Shanghai–Suzhou–Nanjing – 5 Days Tour
The Bund, Humble Administrator’s Garden, Tiger Hill, Ming City Wall, Presidential Palace, Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum
Shanghai-Suzhou-Nanjing-5 Days Tour
This five‑day Shanghai–Suzhou–Nanjing itinerary lets you experience three of the most representative cities in East China. From Shanghai’s futuristic skyline to Suzhou’s poetic classical gardens, and Nanjing’s deep historical legacy, you’ll witness the perfect blend of China’s past, present, and future. High‑speed rail ensures efficient travel, while we handle all logistics.
Shanghai (City of the Future): Ascend the world’s second‑tallest skyscraper, stroll along the Bund, and witness the fusion of Eastern and Western cultures. Immerse yourself in the vibrant Nanjing Road and trendy Xintiandi, enjoying world‑class shopping and dining.
Suzhou (Picturesque Jiangnan): Step into a living painting. Visit UNESCO‑listed classical gardens, wander the ancient water lanes of the “Venice of the East,” explore historic sites like Tiger Hill, and experience the gentle elegance of Jiangnan culture.
Nanjing (A City of History): Climb the Ming City Wall, visit the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, and explore the foundations of the “Capital of Ten Dynasties.” Visit the Presidential Palace and Sun Yat‑sen Mausoleum to trace modern Chinese history.
With this visit, you can experience the “must‑see, must‑do.”
Highlight 1: Stroll along the Bund promenade, admire the magnificent skyline shaped by Pudong’s skyscrapers, and feel the charm of both old and modern Shanghai.
Highlight 2: Begin a poetic journey exploring Suzhou’s largest garden, the Humble Administrator’s Garden. Its exquisite landscaping and natural beauty create seamless harmony. Wander the winding paths for ever‑changing views.
Highlight 3: Leisurely explore Pingjiang Road, an ancient riverside street offering authentic Suzhou “slow life.” Enjoy traditional white‑walled buildings, soft Suzhou dialect storytelling, or take a relaxing boat ride.
Highlight 4: Explore Nanjing’s ancient heritage. Visit UNESCO‑listed Ming Xiaoling, climb the grand Ming City Wall and Zhonghua Gate, and feel the imperial legacy and remarkable Ming‑era architecture.
Highlight 5: Trace Nanjing’s role in modern Chinese history. Pay respects at the solemn Sun Yat‑sen Mausoleum and visit the former Presidential Palace, once the political center of the Republic of China.
Itinerary Overview
-
Shanghai (2 days)
Shanghai Museum, Yu Garden, the Bund, Nanjing Road, Shanghai Tower -
Suzhou (1 day)
Humble Administrator’s Garden, Tiger Hill, Pingjiang Road -
Nanjing (2 days)
Zhonghua Gate and Ming City Wall, Confucius Temple–Qinhuai River, Jiangnan Examination Hall, Sun Yat‑sen Mausoleum, Ming Xiaoling, Presidential Palace
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Shanghai | Private airport transfer & hotel check‑in
Hello! Welcome to Shanghai, a vibrant and charming international metropolis! As a symbol of East‑West cultural fusion, Shanghai has nurtured a unique Haipai culture. Upon arrival at the airport or railway station, a private car will take you to your selected downtown hotel for check‑in. The rest of the day is yours—to rest, explore romantic plane‑tree streets, or enjoy the night scenes of Nanjing Road or the Bund.
Shanghai Transportation Tips:
Shanghai boasts an extensive transportation network accessible by air or high‑speed rail. With Pudong and Hongqiao airports, Shanghai connects to major domestic cities like Beijing, Xi’an, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Guilin, Kunming, Lijiang, and Lhasa. High‑speed rail is equally convenient—4.5–6 hours from Beijing, 6–7.5 from Xi’an, 2.5–3 from Huangshan, 7–8.5 from Guangzhou, 30 minutes from Suzhou, 45 minutes from Hangzhou, 3.5–4.5 from Wuhan.
Welcome to Shanghai, China
The Bund, Shanghai
Day 2 Shanghai | Shanghai Tower, Shanghai Museum, Xintiandi, Nanjing Road & the Bund
Today you’ll spend a full day experiencing perfect East‑West fusion in the “Paris of the East.” Discover museums, classical gardens, futuristic skyscrapers, and architectural masterpieces in this lively metropolis.
First, visit Lujiazui in Pudong, home to three iconic skyscrapers. Shanghai Tower, China’s tallest and the world’s second tallest at 632m, rises in a striking 120‑degree spiral. Ride the world’s fastest elevator to the 118th‑floor “Top of Shanghai” observation deck for a 360‑degree view over the city, with Jin Mao Tower and Shanghai World Financial Center at your feet.
Next, visit the Shanghai Museum East Hall, one of the world’s top museums of ancient Chinese art. Its sleek design draws inspiration from traditional jade discs. The museum hosts permanent exhibitions of bronzes, ceramics, calligraphy, paintings, jade, furniture, coins, and sculpture. Don’t miss the 3000‑year‑old Da Ke Ding bronze tripod, and the legendary Sword of Goujian.
Then head to Xintiandi, a lively district blending Shikumen architecture with modern urban design. Learn about traditional lane houses while enjoying dining and shopping. This pioneering renovation project showcases how heritage preservation can integrate with commercial vitality.
In the evening, stroll Nanjing Road pedestrian street lined with global brands, cafés, and historical buildings. End at the Bund, Shanghai’s iconic landmark known as the “Museum of World Architecture,” with 52 buildings in Gothic, Baroque, and Art Deco styles. Enjoy panoramic views of Pudong across the river.
Warm Reminder:
Shanghai Museum East Hall is closed on Mondays. If your visit falls on Monday, we will arrange the main Shanghai Museum instead. If that is also unavailable, we will arrange another suitable attraction.
Shanghai Tower, Shanghai
The Bund, Shanghai
Day 3 Suzhou Day Trip from Shanghai | Suzhou Garden Museum, Humble Administrator’s Garden, Tiger Hill, Pingjiang Road
Welcome to Suzhou, a city famed as the “City of Gardens” and the “Venice of the East,” filled with elegant scenery.
After breakfast, drive approximately 1.5 hours to Suzhou. Welcome to a city celebrated for classical gardens and charming canals.
Your first stop is the Humble Administrator’s Garden, Suzhou’s largest classical garden and a masterpiece of Ming‑era design. Built in 1509 by former censor Wang Xianchen, the garden reflects his wish for a peaceful life after retirement. Divided into east, central, and west sections, it features ponds, rockeries, pavilions, and lush plantings. Landmarks include the Orchid Snow Hall, Far‑Fragrance Pavilion, Who‑Sits‑With‑Me Pavilion, and the See‑the‑Mountain Pavilion, each inspired by classical poetry.
Important Tips for Visiting Suzhou Gardens:
Study the map for an overview. Appreciate techniques like borrowed scenery and framed views. Observe architectural layout and cultural meaning. Read inscriptions and couplets. Look for seasonal features. Use architecture to frame unique photo angles.
After lunch, visit Tiger Hill, the “No.1 Scenic Spot in Suzhou,” associated with poet Bai Juyi, who helped develop the Shantang Canal and Street. See the leaning Tiger Hill Pagoda, one of China’s oldest brick pagodas, and explore the legendary Sword Pond, believed to hide thousands of ancient swords.
Next, stroll Pingjiang Road, praised as a “living map of the Song Dynasty,” with stone paths and riverside homes. Enjoy Suzhou storytelling or try local snacks.
Optionally, take a traditional hand‑rowed boat for 30–40 minutes along the waterways to experience Suzhou’s romantic canal life.
After the tour, drive back to Shanghai.
Humble Administrator’s Garden, Suzhou
Shantang Street, Suzhou
Day 4 High‑speed train to Nanjing, visit Zhonghua Gate Fortress, Confucius Temple–Qinhuai River, Jiangnan Examination Hall.
Morning: Transfer to Shanghai Railway Station for a 2‑hour high‑speed train to Nanjing.
Upon arrival, your guide will greet you and escort you to your hotel. After a short rest, begin exploring historic Nanjing.
First visit Zhonghua Gate and the Ming City Wall, the largest and best‑preserved gate complex of the Ming Dynasty. Climb the walls for views of the Qinhuai River and ancient cityscape.
Continue to the Confucius Temple – Qinhuai Scenic Area, the cultural heart of Nanjing. Visit the Confucius Temple and the Jiangnan Examination Hall, once China’s largest imperial exam center.
Stroll the riverside filled with lanterns, traditional buildings, and snacks. The Qinhuai River offers beautiful scenery.
Optional: Night cruise on the Qinhuai River.
Zhonghua Gate, Nanjing
Confucius Temple–Qinhuai River, Nanjing
Day 5 Nanjing Departure | Sun Yat‑sen Mausoleum, Ming Xiaoling, Presidential Palace, transfer to railway station.
After breakfast, visit the Zhongshan Scenic Area for iconic Nanjing landmarks.
First, explore Sun Yat‑sen Mausoleum, resting place of the founding father of modern China. Climb 392 steps symbolizing his lifelong pursuit of national ideals.
Then visit the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, burial site of Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walk the Sacred Way lined with giant stone animals and statues.
Return to the city to visit the Presidential Palace, former seat of the Republic of China government, reflecting 600 years of history with both Chinese gardens and Western‑style buildings.
After the tour, transfer to the railway station. (Recommend trains departing after 4pm.)
Thank you for choosing Maple Leaf Travel for your China journey. We look forward to serving you again!
Ming Xiaoling, Nanjing
Presidential Palace, Nanjing
Price: Inclusions & Exclusions
What’s Included?
- Experienced driver & air‑conditioned vehicle
- Licensed English‑speaking guide
- Hotel with breakfast
- Domestic flights (economy) or high‑speed trains (2nd class)
- Tickets, activities, and meals listed in the itinerary
- Travel insurance
- Full service from planning to completion
What’s Not Included?
- International airfare
- Visa fees
- Personal expenses
- Single‑room supplement
- Optional activities
- Arrival/departure transfers
- Tips for driver/guide
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Private tours include private vehicles for local sightseeing, with spacious, comfortable, air‑conditioned cars and experienced drivers. Between cities, we use domestic flights or high‑speed trains (under 6 hours). Guides and drivers meet you at airports/stations and escort you to hotels.
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- Travel Style: Private Customized Tour (flexible dates & group size)
- Route: Shanghai–Suzhou–Nanjing
- Features: History, Culture, Heritage, Natural Wonders, Museums
Price: On Request
(Based on a private tour for two; price varies by season, activities, and group size)
Free inquiry! No payment required for reservation.
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