This 4-day Shanghai and Taicang itinerary combines Shanghai’s iconic landmarks and historic neighbourhoods with the traditional charm of Jiangsu’s ancient water towns. Explore the elegant Yu Garden, wander through the atmospheric French Concession, discover China’s renowned silk-making tradition, and experience the historic streets and waterways of Shaxi Ancient Town. In Taicang, uncover the region’s history and culture at the Taicang Museum, with time at leisure to enjoy the city at your own pace.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Yu Garden: Admire a beautiful classical Chinese garden with elegant pavilions, ponds, and traditional architecture.
French Concession: Explore tree-lined streets, historic villas, charming lanes, cafés, and boutiques in one of Shanghai’s most distinctive neighbourhoods.
Shaxi Ancient Town: Step back in time in a beautifully preserved water town with over 1,300 years of history, charming streets, stone bridges, and picturesque waterways.
Day 1: ARRIVAL SHANGHAI
Upon arrival at Shanghai Airport or Shanghai Railway Station, you will be met by your English-speaking guide, who will accompany you on your private transfer to the city. The approximately one-hour journey will take you directly to your hotel in Shanghai. The rest of the day is free at leisure so you can relax and enjoy the hotel’s facilities and services.
Overnight in Shanghai.
Day 2: SHANGHAI – TAICANG (75km – 2.5hrs)
After breakfast at the hotel, set out to discover some of Shanghai’s most fascinating historic and cultural highlights. Your first stop is Yu Garden and the Old Bazaar (closed on Mondays). Dating back to the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), Yu Garden is one of Shanghai’s finest examples of a classical Chinese garden. It was commissioned by Pan Yunduan, a government official, as a peaceful retreat for his parents to enjoy their later years. Around the garden, the lively Old Bazaar offers a chance to browse a variety of local souvenirs, traditional handicrafts, snacks, and jewellery. Bargaining is part of the experience and is expected.
After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to a silk factory, where you can learn more about one of China’s most famous traditional crafts and see how silk is produced.
In the afternoon, enjoy a two-hour in-depth walking tour of the French Concession, one of Shanghai’s most atmospheric and distinctive neighbourhoods. Established as a foreign concession in 1849 and lasting until 1943, the area was once the city’s premier residential and retail district. Today, its tree-lined avenues, historic villas, charming lanes, cafés, and boutiques offer a fascinating glimpse into Shanghai’s cosmopolitan past and make it one of the city’s most enjoyable areas to explore on foot. After the walking tour, drive to Taicang and check in to your hotel.
Overnight in Taicang.
Day 3: TAICANG – SHAXI ANCIENT TOWN – TAICANG (30km – 1hr)
After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Shaxi Ancient Town, a beautifully preserved historic water town in Jiangsu Province with more than 1,300 years of history. Stroll through its charming old streets, traditional houses, stone bridges, and picturesque waterways while enjoying the town’s timeless atmosphere.
After lunch at a local restaurant, visit Taicang Museum, a comprehensive museum showcasing the history and culture of Taicang. The museum’s distinctive round granary-inspired architecture reflects the city’s historical importance as a major grain storage centre. (Taicang Museum is closed on Mondays)
The rest of the afternoon is at leisure, allowing time to relax or explore Taicang at your own pace. At the agreed time, transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Taicang.
Day 4: TAICANG – SHANGHAI DEPARTURE (90km – 1.5hrs)
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and, at the agreed time, transfer to Shanghai Airport or Shanghai Railway Station for your onward journey.
Comfortable and light clothing is best suited to travel in the warm months and warm clothing in the colder months in China. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or sparse clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses and a hat can be very useful during your stay.
