9-Nights Eastern China: Nanjing to Xiamen from $4,014

Itinerary Details

Day 1: Arrive in Nanjing

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, enjoy free time to explore this historic city, known for its ancient walls, scenic riverside parks, and rich cultural heritage.

Hotel: Holiday Inn Nanjing Aqua City (4 Star Rating)

Holiday Inn Nanjing Aqua City offers contemporary rooms with modern amenities. Connected to a popular shopping mall and featuring an indoor pool, fitness center, and multiple dining options, it provides convenience and comfort.

Start the day with a visit to the Xiaoling Tomb of the Ming Dynasty, one of the largest imperial tombs, built for Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang and Empress Ma. Admire its grand ancient architecture, learn about the Ming Dynasty, and enjoy a peaceful walk among stone animal statues and tree-lined paths.

Next, visit Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s Mausoleum, nestled against green hills. Blending Chinese and Western styles, the mausoleum is shaped like an alarm clock and offers insight into early 20th-century Chinese history, elegant architecture, and panoramic city views.

Continue to the Memorial of the Nanjing Massacre, where powerful exhibitions honor the memory of those lost during the Japanese occupation in the 1930s.

End the day at the Confucius Temple, originally built in 1034 AD. Explore the temple, see how locals honor Confucius, stroll along the historic Qinhuai River, sample local snacks, browse colorful street vendors, and hunt for antique bargains.

Hotel: Holiday Inn Nanjing Aqua City (4 Star Rating)

Holiday Inn Nanjing Aqua City offers contemporary rooms with modern amenities. Connected to a popular shopping mall and featuring an indoor pool, fitness center, and multiple dining options, it provides convenience and comfort.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch

Take a private transfer to the railway station and board a high-speed train to Suzhou. On arrival, meet your local English-speaking guide at the station exit, then transfer privately to your hotel for check-in.

In the afternoon, visit the charming and authentic Tongli Ancient Water Town. Explore the elegant Tuisi Garden, stroll through the lively old streets, and enjoy a peaceful boat ride along the ancient canals. Discover the unique atmosphere, architecture, and flavors of this classic southeastern water village while learning about its rich culture, traditions, and history.

Hotel: Four Points By Sheraton Suzhou (4 Star Rating)

Four Points by Sheraton Suzhou features spacious, modern rooms with lake or city views. Located in the Suzhou Industrial Park near Dushu Lake, the hotel offers easy access to business hubs and attractions, along with facilities including a fitness center, indoor pool, and dining.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch

Begin your day at the Humble Administrator’s Garden, a 500-year-old masterpiece of classical Chinese landscaping. Designed with ancient wisdom, it features tranquil ponds, blooming flowers, elegant pavilions, and intricate rockeries. Learn about its rich history and traditional customs as you explore its serene beauty.

Next, visit the Suzhou Museum, renowned for its exceptional collection of Chinese cultural relics. The museum's striking modern design is the work of world-famous architect I.M. Pei, blending tradition with innovation.

Continue to Tiger Hill (Hu Qiu), known as “the first scenic spot in the State of Wu.” Suzhou was once the capital of this ancient state, and Tiger Hill remains one of its most iconic landmarks. See the famous Huqiu Pagoda, which has been leaning for over a thousand years—second only to the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

End the day with a walk along Santang Cultural Street, a historic street lined with ancient archways, ancestral halls, and modern shops. The southeast section, known as Old Shangtang Street, is filled with local snack stalls, artisan stores, and riverside charm. A leisurely cruise along the canal, surrounded by old buildings, is a perfect way to experience the timeless beauty of Suzhou

Hotel: Four Points By Sheraton Suzhou (4 Star Rating)

Four Points by Sheraton Suzhou features spacious, modern rooms with lake or city views. Located in the Suzhou Industrial Park near Dushu Lake, the hotel offers easy access to business hubs and attractions, along with facilities including a fitness center, indoor pool, and dining.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Take a private transfer to the railway station for your high-speed train to Hangzhou. Upon arrival, meet your local English-speaking guide outside the station exit, then enjoy a private transfer to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free to discover the beauty of this vibrant city at your own pace.

Hotel: Tea Boutique Hotel Hangzhou (4 Star Rating)

Tea Boutique Hotel Hangzhou offers elegantly designed rooms that blend traditional Chinese aesthetics with modern comforts. Conveniently located near West Lake and the Botanical Garden, the hotel features a tea-themed restaurant, spa services, and a tranquil atmosphere ideal for relaxation.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Begin your day at the UNESCO-listed West Lake, Hangzhou’s iconic landmark, celebrated for its stunning scenery and cultural heritage. Enjoy a private sampan ride across the calm waters, soaking in the lake’s beauty and peaceful atmosphere. Stroll through Quyuan Garden, known for its lotus blooms and poetic charm, and learn about the legends and history that bring the area to life. Keep your camera ready for scenic photo opportunities throughout the journey.

Continue to Guo’s Villa, a serene and lesser-known gem on the western shore of West Lake. This beautifully preserved garden villa showcases refined Qing Dynasty architecture and offers a tranquil retreat with its meticulous design and deep cultural roots.

Next, visit the Dragon Well (Longjing) Tea Plantation, where you’ll take in sweeping views of tea terraces, experience local tea culture, sample the famous Dragon Well tea, and enjoy a traditional lunch at the tea farm.

End the day at Lingyin Monastery, one of China’s most revered and historic Buddhist temples. Rich in spiritual and architectural significance, it features ancient pagodas, serene grottoes, and impressive halls.

Hotel: Tea Boutique Hotel Hangzhou (4 Star Rating)

Tea Boutique Hotel Hangzhou offers elegantly designed rooms that blend traditional Chinese aesthetics with modern comforts. Conveniently located near West Lake and the Botanical Garden, the hotel features a tea-themed restaurant, spa services, and a tranquil atmosphere ideal for relaxation.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, transfer to the railway station for your high-speed train to Quanzhou. Upon arrival, meet your local guide outside the station exit and transfer to your hotel for check-in.

In the afternoon, visit the Quanzhou Maritime Museum, which offers a comprehensive look at the city’s rich trading history and the evolution of Chinese shipbuilding. It is the only museum in China dedicated to artifacts related to overseas transportation.

Next, visit the historic Luoyang Bridge, one of China’s “Four Famous Ancient Bridges.” Built in 1053 during the Northern Song Dynasty, it was the first stone bridge in China to span the sea. Innovative construction methods, including raft foundations and oyster reef bases, were used to overcome complex engineering challenges.

Hotel: Wanda Vista Quanzhou (4 Star Rating)

Wanda Vista Quanzhou offers rooms with elegant decor, premium bedding, and modern amenities. Located in the heart of Quanzhou's business district, the hotel features an indoor pool, fitness center, multiple dining options, and easy access to cultural sites and shopping areas.

Meal(s): Breakfast

This morning, continue your in-depth discovery of Quanzhou with a visit to the Kaiyuan Monastery, one of the largest and most significant Buddhist monasteries in China. Nearby, admire the East and West Pagodas, considered among the best-preserved stone pagodas in the country. The well-preserved courtyard galleries and sacred spaces offer a deep appreciation of Buddhist culture.

Next, visit the Qingjing Mosque, built in 1009 during the Northern Song Dynasty and recognized as the oldest surviving mosque in China. Influenced by architectural styles from Damascus, this 2,184-square-meter stone structure reflects Quanzhou’s long-standing cultural diversity and its historic role as a maritime hub.

After lunch at a local restaurant, drive approximately 2.5 hours to Nanjing County to explore the remarkable Tulou Clusters. These traditional earthen buildings, built by the Hakka people, are not only architectural marvels but also cultural treasures. Surrounded by mountains, rivers, and terraced fields, the setting is as stunning as the structures themselves. Dive into the history, traditions, and community life of the Hakka, and experience the harmony between architecture and nature.

Hotel: Guesthouse 1949 (3 Star Rating)

Guesthouse 1949 offers cozy, vintage-style rooms that blend mid-century design with modern comforts, featuring wooden furnishings, private bathrooms, and artistic décor. Tucked away in a quiet neighborhood, the guesthouse provides a warm, home-like atmosphere with personalized service and a peaceful courtyard setting.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch

Today, travel to Xiamen (approximately a 2-hour drive) and take a scenic 20-minute ferry ride to Gulangyu Island. Step onto this charming and tranquil island, renowned for its colonial-era architecture and stunning natural beauty. With its distinctive blend of Chinese and Western influences, wander through its narrow lanes, uncover cozy cafés, art galleries, and boutique shops, and visit one-of-a-kind attractions like the Gulangyu Piano Museum and the Gulangyu Organ Museum.

Hotel: Millennium Harbourview Hotel Xiamen (5 Star Rating)

Millennium Harbourview Hotel Xiamen offers well-appointed rooms with modern amenities. Centrally located near Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street, the hotel features multiple dining options, a fitness center, and an outdoor pool.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy free time until you're transferred to the airport.