Elegance of Jiangnan
人間蘇杭

HANGZHOU & SUZHOU (5-DAY ADD-ON Program)

Program Overview

For the Chinese, the places that best embody traditional aesthetics and culture are Suzhou and Hangzhou. For centuries, poets and scholars have described this region as a “heaven on earth.” Since the 12th century, Hangzhou has been among the world’s largest and most prosperous cities, praised by Marco Polo in the 13th century as “the most beautiful and magnificent city in the world.” Though five days may pass quickly, the journey reveals cultural depth and refinement unmatched by other cities.

Suggested Time

March — June
Sep — Dec

Group Size (6:1 Ratio)

12 students
2 Chaperons

Suggested Ages

12 — 22

Program Highlights

Classical Elegance

Explore Suzhou’s UNESCO-listed gardens, ancient canals, and silk heritage, showcasing China’s refined traditional aesthetics.

West Lake Beauty

Cruise Hangzhou’s West Lake, a “heaven on earth” celebrated by poets, with reflections of temples, bridges, and pagodas.

Living Traditions

Experience tea-picking in Longjing plantations, practice calligraphy, and join hands-on cultural workshops.

History & Modern Life

Visit Lingyin Temple, walk Qinghefang Ancient Street, and see how timeless traditions thrive in vibrant modern cities.

Day 2, West Lake

Itinerary

Day	Highlights
1-2 Suzhou	Arrival & Suzhou’s Classical Charm We arrive in Suzhou, known as the “Venice of the East,” and begin with a guided walk through the Humble Administrator’s Garden, a masterpiece of classical Chinese landscape design. Students explore the city’s ancient canals with a boat ride, visiting Pingjiang Road for local snacks and crafts. The next day includes a tour of a silk factory to learn the complete process from silkworm to fabric, and a hands-on calligraphy session where students practice traditional brushwork. Evening activities feature a relaxed stroll along the lantern-lit canals.
3-4 Hangzhou	Hangzhou’s West Lake & Tea Culture Traveling to Hangzhou, students begin with a boat ride on West Lake, stopping at iconic sites like the Three Pools Mirroring the Moon. In the afternoon, we visit the China National Tea Museum to learn the art of tea-making, followed by a walk through lush Longjing Tea Plantations where students can try picking tea leaves themselves. Day 4 includes a visit to Lingyin Temple, one of China’s largest Buddhist temples, and exploring Qinghefang Ancient Street, lined with traditional shops, crafts, and street performances.
5 Hangzhou	Farewell & Reflection Our final morning is spent at Six Harmonies Pagoda, offering panoramic views of the Qiantang River. Students reflect on their experiences during a closing group discussion before transferring to the airport for the journey home, leaving with a richer understanding of Chinese art, history, and culture.

Options

Company Visit
Gain first-hand experience at China’s leading technology companies in sectors such as the internet, artificial intelligence, and logistics. Learn how AI is transforming everyday life and shaping the future.
Satellite cities explore
Around Suzhou and Hangzhou, nearby cities such as Jiaxing, Ningbo, Wuxi, and Yangzhou are also well worth a visit if time allows. With China’s extensive high-speed rail network, travel between these satellite cities takes about an hour, making it a fast, safe, and convenient way to explore more of the region.