I recently embarked on an 8-day journey across Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou, and Huangshan, and I must say, it was a truly remarkable experience. Each city had its own unique charm, and the local guides played a huge part in making this trip unforgettable. Andy in Shanghai, Darcy in Hangzhou, and Autumn in Huangshan were all exceptional in their own way, offering a personal touch to every destination.

Our adventure began in Shanghai, where we were greeted by our guide Andy. He immediately made us feel at home with his friendly demeanor and in-depth knowledge of the city’s history. We started with a visit to the Shanghai Museum, where Andy expertly explained the evolution of Chinese art and culture. Later, at Yuyuan Garden, he took the time to describe the garden’s design principles, and the ancient architecture of the Bazaar came alive through his storytelling. Walking down Nanjing Road and the Bund, Andy helped us navigate the bustling streets, sharing insights into Shanghai’s growth from a small fishing village to a global city. The boat cruise along the Huangpu River was the perfect way to wrap up our Shanghai experience, offering stunning views of the city’s skyline as Andy pointed out key landmarks.

Next, we hopped on a bullet train to Suzhou, and Andy remained with us for the day. He continued to impress us with his knowledge of Suzhou’s classical gardens. We visited the Lingering Garden, where Andy’s detailed explanations about the garden’s design—based on Confucian principles—made the experience so much richer. Tiger Hill and Pingjiang Ancient Street followed, with Andy expertly weaving together local history, stories, and folklore, giving us a deep appreciation of Suzhou’s cultural heritage.

The following day, we took a train to Hangzhou, where we met our new guide, Darcy. Darcy’s passion for her city was evident from the moment we met. She shared fascinating stories about West Lake, and the boat cruise around the lake felt magical as we learned about the various legends associated with its landmarks. At Lingyin Temple, Darcy brought the history of this ancient Buddhist site to life. Later, she took us to Meijiawu Tea Plantation, where we had a hands-on experience of tea-picking and tasting. Darcy’s insights into the traditional tea culture were one of the highlights of the trip. We ended the day at Qinghefang Old Street, where Darcy pointed out local crafts and snacks, giving us a true taste of Hangzhou.

Our final destination was Huangshan, where Autumn greeted us. Autumn was incredibly knowledgeable and made sure we didn’t miss any of Huangshan’s breathtaking sights. We started in Hongcun Village, a picturesque UNESCO World Heritage site that felt like stepping into a painting. Autumn explained the architectural and cultural significance of the village in such a way that it became more than just a scenic stop. Then, we ventured into the Huangshan Scenic Area. The stunning granite peaks and rolling mist made for an unforgettable experience, and Autumn made sure we were up at dawn to witness the famous Huangshan sunrise. It was truly a highlight of the trip.

This trip was a perfect blend of culture, history, and natural beauty, all thanks to the incredible guides and smooth logistics. I highly recommend this 8-day tour for anyone looking to explore the best of China!

Reviewed to: 9-Day Shanghai Suzhou Hangzhou Huangshan Tour Package with Private Guide: Timeless Beauty of Eastern China