5-Day Nanjing, Hangzhou & Wuzhen Itinerary: Ancient Culture, Serene Lakes & Water Town Charms

Nanjing·Hangzhou·Wuzhen: Tales of Timeless Charm

Experience a 5-day immersive journey through Jiangnan’s highlights: Day 1 arrives in Nanjing to explore Jiming Temple, Ming Dynasty City Wall, and Xuanwu Lake, immersing in the city’s ancient heritage. Day 2 delves into Nanjing Museum, Zhongshan Scenic Area, and night tours of Confucius Temple and Laomendong Historic District, blending culture with local flavors. Day 3 whisks you to Hangzhou via 2-hour high-speed rail for a West Lake boat cruise and lively Wulin Night Market. Day 4 offers a 1.5-hour drive to Wuzhen Water Town, a picturesque canal village, before returning to Hangzhou. Day 5 concludes with a serene visit to Lingyin Temple and a farewell airport transfer, wrapping up a perfect mix of history, nature, and water town charm.

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Tour Code: ST-NHW-05
Time: 5 Days
Cities: Nanjing-Hangzhou-Wuzhen
Accommodation: 4 nights(4+stars hotel)

Included with every escorted tour

Professional English speaking guide.
Domestic flights/High-speed Train Fee.

Hotel with breakfast in the itinerary.
Entrance fees of all the attractions as listed.

Day 1: Nanjing

Arrive in Nanjing-Gujiming Temple-the Ming City Wall-Xuanwu Lake.

4-star Hotel

None

Your exciting journey begins as you arrive in Nanjing. Our dedicated staff will greet you at the airport and accompany you to the hotel for a smooth check-in. Once you've settled in, we'll start our exploration of this historical city with a visit to Gujiming Temple. This ancient Buddhist temple, with its centuries-old history, stands as a testament to the profound religious and cultural heritage of Nanjing. As you step inside, the solemn and serene atmosphere immediately envelopes you. The magnificent Buddha statues in the main hall, along with the ancient trees in the courtyards, create a peaceful haven away from the city's noise.

From there, we'll make our way to the Ming City Wall. This remarkable structure, built during the Ming Dynasty, is not only a significant defense relic but also a window into the past. As you walk along its length, you can envision the bygone eras and the bustling life that once took place within the city it protected. The panoramic views it offers of the city's modern and historical landscapes intertwined are truly captivating.

Our final stop for the day is Xuanwu Lake. Surrounded by lush greenery and dotted with charming islands, it's a haven of natural beauty right in the heart of the city. You can take a leisurely stroll along the lakeside promenade, feeling the gentle breeze on your face. Or perhaps rent a boat and row out onto the calm water, getting a closer look at the beautiful scenery and the various birds that call this place home. After a fulfilling day of sightseeing, we'll return to the hotel to rest and recharge for the next day's adventures.

Day 2: Nanjing

Nanjing Museum--Zhongshan Scenic Area--Confucius Temple--Laomendong Historic District

4-star Hotel

Breakfast

After a good night's rest, we'll head to the Nanjing Museum. This cultural gem is filled with a vast collection of artifacts that span different dynasties and regions of China. From ancient bronzes that showcase the advanced craftsmanship of early civilizations to delicate porcelains and precious calligraphy works, each exhibit tells a story of China's glorious past. The museum's architecture, which combines modern design with traditional elements, further enhances the overall experience of delving into history.

Next, we'll venture into the Zhongshan Scenic Area. Named after the great Dr. Sun Yat-sen, this expansive area is home to numerous significant memorial sites and natural beauty. The Mausoleum of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, with its solemn and magnificent architecture, attracts visitors from all over the world. Amid the dense forests covering the surrounding mountains, you can enjoy fresh air and take in the serene views. The gardens and historical pavilions scattered throughout the area also offer a chance to learn more about the revolutionary history while immersing yourself in nature's tranquility.

As the day progresses, we'll arrive at the Confucius Temple by the Qinhuai River. This vibrant area has a long history rooted in commemorating Confucius but has evolved into a bustling commercial and cultural hub. In the evening, the colorful lights along the river bring the ancient architecture to life. You can sample a variety of local snacks like the famous salted duck and duck blood vermicelli soup while strolling along the lively streets. And don't forget to take a traditional boat ride on the Qinhuai River to fully enjoy the enchanting night view.

Our last destination for the day is Laomendong. This charming old neighborhood is like a time capsule, preserving the traditional architecture and cultural charm of Nanjing. The narrow alleys paved with stone slabs lead you to ancient houses with white walls and black tiles. Here, you can explore local handicraft shops, admire art in galleries, or relax in small cafes, truly soaking up the unique atmosphere of old Nanjing before heading back to the hotel.

Day 3: Hangzhou

Nanjing--Hangzhou (2-hour high-speed rail)--West Lake Boat Cruise--Wulin Night Market

4-star Hotel

Breakfast

In the morning, we'll board a high-speed train from Nanjing to Hangzhou, a journey that takes just about 2 hours. As the train speeds through the beautiful landscapes of eastern China, you can sit back and enjoy the changing scenery outside the window, eagerly anticipating our arrival in the equally charming city of Hangzhou.

Once we reach Hangzhou, we'll make a beeline for the West Lake. This world-famous natural and cultural landscape is renowned for its idyllic beauty and rich cultural significance. A cruise on the lake is an absolute must. As the boat glides smoothly across the water, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, the willow-fringed banks, and iconic sites like the Three Pools Mirroring the Moon and Leifeng Pagoda. Whether it's the vibrant colors of spring, the lush greenery of summer, the golden hues of autumn, or the misty allure of winter, the West Lake never fails to enchant visitors.

When night falls, we'll head to the Wulin Night Market. The air is filled with the enticing aromas of countless local snacks and specialties. From the pungent yet delicious stinky tofu to juicy grilled skewers and sweet pastries, there's something to satisfy every palate. Besides indulging in food, you can also browse through the various handicrafts and small trinkets on display, making it a lively and enjoyable end to the day before returning to our accommodation in Hangzhou.

Day 4: Wuzhen

Hangzhou--Wuzhen--Hangzhou

4-star Hotel

Breakfast

We'll start the day by driving from Hangzhou to Wuzhen, a journey of approximately 1.5 hours through the picturesque rural landscapes of Zhejiang Province. Once we arrive in Wuzhen, we'll step into a world frozen in time. This ancient water town is famous for its well-preserved architecture and intricate waterway network. The canals that wind through the town are lined with ancient stone bridges, traditional wooden houses, and small docks.

As you wander along the narrow alleys, you'll feel as if you've been transported back centuries. You can visit the former residences of renowned literati, explore ancient temples, and even catch traditional performances like local operas or folk art shows. And of course, don't miss the chance to taste the local cuisine, such as the mouthwatering Wuzhen braised mutton. After a day filled with exploration and discovery in this charming water town, we'll drive back to Hangzhou, carrying with us the memories of Wuzhen's unique charm.

Day 5: Hangzhou Departure

Lingyin Temple--Departure

4-star Hotel

Breakfast

On our final day, we'll visit Lingyin Temple in the morning. This thousand-year-old Buddhist temple, nestled in the beautiful mountains and surrounded by lush forests, exudes a solemn and mysterious aura. The temple complex features numerous halls, each housing exquisitely crafted Buddha statues that are a marvel to behold. The ancient trees on the temple grounds, some of which have stood for hundreds of years, add to the sense of history and tranquility. Many people come here to offer incense and seek blessings for good fortune, peace, and health.

After our visit to Lingyin Temple, our staff will take you to the airport, bringing this wonderful travel experience to a close. We hope that throughout this journey, you've created memories that will last a lifetime and gained a deeper appreciation for the rich history and culture of these remarkable places.

We sincerely wish you a safe journey home and look forward to welcoming you back on another adventure in the future!

China Travel Customer Reviews & Experiences

At Into Explore, we pride ourselves on creating unforgettable journeys across China. Don't just take our word for it—read what our customers have to say! Here, you can explore firsthand accounts from travelers who have experienced the beauty, culture, and adventures of China with us.

Clara

July 07,2025

We had a very memorable experience in Xi’An thanks to the expertise and helpfulness from Norman, who helped us planned our trip, and Waldener, our local tour guide from Into Explore. Norman helped us with the itinerary and bookings of transport and accommodations so it was stress free for me. He asked us our preferences when making the rooms reservation to cater to what we like and recommended the best way and places to explore this city. Our tour guide was also flexible with our schedule so we were able to do what we wanted and working around the weather. We were supposed to go Mt Hua on the 2nd day of our tour but it was forecasted to rain. He switched our itinerary around so we could climb Mt Hua on the 3rd day instead when the rain had stopped. Thank you Into Explore for giving us peace of mind to sit back and enjoy our vacation.