Oct 1‑Oct 7 2027 Multi‑City Mainland China Itinerary (Base: Shenzhen Pingshan)

Day 1 (Oct 1) – Guangzhou Day‑Trip

Morning: Take the high‑speed train from Shenzhen to Guangzhou (≈1 h, €15). Arrive and head straight to the iconic Canton Tower for panoramic city views.

Afternoon: Walk to the historic Shamian Island, strolling its colonial‑style streets, cafés and the tranquil tree‑lined promenade.

Evening: Return to Shenzhen by train, giving you a relaxed evening at the campus before the next day’s long journey.

Day 2 (Oct 2) – Travel to Shanghai & First Impressions

Morning: Depart early on the high‑speed line Guangzhou → Shanghai (≈6 h, €70). Enjoy the scenic ride across the Pearl River Delta.

Afternoon: Check in to a budget hostel near People’s Square and have a quick lunch. Begin exploring the historic The Bund, admiring the colonial skyline.

Evening: Unwind with a Huangpu River Cruise (≈1 h, €15) to see Shanghai’s illuminated skyscrapers from the water.

Day 3 (Oct 3) – Classic Shanghai

Morning: Visit the tranquil Yu Garden and its surrounding Old City (entry €8). Sample local snacks at the nearby Yuyuan Bazaar.

Afternoon: Walk to the Shanghai Museum (free) in People’s Square for a deep dive into Chinese art and history.

Evening: Stroll along Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, soaking up the bustling night market atmosphere.

Morning: Head to Pudong and ascend the Oriental Pearl Tower (observation deck €10) for stunning skyline vistas.

Afternoon: Explore the artistic lanes of Tianzifang, browsing boutique shops and cafés (free).

Evening: Dine in a local eatery on Xintiandi, enjoying Shanghai’s blend of historic shikumen architecture and modern flair.

Day 5 (Oct 5) – Suzhou Day‑Trip

Morning: Take a short high‑speed train to Suzhou (≈30 min, €5). Begin at the UNESCO‑listed Humble Administrator’s Garden (entry €7).

Afternoon: Wander the historic Pingjiang Road, a picturesque canal‑side street lined with traditional teahouses (free).

Evening: Return to Shanghai and relax at the hostel, perhaps catching a late‑night train to Guangzhou later in the night.

Day 6 (Oct 6) – Guangzhou Return & Exploration

Morning: Travel back to Guangzhou by high‑speed rail (≈6 h, €70). Check into a budget hotel near the city centre.

Afternoon: Re‑visit the Canton Tower for any missed viewpoints (optional second ticket €12) or explore the nearby Chen Clan Academy (entry €5).

Evening: Enjoy a leisurely dinner of Cantonese dim sum before heading back to Shenzhen.

Day 7 (Oct 7) – Return to Shenzhen

Morning: Take the high‑speed train from Guangzhou to Shenzhen (≈1 h, €15). Arrive at Pingshan campus by midday.

Afternoon: Use any remaining time for campus activities or a short local walk.

Evening: Conclude the trip with a relaxed evening on campus, ensuring you’re back by the evening deadline.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Canton Tower (Guangzhou) – 2 h – €12
• Shamian Island – 2 h – €0
• High‑speed train Shenzhen → Guangzhou – 1 h – €15
• High‑speed train Guangzhou → Shanghai – 6 h – €70
• Huangpu River Cruise – 1 h – €15
• Yu Garden – 2 h – €8
• Shanghai Museum – 2 h – €0
• Oriental Pearl Tower – 2 h – €10
• Tianzifang – 2 h – €0
• High‑speed train Shanghai → Suzhou – 0.5 h – €5
• Humble Administrator’s Garden – 2 h – €7
• Pingjiang Road – 2 h – €0
• High‑speed train Shanghai → Guangzhou – 6 h – €70
• Chen Clan Academy – 1 h – €5
• High‑speed train Guangzhou → Shenzhen – 1 h – €15
• Local transport & meals (average €5 per day × 7) – €35
• Total Estimated Cost: €322

Tips

If you wish to extend the trip, consider adding a day in Xi’an (accessible via a night train from Guangzhou) for a glimpse of the Terracotta Army. To shorten the itinerary, skip the Suzhou day‑trip and use that time for a deeper dive into Shanghai’s museums or a quick visit to nearby Hangzhou, which is only a 1‑hour high‑speed ride away. All train tickets can be booked through China Railway’s official website, and opting for second‑class seats keeps the journey comfortable yet affordable.