleum of Ming Dynasty.
 

Visit the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, located on the south slope of Zijin Mountain. It is the mausoleum of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the forerunner of the great democratic revolution, all made of white granite and reinforced concrete, covered with blue glass tiles. It is known as "the first mausoleum in the history of modern Chinese architecture".
 

Then move to Meiling Palace. Its official name is "the official residence of the chairman of the national government", and it has the reputation of "the first villa in the Far East".

Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum
Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum

 

Walk along the sacred Road to Xiaoling Mausoleum of Ming Dynasty, which is located near the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum. As an honorable UNESCO World Heritage Site, Xiao Ling magnificent value of architecture and royal mausoleum culture.
 

After that, we will visit Linggu Temple. Linggu Temple was founded in 514 A.D., and was originally known as Kaishan Temple. Zhu Yuanzhang, the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty, personally gave the name "Linggu Zen Temple" and named it "the First Zen Forest under the Heaven", which was one of the three major Buddhist temples in the Ming Dynasty. The Buddhist Relics of Xuanzang's parietal bone is preserved in the mini golden pagoda enshrined in the main hall - Xuanzang Memorial Hall. The relics are very precious, and people have a chance to see them only when the Linggu Temple holds an exhibition. Climb up to the top of the Linggu Tower, the iconic spot of Linggu Temple, and you will have a panoramic view of the surrounding scenery.

Qinhuai River
Qinhuai River

Day 3Nanjing
Niushoushan Forest Park, Foding Temple, Nanjing Museum, Gate of China, Ancient City Wall

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Nanjing
 

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in the hotel, we set off for Niushoushan Forest Park, which is a hidden treasure of Nanjing, a place where both Buddhists and regular tourists can enjoy. Take sightseeing bus to the Usnisa Palace at the top, which is a modern building of 9 storeys with fabulous design. It was built to collectively exhibits and preserves the treasure of the Buddhist world - the world's only parietal relic of Buddha. Then visit the iconic Foding Temple and Foding Pagoda, and enjoy a leisurely walk in the park.
 

In the afternoon, take an educational visit to Nanjing Museum, one of the three major museums in China and the earliest museum established in China, consisting of a history hall, art hall, a special exhibition hall, a digital museum, a Republic of China museum and an intangible cultural heritage museum. Then have a leisure walk at the Gate of China and visit the Ancient City Wall, which is the world's longest, largest, and best-preserved ancient castle wall. 

Niushou Mountain
Niushou Mountain

 

Day 4Nanjing - Wuxi - Suzhou
Lingshan Giant Buddha, Turtle Head Isle Park with boat trip on Taihu Lake, Transfer to Suzhou

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Suzhou
 

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and transfer to take a high-speed train to Wuxi, a central city in the Yangtze River Delta area. Firstly, we will visit Lingshan Giant Buddha, which is one of the symbols of Wuxi located at the northern bank of Taihu Lake. This holy land gets its name because it is in “small Lingshan”, named by Xuanzang - a famous Chinese Buddhist monk in Tang Dynasty. Embraced by three hills and facing Taihu Lake, this giant Buddha is friendly smiling, observing all livings and protecting his people.
 

Then move to the Turtle Head Isle Park, which lies on a peninsula stretched on the north bank of Taihu Lake, one of the five largest freshwater lakes in China and a famous scenic spot in china known for its fascinating beauty. Enjoy a leisurely boat trip on Taihu Lake, enjoy the beautiful lake view. 
 

Then drive to overnight in Suzhou.

Lingshan Giant Buddha & Turtle Head Isle Park
Lingshan Giant Buddha & Turtle Head Isle Park

 

Day 5Suzhou
Lingering Garden, Tiger Hill, Panmen Gate, Suzhou Museum, Pingjiang Road

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Suzhou
 

In the morning, we firstly visit Lingering Garden, one of the great four gardens in China, together with the Summer Palace in Beijing, the Mountain Summer Resort in Chengde, and the Humble Administrator's Garden in Suzhou. Then Visit Tiger Hill, who enjoys a reputation as 'the first scenic spot in the State of Wu', for Suzhou was once the capital of the State of Wu during the Spring and Autumn Period. With a history of more than 2,500 years, the Tiger Hill has been known as No. 1 Sight of Suzhou. Move to Panmen Gate, the only existing water and land gate in China.
 

Then take a visit to Suzhou Museum has been a highly-regarded regional museum with a number of significant Chinese cultural relics. A new museum designed by world famous architect I.M.Pei. Walk into Pingjiang Road, a historical street located in the northeastern Suzhou ancient city. The Pingjiang Road was regarded as the main route. After 800 years, Pingjiang Road is still well-preserved. This is a stone route with a river flowing along it. Bridges across the river, houses with white walls and black roofs built along the stone road, locals especially the old walking leisurely, the scene here shows a traditional Suzhou local life.

Panmen Gate
Panmen Gate

 

Day 6Suzhou - Shanghai
Tongli Water Town, take high-speed train to Shanghai

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Shanghai
 

In the morning, you will be transferred to the peaceful Tongli Water Town and touch its profound culture and representative vista of water town in Southern China. Ride a local boat along the waterways in the water town and enjoy the tranquil southern China lifestyle.
 

Then take a high-speed train to Shanghai, the magical metropolis of China.

Tongli Water Town
Tongli Water Town

 

Day 7Shanghai
People's Square, Shanghai Museum, Wukang Road, Shanghai World Financial Center, the Bund, Nanjing Road

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Shanghai
 

In the morning, we will start the tour from People's Square, where we will visit Shanghai Museum, a large museum of ancient Chinese art. Then move to Wukang Road, a 1.17 km long road, along which each house and its detail show its stories and history. All the buildings hear are in European style. Walking on Wukang Road you'll get the sense that you have arrived in Europe.
 

The next stop is Shanghai World Financial Center (SWFC) is a super tall skyscraper in Pudong New Area, Shanghai. It is a mixed-use skyscraper which consists of offices, hotels, conference rooms, observation decks, and shopping malls on the ground floors. Ride the elevator to the observation deck to have a good panoramic view of the city. Have a stop at the Bund, a landmark of Shanghai. The Bund starts south from the Yan'an East Road, north to the White Bridge on the Suzhou Creek, east faces the Huangpu River, west has the 52 different classical revival building in the Gothic, Romanesque, Baroque, Chinese and western style which constitute the financial center of old Shanghai and concentration zone of foreign trade agencies. The Bund is known as the "International Architecture Exhibition Group". At the Bund, you will also enjoy the skyline of this modern city on the opposite of the Huangpu River.

 

Enjoy a leisurely shopping time on your own in Nanjing Road, which enjoys the reputation as China No.1 commercial center. It was the earliest commercial street in Shanghai since the city opened to the outside world.

Shanghai City View
Shanghai City View and the Bund

 

Day 8Shanghai, Departure
Transfer to the airport

Meals: Breakfast
 

Enjoy a leisurely time before the transfer to the airport for your homebound flight.
 

Service ends

Tailor-made Free Inquiry

Tour Price (US$ per person)

Notice:
Due to the uncertainties of this tour, such as special local conditions , the changes of accommodation rate, etc, the tour has to be tailor-made and its price is on request. Please tell us in advance your group information inclusive of departure date, number of pax, and other individual needs, which will be helpful to work out a fit program and the right price.

Traveler Reviews Feedbacks & Photos >>Feedbacks

5.0

PunkNelson

5.0

Great Hotel stay Very Nice Tour guides Convenient planned daily trips Average selection of restaurant for food though
Kiwimac53

5.0

We were looking for a tour in SW China while in the area for work and found this one. While we wouldn't normally get a private tour but surprisingly it was actually cheaper than most of the group tours in the area and was great value. While I would usually rather keep one guide for the whole tour, as you get to know each other and they get to know what you are interested in, we changed guides 5 times during this trip (fortunately we had the same guide in Kunming at the start and end of the tour which was a real bonus as Murphy, our Kunming based guide, was excellent.) In this case changing guides had the advantage of local knowledge at each site so compensated for the change. Of the 4 guides we had 3 excellent and 1 very good with each of them working hard to look after us and make sure we enjoyed our trip. Vicky, our Dali based guide was also extremely good making our time there a highlight. The tour gives you 2 days at each base ie travel in the morning, have the afternoon and the next day touring the area then drive to the next base. We chose the driving tour as we feel it gives you a better experience of the area and you get to see the locals in action. All the drivers we had were great - they went out of their way to look after us and were very safe, which is saying something for driving in China. While all of the guides were very fluent in English none of the drivers could speak English which was a slight disadvantage as you didn't have the guides with you when traveling between bases but the friendliness and helpfulness of the drivers more than made up for this. The tour was very well organised and we knew what we were doing from the time we met our guide on arrival at the Kunming railway station to when we walked through security at the airport on our way out. The tour comes with 4,5 and 6 star accommodation choices and we went for the cheapest 4 star option. While the English at the hotels was limited the guides made sure we were checked in and out and took care of any issues (which were minimal). The 4 star option is largely "Chinese style" hotels ie designed for Chinese visitors with breakfast consisting of what many westeners would consider dinner style food but there was always eggs and toast for the less adventurous. The hotels were all clean and comfortable and generally very well located. The Hotel in Kunming (Jin Jang Inn) was a bonus as it seemed higher than 4 star and we stayed there both on our way in and out. As well as breakfast, lunch came with the tour which was enjoyable as the guides choose the restaurants so we got a variety. I got the feeling that most of the restaurants were owned by friends or family or there was some arrangement with the guide, but as you get to formally review each guide and the meals at the end of each stop they work hard to make sure you enjoy the meal and there was always an abundance of food. We tried a range of local cuisine and there was only one meal we didn't think was up to par. You get your own dinner which also suited us as there is invariably a range of restaurants or for the more adventurous there is the street vendors and you can choose what you want. The vehicles we were driven in were all very good- plenty of space and very comfortable. Being a private tour, while there was a set itinerary, which was diverse and very interesting with something for most people, the guides could tweak it to suit individual interests eg more time at one site and less at another. It is easy to get a bit templed out but overall the itinerary was a good mic of nature and culture. I would thoroughly recommend the tour and the company and we will be looking to the company if/when we go back - Guilin is next on the list as the guides were very happy to discus what they thought we would and wouldn't enjoy based on working with us on this tour,
N2265ZIinfo

5.0

Excellent guides, flexible and knowledgeable travel agent. They speak good English. Our trip was very well organized. We are 100% happy and I can recommend Top China Travel to everybody.
Wesley O

5.0

I contacted Top China travel for a 13 day China vacation (Beijing/Xian/Yangtze River cruise/Shanghai) and right from the start Bonnie provided me with great choices and package options. Throughout the entire planning and even during the trip Bonnie was there for us following up and making sure everything was perfect. Thank you Bonnie for making our China vacation unforgettable.
Johnf8958

5.0

From the minute I contacted Vicky at Top China Travel to book our holiday, to the time we were taken to Pudong airport for our flight home, the experience was perfect. My wife and I visited Beijing, Xian and Shanghai and all of our tour guides were fluent in English, very knowledgeable and very friendly. Thank you Vicky and all at TCT and I will definitely be in contact when I return to China.
lakazdi

5.0

I went on a Top China Travel group tour. Everything was so well organised that I never had to worry about anything. I really liked that the group was small and it felt like we were a big group of old-friends all travelling together, not just a passenger on the bus. Every hotel, guide, driver and restaurant was very well picked. I was very happy with how well-informed each guide was, how flexible they were to ensure we all had a great time, and their English was all very good. At every step of the way, guides had us fill in a Top China Travel feedback form which I am certain the company take very seriously since their service was so good. I will be passing on their details to all my friends and family who want to travel in China.
DEBORAH O

5.0

Thanks to Ms Raylene He we had a wonderful and well organised trip to 5 destinations which all went off without a hitch including being met by guides and drivers in each city and looked after very well. This all included several domestic flights a train trip and permits. I have no qualms in recommending this company to other travellers.
EBTraveler

5.0

With forty years of travel to the far corners of our world we have encountered many guides. Like most travelers some have not been very good, some decent and the rare few that are outstanding. During our three weeks in China last month we encountered just such a rare individual. Our guide in Guilin was a young women named Ping (I'll provide her email later). Ping demonstrated knowledge and command of the history, stories and culture all along the way. Beyond that, Ping exuded infectious enthusiasm not only for our touring, but for us personally as well. We had a serious medical issue occur suddenly, in fact one of us went into diabetic shock. It was four in the morning but no matter, after calling Ping she took command and arranged for the hotel to send us, with a car, driver, and assistant to a hospital. Upon our arrival there was Ping who obviously thru on some clothes, got on her motorbike and rushed to meet us. There she not only served as translator but as though a family member, she became invested in our proper care and recovery. Truly remarkable to have such a person supporting you. In small ways she flavored her guiding with a sense of our interests and preferences, like the day we mentioned our love of pomegranates and the next morning there she is smiling and with samples for us as a treat. When we left a jacket behind, once again was on it as Ping arranged for its shipment to out next stop and tracked it until it was in our hands. Beyond that, Ping was in frequent contact to make certain of our full medical recovery and to offer her help where or whenever it might be needed while in China. Amazing! Ping can be contacted at bellakanas@163.com Sheila Hertz, Howard Entin
ourview_11

5.0

From the first email to Top China Travel with Joyce to our wonderful Tour Guide Linda and our driver I can not say more happily what a wonderful trip we have had. Linda was very Kind and very informative with all your tours. The vehicle used was at very high standard and the Driver very safe. We had a private Tour for myself and my Husband we would totally recommend this company.
Geonannie

5.0

Top China Travel is the the tops! I booked an 21 day tour of China for my husband and I and from the very first contact with Lily Lui I was totally impressed. We communicated via e-mail and Lily was very quick and helpful with her responses. Because this was not our first trip to China, I wanted an itinerary that was different from the norm. Lily's recommendations were top notch. The hotels she used were top shelf as we requested. Our guides and drivers were fantastic. What impressed me the most was that when we were in China, Lily called to speak to me and make sure everything was going well. When I ran into some issues due to altitude sickness, I contacted her and she had the itinerary changes done and finalized within an hour. This was a private tour with guide and driver and I honestly can say there was not one thing I wished we had done differently. Thanks to Top China Travel and Lily our trip to China was perfect. I will definitely be contacting Lily when we return to China for yet another visit.
Allessandr0

5.0

I am a tour leader from Italy and this was my first cooperation with Janet and how lucky we met her!! We followed the trip with her to remote areas in China including some ethnic group area in Guizhou province and Sanjiang, Longsheng and Guilin, we enjoyed completely throughout the whole trip and some arrangement even out of our surprise, like we went to Janet’s home to learn how to pack Chinese Ravioli, she invited a Taichi teacher and we had a 1 hour Taichi class inside her home community. Everything was fine and our group members are all like her very much. We strongly recommend Janet Chan (janet@topchinatravel.com) as your China trip consultant! She is so considerate and carefully planned each detail of our trip. Guizhou is a very interesting and primitive place for visiting, you should include in your China trip as well! Thank you Janet! You are very professional!!
Salim A

5.0

When I planning our private trip to china I have read many trip adviser reviews and I have noticed Janet Chan’s name came up a number of times so i sent her an e-mail asked for the best two weeks private tour in China for 6 persons , whiten two days she replied me recommending 5 cities ( Zhangjiajie, hangzhuo , shanghai, Beijing , Guilin ) we went through the program which she sent to us it was excellent so we asked her to go ahead to arrange our journey . it was a great choice we made, The tour guides were knowledgeable and helpful. The hotels which reserved for us by TCT were excellent We can only say thanks for TCT and especially Janet Chan
Karan J

5.0

From the 1st point of contact till the end Joyce was great and helped plan a perfect trip which I was for a short time in Beijing. I was traveling alone and was recommended to join a small group of fellow travelers which was perfect. Great tour guide with a clean bus. Pick up on time and overall a great experience.
Ms Masha B

5.0

My husband and I booked a two week private tour of China with Top China Travel. It was an excellent experience. Vicky, a tour consultant, offered us a very good program visiting Beijing, Xian, Zhangjiajie, Shanghai and Nanjing. We really enjoyed every location. The tour guides were knowledgeable and helpful. In Beijing, Shanghai and Nanjing me made our own hotel reservation and in Xian an Zhangjiajie TCT made the reservations for us. Lunch was included in the tour and the selection of the restaurants was excellent in most locations (except Xian). Overall great tour!
Chris W

5.0

When planning our China trip we read many trip advisor reviews and noticed Janet Chan’s name came up a number of times so we asked for her to arrange our journey across this fascinating land. What a great choice we made, she listened and responded to our questions and arranged all our trip that went off without any problems. We didn’t want shopping nor group travel and she responded brilliantly. Two days hiking on the wall with fabulous guide Miko, in fact all our guides and drivers were just excellent. High speed train meant we saw lots of China’s varied countryside and went to some out of the way places. We can only say great things about TCT and especially Janet Chan if you are planning a trip. Thank you Janet for an exciting and memorable trip! Chris n Jools Winstanley
Raghavan A

5.0

We signed up with TCT after reading reviews of Tibet tour agencies. Our trip included 4 days in Lhasa, two in Shigatse and one at the base camp. TCT made all the arrangements including the Tibet permit, hotels, tour guide, car and the driver for the entire trip. The arrangements were superb. The guide and the driver were very accommodating to our needs and made the entire trip very convenient. At the base camp, the guide even arranged for extra oxygen in case we need it. She was also very helpful in advising us as how to get acclimated to the altitude. The entire trip was smooth and enjoyable and we would highly recommend TCT for travel to Tibet.
karenilena

5.0

wonderful visit and wonderful guide Li. Li showed us all the charms of this great city together with our Li river tour. We fell in love with this place and Yangshou. Great place to visit and it was a favourite city in all the cities we visited. great guide
Natasha J

5.0

I can't recommend this company enough!! I started talking to Yocky via the chat system on their website, as we wanted to do a 2.5 week trip around China. Our itinerary was: Shenzhen-Beijing-Xian-Kunming-Dongchuan-Chengdu-Guilin-Sanya Here's how things went: 1) She was instant in her replies and responded to subsequent emails within the hour (and trust me, I sent A LOT of emails). She was always so thorough and efficient. 2) She made us a tailor made trip that covered everything we wanted, including some slightly more off the beaten track attractions. 3) She helped us keep to our budget and suggested reasonable things we could cut out when things were too expensive (not something many companies would do as they are trying to make a quick buck). 4) She listened to all of our requests for things such as early morning flights, vegetarian food, and readjusting itineraries. 5) All our drivers and guides were EXCELLENT; they were prompt, kind, spoke excellent English and had a wealth of knowledge about all the sites we saw. All the cars on our private tours were nice and comfortable and had water. 6) Despite asking for 3* hotels, all 7 hotels we stayed in seemed like 4* to us and all included breakfast. 7) With such a large and complicated trip there were bound to be a few hiccups (e.g. there was a marathon in Xian one day which meant a lot of roads were closed, so we couldn't access sites). Yocky was in touch with us the entire time and helped us rearrange our plans quickly and ordered complimentary tickets to a show to make up for the inconvenience. We were so nervous about our first trip to China as we speak no mandarin and are strict vegetarian but honestly this was one of the best trips of our life; this company made it so easy for us and I really can't imagine having been able to do it myself any better!
JrnyJunkie

5.0

The views are stunning and the boat that we were on had VIP seating for just our group with a private balcony to view the river.
Candi S

5.0

Raylene did a wonderful job organizing our tour to meet our time constraints. She answered all questions very efficiently. Our tour guide Rocco met us at the airport and the Driver was waiting near by. I have specific dietary restrictions and the guide was extremely helpful communicating that with the restaurants. The trip was so easy and we always felt safe. My husband and I are looking forward to booking a more extended trip in the future. There is so much to see and the food is wonderful!
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