Peregrine Travel Group

Peregrine Travel Tour 7-day Package
7days 6 nights Shanghai/Wuxi/Suzhou/Hangzhou
(PT7D-7)
USD: $1,788 Double Occupancy
USD:$2,360 Single Occupancy

Shanghai is China's most comprehensive industrial and commercial city, ranking the first in population and population density. As a tourist city, it attracts travelers from both home and abroad by its commercial activity rather than scenic beauty. Shanghai is situated on the bank of the Yangtze River Delta, with East River in the east and Hangzhou delta in the south. Housing a population of over 16 million at present, it was once a small town supported by fishing and weaving before the first Opium War. Late in 1990, the central government started developing the area, and has since become the well-known booming metropolis city.

Wuxi , dubbed the "Little Shanghai " referring to its massive development in economy, is one of the most important origins for the Wu Culture which has dominated the region of Yangtze River South for almost 3000 years. Wuxi is bordered by Changzhou to the west, Suzhou to the east, Taihu Lake to the south, Changing River to the north, and the Grand Canal flowing through the city. Filled with water bodies including old canals, rivers and lakes, Wuxi 's waterway is one of the convenient means of transportation for locals, travelers and cargo. In Ming and Qing dynasties, Wuxi was already an agricultural center and a significant national rice market for the dynasties. With a continuous development, Wuxi became a center of the textile industry until the early 20th century.

Suzhou is located in the center of the Yangtze Delta, in the south of Jiangsu Province, with Shanghai to the east, Zhejiang Province to the south, Wuxi City to the west and the Yangtze River to the north. Since 42% area of the city is covered by water, including a vast number of ponds and streams, Suzhou is praised as the 'Oriental Venice'. Taihu Lake, four fifths of which is in the territory of Suzhou, is one of the four largest fresh lakes in China, with East Hill, West Hill and other scenic spots in its vicinity. The city is cut by the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal from north to south. Together with its mild climate, making it an available destination all year round, fertile landscape and abundance of produce, it is no wonder that Suzhou is called 'paradise on earth'.

The city of Hangzhou was founded about 2,200 years ago during the Qin Danasty; it is listed as one of the Seaven Ancient Capital of China. Hangzhou is renowned for its historic relics and natural beauty. It has been ranked as one of the ten most scenic cities in China . Although Hangzhou has been through many recent urban developments, it still retains its historical and cultural heritage. Today, tourism remains an important factor for Hangzhou 's economy. One of Hangzhou 's most popular sights is West Lake. The area includes historical pagodas, cultural sites, as well as the natural beauty of the lake and hills. The Venetian Marco Polo visited Hangzhou in the late 13th century and referred to the city as "beyond dispute the finest and the noblest in the world."

	Schedule:
	Day 1	Arrive at Shanghai. Transfer to Shanghai Hotel for 2 nights stay. (D)
	Day 2	Full Day City Tour (Yu Yuan Garden & The Jade Buddha Monastery & Shanghai Museum ) (B,L,D)
	Day 3	Via Train to Wuxi include Xihui Park, Jichang Garden. Transfer to Wuxi Sheraton Hotel. (B,L,D)
	Day 4	By bus to Suzhou selected gardens, Tiger Hill. Transfer to Suzhou Sheraton Hotel. (B,L,D)
	Day 5	By Bus to Huangzhou. Transfer to Hangzhou Shangri-La Hotel. (B,L,D)
	Day 6	Full Day Hangzhou city tour. (West Lake, Hua Gang Park, Ling Yin Temple). Evening train to Shanghai. Transfer to Shanghai Hotel. (B,L,D)
	Day 7	Departure from Shanghai. (B)

Yu Yuan Garden

Yu Yuan is a 400 year old classical Chinese garden in the Old Town of Shanghai, not far from the Bund. Pan Yunduan spent twenty years and all his savings building it to please his parents in their old age. In the garden you can feel the harmonies between the construction, plants and human.

The Jade Buddha Monastery

The Jade Buddha Monastery is famous for the Jade Buddhas in it. During the rule of Emperor Guang Xu of the Qing dynasty, Hui Gen, an abbot from Putuo Mountain , went on a pilgrimage to Tibet traveling through China and finally arriving in Burma . He found Burma to be rich in jade and superb in craftsmanship. He wanted to bring carved jade Buddha back to China . He obtained donation of over 20,000 taels of silver and got special permission from the Burmese king to dig and select jade in the mountains. He hired excellent jade carvers to carve five jade Buddhas in various sizes, all decorated with treasured stones and big pearls. On his way back from Burma , he left two Buddha carvings in Shanghai for the Buddhist disciples there to worship.

Shanghai Museum

As a museum of ancient Chinese art, Shanghai Museum houses a collection of 120,000 precious works of art. Its rich and high-quality collection of ancient Chinese bronze, ceramics, painting and calligraphy is specially celebrated in the world. Its unique architectural form of a round top with a square base, symbolizing the ancient Chinese philosophy that the square earth is under the round sky, is a distinguished architectural combination of traditional feature and modern spirit. The present Shanghai Museum has eleven galleries and three special temporary exhibition halls. It extends warm welcome to the visitors from all over the world.

Xihui Park

Xihui Park is located 2.5 kilometers west of the Wuxi City, occupying an area of 6.85 square kilometers. Situated between Mount Xi and Mount Hui where it got its name, Xihui, it is the most important scenic spot in Wuxi City. The park comprises of numerous gardens, teahouses, temples and pagodas, such as Jichang Garden .

Jichang Garden

Jichang Garden, formerly known as Qin Garden, lies in the Xihui Park at the east foot of Mt. Huishan. Jichang Garden was once the site of two monasteries during the Yuan dynasty. In 1506-1521, Qin Jin, a high official of the Ming dynasty, built a garden, renowned for its unique and state-of-the-art landscaping style, at this site. After numerous repairs and expansions, it emerged to become one of the best gardens in Wuxi City.

Huishan Clay Figurine Factory

Huishan clay figurines made in Wuxi are one of the well-known folk arts in China . It is said that Huishan clay figurines have a history over 1,000 years, originating in the Northern and Southern Dynasties Period (386-581). The little clay figures are not only very cute and colorful, but also full of cultural connotations in them.

"Da A Fu" is probably the most famous figure, which usually appears as a plump boy holding a green lion or a fish, symbolizing prosperity and luck. Children are one of the main themes of the figures. Like "Da A Fu", the typical children figures have large heads and smiling faces.

There are mainly two types of the figurines, one molded and the other made by hand. The molded clay figures are relatively coarse and good as toys for kids. The hand-made figures are more delicate, creative and vivid, having a variety of characters that are largely based on traditional Chinese operas and the rich Chinese culture.

Tiger Hill

The hill, 3.5 kilometers northwest of the city, is surrounded by rivers and covered with pine and plum trees. On the hill stands the Yunyan Pagoda, Suzhou's oldest pagoda built in the Sui Dynasty (581-618), and the Duanliang (Broken Beam) Hall built in the Tang Dynasty (618-907), which is known for its unique beams. On the hill also lies the Jianchi Pond, under which the tomb of the King of the Wu State He Lu in the Spring and Autumn Period (770 B.C.- 467 B.C.) was built. With a dozen of other scenic spots, the hill is noted as the first tourist attraction in Suzhou.

Wangshi Garden

Wang Shi Garden, or Garden of the Master of the Fishing Nets, was originally the residence of Shi Zhenglong, a high official of the Song court who built it after he retired. The whole compound is made up of a garden and living quarters. The garden is located in the west, with a lake serving as the central point of the layout. On the lakeshores, corridors, pavilions, stone bridges and rockeries compose a scene of rich attractions. New York Metropolitan Museum of Art built a Chinese garden on the platform of the museum's second floor modeling after the Dianchunyi (Late Spring Studio) of the Wangshi Garden.

West Lake

The famous West Lake is like a brilliant pearl embedded in the beautiful and fertile shores of the East China Sea near the mouth of the Hangzhou Bay . Originally a shallow sea inlet, due to the laying down of silt these 5.68 square kilometers (about 1,404 acres) of water became the famous West Lake . With an average depth of just five feet the lake comprises five distinct sections. The largest part is known as the Outer Lake and it is bounded by the North Inner Lake , Yuehu Lake , West Inner Lake and Lesser South Lake . Held in the embrace of hilly peaks on three sides, this water wonderland has been an attraction for centuries and it is small wonder that it was a favorite imperial retreat. The lake and its environs have all the elements of a traditional Chinese garden but on a grand scale. The natural setting of strangely shaped peaks, serene forests and springs, dense foliage and a myriad of blossoms especially in springtime are enhanced by a treasury of sculpture and architectural features. Whatever the season, the panorama is pleasing to the eye and the nuances of light shade together with the moods of the weather present an ever-changing picture that justifiably has been described as 'intoxicating'.

Hua Gang Park

Flower Harbor (Huagang) Park is adjacent to Su Causeway consisting of Red Fish Pool, Peony Garden, Flower Garden, widespread lawns and woods, occupying an area of 21 hectares.

Initially, the park was a small private garden built and owned by Lu Yunsheng, an imperial official of the South Song Dynasty. The garden was located near the Flower Home Hill. Inside the park was a fishpond and a stream nearby was ushered into the pond for raising goldfish.

Later the private garden began to gain a big fame in Hangzhou as Flower Harbor and became a recreation resort for viewing goldfishes. Painters and poets vied each other for depicting the garden in their inspirational artworks. In the Qing Dynasty, the park was relocated in today's place, much nearer to the West Lake.

Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty visited the Park on one of his inspection trips to this part of China. The emperor was so pleased and inspired by the flowers and goldfish he saw at the garden that he wrote a poem to praise the resort as well as in memory of his visit.

Today's Flower Harbor is famed for its half-a-year-long flower scenery. The best time for flower viewing is when spring translates itself smoothly into summer. The garden is full of flowers. The red fish pond is fringed with blossoms and verdant trees while fishes hover and float soundlessly; the peony garden showcases the celestial tints and aromas in supreme elegance; streams bubble their way into the flower harbor, without minding the changing time. The widespread lawn is deeply colored by green grasses, and the dense wood hides away paths stretching into it under its flourishing grace.

Ling Yin Temple

The Ling Yin Temple is without doubt a premier showpiece in the West Lake environs of Hangzhou and is notable also as one of the ten most famous Buddhist temples of China . In 1961 the temple was listed for protection as a key provincial historical and cultural site and is considered a leading centre for research relative to Chinese Buddhist culture. The presence of a temple on this site can be traced back to the Eastern Jin Dynasty (317 - 420AD) when, according to local legend, Huili, an Indian monk came to the area where he was inspired by the spiritual nature of the scenery to be found here. To his mind this had to be a dwelling of the Immortals and so he gave the temple a name "Ling Yin ( Temple of the Soul's Retreat). The Chinese name is translated into English as either " Temple of the Soul's Retreat' or ' Temple of Inspired Seclusion ' for the setting has a quiet and beautiful grandeur that encourages a feeling of peace and for contemplation. The temple was to gain in importance during the Five Dynasties (907-960 AD) when the King of the Wu Yue State initiated a large-scale development of the temple as a sign of his devotion to Buddha. In its heyday, the temple comprised nine buildings, eighteen pavilions, seventy-seven palaces and halls with over thirteen hundred rooms providing accommodation for around three thousand monks.
To add a final memorable touch to your visit, it is very pleasant to dine at the Ling Yin Vegetarian Restaurant located near the Temple. The vegetarian dishes offered here are typical of the Chinese culinary style and it is little wonder that in such a setting the excellent repast is frequently regarded as 'food for the gods'.

Shanghai Hotel
505 Wulumuqi Road North Shanghai

The hotel offers well-appointed meeting rooms for organizing your business as well as social events. After an exhausting day, you can workout in the state-of-the-art gymnasium, have a bracing dip in the swimming pool, pamper yourself at the sauna or avail the massage service. The hotel has 527 rooms.

Hotel Amenities:

Baby sitting service
Banquet facilities
Business center
Cocktail bar
Disabled facilities
Laundry facilities
Gymnasium
Lobby
Reception
Restaurant
Room service
Sauna
Swimming pool

Hotel Description

Guest Rooms: The property boasts 527 pleasantly decorated guestrooms, which provides its guests with modern and comfortable amenities. Attentive room service is also provided for your convenience.

Location: Situated in the heart of the city, Shanghai Hotel Shanghai is close to the ancient Jing'an Temple and the Bund. This property is 5 kilometers from the Shanghai Railway Station and 30 minutes drive from the Hongqiao International Airport.

Restaurant: Guests can dine at the on-site Bauhinia Restaurant that serves delicious cuisine for breakfast, lunch as well as dinner. The Kawakyu Restaurant serves delectable Japanese cuisine for you to feast on. Sip your favorite cocktail while listening to the melodious music at the cozy bar.

Sheraton Wuxi Hotels & Towers
403 Zhongshan Road, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China

The Sheraton Wuxi Hotels and Towers is a brand new centrally-located hotel located in the heart of the Wuxi financial and commercial district. The hotel has 396 rooms.

Hotel Amenities

Meeting Facilities
Domestic Long-distance Access Currency Exchange
Ticketing Office
Business Center
Laundry Service
Gift Shop
Rooms with Handicap Access
First Aid
Beauty Salon
Broadband Access in some room
International Long-distance Access

Hotel Description

Guest Rooms: All rooms feature standard amenities for international five star hotels.

Location: The hotel is located right in the heart of the business and shopping district, which offers easy access to all areas of the city.

Restaurant: Restaurants serve both Chinese and Western Cuisines.

Sheraton Suzhou Hotels & Towers
259 Xin Shi Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province，China

Sheraton Suzhou Hotels & Towers has its own lagoon, canals and ornamental Chinese gardens. The hotel entrance is modeled after the famous Panmen Gate and the entire building is an architectural masterpiece which reflects the splendor of Suzhou's rich heritage and history. The hotel has 356 rooms.

Hotel Amenities

Meeting Facilities
Business Center
Currency Exchange
Domestic Long-distance Access
International Long-distance Access
Broadband Internet Access in all room

Hotel Description

Guest Rooms: Rooms are well-appointed, comfortable and elegantly furnished.

Location: The hotel is located right in the heart of the business and shopping district, which offers easy access to all areas of the city.

Restaurant: Various Chinese restaurants serve food from different parts of China. There is also a restaurant that serves Western cuisines.

Hangzhou Shangri-La Hotel
78 Beishan Road, Hangzhou, China

The Hangzhou Shangri-La Hotel is located on the northwest bank of the West Lake, a five minute walk to the Lake. The hotel is made up of two buildings, from the east building there are great views over the beautiful West Lake, from the west there are views of lush foliage and the flowering shrubs of the hotel gardens. The hotel has 387 rooms.

Hotel Amenities

Non-smoking rooms
Laundry and valet services
Babysitting
Foreign exchange counter
Express check-in and check-out
Safe-deposit boxes
House doctor on call
Butler Services
Beauty salon
In-door Swimming Pool

Hotel Description

Guest Rooms: This hotel boasts well-appointed accommodation units that are equipped with all the essential amenities to ensure you utmost comfort.

Location: Overlooking Solitary Hill Island and the graceful Xiling Bridge, the Shangri-La Hotel is just across the West Lake and 5 minutes drive from the downtown. This property is 4 kilometers from the Hangzhou Railway Station and 37 kilometers from the airport.

Restaurant: Offering beautiful views of the garden, the Coffee Garden serves delicious a-la-carte and international dishes in a relaxing atmosphere. The Shang Palace Restaurant serves delicious Cantonese and Hangzhou cuisine in an ideal setting. After a tiring day, you can unwind at the cozy bar with a fine drink.