9-Day Cultural and Historical Journey through Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Beijing

Day 1: Shanghai Arrival

Shanghai, China on June 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Yonghe King

Enjoy a traditional Chinese breakfast with soy milk and steamed buns, a favorite local fast-food chain open from 7am to 10am.
CNY20, 0h30m

9:00am

The Bund Walk

Stroll along The Bund to admire Shanghai’s iconic skyline and colonial-era buildings. Open 24/7 with no cost.
CNY0, 1h30m

11:00am

Yu Garden

Visit this classical Chinese garden offering beautiful architecture and peaceful ponds. Open 8:30am-5:30pm.
CNY40, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Din Tai Fung

Feast on world-famous soup dumplings and Taiwanese dishes in a well-known international chain. Open 11am-9pm.
CNY100, 1h

3:00pm

Shanghai Museum

Explore Chinese art and artifacts spanning thousands of years. Free entrance. Open 9am-5pm, closed Mondays.
CNY0, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Lost Heaven

Enjoy Yunnan cuisine with unique spices and flavors in a stylish setting. Open 5pm-10pm.
CNY150, 1h30m
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Day 2: Shanghai Exploration

Shanghai, China on June 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café de la Poste

Indulge in a French-style breakfast in a cozy café open from 7am to 11am.
CNY60, 0h45m

9:30am

Jade Buddha Temple

Visit the serene temple known for its beautiful jade Buddha statues. Open 8:00am-5:30pm.
CNY20, 1h30m

11:30am

Nanjing Road Shopping

Browse Shanghai’s most famous shopping street, vibrant with stores and street performances. Open all day.
CNY0, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Jia Jia Tang Bao

Enjoy authentic Shanghai-style steamed soup dumplings. Open 10am-3pm.
CNY40, 1h

3:00pm

Shanghai Tower Visit

Ascend to the observation deck of one of the world’s tallest buildings with panoramic city views. Open 9am-9pm.
CNY180, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet

Experience an avant-garde multi-sensory dining (reservation needed). Open evenings only.
CNY3800, 3h
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Day 3: Travel to Hangzhou

Hangzhou, China on June 12, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a quick continental breakfast before departure.
Included, 0h30m

8:00am

High-speed train to Hangzhou

Take the 1.5-hour high-speed train to Hangzhou; trains run frequently from Shanghai Hongqiao Station.
CNY100, 1h30m

10:00am

Check in at hotel and rest

Settle into your hotel near West Lake.
Varies, 1h

11:30am

Lunch at Lou Wai Lou

Savor traditional Hangzhou cuisine with views of West Lake. Open 11am-2pm, 5pm-9pm.
CNY120, 1h

1:30pm

West Lake boat ride

Enjoy a scenic boat ride on West Lake to see temples and gardens. Boats operate from 8am to 5:30pm.
CNY50, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Lingyin Temple

Explore one of China’s largest and wealthiest Buddhist temples. Open 7:30am-5:30pm.
CNY45, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Grandma’s Home

Try home-style Zhejiang dishes beloved by locals. Open 5pm-9:30pm.
CNY80, 1h30m
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Day 4: Hangzhou Culture

Hangzhou, China on June 13, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a hotel buffet featuring both Western and Chinese breakfast options.
Included, 0h45m

9:00am

Tea Plantation and Museum visit

Visit Longjing Village to learn about famous Dragon Well tea and sample fresh brews. Open 8am-6pm.
CNY30, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Dragon Well Manor

Enjoy farm-to-table organic meals paired with local teas. Open 11am-3pm.
CNY150, 1h

2:00pm

China National Silk Museum

Discover the history of silk production and see exquisite silk garments. Open 9am-5pm.
CNY20, 1h30m

4:00pm

Walk along Qinghefang Ancient Street

Explore this preserved street with shops, teahouses, and snacks. Open daily, no charge.
CNY0, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Zhi Wei Guan

Famous for authentic Hangzhou snacks and dishes, open until 9pm.
CNY70, 1h
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Day 5: Travel to Beijing

Beijing, China on June 14, 2025

6:30am

Early Breakfast at hotel

Grab a light breakfast or packed meal for the journey.
Included, 0h30m

7:30am

Flight to Beijing

Fly from Hangzhou to Beijing; flight time approx 2 hours.
CNY600, 2h

10:30am

Check in and relax

Arrive at your Beijing hotel near city center and get settled.
Varies, 1h

11:30am

Lunch at Da Dong Roast Duck

Taste Beijing’s famous Peking duck at one of the top restaurants downtown. Open 11am-10pm.
CNY200, 1h30m

1:30pm

Temple of Heaven Park

Explore this imperial park and religious site, open 6am-9pm with entrance fee.
CNY40, 2h

4:00pm

Wangfujing Street

Visit Beijing’s famous shopping street, sample street food, and shop for souvenirs.
Free, except personal purchases, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Jing Yaa Tang

Enjoy upscale northern Chinese cuisine including dumplings and noodles. Open 5pm-10pm.
CNY180, 1h30m
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Day 6: Great Wall Visit

Beijing, China on June 15, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a quick breakfast as you’ll depart early for the Great Wall.
Included, 0h30m

8:00am

Great Wall at Mutianyu

Visit one of the best-preserved and less crowded Great Wall sections. Open 7:30am-6pm.
CNY45, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch near Mutianyu

Eat local cuisine at nearby restaurants serving simple hearty meals.
CNY80, 1h

3:00pm

Return to Beijing and rest

Head back to the hotel to relax after the day’s hike.
Included in transport, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Siji Minfu Roast Duck

Another chance to try Beijing duck in a local-style restaurant. Open until 10pm.
CNY120, 1h30m
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Day 7: Imperial Beijing

Beijing, China on June 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy breakfast before a busy day touring imperial sites.
Included, 0h45m

9:00am

Forbidden City

Explore China’s grand imperial palace open 8:30am-5pm, closed Mondays, ticket required.
CNY60, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Bai Jia Da Yuan Restaurant

Dine in a Qing Dynasty style mansion serving imperial cuisine. Open 11am-2:30pm.
CNY250, 1h30m

2:30pm

Jingshan Park

Climb the hill behind the Forbidden City for stunning city panoramas. Open 6am-9pm, CNY10 entrance.
CNY10, 1h

4:00pm

Beihai Park

Relax in this historic imperial garden near Jingshan. Open 6am-9pm, entrance CNY10.
CNY10, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at TRB Hutong

Upscale European cuisine in a beautiful traditional hutong setting. Booking recommended.
CNY500, 2h
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Day 8: Summer Palace & Art

Beijing, China on June 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with hotel breakfast.
Included, 0h45m

9:00am

Summer Palace

Visit this vast imperial garden with lakes and palaces. Open 6:30am-6:30pm.
CNY60, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Summer Palace Food Street

Try local snacks and casual dining near the park.
CNY50, 1h

2:00pm

798 Art District

Explore Beijing’s contemporary art scene in converted industrial buildings. Open 10am-7pm.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Migas Mercado

Eat Spanish tapas in a lively setting in 798 district. Open 11:30am-10pm.
CNY120, 1h30m
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Day 9: Departure Day

Beijing, China on June 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your final breakfast in China.
Included, 0h45m

10:00am

Tiananmen Square

Quick visit to the world’s largest public square, open 24/7 with no entrance fee.
CNY0, 1h

11:30am

Last-minute shopping at Silk Market

Shop for souvenirs or silk goods; open 9am-9pm.
Varies, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at nearby restaurant

Have a light Chinese meal close to your hotel before departure.
CNY60, 1h

3:00pm

Transfer to airport

Head to Beijing Capital Airport for your flight.
CNY100, 1h
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