GIANG NAM NIGHT DIARY TOUR: SHANGHAI - HANGZHOU - SUZHOU - WUZHEN 4 DAYS 3 NIGHTS | DEPARTURE IN JULY, AUGUST, SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER

At 16:25, our bus and tour guide will pick you up at the designated meeting point and transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport to check in for flight VJ3900 from Ho Chi Minh City to Shanghai, departing at 19:45. On board, a light meal will be served to ensure your health and energy for the exciting journey ahead.

At around 00:55, the group will land at Shanghai Pudong International Airport. After completing immigration procedures, the tour guide will escort you to the hotel for check-in and rest, recharging for tomorrow's exploration of Shanghai.

The first night in Shanghai promises to offer you comfort after a long day of travel. This is a great opportunity to relax and prepare for the wonderful experiences ahead in one of China's most vibrant and modern metropolises.

After waking up at the Shanghai hotel, you will check out and enjoy a lavish buffet breakfast. Right after, the group will begin the journey to Suzhou, a land famous for its ancient history and culture, home to many of China's outstanding scenic spots.

Morning: Visit Hanshan Temple – A Thousand-Year-Old Ancient Temple:

The first stop on the trip is Hanshan Temple, one of China's oldest temples, built during the Liang Dynasty in the 6th century. Originally named Miaoli Puming Pagoda Courtyard, it was renamed Hanshan during the Tang Dynasty. This site is not only an important historical relic but also a symbol of Buddhist culture, famous for its temple bells recalled in the famous poem "Night Mooring by Maple Bridge."

Lunchtime: Explore Suzhou – World Heritage Site: 

After visiting Hanshan Temple, the group will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant featuring local Suzhou specialties. Continuing the journey, you will visit Couples' Retreat Garden (Ou Yuan). This ancient garden was built during the reign of Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty and was recognized as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 2000. With its poetic landscape, Ou Yuan is an architectural symbol of ancient Chinese garden design, where you can stroll through tranquil settings and admire traditional garden art. (Optionally, you can take a boat ride on the canal at your own expense to experience the full beauty of the garden.)

Afternoon: Explore Suzhou – The Thousand-Year Silk Capital: 

Continuing the journey, the group will visit the Suzhou Silk Factory, where you will have the opportunity to learn about the sericulture process, a traditional craft with over 3,000 years of history in Suzhou. Being one of the cradles of silk weaving, renowned for exquisite hand embroidery and top-tier silk art among China's Four Famous Embroideries, you can tour and purchase high-end, unique silk products from this "silk capital."

Evening: Free Time to Explore Shantang Ancient Street:

After dinner at a local restaurant, you will check in to your hotel in Suzhou. In the evening, you can freely explore the Seven-Li Shantang Scenic Area, one of China's oldest pedestrian streets with over 1,200 years of history. This narrow street with ancient shops and small bridges spanning the canal evokes familiar scenes from Chinese historical dramas. It is an ideal place to walk around, soak in the historic cultural atmosphere, and enjoy enticing street food.

Conclude the day of sightseeing with an overnight stay at the Suzhou hotel, preparing for another exciting journey the next day.

Morning: Experience the Ancient Charm of Wuzhen 

After enjoying a buffet breakfast at the hotel, you will check out and begin the journey to Wuzhen, one of China's Four Great Ancient Towns. Wuzhen possesses an ancient, tranquil beauty with traditional architecture of old China. Here, the group will visit:

• Wuzhen Ancient Town High Buildings: Featuring the architectural style of "Small Bridge - Flowing Water - Traditional Homes", giving you the feeling of stepping into a vibrant period film scene.
• East, South, West, and North Sections: Each section of Wuzhen has its own unique architecture and function, creating a distinctive diversity for the entire ancient town.
• Stone Bridges: A network of stone bridges interconnected like a maze, showcasing the exquisite stone bridge architecture of ancient China.

Lunchtime: Explore West Lake - Hangzhou 

After lunch at a local restaurant, the group will continue to Hangzhou, a city famous for its picturesque landscapes and ancient culture. Upon arrival in Hangzhou, you will visit one of China's Four Great Famous Lakes – West Lake.

• Broken Bridge and Long Bridge: Stroll across two famous bridges, witnesses to the tragic love stories of Liang Shanbo - Zhu Yingtai and Xu Xian - Bai Suzhen (The White Snake).
• West Lake Cruise: Experience cruising on the poetic waters of West Lake, a scenery once praised by legendary poets Bai Juyi and Su Dongpo.
• Three Pools Mirroring the Moon: Admire the ancient stone pagodas used to measure water levels, and Leifeng Pagoda - an iconic historic landmark of Hangzhou.
• Su Causeway Pedestrian Street: Walk along the willow-lined path, enjoying the view and fresh air along the lakeside.
• Longjing Tea Plantation: Discover Longjing Tea, one of the four precious imperial tribute teas, world-renowned for its delicate flavor and long-standing tea-cultivation tradition.

Evening: Free Time to Explore Hangzhou Ancient Town 

After dinner at a local restaurant, you will check in to the hotel and rest. The evening is free for you to explore Hangzhou's ancient street with its rich traditional culture. Alternatively, you may choose to watch the spectacular show "Romance of the Song Dynasty" (expenses self-paid). The performance recreates the heroic history of Song Dynasty China, including stories of General Yue Fei and the Legend of the White Snake.

You will stay overnight at a hotel in Hangzhou, preparing for the next day's tour.

Morning: Enjoy Coffee at Trung Nguyen Legend Coffee World
After enjoying breakfast buffet and checking out of the hotel, the group will depart for Shanghai to continue the exploration. 

The first stop is Trung Nguyen Legend Coffee World in Shanghai, where you can savor the signature coffee flavor of the Trung Nguyen brand (expenses self-paid) and relax in an elegant setting.

Visit Jade Museum and Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street Next, the group will visit Shanghai Jade Jewelry Center, displaying rare jade varieties. This is an opportunity to learn about the art of jade crafting and acquire exquisite, unique jewelry pieces. 

Afterward, the group will head to Nanjing Road (China's No. 1 Commercial Street), one of Shanghai's busiest shopping streets with a history spanning over 100 years. Here, you can stroll along the pedestrian zone, admiring the blend of modern buildings and colonial-era architecture, while shopping at luxury stores.

Lunchtime: Visit City God Temple and The Bund

After lunch at a local restaurant, the group will continue to visit the City God Temple Commercial Street featuring ancient houses with intricately carved curved roofs. Here, you can shop for souvenirs and admire traditional architectural beauty.

The tour continues to The Bund, one of Shanghai's famous cultural landmarks often featured in television dramas. The Bund offers a blend of classic and modern architectural styles; on one side of the Huangpu River stand Gothic, Neo-Classical, Baroque, and Art Deco buildings, while the other side boasts the futuristic skyscrapers of Pudong.

Afternoon: View Oriental Pearl Tower and Check-in at Lujiazui
Continuing the journey, the group will view the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, a symbol of Shanghai blending modern and classic styles. This is a must-see landmark when visiting Shanghai. 

The group will stop at Lujiazui Financial District, located along the Huangpu River. This bustling, modern area is an ideal spot to take photos and capture wonderful moments in Shanghai.

Evening: End of the Journey 

After dinner at a local restaurant, the group will transfer to Pudong International Airport to complete departure procedures for flight VJ3901 back to Ho Chi Minh City, departing at 01:55. Arrive at Tan Son Nhat Airport at 05:40, concluding the China discovery tour. The tour leader will say goodbye and look forward to seeing you on future trips.