I honestly can’t believe how much we packed into just 8 days in China—it felt like a whirlwind, but in the best possible way! From Shanghai's fast-paced energy to the serene beauty of West Lake in Hangzhou, and the peaceful gardens in Suzhou, every moment was filled with new discoveries. Beijing? Well, it completely lived up to the hype, and then some.

Starting in Shanghai, Lily was our guide, and she kicked things off perfectly. She didn’t just show us the usual spots like Yuyuan Garden and The Bund, she also shared insider stories and tips about the city that made it feel so much more personal. We got to experience Nanjing Road at night, and trust me, that boat ride along the Huangpu River was something else—the skyline looked incredible lit up after dark.

The next stop was Hangzhou, and Jason was an absolute gem. He was so passionate about West Lake—his stories about the lake’s history and the surrounding temples made everything feel more meaningful. After a peaceful boat ride, we visited Lingyin Temple, and I’ve never felt more at peace. The Meijiawu Tea Village was a surprise highlight too! We had a tea-tasting session there that was so relaxing. Plus, I learned way more about tea than I ever thought I’d know!

Then, it was time for Suzhou, and Sophia was the perfect guide. I’m a sucker for beautiful gardens, and Lingering Garden did not disappoint—it was like stepping into another world. Shantang Street was charming and felt like something straight out of an old Chinese painting. Sophia also gave us a peek into Suzhou’s history and how the city is preserving its heritage while evolving with modern times.

Finally, we wrapped up the trip in Beijing, and let me just say—if you’ve never seen the Mutianyu Great Wall, add it to your bucket list! Andy kicked things off with the historical sites: Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and Jingshan Park. His knowledge was so impressive, and he made each site come alive with stories that we’d never have known otherwise. Then, we spent the next day with Sarah, who really knows how to keep the energy high! Whether it was hiking up to the Mutianyu Great Wall or screaming our lungs out at Universal Studios, we had an absolute blast.

Looking back, it feels like we saw a good mix of everything—history, culture, nature, and fun. What really stood out was how organized everything was, and the fact that every guide was not only an expert but also so welcoming and fun to be around. Bonnie did an amazing job putting everything together. If you’re considering a trip to China, I’d 100% recommend Your Way Holiday. They made it so easy, and I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better experience.

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