As a couple from Canada with a passion for both history and culture, our 8-day China tour spanning Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou, and Beijing exceeded every expectation. From the moment we booked, the company’s service was impeccable: quick email responses to our questions about itinerary flexibility (we asked to add a local market stop in Shanghai), detailed pre-trip guides with packing tips, and even a reminder about high-speed train ticket collection. Every detail felt thoughtfully planned, leaving us stress-free to soak in the experience.

Our first stop was Shanghai, where guide David greeted us at the airport. Fluent in English with a witty, engaging style, he showed us the contrast between the city’s modernity and tradition: we marveled at the futuristic skyline of the Bund at night, wandered through the historic Shikumen lanes, and visited a bustling wet market (our requested add-on), where David translated for us as we chatted with vendors selling fresh dumplings and tropical fruits. He even recommended a hidden rooftop café with panoramic views—something no guidebook mentioned.

Next, we traveled to Hangzhou with David, who stayed with us for the first four days. West Lake was breathtaking at sunrise, and David brought the “Legend of the White Snake” to life as we cruised on a traditional boat, pointing out spots linked to the myth. At Meijiawu Tea Plantation, he walked us through the tea-picking process, explaining how altitude and soil affect Biluochun’s flavor, then guided us through a tea ceremony where we learned to brew the tea ourselves. The bamboo-lined path at Yunqi felt like a peaceful retreat, and David shared stories of how monks once used the path for meditation—adding depth to the serene scenery.

In Suzhou, guide Ling took over, and her expertise in classical gardens was unmatched. She led us through the Humble Administrator’s Garden, pointing out the “borrowed scenery” technique that makes the garden feel larger than it is, and explained the symbolism of every rock and plant (lotus flowers for purity, pine trees for longevity). We also visited a silk workshop, where Ling translated the artisan’s demonstration of silk reeling—we were fascinated to see how a silkworm cocoon becomes a thread. For lunch, she took us to a family-run restaurant for “Suzhou sweet and sour mandarin fish,” explaining that the dish’s delicate flavor reflects the city’s refined culture.

Our final stop was Beijing, with guide Mark joining us. He led us through Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, sharing stories of emperors and concubines that made the grand palaces feel personal. At the Great Wall (Mutianyu section), he hiked with us, pointing out ancient watchtowers and explaining how the wall was built without modern machinery. He also helped us avoid crowds by taking a less-traveled path, where we had stunning photos taken with no other tourists in sight. On our last night, he took us to a local hutong for Peking duck, where we sat with locals and laughed as he translated our attempts at Mandarin.

Throughout the trip, the drivers and vehicles were consistent in quality: spotlessly clean, spacious for our luggage, and always on time. The Beijing driver, in particular, navigated the city’s busy traffic smoothly, and he even had heated seats ready for the chilly autumn mornings.

This 8-day tour wasn’t just a series of sights—it was a journey through China’s soul. David, Ling, and Mark didn’t just show us places; they shared stories, food, and traditions that made us feel connected to the country. We left with a deeper understanding of China’s past and present, and memories that will stay with us forever. If you want to experience China beyond the tourist traps, this is the tour for you.

Reviewed to: Unforgettable 8-Day China Tour: Nature, History and Modern Life Across Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou & Beijing