From the modern skyline of shanghai to the misty peaks of huangshan this trip covered an incredible range of landscapes and cultures. Each guide brought their own personality and expertise. In hangzhou we did a sunrise boat on west lake that was almost spiritual. In suzhou we got lost in the garden of the humble administrator and loved every minute. Huangshan was the physical challenge but the sunrise from the summit made it all worthwhile. Well organized throughout.

Reviewed to: 9-Day Shanghai Suzhou Hangzhou Huangshan Private Tour: Eastern China Highlights

This was a packed itinerary but the logistics were handled so smoothly it felt effortless. Shanghai to hangzhou to suzhou and back. Each city had a local guide who knew their patch well. In hangzhou we did the tea plantation and the pagoda at sunset. In suzhou the garden tour was intimate and uncrowded because our guide timed it perfectly. High speed train between cities was first class and always on time. Hotels were well located.

Reviewed to: 5 Days Hangzhou Suzhou Heavenly Tour from Shanghai by High Speed Train

Day one we did the bund and french concession. Day two was zhujiajiao water town and day three we explored the old city and shanghai museum. Having three days meant we could take it slow and really absorb the city. Our guide on day two was different from day one but both were excellent. She found us a xiaolongbao shop on day three that had a line out the door but was worth every minute of waiting. Driver was always on time and van was comfortable.

Reviewed to: Three-Day Shanghai City Tour from the French Concession to Zhujiajiao Water Town

Did day one as classic Shanghai tour - bund, yuyuan, french concession. Day two was disneyland and our guide knew exactly how to work the crowds. She had us at the gates before opening and we hit soar over the horizon with a 15 minute wait. Kids loved the pirates ride and the meet and greets. Guide took photos for us at every iconic spot which was a nice bonus. Driver had the van stocked with water and snacks for the kids.

Reviewed to: 2-Day Shanghai Family Vacation Package with Disneyland Park

Our guide was actually from suzhou originally and she showed us the city through her own childhood memories. The canal walk she picked was not the famous tourist one but a quiet residential stretch where laundry still hung over the water. We had lunch at a place she said her grandmother used to take her to - braised tofu and steamed perch fish. First class train was comfortable and she handled all the platform navigation.

Reviewed to: Suzhou Through Local Eyes: Classic Suzhou Day Trip From Shanghai by Bullet Train

Long drive from Shanghai to hangzhou but our guide filled the time with stories about the silk road and the southern song dynasty. Arrived at west lake just as the morning mist was lifting. She knew the best angle for photos at the broken bridge and suggested we take a rowboat instead of the big cruise ship which was so much more peaceful. Lunch at a lakeside restaurant with longjing tea shrimp. Visit to the tea plantation in the afternoon was the cherry on top.

Reviewed to: Scenic Day Trip to Hangzhou from Shanghai: Explore West Lake & Tea Plantations

We told our guide we cared more about food and local life than temples and she built the day around that. Morning at a wet market where we tried stinky tofu and fresh douhua for breakfast. Then a cooking class at a family home in the old town where we learned to fold xiaolongbao. Afternoon walk through tianzifang with stops at indie art galleries. She kept checking if we were tired and found us a quiet courtyard cafe for a rest.

Reviewed to: Discover Shanghai: Flexible One-Day Highlights Tour with Expert Guide

Half day was just right for zhujiajiao. Our guide picked us up from the french concession and we drove out in about an hour. Arrived before the day trippers and had the main canal nearly to ourselves. She took us to a 100 year old tea house that was not on any tourist map. The gondola ride through the stone bridges was serene. Back in Shanghai by early afternoon with a completely different impression of the region.

Reviewed to: Zhujiajiao Water Town Half-Day Tour From Shanghai - The Secret Hidden Under the Modern City

Morning was classic Shanghai - the bund, yuyuan garden, french concession lanes. Afternoon we drove out to zhujiajiao water town which was a complete contrast. Our guide grew up near a water town and her personal stories about festival boats and rice paddle making added so much depth. We tasted zongzi at a small stall by the canal and bought some handmade blue calico fabric. Driver was patient with traffic getting back to the city.

Reviewed to: Shanghai One Day Trip: City Highlights and Zhujiajiao Water Town

The huangpu river at night with both skylines lit up is something we will remember. Our guide picked us up from the hotel at 6pm and we started with dinner at a local restaurant near the bund - tried shengjian mantou and braised pork for the first time. Then boarded the cruise boat and had the upper deck mostly to ourselves. Guide pointed out the old customs house and the new shanghai tower from the water. Perfect evening.

Reviewed to: Shanghai Night Boat Tour: Huangpu River Cruise and Food