- Highlights
- Itinerary
- Accommodation
- Inclusions/Exclusions
- Important Info
Highlights
Experience Shanghai and Hangzhou on this four day tour that captures the highlights of these two cities. Commencing in Shanghai – the Pearl of the Orient, you’ll enjoy exploring the old world of this city with its commercial pedigree dating back centuries. Wander through ancient gardens, colonial buildings, and streets lined with the residences of the cultural and political elite from a time in history when glamour ruled. Check The Bund, Yuyuan Garden, and famous Shanghai Museum off your list, along with a visit to the Former French Concession. Travel by high speed train to Hangzhou and be captivated by the beautiful West Lake and the impressive Lingyin Temple. Taken at a relaxed pace, allowing ample time to absorb the every aspect of the adventure, this tour includes accommodation in a choice of four or five star hotels, all transfers, high speed train travel, enthusiastic local bilingual guides who care, and the chance to experience unique insights to China. With maximum flexibility the hallmark of our approach to creating beautiful travel memories, you can take this tour on its own or combine with any of our other multi-day small group, private or custom tours. Ready to travel? Let’s book your tour!
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive in Shanghai
Arrive in Shanghai, the Pearl of the Orient, and be welcomed enthusiastically by your local Shanghai guide. With a focus on making this experience as enriching as possible, your guide and driver will transfer you to the hotel sharing a little of Shanghai’s highlights, history, and culture. Once checked in, you’ll have time to explore at your own pace either in and around the hotel precinct, or further afield if you’re feeling adventurous. Make the most of the remainder of the day, visiting local sights, enjoying the local food options, or by booking into an evening show.
Meals included: None
Notes: Remember we can help with guidance on where to eat and what to see in your free time, including making recommendations and bookings, if required. Shanghai offers many unique experiences and we’re happy to share our insider tips for making beautiful travel memories in this exciting city. Just ask us!
Day 2 - Shanghai
Shanghai is truly an international city and you’ll understand why when you start your day by visiting the Shanghai Museum, which is home to over 140,000 artifacts. You’re welcome to wander on your own or walk with your local guide as they share the Shanghai’s history and culture.
From the Shanghai Museum, you’ll move on to The Bund. Without question, there are few places that capture the intersection of commerce and culture quite like this iconic streetscape. Famous for its location in proximity to the trading centre of Shanghai, the Bund is an outstanding example of colonial Shanghai . Classically beautiful buildings that overlook the Huangpu River add to the old world feel. While shopping may not be your priority, it’s hard to miss the busiest shopping precinct in China, Nanjing Road. A wander through this seemingly infinite shopping precinct will open your eyes to shopping China-style. A place where big is better, you’ll find international brands and high street fashion stores pitched alongside quirky silk traders and tiny hole-in-the-wall shops selling every imaginable thing.
For a total change of pace, you’ll welcome a visit to the Yuyuan Garden. Once the residence of a prestigious local merchant, Yuyuan Garden is thoughtfully designed and beautifully maintained. Here it is a quiet and tranquil and the ideal place to wander in contemplation and perhaps capture some beautiful images.
From here you’ll face the bustle of Shanghai again as you stroll around the nearby Yu Garden Bazaar that offers an eclectic cross-section of goods, from souvenirs, antiques, crafts, fresh produce, and food. Be transported back to Shanghai of the 1920’s and gain an insight into the daily life of people involved in trade and commerce during the period of the Former French Concession.
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 captured in this historical retail and residential precinct. Wander past the former residences of famous Chinese politicians and artists and appreciate the architecture and gardens, the style of which date from the 1920s. Your day’s explorations concludes when you are returned to the hotel. Feel free to consult with your guide about options for dinner or and evening show.
Meals included: Breakfast
Note: As the Shanghai Museum is closed to public on Mondays, a visit to the Shanghai History Museum is arranged as an alternative.
Looking for iconic Shanghai mementos to remember your travel adventure? Talk to your local guide. With personal knowledge of where to find silk, porcelain, and other treasures, your guide can save you time and ensure your purchase is authentic.
Day 3 – Shanghai – Hangzhou – Shanghai 
Today’s adventure starts when you are collected by your guide and driver at the hotel lobby for transfer to the train station where you’ll board the high speed train to Hangzhou. Awaiting you in Hangzhou is the vast West Lake, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, a place of beauty, legend and wonder, in the middle of this bustling modern city. Your local guide in Hangzhou will take you on a memorable walk to see the famous Broken Bridge, Su Causeway and Red Carp Pond, sharing the folk stories behind each of them along the way. From here you’ll move to the renowned Lingyin Temple. Standing on the western corner of West Lake, Lingyin Temple impressively dates back to 326 AD. Discover the beautiful carvings and paintings on the walls and ceilings in different halls. Appreciate the strong Buddhist belief of the worshippers and burn some incense in the spirit of the occasion. Follow your guide to view inscriptions at Feilai Peak, the most famous of which are Happy Buddha and Eighteen Arhats. At the end of the day, you will be escorted to the train station for the high speed train back to Shanghai. Upon arrival, you will be met and returned to your hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 4 – Depart Shanghai
Start your day at a leisurely pace until check out, at which time you’ll be collected by your guide and driven you to the airport for travel to your next destination.
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation
Inclusions / Exclusions
Inclusions:
- Admission fees: to sightseeing spots and activities specified
- Accommodation: 4-Star or 5-Star hotel with breakfast, based on double/twin occupancy as specified
- Meals: as specified in the itinerary
- Excellent professional English-speaking guide
- Transportation: high speed train tickets Shanghai/Hangzhou/Shanghai (First class seat for Luxury tours; second class seat for Superior tours)
- Ground transport in an air-conditioned vehicle with licensed driver as specified
- Travel agency liability insurance during the tour
- Government taxes and fees
Exclusions:
- International/domestic flights and trains to/from Shanghai
- China visa
- Gratuities to guides and drivers and any expense of personal nature
- Meals: lunches and dinner are excluded allowing you flexibility around meal choices. Your guide will make recommendations and order for you, if required.
- Our tour package does not include travel insurance. Please purchase travel insurance before your trip to protect for any unforeseen circumstances
Important Information
- This is a private tour for your group of family or friends. No other travelers will join you. It’s always available for your schedule!
- Smart casual dress and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
- Prices based on twin occupancy.
- The prices shown above are not valid during China’s Official Holidays (such as National Day and Chinese Spring Festival etc.).
Joy was an absolute Joy
