Shanghai + Mount Huangshan Natural Beauty 5N6D Tour

Arrive in Shanghai, the Pearl of the Orient, and be welcomed enthusiastically by your local Shanghai guide. Keen to help you relax and feel comfortable, your guide and driver will escort you to your hotel sharing a little of this exciting city’s highlights, history, and culture. With free time available to explore, you can make the most of the remainder of the day, visiting local sights and partaking in some delicious local culinary specialties.

Meals included: None

Shanghai is truly an international city and you’ll understand why when you start your day by visiting the Shanghai Museum home to over 140,000 artifacts. Explore on your own or listen to your guide share the fascinating history and culture of this cosmopolitan city. Few places capture the intersection of commerce and culture in Shanghai like The Bund. Famous for its location in proximity to the trading centre of Shanghai, the Bund is an outstanding example of old Shanghai glamour and commerce. While shopping may not be front of mind, a walk through the busiest shopping precinct in China, Nanjing Road, will open your eyes to the way modern China shops. Big high street fashion stores sit alongside quirky silk traders and shops selling every imaginable thing. Gain an insight to the life and prestige of local merchants from times past when you visit Yuyuan Garden. The beautifully designed buildings and stunning gardens are a welcome reprieve from Shanghai’s big city bustle. You’ll find plenty to capture in beautiful photographic travel memories. Stroll around the nearby Chenghuangmiao bazaars and make a worthwhile detour by visiting the Shikumen Museum in New Spot (XinTianDi) for a true taste of old world Shanghai. 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.

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 the best locations to find silk, porcelain, and other Shanghai treasures, your local guide can save you time, ensure your purchase is authentic, and guarantee you take home a beautiful travel treasure.

Prepare yourself for a step back in time as today’s exploration takes you to the ancient water town that is located closest to Shanghai. After breakfast, you’ll be collected from the hotel by your local guide and driver and transported in airconditioned comfort to Zhujiajiao Water Town with its 1,700 year history. While there will be an opportunity to wander, you’ll also have the chance to meander through the ancient village in a row boat if you choose (optional activity). A stark contrast to the contemporary highrises of central Shanghai, Zhujiajiao Water Town offers an insight to what life was once like. Following the tour, you will be transferred to the local train station for a highspeed train trip to Huangshan.

The local guide in Huangshan will greet you and commence your exploration here with a visit to Tunxi Old Street, which is actually a number of streets and alleyways. Tunxi Old Street offers a glimpse into the ways traditional Chinese commerce and life has merged with a more contemporary spin on things. You will have ample time to wander through and explore the eclectic mix of local crafts, cuisine, and tea. Once you’ve satisfied your inner creative, it’s time to head to the hotel, where your guide will assist you with check in. If you’re planning on heading out for dinner, be sure to ask for local insider tips for the best possible dining experience.

Meals included: Breakfast

Fortify yourself with a hearty breakfast because today’s adventure will take you to new heights. Your guide will collect you from the hotel and together you’ll take the one hour drive to Mount Huangshan, one of the most significant peaks in China. On arrival, you’ll be transferred to a shuttle bus and ride the Yungu Cable Car for the ten minute journey up the mountain. Once you reach the peak, you’ll realize how worthwhile the trip has been. From this eagle-eye perspective you’ll be able to take in other peaks within view, including the towering Begin-to-Believe Peak, majestic Lion Peak, and Writing-Brush Peak. Expect to be amazed by the plentiful photo opportunities while hiking.

Rest and restore your energy during the buffet lunch, before continuing your adventure to the West Sea Grand Canyon. This is a hiker’s fairyland for the miraculous scenery with its steep precipices, peculiarly-shaped rocks, ancient pine trees, and sea of clouds. The 4.5 kilometer 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. Options available include finishing to just 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 and Dinner

Notes:

Please be aware, you will have an overnight stay on the mountain as part of today’s itinerary arrangements. It is recommended to travel light by taking just some carry-on items when hiking, including a waterproof 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.

Make the most of the pristine environment found at the top of Mount Huangshan, and rise early. If weather permits, start your day by relishing the stunning sunrise on the top of Mount Huangshan. Later, descend by cable car for the drive to Hongcun Village, considered by locals to be an iconic village from a Chinese painting. Here you can wander along flagstone lanes, view the well preserved residences from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, and soak up picturesque rural scenery featured in the internationally acclaimed film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

Following the exploration of Hongcun Village, you will be transferred to the railway station for the return trip to Shanghai via high speed train. On arrival, you will be met and taken to your hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast

Enjoy free time in the morning until check out, when you’ll be collected and transferred to the airport for the flight to your next destination.

Meals included: Breakfast