Complete China Adventure: Shanghai, Suzhou, Qiandaohu, Qingtian & Guangzhou vs Shenzhen Foodie & Culture Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Shanghai

Shanghai, China on July 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Jia Jia Tang Bao

Try the iconic Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) for an authentic Shanghai start, known for their thin skin and flavorful broth.
CNY30, 1h

9:30am

Visit The Bund

Take a stroll along the historic waterfront to admire colonial architecture and spectacular views of the skyline.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Explore Yu Garden

Enjoy the classical Chinese garden artistry dating back to the Ming dynasty, with pavilions and scenic ponds.
CNY40, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant

Savor Shengjianbao, the pan-fried buns filled with pork, a Shanghai delicacy.
CNY50, 1h

3:00pm

Shanghai Tower Observation Deck

Visit the world’s second tallest building with panoramic city views from the sky deck.
CNY180, 1h

5:00pm

Huangpu River Cruise

Take a relaxing early evening cruise to see the city lights starting to illuminate iconic landmarks.
CNY120, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Lost Heaven Silk Road

Indulge in flavorful Yunnan cuisine, with specialties like smoked ham and aromatic spices in a stylish atmosphere.
CNY200, 1h30m
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Day 2: More Shanghai Gems

Shanghai, China on July 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Evergreen Bakery

Try local pastries paired with strong Chinese coffee to start your day.
CNY25, 1h

9:30am

Shanghai Museum

Explore ancient Chinese art, ceramics, and calligraphy in this free museum that’s a treat for culture lovers.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Din Tai Fung

Renowned for Taiwanese-style dumplings, enjoy delicate flavors in a modern setting.
CNY100, 1h

2:00pm

Tianzifang Arts District

Wander through narrow lanes filled with boutiques, galleries, cafés, and local crafts.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Jing’an Temple

Visit this serene Buddhist temple with striking architecture amidst the bustling city.
CNY50, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Fu 1088

Dine on elegant Shanghainese cuisine in a luxurious mansion setting, a perfect cap for the day.
CNY250, 1h30m
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Day 3: Day Trip to Suzhou

Suzhou, China on July 14, 2025

7:00am

Travel from Shanghai to Suzhou

Take the high-speed train (~30 mins) north-west to Suzhou, famous for classical gardens.
CNY45, 1h

8:30am

Breakfast at Songhelou Restaurant

Try Suzhou-style sweet and savory mooncakes to start your morning deliciously.
CNY30, 1h

9:30am

Humble Administrator’s Garden

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this garden epitomizes Chinese landscape gardening art.
CNY80, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at De Yue Lou

Enjoy authentic Suzhou noodles and other local specialties in a historic setting.
CNY100, 1h

1:30pm

Boat Ride on Suzhou Canals

Cruise through the charming water-town canals observing traditional architecture and bridges.
CNY120, 1h

3:00pm

Lingering Garden

Another spectacular classical garden to explore, featuring intricate pavilions and rockeries.
CNY70, 1h30m

5:00pm

Return to Shanghai

Take the high-speed train back to Shanghai for overnight.
CNY45, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Lost Heaven Silk Road (Shanghai)

Relax with a flavorful Yunnan dinner after your travel day.
CNY200, 1h30m
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Day 4: Arrival Qiandaohu

Qiandaohu, China on July 15, 2025

8:00am

Travel to Qiandaohu

Journey south-west via train or bus to Qiandaohu, famed for its lake with a thousand islands.
Varies, Most of the day

2:00pm

Check-in and Lunch

Settle into your accommodation and try local lake fish dishes at the hotel or nearby restaurant.
CNY150, 1h30m

4:00pm

Boat Tour of Thousand Island Lake

Enjoy a scenic cruise exploring the various islands, ideal for nature lovers and photographers.
CNY200, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Qiandaohu Local Restaurant

Feast on freshly caught fish, bamboo shoots, and wild vegetables, showcasing regional flavors.
CNY180, 1h30m
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Day 5: Qiandaohu Nature

Qiandaohu, China on July 16, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast featuring local fruits and traditional Chinese dishes.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Hiking Around the Islands

Explore hiking trails that offer stunning views of the lake and its islands.
Free, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Lakeside Pavilion

Dine on fresh bamboo shoots and river fish with lake views.
CNY150, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Local Fishing Village

Experience local culture and observe traditional fishing methods still practiced today.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner

Try another local specialty restaurant featuring wild vegetables and seasonal ingredients.
CNY160, 1h
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Day 16: Guangzhou Or Shenzhen

Guangzhou or Shenzhen, China on July 24, 2025

8:00am

Flight from Wenzhou to Guangzhou or Shenzhen

Take an early flight to your chosen southern city to begin your days of exploration and culinary delights.
Varies, 2h

10:30am

Check-in and Brunch

Settle into hotel and enjoy a light meal; dim sum in Guangzhou or street food at Dongmen Market in Shenzhen is ideal.
CNY100, 1h

12:00pm

Guangzhou: Visit Chen Clan Ancestral Hall / Shenzhen: Window of the World

In Guangzhou, immerse yourself in Cantonese heritage at the ornate Chen Clan Hall; in Shenzhen, explore global landmarks in miniature.
CNY20–150, 3h

4:00pm

Relax or Shop

Enjoy a leisurely walk on Shamian Island in Guangzhou or shop at Luohu Commercial City in Shenzhen.
Free to browse, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner

Guangzhou: Savor roast goose and white cut chicken at a local favorite; Shenzhen: Enjoy Cantonese BBQ or seafood specialties.
CNY180–250, 1h30m

9:30pm

Night Activity

Guangzhou: Pearl River night cruise offers a romantic cityscape view; Shenzhen: Dip into the vibrant nightlife of OCT Loft.
CNY100, 1h30m
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Day 17: City Highlights

Guangzhou or Shenzhen, China on July 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast

Guangzhou: Dim sum breakfast at a local teahouse; Shenzhen: Street food breakfast at Dongmen Market.
CNY50, 1h

9:30am

Explore Canton Tower (Guangzhou) or OCT Loft (Shenzhen)

Guangzhou's Canton Tower offers panoramic city views; Shenzhen’s OCT Loft provides galleries and creative spaces.
CNY150, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch

Guangzhou: Sample dim sum varieties; Shenzhen: Try seafood specialties.
CNY120, 1h

2:00pm

Relax or visit parks

Guangzhou: Yuexiu Park or Shenzhen: Lianhuashan Park for greenery and city views.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner

Guangzhou: Explore local Cantonese dishes, including soups and roast meat; Shenzhen: Barbecue and fusion food.
CNY200, 1h30m
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