Nanjing: 6-Day Jiangnan Tour with Meals and Hotels

Traveling through Jiangnan offers a blend of traditional charm, stunning landscapes, and vibrant city life. This 6-day tour from Shanghai promises an engaging mix of historical sites, water town strolls, and scenic wonders, all with the comfort of luxury hotels and authentic local cuisine.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the chance to explore famous water towns like Wuzhen, with their centuries-old bridges and narrow lanes. Second, the iconic West Lake in Hangzhou, a UNESCO site that’s bursting with breathtaking views and legendary tales. Third, the comfortable, guided travel makes navigating this region manageable even for first-timers. However, keep in mind that the itinerary involves quite a bit of walking and some early mornings, which might be a consideration for travelers with mobility concerns. This tour suits those eager to indulge in China’s scenic beauty, cultural richness, and history without sacrificing comfort.

Key Points

• Cultural and scenic highlights are a core part of this tour, from historic gardens to water towns.
• The luxury hotel stays and included meals add value and convenience.
• The guided group format offers insights but might limit flexibility.
• The cruise on the Huangpu River provides spectacular skyline views.
• The itinerary involves significant walking, so comfortable shoes are a must.
• The tour is suitable for travelers aged 3 and above, with some restrictions for mobility.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Jiangnan: What You Can Expect

This 6-day journey takes you through some of China’s most picturesque and historically significant spots, combining a blend of guided sightseeing, cultural experiences, and leisure time. The tour is designed to give you a well-rounded taste of Jiangnan’s charm, with each stop offering unique perspectives on the region’s history, architecture, and natural beauty.

Day 1: Setting Off from Shanghai or Nanjing

Your adventure begins with arrival in either Shanghai or Nanjing, depending on your initial booking point. You’ll check into a luxurious hotel, giving your first taste of comfort and elegance. The day is yours to relax, explore nearby sights, or settle in before the busy days ahead.

Day 2: From Shanghai to Nanjing, via Wuxi

On the second day, your journey kicks into gear with a trip to Nanjing. Here, the Confucius Temple Commercial Street offers a lively atmosphere filled with shops, eateries, and beautifully preserved architecture—an ideal place to soak in local life and grab some souvenirs.

Next, the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum provides a peaceful spot for reflection and offers a glimpse into modern China’s revolutionary history. The guide often highlights the significance of this site in shaping the nation. Later, heading to Wuxi, you’ll explore the Nianhua Bay Zen town, an area renowned for its traditional architecture and calm, Zen-inspired ambiance—perfect for a quiet stroll after a day of sightseeing.

Day 3: From Wuxi to Suzhou and Wuzhen

The morning begins with a visit to Suzhou’s Lingering Garden, one of China’s four famous gardens. It’s a masterclass in classical Chinese landscape design, with intricate rockeries, elegant pavilions, and tranquil water features. We’ve heard that many visitors appreciate the peaceful atmosphere, even in peak seasons.

Later, traveling to Wuzhen, one of China’s best-preserved water towns, you’ll experience scenes straight out of a painting. The town’s ancient stone bridges and Ming and Qing style buildings are perfect for those Instagram-worthy shots, especially during the lantern-lit evening walk. Several reviews mention how magical Wuzhen feels, especially as the lanterns glow against the water.

More Great Tours Nearby

Day 4: Wuzhen to Hangzhou and West Lake

The morning features a tour of Wuzhen’s West Gate, giving you a taste of traditional life in the water town. Then, it’s off to Hangzhou, often called China’s most beautiful city. The West Lake Scenic Area is the highlight, with boat rides, pagodas, and lush gardens that seem to appear in every Chinese painting. Expect plenty of photo opportunities and stunning vistas.

In the evening, you’ll see the Songcheng Eternal Love performance, a grand show blending history, legends, and traditional arts—an entertaining way to wrap up the day.

Day 5: From Hangzhou back to Shanghai with a cultural twist

Start your day with a visit to a traditional tea house, where you can learn about China’s tea culture. Then, a stroll along Hefang Street offers a lively atmosphere with shops selling handicrafts, snacks, and souvenirs housed in historic buildings.

In the late afternoon, return to Shanghai and explore the iconic Bund, where colonial architecture meets the modern skyline. The evening cruise on the Huangpu River presents a spectacular view of Shanghai’s luminous skyline—perfect for night photography and appreciating the city’s vibrancy.

Day 6: Leisurely departure

On your final day, you can choose to explore more of Shanghai or Nanjing, such as Nanjing Road or the City God Temple Mall. Afterward, you’ll head to the airport or train station, carrying memories of scenic water towns, historic sites, and city skylines.

The Practical Side: What’s Included and What to Consider

The tour offers five breakfasts and eight lunches, giving you a taste of local flavors at each stop. Staying in luxury hotels ensures comfort after busy days of walking and sightseeing. The professional tour guide provides historical insights and helps navigate transportation, making the experience smooth and educational.

Entrance fees are covered for major sites like Sun Yat-sen’s Mausoleum, Lingering Garden, Wuzhen Xizha, and the Huangpu River cruise. Transportation is via air-conditioned coach, which simplifies moving between cities and attractions. For families with children under 1.2 meters, some discounts are available, but note that children do not occupy a bed or have their own tickets included.

On the flip side, the tour does not include personal expenses, optional activities, or travel insurance. Travelers should also note that single supplement charges apply if not sharing a room and that children under 3 may not find the tour suitable.

What to bring

Comfortable shoes are essential, given the extensive walking across historic streets, gardens, and water towns. A hat, sunscreen, camera, and water are also recommended for sunny days or outdoor spots.

Important considerations

The itinerary may be adjusted due to weather or traffic, a common practice in China tours. The tour is conducted in Chinese, but guides usually speak English as well. The group size varies, but the shared experience is an excellent way to meet fellow travelers and gain local insights.

Authentic Experiences and Hidden Gems

Beyond the main sites, many guests appreciate the small details—like the peaceful vibe of Nianhua Bay or the serenity of Lingering Garden—that make each stop memorable. Several reviewers mention how the scenic views of West Lake are breathtaking, especially during sunset cruises, and how the lantern-lit walk in Wuzhen creates a fairy-tale atmosphere.

The cruise on the Huangpu River stands out as a highlight, offering a different perspective of Shanghai’s dynamic skyline. Guests often comment on how the illuminated skyscrapers create a mesmerizing backdrop, perfect for photos and relaxing after busy days.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is perfect for culture enthusiasts eager to explore Chinese history, gardens, and water towns, all within a comfortable guided format. It suits travelers who appreciate scenic landscapes and iconic sights without the hassle of planning logistics themselves. Families with older children, especially those who enjoy walking and sightseeing, will find it engaging.

However, those with mobility issues or looking for a highly flexible, independent experience might find the structured schedule limiting. The tour’s inclusiveness and focus on authentic local experiences make it an excellent choice for first-time visitors to Jiangnan or those wanting a rundown.

Final Thoughts

This 6-day Jiangnan tour offers a well-balanced itinerary that combines natural beauty, cultural heritage, and modern cityscapes. Staying in luxury accommodations and enjoying guided tours makes it an excellent value for those seeking comfort and insightful commentary.

The highlights—like West Lake, Wuzhen, and the Huangpu River cruise—are genuine standouts, delivering memorable views and experiences. The mix of historic sites and scenic landscapes ensures you’ll come away with a deeper appreciation of Jiangnan’s allure.

Whether you’re a history lover, a photography enthusiast, or simply someone who wants to soak in China’s scenic beauty, this tour provides a thoughtfully curated way to experience the region’s soul.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, transportation between cities and attractions is via air-conditioned coach, which helps keep the journey comfortable and efficient.

Are meals included?
The tour includes 5 breakfasts and 8 lunches, allowing you to enjoy local flavors without extra planning. Dinners are generally not included.

What sites are covered in the entrance fees?
Entrance fees are included for key attractions like Sun Yat-sen’s Mausoleum, Lingering Garden, Wuzhen Xizha, and the Huangpu River cruise.

Can children participate in this tour?
Children under 1.2 meters are eligible for discounts, but they do not occupy a bed, and meals or tickets are not included. The tour is generally suitable for children over 3, with some restrictions for mobility.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with mobility issues?
No, it’s not recommended for those with mobility impairments due to the amount of walking and site visits involved.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, camera, and water are advised, as there will be a lot of outdoor walking and sightseeing.

Can I book and pay later?
Yes, you can reserve your spot now with a flexible payment option—pay later and keep your plans open.

What is the best time to take this tour?
While not explicitly specified, the outdoor sites like West Lake and water towns are particularly beautiful in spring and autumn, when the weather is mild.

What if the weather is bad?
The itinerary may be adjusted due to weather or traffic, but the guide will do their best to ensure you still enjoy the highlights of Jiangnan.

This tour provides an engaging and comfortable way to experience the scenic and cultural treasures of Jiangnan. Whether you’re after iconic sights, tranquil water towns, or vibrant cityscapes, you’ll find this journey both inspiring and memorable.

You can check availability for your dates here: