Efficient Multi-City China Itinerary: Zhengzhou, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Chongqing

Day 1: Discover Zhengzhou

Zhengzhou, China on May 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Chun Shui Tang Tea House

Enjoy traditional Henan-style breakfast with soy milk and steamed buns to start your day authentically in Zhengzhou.
CNY30, 1h

9:30am

Visit Henan Museum

Explore one of China's oldest museums featuring ancient artifacts and cultural relics from Henan Province. It opens at 9:00am.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Daoyuanju Dumpling Restaurant

Taste classic Henan dumplings and other local specialties in a casual setting near the museum.
CNY50, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Shaolin Temple

Take a short trip outside Zhengzhou to the Shaolin Temple, famous for its martial arts heritage. The temple closes at 5:00pm.
CNY100, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Lao Dian Jia

Enjoy authentic Henan cuisine such as stewed noodles and spicy tofu in a cozy local restaurant.
CNY60, 1h
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Day 2: Zhengzhou to Shanghai

Zhengzhou to Shanghai, China on May 13, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Light breakfast before check-out, preparing for transit to Shanghai.
Included, 0.5h

8:00am

High-speed train to Shanghai

Board a high-speed train from Zhengzhou East Station to Shanghai Hongqiao Station, approximately a 5-hour journey.
CNY550, 5h

1:30pm

Lunch at Din Tai Fung, Shanghai

Try the famous Shanghai soup dumplings (xiaolongbao) upon arrival at this renowned restaurant.
CNY150, 1h

3:00pm

Explore The Bund

Walk along the iconic Huangpu River waterfront, enjoying skyline views and architecture from colonial-era buildings.
Free, 1.5h

5:00pm

Visit Shanghai Museum

Immerse yourself in Chinese art and history at this highly rated museum, open until 6:00pm.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Lost Heaven on the Bund

Relish Yunnan cuisine with an atmospheric setting right on The Bund.
CNY200, 1.5h
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Day 3: Shanghai Culture & Cuisine

Shanghai, China on May 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Peach Garden

Enjoy traditional Shanghainese breakfast like scallion pancakes and soy milk at this popular spot.
CNY40, 1h

9:30am

Jade Buddha Temple Visit

Visit the serene Jade Buddha Temple, famous for its two magnificent jade Buddha statues; open 8:00am-5:00pm.
CNY20, 1.5h

11:30am

Shopping and exploring Nanjing Road

Stroll along the bustling shopping street and experience modern Shanghai culture.
Free, 1.5h

1:00pm

Lunch at Jia Jia Tang Bao

Savor authentic steamed soup dumplings (Xiaolongbao) in a casual, local eatery popular with residents.
CNY50, 1h

2:30pm

Visit 上海科技馆 Shanghai Science & Technology Museum

Interactive exhibits perfect for learning about science and technology, open 9:00am-5:15pm.
CNY60, 2h

6:00pm

Evening Huangpu River Cruise

Experience stunning night views of Shanghai’s skyline from a river cruise that departs at 6:30pm.
CNY120, 1h

8:00pm

Dinner at Xintiandi

Enjoy a variety of upscale dining options in this lively pedestrian street with historic and modern architecture.
CNY180, 1.5h
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Day 4: Transit to Shenzhen

Shanghai to Shenzhen, China on May 15, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast near hotel

Light breakfast for energy before morning flight to Shenzhen.
CNY40, 0.5h

9:00am

Flight to Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport

Catch about a 3-hour direct flight from Shanghai to Shenzhen, the heart of China's technology hub.
CNY600, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Ba Shu Feng Sichuan Restaurant

Indulge in spicy Sichuan dishes, especially hot pot, a local favorite in Shenzhen.
CNY120, 1h

2:30pm

Visit OCT Loft Creative Culture Park

Explore this hip art and cultural district filled with galleries, shops, and cafes, open till around 8:00pm.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Seafood Market, Shenzhen

Savor fresh seafood dishes at a market-style restaurant popular in Shenzhen’s coastal area.
CNY150, 1.5h
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Day 5: Explore Shenzhen

Shenzhen, China on May 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Mint Cafe

Start your day with Western-style breakfast and specialty coffee in Shenzhen’s bustling city center.
CNY50, 1h

9:30am

Visit Window of the World

Enjoy this theme park featuring miniature replicas of famous world landmarks; open 9:00am-6:00pm.
CNY200, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Ba Shu Feng Hotpot

Experience authentic spicy Sichuan hotpot, a local favorite for lunch in Shenzhen.
CNY120, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Splendid China Folk Village

Explore replicas of famous Chinese cultural sites and traditional folk performances; park open until 6:00pm.
CNY220, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Bingsheng Pinwei

Taste Cantonese delicacies from one of Shenzhen’s top-rated local restaurants.
CNY180, 1.5h
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Day 6: Shenzhen to Chongqing

Shenzhen to Chongqing, China on May 17, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Light breakfast before preparing for morning flight to Chongqing.
Included, 0.5h

9:00am

Flight to Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport

Fly about 2.5 hours north to the sprawling mountainous metropolis of Chongqing.
CNY700, 2.5h

12:00pm

Lunch at Qin Ma Spicy Hotpot

Dive into Chongqing’s famous spicy hotpot cuisine for a flavorful introduction to local food.
CNY150, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Ciqikou Ancient Town

Wander this well-preserved ancient town with traditional architecture and quaint shops, open until 6:00pm.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Relax at Eling Park

Enjoy panoramic views of Chongqing’s skyline and the Yangtze River within this large hillside park.
Free, 1.5h

6:30pm

Dinner at Huangcheng Laoma Hotpot

Experience another famed Chongqing hotpot venue known for spicy broth and fresh ingredients.
CNY160, 1.5h
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Day 7: Explore Chongqing

Chongqing, China on May 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at local street stalls

Sample Chongqing-style street breakfast, such as soy milk and youtiao (fried dough sticks).
CNY20, 1h

9:30am

Visit Three Gorges Museum

Learn about the history and culture of the Yangtze River and the Three Gorges Dam; museum open 9:00am-5:00pm.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Chen Mapo Tofu

Enjoy spicy Sichuan tofu along with other delicious specialties in a well-known Chongqing eatery.
CNY80, 1h

1:30pm

Yangtze River Cable Car Ride

Take this iconic cable car over the Yangtze River for unique views of the city, operating 8:00am-9:00pm.
CNY25, 0.5h

2:30pm

Visit Hongya Cave

Explore this bustling stilt house complex with shops, cafes, and nightlife along the riverfront.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Lao Ma Tou Hotpot

Finish your Chongqing stay with one last rich hotpot dinner at this famous local hotpot restaurant.
CNY160, 1.5h
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Day 8: Departure from Chongqing

Chongqing, China on May 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Grab a quick breakfast and prepare for departure.
Included, 0.5h

10:00am

Check-out and Airport Transfer

Travel to Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport for onward journey or flight home.
Variable, 1h
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