Your China expedition kicks off today as you fly from Australia to Shanghai. On arrival at the airport, you’ll meet your tour representative who will arrange your transfer to your hotel.
After breakfast, start the day with a visit to the Lujiazui Skywalk, where you can admire sweeping views of Shanghai's iconic landmarks, including the Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai World Financial Center. En route to Wuxi, pause at the Hui-style Ancient Village Food Street and sample authentic culinary creations that blend traditional and contemporary flavours.
Continue with an exploration of Qingming Bridge Water Alley – a moment of serenity in the midst of the city’s hustle. Here, admire hidden treasures and ancient architecture overlooking tranquil canals, perfect for a leisurely stroll. The remainder of the day is yours to explore at your pace, either relaxing at the hotel, strolling through Wuxi, or joining an optional tour around Nianhua Bay, discovering the myriad of temples, gardens, and tea houses (additional charges apply).
Optional activities:
- Tranquil Nianhua Bay Zen town tour (from CNY200 per person).
Begin the day with a visit to the serene Changguangxi Wetland Park. Reconnect with nature as you meander along winding paths through verdant foliage and vibrant blooms. Following this peaceful morning, venture to the Taihu Pearl Museum, where you can witness the entire process of pearl cultivation, from nurturing oysters to the delicate art of harvesting.
After lunch, head to Nanjing's centre to explore the Confucius Temple and the Qinhuai River Scenic Area. Step back in time as you wander through the enchanting Laomendong Historical and Cultural District. Follow the scent of delicious local snacks through narrow alleyways, uncovering hidden treasures at every corner, marvel at well-preserved traditional courtyard houses and explore charming shops offering local handicrafts.
Commence your day with an enlightening adventure around Shitoucheng Archaeological Park, where remnants of ancient civilisations offer insights into China's history, shedding light on early human existence and the region's development. Next, explore the Jade Artifacts Exhibition Center which houses intricate jade artworks that reveal the mineral's profound symbolism in Chinese culture.
After lunch, journey to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Couple's Garden, celebrated for its classical Chinese garden art. Spend the afternoon immersed in the tranquil beauty of the pavilions, ponds and rock formations here, which blend harmoniously to create an enchanting ambiance.
The remainder of the day is yours to savour at your pace. Embrace the city's culture or join an optional boat tour along the famed Shantang Street, discovering why Suzhou is known as the 'Venice of the East' (additional charges apply).
Optional activities:
- Suzhou Boat Tour on Qili Shantang Street (from CNY200 per person).
Head to a working silk mill this morning to learn the ancient art of weaving and see how one of the world’s most luxurious textiles is made, before discovering the city that Marco Polo once said is ‘without a doubt the finest and most splendid in the world'. From the height of the Chenghuang Pavilion, Hangzhou is a living and breathing watercolour painting of dreamy panoramas, with fabulously green hills, the shimmering West Lake and ancient sites that have stood the test of time.
The rest of the day is for you to enjoy at your own pace. Relax and soak up the local culture or join the optional experience and watch an open-air sound and light show performed on West Lake (additional charges apply).
Optional activities:
- Impression West Lake evening show (from CNY500 per person).
Today, you'll have the chance to sip a cup of unique Longjing Tea, nourished by the waters of the fabled Dragon Well, with a tea-tasting experience at Meijiawu Tea Culture Village. Afterward, venture to the futuristic metropolis of Shanghai and ascend to the G20 City Balcony for incredible views of the Qiantang River and the city’s architecture.
Next, stop off at the Health Preservation Center to learn all about the ancient Chinese philosophy of balancing body, mind, and spirit for optimal health. After lunch, continue to Nanjing Road, Shanghai's premier shopping destination. Enjoy a unique retail experience on this street, where traditional shops stand alongside modern boutiques.
The rest of the evening is yours to spend at your leisure, providing the perfect chance to explore Shanghai's vibrant nightlife. Alternatively, you can choose to a river cruise tour and see the city from a new perspective (additional charges apply).
Optional activities:
- The Bund and Huangpu River cruise (from CNY200 per person).
Today, your China adventure comes to an end. After breakfast, if time allows, spend some time exploring the city or doing some last-minute shopping before your transfer to the airport in Shanghai, where you'll board your flight home to Australia.