8-Day Family-Friendly Journey through Shanghai Suzhou Hangzhou: Tradition Meets Modern

Da Jia Hao (Hello everyone)! Welcome to Shanghai, the most energetic metropolis in China. Your private Easy Tour China guide will meet you at the airport and escort you to the hotel for check-in (about a 45-60 minute drive). Take a stroll near your hotel to experience the city atmosphere of Shanghai and gradually adjust to the time difference.

Meals: None

After breakfast, start your Shanghai city walking tour at the Bund, the most famous landmark in Shanghai. Walk with your kids along the waterfront path and enjoy the numerous historical buildings on one side of the

Huangpu River and the skyscrapers on the other side. Your guide will give you a detailed explanation of Shanghai's history from ancient times, to the WWII period, and to an international metropolis.

Come to the modern Pudong New Area, the most futuristic area of Shanghai. Why not take a family photo with the "Lujiazui Trio", Shanghai Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, and Jin Mao Tower? The guide surely knows the best photo spots, such as the circular sky bridge in Lujiazui, the entrance of Jinmaojuneyu Hotel, Pudong Laoshan Fruit and Vegetable Supermarket, and capture the classic Shanghai skyline.

Next, move to one of the best and most suitable museums for family tourists in Shanghai, the Shanghai Museum - East Branch. Appreciate Chinese bronzeware, ceramics, calligraphy and paintings, etc. of cultural relics.

At the end of your day, climb up Shanghai Tower, the first tallest building in China. The 118th floor observation deck offers an excellent view to overlook the entire Shanghai city skyline. Both adults and children will be very excited about the high-speed elevator and the panoramic view from the height.

Meals: B, L

Enjoy a delicious dim sum lunch that children love, which is an authentic Shanghai local food.

Later, head to Tianzifang, a distinctive shopping street that is also an art district. In the traditional shikumen dwellings of the old alleys, there are art shops, handicrafts and cafes, where both adults and children can discover some "treasures". Then arrive at Xintiandi, Shanghai's fashionable district, where you can discover more of Shanghai’s shikumen buildings, together with modern restaurants, boutiques and cafes.

Next stop? People's Square and Nanjing Road, the center of Shanghai and one of the most famous shopping streets in China, yet surrounded by a historical atmosphere. Here, the famous historical buildings include the Peace Hotel and Yong'an New Building, etc.

Optional ERA acrobatic show: The most popular acrobatic performance in Shanghai, favored by both children and adults.

Continue your East China tour, driving from Shanghai to Suzhou, known for its classical gardens, water towns, and the traditional culture of Jiangnan. First, visit the UNESCO-listed Master of Nets Garden, a small yet exquisite and elegant masterpiece of Suzhou gardens.

Then, head to Shantang Street, a section of the ancient China Grand Canal that has remained intact. Taking a small boat on the ancient canal is very pleasant. Are you hungry? Enjoy the delicious cuisine of Suzhou at a restaurant popular among locals. 

Later, visit the unique designed Jinji Lake Suzhou Culture and Arts Centre. Prepare your camera for taking photos of the artistic architecture. Walk around for shopping and arrive at the Suzhou Harmony Times Square Sky Screen - the world's largest LED sky screen. Take a stroll along the lake and you can also see the Suzhou Ferris Wheel on the opposite side. If the children are interested, take the Suzhou Ferris Wheel to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Jinji Lake from high up in the air.

Meals: B, L

Accommodation: Comfortable or luxury hotels in Suzhou (1 night)

Today, explore Tongli Water Town - one of the most beautiful ancient water towns in China, full of poetic charm and tranquility. Strolling along the small river, you will discover a large number of well-preserved Ming and Qing architecture, traditional houses and ancient bridges.

If you prefer, you can take a hand-rowing boat to float along the stream (about 30-40 minutes), passing through ancient bridges and seeing the small streets extending to the end. You can also taste local snacks on the ancient street.

In the afternoon, take the high-speed train to Hangzhou (about two hours).

Meals: B, L

Enjoy a big breakfast and have good mood to start your Hangzhou city tour. Visit the World Cultural Heritage site of West Lake, renowned for its ten classic scenes: Broken Bridge, Riverbank, Lotus Pond, Leifeng Pagoda... Take a boat ride and immerse yourself in the landscape and the classic cultural scenes.

Then arrive at the Liuhe Pagoda, built in the 970s during the Song Dynasty. It is one of the most famous Buddhist architectures in China and also one of the famous landmarks of Hangzhou. After climbing the pagoda, take in the view of the Qiantang River.

In the afternoon, visit the plantation of West Lake Longjing Tea (one of the most famous teas in China), for a nature escape. Walk with kids along the Nine Streams and Eight Ravines for about 1 hour, passing through streams, bamboo forests and tea gardens. At the Longjing Tea Plantation Village, watch the tea farmers at work and learn about Chinese green tea culture. A tea-themed lunch will be served for your lunch today, including the famous Shrimp with Longjing tea. Finally, visit the China Tea Museum, which showcases the history of Chinese tea, tea ceremony, and the tea and Zen Buddhist culture.

Meals: B, L

So, you have explored the futuristic architecture of China. Now, time to experience the technology of robotics at Hangzhou Shenhao Technology Robotics Factory. Here, parents and children can learn how industrial robots are applied in areas such as power grids, railways, and public safety. And how about experiencing the exciting and safe driverless buses? It's free. Even without a driver, the buses turn, avoid obstacles, and stop steadily.

Come to the China Grand Canal in Hangzhou, one of the greatest ancient water conservancy projects in China, which is now also a World Cultural Heritage site. Through the explanation of your private Hangzhou tour guide, learn about its history, interesting stories, and the lives of people along the canal.

Finally, arrive at Hefang Street, the cultural and economic center of the Song Dynasty. Today, on this old street, there are still many century-old family-run stores, including Hu Qingyu Tang Pharmacy. Founded in 1874 during the Qing Dynasty, it is a traditional Chinese medicine shop, showcasing the authentic TCM culture.

Meals: B, L

After breakfast, your tour guide and driver will escort you to the airport according to the time of your return flight. The 8-day East China tour of Shanghai, Suzhou and Hangzhou comes to an end. Welcome to use the travel services of Easy Tour China again.

Meals: B