Overview

The 5 days Hangzhou Shanghai short break is a perfect addition to any holiday in China. Discover the highlights of these two charming cities and uncover their roots in culture during several days of authentically experiencing and exploration. Visit from the West Lake and Lingyin Temple to ancient Wuzhen Water Town with a knowledgeable local guide. Travel to nearby Shanghai, be charmed not only by its ornately decorated skyscrapers, but by the colonial architectures, classic garden and traditional way of living.

Duration: 5 days & 4 nights

Travel Style: private tour

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Day

Arrive at Hangzhou in the morning, be met and greeted by your local tour guide, then transfer to hotel by a private vehicle.

After a short rest and fresh up, we will move on to visit the Six Harmony Pagoda Park first. The tower was built in the year of 970 AD, and originally built toward off the spirit responsible for the heavy tides which caused so much flooding before the dykes were constructed. Afterwards, we will go to the West Lake for a short cruise trip. The West Lake is the symbol of Hangzhou, which is like a shining pearl inlaid on the vast territory of China. During the cruise, our guide will introduce you some interesting spots of the West Lake, such as the Broken Bridge, Flower Pond and the Leifeng Pagoda.

Later you will transfer to visit the Lingyin Temple which located at the foot of Lingyin Mountain. It is one of the most prestigious Buddhist monasteries in China. Then we walk further to Feilai Peak to see the ancient stone carvings and Buddhist sculptures. There are 470 Buddhist stone carvings dating back to the Five Dynasties, the Song Dynasty (960-1279), and the Yuan Dynasty (1271 -1368). These elegant carvings are of high artistic value.

Meal: L

After breakfast, transfer to Wuzhen Water Town, around 1.5 hrs drive from Hangzhou downtown (about 75km). Wuzhen is a well-known town of fish, rice, and silk, located at the north of Tongxiang City of Zhejiang Province. In 1991, Wuzhen was ranked first among the six ancient towns south of the Yangtze River because of its rich cultural and long history background. With a history of more than 7000 years, Wuzhen Water Town gathers all the unique features of downstream area of Yangtze River water towns. The traditional building s are still well preserved after crossing so many rough years.

Today you will visit the east part of Wuzhen, named Dongzha. The highlights of Dongzha include Hongyuantai Dyehouse, Jiangnan Hundred Beds Museum and Folk Custom Museum. After that, our guide and driver will transfer you back to your hotel in Hangzhou downtown.

Meal: B, L

Take a hand-rowing boat to cruise Wuzhen Water Town

After breakfast, transfer to visit the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal Museum (Grand Jing-hang Canal Museum), with thousands of cultural relics and historical materials collected and exhibited to fully demonstrates the significant position and function of the grand canal - the 46th UNESCO world heritage site in China. Right next to the museum is the over 400-year-old Gongchen Bridge, the southernmost and the iconic landmark of Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal. Standing on the bridge, you can still see the busy shipping on this canal as it has been doing for the past 1400 years.

Later, take high speed train to Shanghai. Be met and transfer to visit The Bund, the must see place in Shanghai, which is the famous water front to see new-erect modern skyscrapers and aged buildings of the colonial period. Then enjoy the Huangpu River Cruise, which is a good way to let you have a panoramic view of the river and the scenery along Huangpu River.

Meal: B, L

After breakfast, we will transfer to visit the Yu Garden, which was built at Ming Dynasty. It used to be a private garden with 400 years' history; it features traditional architectural style of Yangtze Delta. After that, visit Old Quarters of Town God Temple (Yuyuan Market), where you can look at traditional way of people’s life, the houses, markets and people. Enjoy Dim-sum lunch. It is a very popular meal in China, and it often associate with teahouse culture in Hong Kong and Guangdong.

After lunch, you will visit the Xintiandi, an affluent car-free shopping, eating and entertainment district of Shanghai. The district is composed of an area of reconstituted traditional mid-19th century Shikumen ("stone gate") houses on narrow alleys. Visit the Former French Concession, the area of Shanghai once designated for the French, consisting of today's Luwan and Xuhui Districts. Visit the Shanghai Tower, the tallest building in China, to end today’s sightseeing.

Meal: B, L

Walk around Shanghai Town God Temple and see traditional buildings

Pick up from your hotel at appropriate time, and transfer you to airport or rail station for your departure.

Meal: B

What's included

  • 1-on-1 Travel Consultant

    Your China based expert listens to your wishes carefully, provides professional advice, ensures unlimited itinerary revisions before done and 24/7 helpline service while traveling.

  • Private Local Guide and Driver

    Your guides are friendly, helpful and knowledgeable, and your drivers are professional, polite and patient. They are very flexible to accommodate your personal needs and happy to show you the local attractions, history, culture, foods and real life. 
    Private transfers from hotel to attractions, airport or train station are also included.

  • Accommodation to Suit Your Preference

    We hand pick hotels ranging from luxury 5 star, superior 4 star to comfortable 3 star. Luxury or cozy boutique hotels and budget guesthouses are also among your choices. You could decide where to stay to meet your taste and budget.

  • Gourmet Meals

    Most of the hotels we select offer both Western and Chinese buffet breakfast. Lunch and dinner included are arranged in selected restaurants to taste authentic Chinese cuisine and local specialties. Thus you may also have a unique food tour.
    Meals specified in itinerary as B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner.

  • Attractions and Activities Listed on the Itinerary

    Our city tour packages have included the (first/main) entry to all attractions and the expenses of activities on the itinerary (except the optional activities).

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