9-Day Cultural and Scenic Tour of Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Beijing

Day 1: Explore Modern Shanghai

Shanghai, China on June 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Jia Jia Tang Bao

Enjoy freshly steamed soup dumplings and traditional Shanghai breakfast items at this popular local spot open from 7am to 3pm.
CNY30, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit The Bund

Stroll along the iconic waterfront promenade to see historic colonial buildings facing the futuristic Pudong skyline. Open outdoor area, free entry.
CNY0, 1h30m

11:30am

Explore Yuyuan Garden

Wander through this classic Chinese garden featuring exquisite pavilions, rockeries, and ponds reflecting Ming dynasty culture. Open 8:30am-5:30pm.
CNY40, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant

Taste authentic xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) in the old town near Yuyuan, open 10am-9pm.
CNY50, 1h0m

2:30pm

Shanghai Museum

Discover thousands of artifacts showcasing ancient Chinese art, ceramics, and calligraphy. Open 9am - 5pm, closed Mondays.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Nanjing Road Shopping Walk

Experience vibrant pedestrian shopping street for fashion and local snacks, open till late night.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Lost Heaven

Sample Yunnan cuisine in a beautifully decorated restaurant near The Bund, open 11:30am-10pm.
CNY150, 1h30m
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Day 2: Modern Art & Skyline

Shanghai, China on June 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Wagas

Enjoy international-style breakfast with coffee and fresh pastries, open from 7am.
CNY60, 1h0m

9:30am

Shanghai Tower Observation Deck

Ascend the world's second tallest building to enjoy panoramic views of Shanghai. Open 8:30am-10pm.
CNY180, 1h30m

11:30am

Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center

See the impressive city model showcasing Shanghai's future urban development. Open 9am-5pm.
CNY30, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Din Tai Fung

Celebrate Taiwanese dumplings and noodles in a modern setting, open till 9pm.
CNY90, 1h0m

2:30pm

Power Station of Art

Visit China's first state-run contemporary art museum housed in a converted power plant. Open 10am-6pm, closed Mondays.
CNY40, 2h0m

5:00pm

Evening Huangpu River Cruise

Enjoy illuminated views of the city skyline from a 1-hour evening cruise. Cruises run 6pm-10pm.
CNY120, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Mr & Mrs Bund

Dine on modern French cuisine with Shanghai views, open 11:30am-10:30pm.
CNY250, 1h30m
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Day 3: Water Town Day Trip

Shanghai, China on June 11, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel or local cafe

Start your day with a light breakfast before heading out.
CNY40, 0h45m

8:30am

Travel to Zhujiajiao Water Town

Take a 1-hour coach or taxi to this famous water town known for canals and ancient architecture.
CNY50, 1h0m

9:30am

Explore Zhujiajiao

Walk along stone bridges and narrow streets, visit the Kezhi Garden and local shops. Open all day, free entry, some gardens have entrance fees.
CNY40, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Local Riverside Restaurant

Sample fresh water fish and local delicacies by the canal.
CNY80, 1h0m

1:30pm

Return to Shanghai

Head back to Shanghai city center to relax or explore more at your leisure.
CNY50, 1h0m

3:00pm

Tianzifang Art District

Discover Shanghai’s artsy street full of boutiques, galleries, and cafes open till late evening.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Xiao Nan Guo

Enjoy traditional Shanghainese and Jiangsu cuisine, open 11am-10pm.
CNY120, 1h30m
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Day 4: Travel and Scenic Hangzhou

Hangzhou, China on June 12, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast in Shanghai

Grab an early breakfast at hotel or local cafe before departure.
CNY40, 0h30m

8:00am

High-speed Train to Hangzhou

Take a 1-hour bullet train from Shanghai Hongqiao to Hangzhou East station. Trains run frequently throughout the day.
CNY90, 1h0m

9:30am

Check in to hotel and refresh

Drop off luggage and relax briefly before exploring.
Free, 1h0m

10:30am

West Lake Scenic Walk

Explore paths around Hangzhou's famous West Lake, enjoying temples, pagodas, and gardens. Open all day, free.
CNY0, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Lou Wai Lou

Taste Hangzhou specialties such as Beggar’s Chicken in one of the most famous lakeside restaurants. Open 10am-9pm.
CNY150, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Leifeng Pagoda

Climb this historic pagoda for panoramic views of West Lake, open 8am-6pm.
CNY40, 1h0m

4:30pm

Hangzhou Tea Museum & Dragon Well

Learn about Longjing tea culture and taste fresh tea in nearby plantations. Museum open 8:30am-5:30pm.
CNY50, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Grandma’s

Relax and enjoy hearty Zhejiang home-style cooking, open till 9pm.
CNY100, 1h0m
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Day 5: Historic Hangzhou

Hangzhou, China on June 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a relaxed morning meal before the day’s sightseeing.
Included with hotel, 0h45m

9:00am

Visit Lingyin Temple

Explore one of China’s largest and wealthiest Buddhist temples, with impressive statues and cliff carvings. Open 7am-5:30pm.
CNY45, 2h0m

11:30am

Fei Lai Feng Grottoes

Adjacent to Lingyin Temple, these grottoes feature ancient Buddhist carvings dating back to the 10th century.
Included in temple ticket, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Zhi Wei Guan

Try traditional Hangzhou snacks and dishes in this casual, historic restaurant open 9am-8pm.
CNY70, 1h0m

2:30pm

China National Tea Museum

Delve deeper into tea history and tea culture in a spacious museum, open 9am-5pm.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Meijiawu Tea Village

Venture into the village to tour tea fields and enjoy tea tastings with local farmers.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Grandma’s Home

Enjoy another chance to savor authentic Zhejiang cuisine in a cozy setting, open till 9pm.
CNY100, 1h0m
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Day 6: Leisure and Travel

Hangzhou to Beijing, China on June 14, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start with a good breakfast before your journey to Beijing.
Included, 0h45m

9:00am

Leisurely morning walk at West Lake or hotel area

Take in the fresh morning air with a short stroll around the lake or nearby parks.
Free, 1h0m

11:00am

High-speed Train or Flight to Beijing

Take a 4.5-5 hour high-speed train from Hangzhou East to Beijing South or a 2-hour flight. Flights frequent daily.
Train CNY550, Flight approx. CNY800, 4h30m

4:00pm

Arrival and Check-in at Beijing hotel

Rest and prepare for evening activities.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Da Dong Roast Duck

Try the world-renowned Beijing roast duck at this famous upscale restaurant, open till 10pm.
CNY250, 1h30m
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Day 7: Historic Beijing

Beijing, China on June 15, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Start early with breakfast included at your hotel.
Included, 0h45m

8:30am

Visit the Forbidden City

Explore the vast imperial palace complex with its historical halls and museums. Open 8:30am-5pm, closed Mondays.
CNY60, 3h0m

11:30am

Tiananmen Square

Stroll the world’s largest public square and learn about Chinese history. Open all day, free entry.
Free, 0h45m

12:30pm

Lunch at Siji Minfu Roast Duck Restaurant

Savor delicious Peking duck in a popular local chain, open till 9pm.
CNY150, 1h0m

2:00pm

Jingshan Park

Climb to the park’s hilltop for stunning views of the Forbidden City and Beijing skyline. Open 6am-9pm.
CNY10, 1h0m

3:30pm

Beihai Park

Relax by the lakes and explore historic temples and pavilions. Open 6am-9pm.
CNY10, 1h30m

5:00pm

Wangfujing Street

Explore Beijing’s famous shopping street and try local street food. Shops and stalls open till 10pm.
Free, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Donghuamen Night Market

Sample Beijing’s street snacks including exotic choices, open till late.
CNY50, 1h0m
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Day 8: Great Wall Excursion

Beijing, China on June 16, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast to prepare for the full day out.
Included, 0h45m

8:00am

Day Trip to Mutianyu Great Wall

Head to the Mutianyu section, known for fewer crowds and beautiful scenery. It's about 1.5-hour drive from Beijing. Wall open 7:30am-6pm.
Entrance CNY45, Cable car CNY100 (round trip), 6h0m

2:30pm

Return to Beijing

Travel back with optional shopping or rest at hotel.
Included, 1.5h

6:00pm

Dinner at Hua’s Restaurant

Enjoy specialty northern Chinese dishes in a classic setting, open till 9pm.
CNY120, 1h30m
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Day 9: Historic and Cultural Farewell

Beijing, China on June 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast in Beijing before sightseeing.
Included, 0h45m

9:00am

Temple of Heaven

Visit this extraordinary religious complex known for Ming and Qing dynasty architecture. Open 6am-9pm.
CNY35, 2h0m

11:30am

Explore the nearby Hongqiao Market

Shop for souvenirs such as tea, silk, and handicrafts, open till 6pm.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Made in China Restaurant

Sample modern Chinese dishes in an elegant setting inside the Grand Hyatt, open till 10pm.
CNY150, 1h0m

2:00pm

Departure or continue travels

Head to airport or train station for onward journey.
Varies, Varies
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