9-Day Shanghai-Hangzhou-Huangshan Tour
Experience the best of Eastern China with this 9-day journey through Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Huangshan. This trip combines the energy of Shanghai’s modernity with the tranquil beauty of Hangzhou’s West Lake and the majestic landscapes of Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Enjoy a relaxed pace with time to unwind and explore at your leisure, while discovering China’s rich culture, history, and natural beauty. With expert guides, private transportation, and handpicked accommodations, this tour provides a hassle-free and enriching experience.
Itinerary
Our thoughtfully planned 9-day China tour ensures you make the most of your time in China's most iconic cities, offering rich cultural experiences that will leave a lasting impression:
Day 1: Arrival in Shanghai – Settle In and Relax
Arrive in Shanghai and take the day to relax and adjust to the time zone. After checking into your hotel, enjoy a leisurely walk along the Bund, where you can admire the colonial-era architecture and the stunning views of the futuristic skyline across the river. Later, enjoy a relaxed dinner at one of the restaurants overlooking the Huangpu River.
- Meals: Dinner
- Transportation: Private transfer from airport/railway station to hotel
Day 2: Explore Modern and Historic Sights in Shanghai
Start your exploration of Shanghai with a visit to the Shanghai Museum, renowned for its impressive collection of Chinese art and cultural exhibits. Afterward, head to the Yu Garden, a tranquil classical Chinese garden in the heart of the city. Take some time to shop, enjoy a lunch, and wander through the bustling bazaar surrounding the garden. In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic Huangpu River cruise to take in the sights of Shanghai from the water, before heading to the Shanghai Tower for panoramic city views.
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Transportation: Private vehicle with professional driver
Day 3: Discover the French Concession and More of Shanghai
Today, explore Shanghai’s charming French Concession. Stroll along tree-lined streets, explore boutique shops, and visit quaint cafés. Afterward, head to the Jade Buddha Temple to admire its peaceful atmosphere and impressive Buddha statues. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore more of the city or relax before enjoying dinner on a Huangpu River cruise.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Private vehicle with professional driver
Day 4: Travel to Hangzhou – West Lake Leisure
Take a morning high-speed train to Hangzhou, a city renowned for its picturesque West Lake. After settling into your hotel, embark on a relaxing boat cruise on West Lake, where you can enjoy views of the surrounding hills, temples, and pagodas. Visit the tranquil Lingyin Temple, one of the most famous Buddhist temples in China, before heading back to your hotel for some rest.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: High-speed train from Shanghai to Hangzhou, private vehicle with professional driver
Day 5: West Lake and Tea Culture in Hangzhou
Start your day with a visit to Longjing Village, known for its famous Longjing tea. Visit the Tea Museum to learn about green tea culture and taste fresh, locally grown and roasted tea. Afterward, explore the scenic areas surrounding West Lake, such as the Leifeng Pagoda and the Su Causeway, before relaxing in the serene environment. Later, enjoy traditional Hangzhou cuisine, such as West Lake Fish in Vinegar Sauce, for dinner.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Private vehicle with professional driver
Day 6: Travel to Huangshan – Arrival and Scenic Views
After breakfast, travel to Huangshan, famous for its dramatic granite peaks, ancient pine trees, and “sea of clouds.” Take a cable car to the summit of Yellow Mountain to see panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Enjoy the iconic scenery of Begin-to-Believe Peak and the Heavenly Capital Peak before descending to your hotel for a restful evening.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Private vehicle from Hangzhou to Huangshan, private vehicle with professional driver
Day 7: Full Day of Exploration in Huangshan
Spend a full day exploring the stunning Yellow Mountains, hiking or taking the cable cars to various peaks. Highlights include the Xihai Grand Canyon, where you’ll see dramatic cliffs and valleys, and the Dispelling Cloud Pavilion, offering incredible vistas of the surrounding areas. In the evening, relax and reflect on the day’s adventure.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Private vehicle with professional driver
Day 8: Visit the Ancient Villages – Hongcun and Xidi
Today, visit the ancient villages of Hongcun and Xidi, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. Stroll through narrow streets lined with well-preserved architecture from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The picturesque setting, with traditional houses and streams, offers a glimpse into rural life in ancient China. Return to Huangshan in the afternoon and enjoy a relaxing evening.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Private vehicle with professional driver
Day 9: Return to Shanghai – Last Day in the City
Travel back to Shanghai by train. Enjoy a leisurely lunch and some last-minute shopping or sightseeing in Shanghai's famous Nanjing Road, one of the busiest shopping streets in the world. Afterward, our private guide will transfer you to the airport for your departure.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Transportation: Private vehicle with professional driver, high speed train
Accommodations
You may choose 5-star or 4-star accommodations for your journey. The following list is a sample of hotels you may stay in. An alternative hotel of similar grade may be chosen if the following hotels are not available. All of our accommodations are carefully selected for comfort and convenience.
5-Star Hotels List:
- Shanghai
- The Peninsula Shanghai
- Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund
- Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai
- Hangzhou
- Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake
- Sofitel Hangzhou Westlake
- The Langham, Hangzhou
- Huangshan
- Huangshan International Hotel
- Xihai Hotel Huangshan
- The Yellow Mountain International Hotel
4-Star Hotels List:
- Shanghai
- Radisson Blu Hotel Shanghai New World
- The Yangtze Boutique Shanghai
- Grand Central Hotel Shanghai
- Hangzhou
- Holiday Inn Hangzhou City Center
- Hyatt Regency Hangzhou
- Zhejiang Xizi Hotel
- Huangshan
- Tunxi Lodge
- Huangshan Paiyun Hotel
- Huangshan Beichen Hotel
Inclusion/Exclusion
- What's Included:
- Panda Tourism's expert travel director and skilled professional driver
- Luxury 5-stars hotels with proven quality or carefully selected comfortable 4-star hotels
- Inclusive of porterage and restaurant gratuities
- All hotel service charges, tips, and local taxes covered
- Daily breakfasts and most meals included
- Iconic sightseeing tickets
- Audio headsets for special destination tours
- Private premium transportation coach/vehicle
- Gratuities for guides and drivers
- Optional experiences and plenty of leisure time
- Flights and train rides within China included
- What's Not Included:
- International flights to and from China
- China visa fees
