12-Day Cultural & Urban Journey: Hangzhou, Shanghai & Beijing in November 2024

Day 1: Arrival in Hangzhou

Hangzhou, China

12:00PM

Lunch at Lou Wai Lou

Taste classic Hangzhou dishes like Beggar's Chicken in this iconic lakeside restaurant.
CNY 150, 1 hour

1:30PM

West Lake Exploration

Walk the scenic Su Causeway and visit Broken Bridge for stunning views over West Lake.
Free, 3 hours

5:00PM

Evening lakeside stroll

Enjoy the tranquil ambiance and sunset reflections across West Lake.
Free, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Zhi Wei Guan

Enjoy traditional Hangzhou flavors including Dongpo Pork.
CNY 200, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Temples & Tea Plantations

Hangzhou, China

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a traditional Chinese breakfast provided by your hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Lingyin Temple Visit

Explore one of the largest Buddhist temples featuring stunning carvings and serene surroundings.
CNY 45, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch on Hefang Street

Sample local snacks including Dragon Well tea and lotus seed snacks along this bustling historic street.
CNY 100, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Longjing Tea Plantation

Visit the famed Dragon Well tea fields, learn tea processing, and enjoy a fresh brew.
CNY 30, 2 hours

4:00PM

Xixi National Wetland Park

Discover this unique urban wetland ecosystem, perfect for peaceful nature walks.
CNY 80, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Grandma's Restaurant

Enjoy a cozy atmosphere and classic Hangzhou home-style dishes.
CNY 150, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Culture & History

Hangzhou, China

8:00AM

Breakfast at Local Café

Try Jianbing, a savory Chinese crepe, for a quick, tasty start.
CNY 30, 1 hour

9:30AM

China National Silk Museum

Learn about silk production history and admire exquisite silk textiles.
CNY 40, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Six Harmonies Pagoda

Climb this historic pagoda for panoramic views over the Qiantang River.
CNY 30, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at The Naked Duck

Savor a blend of Asian and Western dishes in a contemporary, cozy setting.
CNY 120, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Hangzhou Museum

Explore Hangzhou’s rich cultural legacy through diverse exhibitions.
CNY 25, 2 hours

4:30PM

Wuzhen Water Town

Enjoy a late afternoon trip to this historic water town with canals and ancient architecture.
CNY 300 (transport included approx.), 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner in Wuzhen

Dine along the riverside, enjoying local specialties like river fish and tofu.
CNY 180, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Hangzhou to Shanghai

Shanghai, China

8:00AM

Breakfast in Wuzhen

Enjoy a quick breakfast of steamed buns at a local café.
CNY 30, 1 hour

9:30AM

Return to Hangzhou

Travel back to Hangzhou by private car.
CNY 300, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Leifeng Pagoda

Explore the scenic pagoda overlooking West Lake, a great photo spot.
CNY 40, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch nearby

Enjoy delicious fried rice and local dishes near West Lake before departure.
CNY 100, 1 hour

2:00PM

High-Speed Train to Shanghai

Take the comfortable one-hour high-speed train to Shanghai.
CNY 100, 1 hour

3:00PM

Hotel Check-In and Rest

Check into your Shanghai hotel and relax after travel.
CNY 50 (taxi), 30 minutes

5:00PM

Stroll The Bund

Admire the colonial riverfront architecture and modern skyline at sunset.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at M on the Bund

Dine with spectacular views of the Huangpu River and Shanghai skyline.
CNY 400, 2 hours
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Day 5: Historic & Cultural Shanghai

Shanghai, China

8:00AM

Hotel Breakfast

Enjoy the buffet breakfast at your hotel to prepare for the busy day.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Yu Garden & City God Temple

Walk through these exquisite classical Chinese gardens and vibrant market areas.
CNY 40, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Jade Garden

Sample authentic Shanghai dumplings and cuisine in a popular local restaurant.
CNY 150, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Shanghai Museum

Explore rich collections of Chinese art including ceramics, paintings and calligraphy.
Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Xintiandi District

Wander the charming renovated shikumen neighborhood filled with shops and cafes.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Din Tai Fung

Enjoy world-famous, delicate soup dumplings in a lively atmosphere.
CNY 180, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Modern Urban Shanghai

Shanghai, China

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast to start your day.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Shanghai Tower Observation Deck

Ascend one of the world's tallest buildings for panoramic city views.
CNY 180, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Power Station of Art

View contemporary art exhibitions in a vibrant converted industrial space.
CNY 30, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Social Factory

Enjoy innovative fusion cuisine in a stylish café.
CNY 150, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Tian Zi Fang

Explore artsy alleys filled with boutique shops, galleries, and cafés.
CNY 20, 2 hours

4:30PM

Huangpu River Evening Cruise

Experience the dazzling city lights from the water on a scenic river cruise.
CNY 120, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Lost Heaven

Delight in exotic Yunnan cuisine in a stylish atmosphere.
CNY 250, 2 hours
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Day 7: Free Day & Shopping

Shanghai, China

9:00AM

Brunch at Café de la Poste

Relax with a French style brunch in an elegant setting.
CNY 120, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Shop Nanjing Road

Visit one of the world's busiest shopping streets for souvenirs and fashion.
Free, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Crystal Jade

Enjoy refined dim sum and Cantonese dishes in a comfortable restaurant.
CNY 180, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center

Learn about Shanghai’s city development via interactive models and exhibits.
CNY 30, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Blue Frog

Finish the day at this casual spot with burgers and a lively atmosphere.
CNY 150, 2 hours
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Day 8: Art & French Concession

Shanghai, China

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a satisfying breakfast for an inspiring day ahead.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

M50 Creative Park

Discover contemporary galleries and street art in this former factory complex.
Free, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Commune Social

Taste modern tapas and cocktails in an intimate bistro setting.
CNY 200, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Shanghai Natural History Museum

Explore extensive exhibits from prehistoric creatures to mineral collections.
CNY 50, 2 hours

3:30PM

Wander French Concession

Stroll through leafy streets with boutiques, cafés, and historic architecture.
Free, 2.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Hakkasan

Dine luxuriously on Cantonese cuisine with elegant ambiance.
CNY 600, 2 hours
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Day 9: Shanghai to Beijing

Beijing, China

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast before traveling to Beijing.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

High-Speed Train to Beijing

Board the train to Beijing for comfortable travel (~5 hours).
CNY 553 (2nd class ticket), 5 hours

2:00PM

Check-in and Rest

Arrive in Beijing, check-in, and rest before evening activities.
Taxi CNY 100, 1 hour

4:00PM

Tiananmen Square & Wangfujing Street

Visit the world’s largest city square and stroll nearby famous shopping street.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Duck de Chine

Savor Beijing Roast Duck in this atmospheric, stylish restaurant.
CNY 250, 1.5 hours
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Day 10: Great Wall Excursion

Beijing, China

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast for a full day ahead.
Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Day Trip to Mutianyu Great Wall

Visit the less crowded Mutianyu section of the Great Wall with cable car access and stunning views.
CNY 180 (entry + cable car), 6 hours including travel

3:30PM

Return to Beijing

Travel back to city and relax.
Included in tour, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Da Dong Roast Duck

Experience another iconic Peking duck feast at this upscale restaurant.
CNY 350, 1.5 hours
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Day 11: Palaces & Parks

Beijing, China

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Morning meal to start your day.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Forbidden City Tour

Discover the historic imperial palace complex with rich history and stunning architecture.
CNY 60, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at a nearby restaurant

Enjoy traditional Beijing cuisine close to the Forbidden City.
CNY 150, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Jingshan Park

Climb the hill for excellent views of the Forbidden City and Beijing skyline.
CNY 2, 1 hour

3:30PM

Temple of Heaven

Visit the beautiful temple and surrounding park where ancient emperors prayed for good harvests.
CNY 40, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Bai Jia Da Yuan Restaurant

Dine in a Qing Dynasty styled courtyard with authentic Beijing cuisine.
CNY 300, 2 hours
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Day 12: Departure Day

Beijing, China

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your final breakfast in Beijing.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Hotel Check-out and Airport Transfer

Taxi to Beijing Capital International Airport for your departure flight.
CNY 150, 1 hour
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