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Garden Retreat

🕑  7 Days

📍 Suzhou & Hangzhou

🕑  7 Days

📍 Suzhou & Hangzhou

Unwind in China’s most poetic cities, where slow canals, classical gardens, and green tea fields offer a gentle escape from the noise of modern life. This tranquil trip is ideal for couples, artists, and anyone in need of beauty and balance.

Unwind in China’s most poetic cities, where slow canals, classical gardens, and green tea fields offer a gentle escape from the noise of modern life. This tranquil trip is ideal for couples, artists, and anyone in need of beauty and balance.

About This Tour

Begin in Suzhou, often called “Venice of the East,” with its silk traditions and Ming-era gardens.

Then head south to Hangzhou, where the calm waters of West Lake, quiet tea fields, and Buddhist temples provide a peaceful conclusion to your journey.

Both cities are known for their refined cuisine and soothing scenery.

Highlights

  • Strolling through Suzhou’s classical gardens, where winding paths, pavilions, and koi ponds create a living painting

  • Gliding along quiet canals by boat, passing red lanterns, stone bridges, and traditional homes

  • Sipping Longjing tea in a Hangzhou hillside village, surrounded by misty terraces

  • Watching sunset on West Lake from a wooden boat or lakeside promenade

  • Exploring ancient temples and stone carvings tucked into forested hills near Hangzhou

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Suzhou
  • Morning: Arrive in Suzhou and check in to your hotel or garden-style guesthouse.

  • Afternoon: Take a peaceful walk through Pingjiang Road, lined with teahouses, small bridges, and canals.

  • Evening: Dine on Suzhou-style cuisine—try dishes like squirrel-shaped mandarin fish and sweet lotus root.

  • Morning: Visit the Humble Administrator’s Garden, one of China’s finest classical gardens.

  • Afternoon: Explore the Lingering Garden, followed by a visit to the Suzhou Silk Museum to learn about the city’s silk heritage.

  • Evening: Enjoy a canal boat ride as lanterns reflect off the water, followed by dinner in the historic Shantang Street area.

  • Morning: Visit the Suzhou Museum, designed by architect I.M. Pei, for a blend of traditional and modern aesthetics.

  • Afternoon: Take a leisurely tea break at a lakeside teahouse or explore a local embroidery studio.

  • Evening: Optional: attend a Kunqu Opera performance, one of China’s oldest art forms.

  • Morning: Take a high-speed train to Hangzhou (approx. 1.5 hours) and check in to your lakeside or tea field retreat.

  • Afternoon: Stroll along the West Lake Causeway, stopping at iconic views like Broken Bridge or Leifeng Pagoda.

  • Evening: Enjoy a calm dinner near the lake—try local specialties like West Lake vinegar fish.

  • Morning: Rent a bike or take a boat ride around West Lake, pausing at islands, gardens, and pavilions.

  • Afternoon: Visit the China National Tea Museum and take part in a Longjing tea tasting at Meijiawu Village.

  • Evening: Watch the “Impression West Lake” night show (optional) or enjoy a quiet walk along Su Causeway.

  • Morning: Explore Lingyin Temple, one of the most famous Buddhist temples in China.

  • Afternoon: Hike the nearby Feilai Feng grottos, where ancient Buddhist carvings are nestled in a peaceful forest.

  • Evening: Relax with a meal in the Wushan Night Market or enjoy a guided evening food walk.

  • Morning: Have a slow breakfast overlooking the lake or in a nearby cafĂ©.

  • Afternoon: Optional visit to a local market or museum before heading to the airport or train station.

  • Evening: Departure.

What's Included

  • Private chauffeur service to and from the airport at the start and end of the trip.
  • All transfers by car, train, or plane with booking assistance.
  • Admission fees and activities as indicated in the itinerary.
  • English/Spanish-speaking guide.
  • Assistance with hotel reservations throughout the trip.
  • Local SIM card with data or support for eSIM.

How to Book Your Adventure

Save your Spot

Once you’re happy with the itinerary, simply confirm your booking and make the payment to reserve your adventure.

Enjoy your Journey

From your arrival to your last stop, we’re here to make sure every part of your adventure runs smoothly.

Let’s Talk

Send us a message. We’ll get to know your travel style, interests, timeline, and budget.

Tailored Planning

We design a custom itinerary that matches your interests—whether you’re into nature, food, culture, or a bit of everything.

How to Book Your Adventure

Let’s Talk

Send us a message. We’ll get to know your travel style, interests, timeline, and budget.

Tailored Planning

We design a custom itinerary that matches your vibe—whether you’re into nature, food, culture, or a bit of everything.

Save your Spot

Once you’re happy with the itinerary, simply confirm your booking and make the payment to reserve your adventure.

Enjoy the Journey

From your arrival to your last stop, we’re here to make sure every part of your adventure runs smoothly.