7 Day Best of Shanghai, Hangzhou & Huangshan Tour

This morning you will be picked up from the hotel to commence your tour of Shanghai with a visit to the Shanghai Museum, a massive museum housing over 140,000 artifacts, presenting the full history and culture of this cosmopolitan city. Enjoy a walk along The Bund, iconic and prestigious, one of the most well-preserved examples of old Shanghai glamour. Walk Nanjing Road, the busiest shopping precinct in China. Change tempo and visit Yuyuan Garden, where you can marvel at the stunning gardens; then stroll around the nearby Yu Garden Bazaar that offers an eclectic cross-section of goods, from souvenirs, antiques, crafts, fresh produce, and food. Make the most of your afternoon by wandering the quieter streets of Dongping Road or Sinan Road in the Former French Concession, where you will find the essence of classic Shanghai. At the end of the tour, you will be returned to the hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast

Note: Shanghai Museum is closed to the public on Mondays, in which case the Shanghai History Museum will feature instead.

Following breakfast, you will be transferred to the train station to board the bullet train to Hangzhou. Upon arrival, you will be met by your local guide and start your tour in Hangzhou. Get ready to be amazed by 20 kinds of traditional Chinese crafts at the Workmanship Demonstration Pavilion. Watch skilled craftsmen at work or join in to paint your own oil-paper umbrella or make a flying kite (at your own cost). Step outside to board a boat for a cruise down the Grand Canal, passing ancient residences, bridges and red lanterns creating a memorable picture. Later, you will be able to wander the lanes of Dadou Road Historic Block, a visitor-friendly area packed full of quaint shops in Ming and Qing dynasty styles, selling various crafts and local snacks. At the end of the day, transfer and check in to the pre-booked hotel in Hangzhou.

Meals included: Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before heading to Hangzhou’s famous landmark, West Lake. Make a stopover at the Red Carp Pond, one of top ten famous views of the West Lake. Indulge in a boat cruise to appreciate serene natural scenery enhanced by historic pagodas and pavilions. Spot a number of scenic sites like the Three Pools Mirroring the Moon and Su Causeway as the boat meanders along.

Drive to Feilai Peak where you stand to be surprised by hundreds of ancient Buddhist rock carvings from various different time periods. Drop by the Lingyin Temple, one of the most famous Buddhist temples in China. Marvel at ornately painted halls and ceilings in the smell of incense. Listen as your guide unveils the historical legends behind the temple.

Lastly, you will enjoy the picturesque view of a tea plantation surrounded by verdant tea fields. Further understanding of Chinese tea history and culture can be gained at the China Tea Cultural Museum that holds collections of tea varieties, tea sets and machines for making tea.

Meals included: Breakfast

Night Activities: Complete your Hangzhou day with an evening show – Enduring Memories of Hangzhou (Impression West Lake), or the spectacular night view at Qiantang River on weekends.

A high speed train will take you on the 3.5 hour journey from Hangzhou to Huangshan City. Take your time roaming the area of Tunxi Old Street after the arrival in Huangshan, exploring the local culture, sampling delicacies or tea, investigating the local crafts, maybe having calligraphy prepared to order. Should you choose to have dinner here, your guide will be happy to recommend some highly rated local restaurants. After a satisfying day you will be transferred to the pre-booked hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast

In the morning, a one hour drive will bring you to Mount Huangshan, one of the most celebrated mountains in China. A shuttle bus will take you to the Yungu Cable Car for the ten minute ride up to the mountain. Follow your guide to explore major viewing sites like the towering Begin-to-Believe Peak, the majestic Lion Peak, and the Writing-Brush Peak for splendid sightseeing and photo opportunities while hiking.
Replenish energy from the buffet lunch prepared, before continuing your adventure to the West Sea Grand Canyon, a hiker’s fairyland for its miraculous scenery with steep precipices, peculiarly-shaped rocks, ancient pine trees, and sea of clouds. The 4.5 km trail penetrates deep into the ravine and can be a difficult trek. It’s your choice whether to follow the winding path down to the bottom or only walk a small section of it, for example to finish the First Ring or Second Ring. At the end of the hike, enjoy the buffet dinner and overnight stay at the pre-booked hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast, Buffet Lunch & Dinner

Good to know:
You will have an overnight stay on the mountain today. It is recommended to travel light by taking just some carry-on items when hiking, adding a jacket. Your guide will help you with storage of heavy luggage. In addition, for environmental protection hotels on the mountain will not provide disposable toiletries, so please carry your own.

If weather permits, rise early and start your day with the stunning sunrise on the top of Mount Huangshan. Later, descend by cable car for the drive to Hongcun Village, praised as “a village in Chinese Painting". Here you can wander along flagstone lanes, see well preserved residences from Ming and Qing Dynasties and soak up picturesque rural scenery featured in the movie "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon".
Afterwards, you will be transferred to the airport or railway station for your next destination. The tour concludes today.

Meals included: Breakfast