How many days do you need in China?

This itinerary covers 7 days in China, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

What is the best itinerary for China?

Plan your perfect 7 days trip to China. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

7-Day Shanghai Discovery

Day 1: City Exploration

Shanghai, China

8:00AM

Visit the Bund

Begin your day with a stroll along the iconic Bund, admiring the historic colonial architecture juxtaposed against the modern skyline.

Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Yu Garden

Head to Yu Garden to explore the classical Chinese architecture, serene ponds, and traditional pavilions nestled within beautiful landscapes.

INR 200, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Din Tai Fung

Indulge in a delightful lunch at Din Tai Fung, renowned for its delectable xiao long bao (soup dumplings) and other Taiwanese dishes.

INR 500, 1 hour

3:00PM

Shanghai Museum

Gain insights into Chinese art, culture, and history at the Shanghai Museum, home to a vast collection of artifacts and artworks.

INR 300, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Lost Heaven

Savour a fusion of Yunnan and Tibetan flavours at Lost Heaven, set in an elegant and atmospheric old villa with intricate décor.

INR 800, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Shanghai

Day 2: Day Trip to Suzhou

Suzhou, China

8:00AM

Travel to Suzhou

Embark on a day trip to Suzhou, famous for its classic gardens and canals, just a short train ride away from Shanghai.

INR 500 (round trip), 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Visit Lingering Garden

Discover the exquisite beauty of Lingering Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its meticulous design and tranquil atmosphere.

INR 150, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Songhelou Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional Suzhou-style lunch at Songhelou Restaurant, offering a wide array of local dishes amidst a charming setting.

INR 400, 1 hour

3:00PM

Cruise on Grand Canal

Take a leisurely boat cruise along the Grand Canal, admiring the historic waterside architecture and vibrant local life.

INR 300, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Return to Shanghai

Board the train back to Shanghai and relax after a day of exploring the charming city of Suzhou.

INR 500 (round trip), 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Suzhou

Day 3: Scenic Hangzhou

Hangzhou, China

8:00AM

Travel to Hangzhou

Embark on a day trip to Hangzhou, known for its picturesque West Lake, just a short train ride away from Shanghai.

INR 600 (round trip), 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Explore West Lake

Spend the morning strolling around the enchanting West Lake, surrounded by lush hills, pagodas, and historic temples.

INR 100, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Louwailou

Indulge in a delectable lunch at Louwailou, offering delectable local dishes with a stunning view of West Lake from its terrace.

INR 600, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Lingyin Temple

Explore the ancient Lingyin Temple, one of the largest and most significant Buddhist temples in China, nestled in a serene forest.

INR 200, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Return to Shanghai

Head back to Shanghai in the evening, reflecting on the natural beauty and serenity of Hangzhou.

INR 600 (round trip), 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Hangzhou

Day 4: Back to Shanghai

Shanghai, China

9:00AM

Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center

Start your day with a visit to the Urban Planning Exhibition Center to learn about the city's past, present, and future through interactive exhibits and models.

INR 80, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Yang's Dumplings

Savour a delicious lunch at Yang's Dumplings, famous for its crispy-bottomed pan-fried pork dumplings and other local specialties.

INR 300, 1 hour

2:00PM

Nanjing Road Shopping

Enjoy leisurely shopping and people-watching along Nanjing Road, one of the world's busiest and most vibrant shopping streets.

Variable, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at M on the Bund

Indulge in a sophisticated dining experience at M on the Bund, offering panoramic views of the city skyline and delectable international cuisine.

INR 1000, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Shanghai

Day 5: Cultural Exploration

Shanghai, China

9:00AM

Shanghai French Concession

Explore the charming tree-lined streets, historic buildings, and trendy boutiques of the Shanghai French Concession, a hub of art, culture, and cafes.

Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Farine

Savour a casual yet delightful lunch at Farine, a popular French bakery and café known for its artisanal bread and pastries.

INR 400, 1 hour

2:00PM

Propaganda Poster Art Centre

Delve into the intriguing history of China through a visit to the Propaganda Poster Art Centre, housing a fascinating collection of propaganda art from the 20th century.

INR 50, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony

Experience a serene traditional Chinese tea ceremony at a local tea house, immersing yourself in the rituals and art of tea preparation.

INR 150, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Lost Heaven on the Bund

Return to Lost Heaven for another evening of delectable Yunnan and Tibetan cuisine, complemented by the captivating views of the Bund.

INR 800, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Shanghai

Day 6: Shanghai Nightlife

Shanghai, China

9:00AM

Breakfast at Yang's Fried Dumplings

Start your day with a breakfast feast of crispy-bottomed pan-fried dumplings at the famous Yang's Fried Dumplings.

INR 100, 1 hour

11:00AM

Jade Buddha Temple

Visit the serene Jade Buddha Temple, home to two jade Buddha statues brought from Burma, and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the surroundings.

INR 100, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Jesse Restaurant

Relish a delightful lunch at Jesse Restaurant, known for its exquisite Shanghainese dishes and warm, welcoming ambience.

INR 500, 1 hour

3:30PM

Tianzifang Art District

Explore the labyrinthine alleyways and vibrant art galleries of Tianzifang, a bohemian enclave brimming with creativity and unique finds.

Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at YongFoo Elite

Dine in elegance at YongFoo Elite, housed in a historic villa and offering refined Shanghainese cuisine amidst a serene garden setting.

INR 1000, 2 hours

9:00PM

Shanghai Acrobatics Show

Conclude your day with a mesmerizing acrobatics show, showcasing the agility, skill, and artistry of Chinese performers in a dazzling spectacle.

INR 800, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Shanghai

Day 7: Relax and Departure

Shanghai, China

10:00AM

Brunch at The Commune Social

Indulge in a leisurely brunch at The Commune Social, known for its creative and eclectic menu inspired by global culinary traditions.

INR 600, 2 hours

1:00PM

Xintiandi

Stroll through Xintiandi, an upscale car-free district known for its historical shikumen architecture, upscale boutiques, and trendy restaurants.

Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Farewell Shopping

Spend your afternoon picking up last-minute souvenirs or gifts at local markets or specialty stores to commemorate your Shanghai adventure.

Variable, 2 hours

7:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Ultraviolet

Conclude your Shanghai discovery with an extraordinary multi-sensory dining experience at Ultraviolet, where innovative cuisine and immersive technology converge.

INR 5000, 3 hours

Find Hotels in Shanghai

Step 1 Outline Preview:

7-Day Shanghai Discovery

Day 1: City Exploration

8:00AM

11:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 2: Day Trip to Suzhou

8:00AM

10:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 3: Scenic Hangzhou

8:00AM

10:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 4: Back to Shanghai

9:00AM

12:00PM

2:00PM

6:00PM

Day 5: Cultural Exploration

9:00AM

12:00PM

2:00PM

5:00PM

7:00PM

Day 6: Shanghai Nightlife

9:00AM

11:00AM

1:30PM

3:30PM

6:30PM

9:00PM

Day 7: Relax and Departure

10:00AM

1:00PM

4:00PM

7:00PM

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