Living in Jiangnan: Tea, Markets & Canal Life

Welcome to Shanghai. Upon arrival, check into your boutique hotel located in the quiet side streets of the Former French Concession. In the late afternoon, take an unhurried walking tour through leafy neighborhood streets, discovering hidden local coffee shops, historic lane houses, and relaxed urban life.

Dive into Shanghai's vibrant street culture with a morning market tour to sample freshly made scallion pancakes and pan-fried soup dumplings alongside local residents. Midday, private transfer to a peaceful water town (Zhujiajiao/Tongli). Enjoy an evening strolling along historic stone bridges as red lanterns light up the quiet canals.

Wake up early to catch the quietest hours of the water town before day tours arrive. Board a private hand-rowed wooden boat, gliding past ancient arched bridges and traditional white-washed homes. In the afternoon, try your hand at traditional blue-calico fabric dyeing or engage in a local tea-tasting experience.

Travel by private car to Suzhou, the city of classic scholar gardens. Visit a quiet, heritage-listed garden carefully selected to avoid large crowds. In the afternoon, visit a silk embroidery studio to observe local artisans continuing centuries of fine craftsmanship.

Take a short, comfortable high-speed train ride to Hangzhou. Check into your retreat hotel nestled near the tea hills. In the evening, take a relaxed stroll along the quieter southern shores of West Lake as sunset paints the water and surrounding pagodas.

Spend a crisp morning walking through the lush Longjing tea terraces, meeting local tea farmers. Enjoy a seasonal lunch featuring tea-infused local specialties, followed by a peaceful afternoon sipping fresh Longjing green tea in a centuries-old historic teahouse.

Explore local artisan workshops, fan-making studios, or traditional herb halls along historic Xiaohe Straight Street. Enjoy a relaxed farewell lunch before your private driver escorts you to the airport or train station for your onward journey.