China Tour Packages: 10-Day Enchanting South-Eastern China Itinerary

Itinerary

Day 1: Shanghai Arrival

Ni Hao! Welcome to Shanghai, the biggest metropolis in China! Upon arrival, you will be met by a local tour guide at the arrival hall of the airport/train station/port and escorted to check in your hotel by a private comfortable vehicle. The rest of the day is your own. If you want to explore nearby, feel free to get some practical suggestions from your tour guide. Shanghai boasts a wide array of attractions for its visitors, such as historical architecture, desirable shopping malls, temples, museums, gardens, and theme parks. You can opt for a visit to Nanjing Road – Shopping Paradise, Yuyuan Garden – one of the most renowned classical gardens. Or explore the Bund of Shanghai with its picturesque view and breath-taking Huangpu River cruise, City God Temples to absorb the Spirit of Ancient Shanghai, Shanghai World Financial Centre, Shanghai Tower, Oriental Pearl TV Tower, and the beautiful Huaihai Road.

An optional activity is available to you to experience a spectacular Acrobatic Show. This includes the exciting “balls of death” acts, chair balancing, hula hoops, juggling of benches, walking in the air, and other exciting performances (usually performed during 19:30~21:00).

You can arrive in Shanghai city by taking a high-speed train from Beijing (5-6hrs), Xian (6-7hrs), Hangzhou (1hrs), Suzhou (30mins), Huangshan (4hrs), as well as many international and domestic flights.

Day 2: Explore Shanghai

After enjoying breakfast, take a stroll to the Shanghai Museum, one of the Four Best Museums in China. Inside, over one billion cultural relics related to Chinese ancient history and art are displayed, including bronzes, paintings, calligraphy, ceramics, jade, sculptures, traditional furniture, seals, and old coins, dating from over 5,000 years ago to the Qing Dynasty. Make sure to look at the Da Ke Ding (bronze food vessel from over 3,000 years ago) and the Bianzhong of Marquis Su of Jin (ancient musical instruments). An Audio Explanation Device is available to help you gain a deeper understanding of the exhibits. Continue your journey in the charming Former French Concession, which served as a special living quarter and retail district for expatriates in early Shanghai (1849 – 1943 AD). Here, you can explore hundreds of beautiful old French and European style buildings, apartments, villas, boutique shops, and restaurants of various culinary styles, all situated along tree-lined avenues. The Former French Concession is a treasury of heritage, a window into the city’s turbulent history, and an excellent example of the cultural fusion of the East and Europe. Conclude your day with a trip to the Shanghai World Financial Center (SWFC), or “the Eye of Shanghai”, one of the most impressive skyscrapers in Lujiazui. Standing at 492 meters (1,614 ft), it is the second tallest building after the nearby Shanghai Tower (632 meters/2,073 ft). Take an exciting skywalk on the transparent glass walkway on the 100th floor observation deck and marvel at the spectacular bird’s eye view of the entire city, including the Bund, Shanghai Tower, Jinmao Tower, and many other attractions. Enjoy the feeling of having Shanghai at your feet and the blue sky above your head.

After your tour, head over to Nanjing Road, the oldest commercial street in Shanghai and one of the most popular destinations today. Here, you will find plenty of big-name brands, restaurants, cafés, souvenir shops and towering buildings. When you’re done, make your way to the Bund, the No. 1 attraction in Shanghai. This 1.5km-long road was initially just a towpath for transporting goods but eventually evolved into the ‘East Wall Street’ of the late 19th century, showcasing the perfect mix of Eastern and Western cultures. The Bund is home to many European-style architectures, as well as amazing skyscrapers in the Lujiazui district across the river. Spend some time here admiring the stunning views before heading back to your hotel. (If you want to spend extra time exploring the Bund, Nanjing Road or anywhere else, please let your tour guide know.)

✓ Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3: Enjoy a train ride to Suzhou

Today, you are going to embark on a 0.5 hour’s high-speed train journey to Suzhou, renowned for its magnificent gardens and water towns. Get your journey started by visiting the tremendous Lingering Garden, the perfect representation of traditional gardens from Suzhou. Composed of a variety of landscapes, like residential areas, shrines, temples and gardens, the Lingering Garden puts a clever use of the variations between big and small, high, and low, bright, and dark, clustered, and sparse, with the aid of trees, flowers, lakes and the sky as a backdrop. Here, you will find buildings, rocks, corridors, pavilions and ponds which are all placed just right, neither so distractive nor too spread apart. What will really surprise you is that, from different angles, you can enjoy different views from the same place – just a few steps away, you’ll get a different sensation.

After checking out Lingering Garden, head to Pingjiang Road – a picturesque street with canals running by its side. The narrow lanes, humpbacked bridges, and vintage cafes and shops make the area a lovely spot. Don’t worry about missing out on a water town – you can find one here! Enjoy a calming walk and take some lovely photos along the way.

This afternoon, take a visit to Suzhou’s Tiger Hill, a site lauded in Chinese history since the Song Dynasty (960-1279) when the poet Su Shi famously declared, “It is a lifelong pity if having visited Suzhou you did not visit Tiger Hill.” The hill stands 36 meters tall but encompasses 3.5 acres of land with historical relics dating back over 2,500 years. Notable sights include the Yunyan Pagoda, a seven-story tower that leans similarly to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the Sword Pool, where the King of Wu, He Lu, conducted and buried his treasured swords thousands of years ago. Not only is the Tiger Hill rich in history, but it also offers a peaceful respite for visitors who wish to explore its natural beauty and experience the local culture. Afterward, make your way to Suzhou’s No.1 Silk Factory, where you can observe the entire silk-making process, from silkworm to product, and learn about the history and culture of silk in China. Finally, check into your hotel for a well-deserved rest!

✓ Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4: Explore the historic water town of Zhouzhuang

Your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel after breakfast to visit the Suzhou Museum. Designed by the world-renowned architect I.M. Pei, the architect of the Louvre’s pyramids in Paris, the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas, and the Miho Museum in Japan, the museum is a perfect combination of classical Suzhou Gardens with modern and fashionable characteristics. It has collected over 40,000 pieces of ancient Chinese art, paintings, calligraphy, porcelains, jade wares, and handmade crafts, from the Bronze Age to the Ming and Qing Dynasties. After that, you will head to the beautiful water town of Zhouzhuang, about an hour’s drive away. Referred to as the ‘No.1 Water Town in China’ and one of the ‘Ten Most Beautiful Towns in the Globe’, Zhouzhuang is known for its 1000-year-old history and its gorgeous sights. Here, you can explore the 14 ancient stone bridges from the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, the multiple courtyards next to the winding water, and the 800 residents living by the river. You can also find the Double Bridge, Old Drama Stage, Cultural Street, Zhang’s Residence, and Shen’s Residence. Immerse yourself in the unique folk culture of the Wu area and experience the true charm of this enchanting place.

In Zhouzhuang, visitors can take advantage of some of its optional activities such as taking a boat ride through its picturesque canals to admire the scenic views of rivers, bridges, and local homes, and listening to the traditional songs of the boatman. In addition, you can enjoy an authentic Kun Opera Performance. Afterward, one can take the high-speed bullet train to Hangzhou, which takes about 1.5 hours, where you will be met by a local guide and driver who will then take you to your hotel in the downtown area of Hangzhou and assist with the check-in process. Have a pleasant stay!

✓ Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5: Uncover a charming Tea Village

Your guide and driver will meet you at your hotel after breakfast to begin your exploration of Hangzhou. Make a symbolic visit to the incredible West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and take a 45-minute cruise to admire the tranquil lake views, ancient pagodas, arched bridges, tree-lined walkways, hills, islands, and gardens. While there, try to visit the Three Ponds Mirroring the Moon, the Su Causeway, Bai Causeway, Broken Bridge, Gushan Hill, parks of Fish Viewing at the Flower Pond, Lotus Swaying in the Breeze, and Orioles Singing in the Willows. If the lake is too large, you can take a sightseeing vehicle at any point to save energy. The fee is included.

Head off to Feilai Peak (Peak Flying from Afar), which has been a part of Chinese culture since it was said to have flown here from India to spread Buddhism. Over 300 Buddhist carvings can be found along the banks of the river and hillsides, as well as in grottoes, making it a treasure with over 1,000 years of history in the regions south of the Yangtze River. Not far away is the Lingyin Temple, one of the oldest and most popular temples in Hangzhou, which has been around for almost 1,700 years and is nestled in a lush forest. Find tranquillity and peace here, as the strong Buddhist atmosphere is felt within the large scale of antique temple clusters. Afterward, take a drive uphill to the Meijiawu Tea Village, a stunning wonderland surrounded by mountains, with emerald Dragon Well tea plantations in neat lines and curves. Walk among the tea fields and take some beautiful photos (optional activity – pay a visit to the local tea grower’s family and pick tea leaves, watch stir-drying tea leaves, experience a tea ceremony, and taste Dragon Well tea, with an additional fee). Finally, visit China’s National Tea Museum to learn about Chinese tea culture, including the history, procession, customs, and classification of tea, and admire the various kinds of tea wares and machines. Once the day is done, you will be escorted back to your hotel in Hangzhou downtown. Have a good night’s rest!

For an evening of fun, you can check out Enduring Memories of Hangzhou, a live performance by Yimou Zhang with lights, music, and dancing on the West Lake. The show usually begins at 7 pm and requires an extra fee. Alternatively, you can enjoy the Music Fountain Show at Third Park, near the eastern lakeside of West Lake, which is free of charge.

✓ Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6: Enjoy a high-speed bullet train to Huangshan.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to take a high-speed bullet train from Hangzhou East Railway Station to Huangshan North Railway Station. The comfortable train journey will take approximately 1.5 hours. Upon arrival, your private tour guide and driver will pick you up and take you to your hotel in Huangshan City. After some rest, you will explore the well-preserved Tunxi Ancient Street. This 900-year-old street was built during the Song Dynasty (960-1279) and is 100% ‘old’ with Huizhou style houses. It was even coined ‘the Eastern Ancient Rome’ by an ancient Western-European architect. Stroll down this 1.5 kilometre long and 7-meter-wide street and enjoy the local snacks, purchase souvenirs, antiques, and knick-knacks, and sip the region’s special Maofeng tea with hospitable locals – all adding up to the best experience in this ancient street.

✓ Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7: Discover Mount Huangshan – a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Your memorable Huangshan trip begins today when you are picked up from your hotel for the 1.5-hour drive to the foot of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mount Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). To save energy and time, you will transfer by park bus to Yungu Temple to take a cableway to North Sea Scenic Area. Here, you can marvel at the precipitous peaks, beautiful giant pine trees and far-reaching vision. To get the best views, you can hike to Begin-to-Believe Peak (1668m) and Dispelling Cloud Pavilion (to look down upon the Dreamland – West Sea Grand Canyon). If you’re feeling energetic, you can hike the 1st Ring and 2nd Ring of the canyon, taking 2 hours and 2.5 hours respectively. There is also a monorail cable train for those who don’t want to return by walking. If you have time and energy, you can explore the Sky Sea Scenic Area, where you can enjoy the sunset from the second highest peak – Bright Summit (1840m) and visit the incredible Flying-over Rock. Afterwards, return to your hotel on the mountain and have a rest. (Please Note: from December to the late March of next year, West Sea Grand Canyon is usually closed for the cold weather and heavy snow. Please feel free to contact us to adjust your itinerary.)

Walking Distance: about 7~9km/5~6 hrs

✓ Breakfast

Day 8: Huangshan:  Embrace a glorious sunrise

Wake up early (typically between 5am and 6am) and experience the stunning sunrise from Huangshan. We recommend you watch it from the Refreshing Terrace, just a short walk away from the Beihai Hotel. On clear days, you can see the sun’s golden light piercing through the mist, and the rocky peaks rising above the foamy sea of ever-changing white clouds. After the sunrise, return to the hotel for breakfast before continuing your sightseeing at Yellow Mountain. Don’t miss the Dawn Pavilion and Stone Monkey Watching the Sea on the Lion Peak (1690m), and then follow the wooden path to the cable station to take a cable car down the mountain. Your driver will be waiting for you at the mountain foot to take you back to Huangshan City. For the rest of the day, relax and get some rest.

✓ Breakfast,

Day 9: Hongcun – Xidi – Huangshan Departure

Today, you will have the chance to explore two of the most remarkable ancient villages, Hongcun and Xidi, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These villages are renowned for their Huizhou-style architecture, distinct from other traditional Chinese villages. Hongcun, constructed during the Song Dynasty (960-1276), is renowned for its beauty and is even featured in the Chinese painting. The village is organized in the shape of an ox, and it was the location of the Oscar-winning film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Xidi Village is located about 10 kilometers away and is equally impressive. Its houses with white walls, elegant decorations, and black tiles are surrounded by mountains, making it a perfect place for painting from life. Xidi is home to over 124 well-preserved ancient dwellings, many of which were built by imperial officers during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. After sightseeing, your tour guide and driver will escort you to the rail station for your connection high-speed rail transfer to Shanghai. You will check into your hotel and settle down in the now familiar surroundings of Shanghai for an evening to explore and enjoy at your leisure.

✓ Breakfast,

Day 10: Shanghai Free Morning & Departure Flight

Today is the last day to fit in any last-minute sightseeing that you may have missed or wish to visit one last time before heading home. This is a good opportunity to get some final souvenirs to take home if you haven’t already or have some last moments of Chinese cuisine that you’ve enjoyed during your travels before leaving the country. After this you will check out of the hotel and be transferred to Shanghai International Airport for your departure flight back home.

✓ Breakfast,

To discover more of our China travel packages, browse our website or contact us on +01473356000 or at enquiry@asiara-holidays.com. We would love to help you create your dream trip to China.