Zen Gardens and Waterways
Bite-sized trip
- Itinerary:Shanghai - Luzhi - Tongli - Suzhou - Shanghai
- Duration:4 days / 3 nights (flexible)
- Price:from £ 495.- per person
Day 1 – Shanghai – Luzli – Tongli
Arriving in Shanghai, you’ll be collected by your private driver for the journey to Luzhi, set on quiet rippling canals. You’ll see everyday life in full swing along the banks, stop in a traditional teahouse for a cuppa and sift through the small souvenir stalls.
After Luzli, you’ll continue to Tongli, another half an hour down the road. Another village perched on a tangle of canals; it’s full of local atmosphere and charm. Here, you’ll settle into your courtyard hotel, lit with dangling red lanterns. You can take a walk along the canals and try some traditional Chinese dishes.
Day 2 – Tongli – Shanghai
Today, your time is your own before you leave for Shanghai. Make an early start to beat the tourist crowds that flood the town around 11am. Until then, you’ll feel as though Tongli is almost yours alone. The best way to see the town is from the water, so you can hire a local boat and explore the network of sleepy canals.
In the afternoon you’ll be collected by a private driver to take you to nearby Suzhou, where you’ll hop on the high-speed train to Shanghai. The journey is an experience in itself. On arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel, located in the hustle and bustle of Nanjing Road, and a short distance from the well known Bund promenade.
Days 3-4 – Shanghai – departure
You’ll have the whole day to explore Shanghai, watching life unfold on the streets, strolling between the skyscrapers and learning about its interesting past. Watch local practising Tai Chi in the park and wander past the stately mansions of the Old Quarter. You can spend the evening sampling local dishes and sipping cocktails in rooftop bars before leaving Shanghai the following morning.
This bite-sized trip can be combined well with
Sunrise in the Yellow Mountains
- 3 days / 2 nights (flexible)
- from £ 395.- per person
Temples and Hutongs of Beijing
- 4 days / 3 nights (flexible)
- from £ 445.- per person
