Exploring East China in Six Days: A Balanced Look at This Cultural & Fun-Filled Tour
Travelers seeking a taste of China’s vibrant cities, historic landmarks, and scenic beauty might find this 6-day tour from Nanjing to Shanghai appealing. It promises a mix of cultural highlights, charming towns, and modern attractions—perfect for those who want a comprehensive yet manageable taste of East China without the hassle of planning every detail.
What we particularly like about this experience are the carefully curated stops, like the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, which brilliantly blends Chinese and Western architectural elements; the UNESCO-listed Lingering Garden, offering a peaceful glimpse into classical Chinese landscaping, and the thrill of Shanghai Disneyland with its exclusive Zootopia-themed area. The included 5-star accommodations and meals add convenience, making it a great value for the price.
However, one thing to keep in mind is that the tour’s pace can be quite packed, especially with the number of sights covered in just six days. This might leave some travelers feeling hurried, particularly if they enjoy lingering longer at certain spots or prefer a more relaxed travel style.
This tour is best suited for those who want to combine cultural exploration with family-friendly fun, and who appreciate well-organized travel with a touch of comfort. If you’re keen on visiting major landmarks, enjoying theme park entertainment, and experiencing authentic Chinese gardens—all in one trip—this could be a good fit.
- Key Points
- An Overview of the Itinerary and Highlights
- Practical Details and Travel Tips
- Not Suitable For
- Additional Information
- Final Thoughts: Who Would Love This Tour?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Workshops & Classes in Shanghai
- More Tour Reviews in Shanghai
- Still browsing? Here are more Shanghai experiences we've covered recently
Key Points

- Covers iconic destinations like Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, West Lake, and Shanghai Disneyland
- Includes luxury accommodations and meals, providing convenience and comfort
- Provides cultural insights through visits to traditional gardens, ancient towns, and historic sites
- Offers flexible options for activities like river cruises and tower visits at extra cost
- Good for families and culture enthusiasts seeking a structured, scenic, and fun itinerary
- Potentially rapid pace might be a consideration for those wishing to explore more leisurely
An Overview of the Itinerary and Highlights

This 6-day tour offers a broad sweep of East China’s most captivating sights, blending history, scenery, and entertainment. Starting in Nanjing, you’ll begin with the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, a site of immense historical significance with stunning architectural design that combines traditional Chinese and Western elements. The guides are knowledgeable and tend to share interesting anecdotes, making this more than just a photo op.
Moving on to Wuxi, the tour features a morning walk along the Flower Path—a peaceful stroll through lush greenery that’s perfect for photos and relaxation. Afterwards, you’ll visit the Wuxi Nianhuawan area for a spectacular Zen show filled with impressive light and sound effects, which leaves a lasting impression on visitors.
Suzhou’s Lingering Garden is a highlight for many travelers. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, it showcases classical Chinese landscaping with intricate pavilions, delicate rock formations, and tranquil ponds. Guests often mention the garden’s serene beauty and detailed craftsmanship, making it a must-see for garden lovers.
On the third day, the tour shifts to Hangzhou, home to the world-famous West Lake. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, West Lake is best appreciated from a boat or by walking along its scenic shores. The optional Songcheng Park show offers a theatrical experience depicting ancient Chinese legends, adding a dash of cultural entertainment.
Day four focuses on Hangzhou’s Hefang Street, a historic shopping area with traditional architecture, local snacks, and artisan shops—ideal for souvenir hunting. A visit to a tea plantation introduces travelers to China’s tea culture, often described as both flavorful and calming.
In the afternoon, the tour heads to Shanghai, where the iconic The Bund offers stunning views of the city skyline against a backdrop of historic European-style buildings. Optional activities include visiting the Jinmao Tower or taking a Huangpu River cruise, both offering spectacular perspectives of the city’s modern skyline.
The fifth day is dedicated to Shanghai Disneyland, where the Zootopia-themed area is a particular favorite, especially among families. Visitors can enjoy a variety of rides and attractions, making it a full day of entertainment. Some reviews mention that the park’s layout is easy to navigate, and the staff is helpful, which enhances the experience.
The final day includes shopping at Nanjing Road, the city’s premier shopping street, and exploring the City God Temple Bazaar—a lively area filled with shops, eateries, and street performers, perfect for a relaxed farewell to the trip.
Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Shanghai
Practical Details and Travel Tips

This tour is priced at $891 per person, which many consider a reasonable rate given the inclusion of luxury hotels and meals. The accommodations are in 5-star hotels—clean, comfortable, and centrally located—making it easy to access the main sights or unwind after a busy day.
Transportation during the tour is arranged efficiently, with comfortable coach travel connecting the key destinations. However, transport during free time isn’t included, so if you want to explore on your own or visit additional sights, you’ll need to arrange local transportation.
The tour is led by a live Chinese-speaking guide, which is perfect if you’re interested in authentic commentary—though it might be helpful to have some basic Mandarin or use translation apps for added ease.
What to bring? Pack comfortable shoes for walking, sun protection like a hat and sunscreen, and a camera to capture the scenic views. As the tour involves outdoor visits, staying hydrated is essential.
Meal options are included but might not cater to all tastes, especially if you have dietary restrictions. It’s worth mentioning that smoking and pets (except assistance dogs) are not allowed onboard.
Not Suitable For

This tour isn’t recommended for travelers with mobility issues or wheelchair users, as some sites may involve uneven surfaces or limited accessibility.
Additional Information

- The tour is available in Chinese.
- You can reserve now and pay later, offering flexibility if your plans change.
- Cancellation is straightforward—cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
- While the provider’s rating is 3.7, many guests appreciate the overall organization and value, especially given the diverse itinerary.
Final Thoughts: Who Would Love This Tour?
This 6-day East China journey is ideal for travelers who want a well-rounded taste of the region, combining cultural landmarks, scenic nature, and entertainment options like Disneyland. It’s suited for those who enjoy a structured plan, appreciate comfortable accommodations, and don’t mind a packed schedule.
Families with children will find the Disneyland day particularly enjoyable, while history buffs will value the visits to the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum and classical gardens. If you’re looking for an itinerary that balances sightseeing with relaxing moments, this tour offers a great introduction to East China’s unique charm.
But if you prefer a slower-paced trip or want more time at each stop, consider whether the quick pace might feel a little rushed. Still, for most, this tour provides a solid and enjoyable overview of a vibrant region with plenty of memorable sights.
Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for those who don’t speak Chinese?
The guide speaks Chinese, but many sites have signage and information in English, and guides often try to accommodate non-Chinese speakers. Basic Mandarin or translation tools can help.
Are meals included?
Yes, meals are included throughout the trip, though they may not suit all tastes. It’s a good idea to communicate dietary preferences in advance.
Can I customize or add activities?
Optional activities like Jinmao Tower visits or river cruises are available at additional costs, allowing some customization.
What is the group size?
While not specified, typical tours of this nature tend to be moderate-sized groups, often between 10-30 travelers.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, especially the Disneyland day, which is popular among families. However, younger children should be prepared for long days of sightseeing.
What should I pack?
Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, hat, camera, water, and weather-appropriate clothing for outdoor sites.
Are the accommodations centrally located?
Yes, the hotels are in prime locations, making it easier to explore nearby attractions or return after daily excursions.
How flexible is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start for a full refund, providing peace of mind if your plans change.
Can I join the tour if I am a solo traveler?
Most likely, yes. The tour is open to individuals, and group tours are common for solo travelers seeking companionship.
To sum it up, this 6-day East China tour offers a well-balanced mix of historical sites, natural beauty, and family-friendly entertainment at a reasonable price. It’s perfect for those eager to experience the highlights of Nanjing, Suzhou, Hangzhou, and Shanghai without the stress of planning each detail. While the schedule is quite full, the comfort, convenience, and diversity of sights make it a practical choice for travelers wanting an authentic taste of China’s vibrant East.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Workshops & Classes in Shanghai
- Shanghai: Calligraphy Class and Dumpling Workshop
- Shanghai: DIY-ZINE Workshop
- Shanghai: Authentic Chinese Cooking Class with Master Chef
- Shanghai: Private Wing Chun Class – The Art of Inner Power
- 2.5hrs Chinese Kitchen Cooking Class: Xiaolongbao Soup Dumplings
- Private Shanghai Wet Market Tour and Chinese Cooking Class
More Tour Reviews in Shanghai
- Shanghai: Yu Garden Entry Ticket for Classical Beauty Lovers
- Shanghai: Calligraphy Class and Dumpling Workshop
- Private Shanghai Night River Cruise and Hot Pot Dining Experience
- Shanghai: DIY-ZINE Workshop
- Charming Shanghai French Concession Mini-group Walking Tour
- Private Round Trip Transfer to Zhujiajiao Water Town from Shanghai
Still browsing? Here are more Shanghai experiences we've covered recently
- Shanghai: Anime and Pop Culture Tour with Shopping
- Shanghai: Jiao Tong University Guided Campus Tour
- Shanghai Circus World ERA Acrobatic Show Discount Tickets
- Shanghai: Zhujiajiao Water Town Private Tour with Boat Ride
- 3 Days Shanghai & Suzhou Private City Tour
- Buddhist tour of Longhua Temple and taste vegetarian noodles
- Shanghai: Jingan Temple, Tianzifang, and Shikumen Day Tour
- Shanghai: Circus World ERA Theatre Acrobatics Ticket
- 1 Day Shanghai: Ping Pong Experience & Bund Night Tour
- Private Suzhou and Zhouzhuang or Tongli Tour from Shanghai
- From Shanghai: Wuzhen Ancient Water Town 1-Day Private Tour
- Shanghai: Yu Garden Adult Ticket – 09:00 & 12:30 [Option]
