9 Days Exploring Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou, and Huangshan: A Deep Dive into Chinese Culture

Summary

Day1 Shanghai Arrival
Day2 Shanghai: Shanghai Museum, Yuyuan Garden & Bazaar, Nanjing Road, The Bund, Huangpu River Night Cruise
Day3 Shanghai-Suzhou: Take bullet train to Suzhou, Lingering Garden, Tiger Hill, Pingjiang Ancient Street, Suzhou No.1 Silk Factory
Day4 Suzhou-Hangzhou: Tongli Water Town, Take train to Hangzhou
Day5 Hangzhou: Boat cruise around West Lake, Fish Watching at Flower Pond, Lingyin Temple, Meijiawu Tea Plantation, Qinghefang Old Street, Impression West Lake Show
Day6 Hangzhou-Huangshan: Hangzhou to Huangshan by Bullet train, Tunxi Ancient Street
Day7 Huangshan: Hongcun Ancient Village, Huangshan Scenic Area
Day8 Huangshan-Shanghai: Enjoy Huangshan Sunrise, Take train to Shanghai
Day9 Shanghai Departure

Day1 Shanghai Arrival

Upon your arrival in Shanghai, our friendly local guide will be waiting for you at the airport exit, holding a welcome sign that reads "Your Way Holiday." After a warm greeting, you’ll be transferred to your hotel for check-in, where you can settle into your comfortable accommodations. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the vibrant city at your own pace, whether you wish to take a leisurely walk around nearby areas, experience the local atmosphere, or simply unwind and recover from jetlag. Your guide will be happy to provide recommendations for nearby attractions or help you plan your evening activities, ensuring you have a smooth and enjoyable start to your Shanghai adventure.

Day2 Shanghai

After breakfast, your day begins with a visit to the Shanghai Museum, a treasure trove of Chinese art and history. This impressive museum is home to over 12,300 artifacts spread across five floors, showcasing the richness of China’s cultural heritage. As you walk through the vast galleries, you’ll encounter masterpieces from various dynasties, including ancient ceramics, jade, paintings, and calligraphy. Your expert guide will offer detailed explanations of each exhibit, helping you understand the significance of each piece and its role in China’s millennia-old history. You’ll gain a deeper appreciation of Chinese craftsmanship and artistry, with your guide providing insights that bring the museum’s vast collection to life. This visit offers more than just a tour of artifacts—it’s an immersive journey into China’s artistic evolution, with every corner revealing a new story about the culture and people of the Middle Kingdom.

Next, take a short drive to Yuyuan Garden, an oasis of tranquility in the heart of Shanghai. This garden, regarded as one of the finest private gardens in China, has a rich history dating back over 400 years. Originally built by Pan Yunduan as a gift for his parents, Yuyuan Garden is a masterpiece of classical Chinese landscaping. Your guide will take you through its intricate design, explaining the symbolism behind its pavilions, rockeries, ponds, and bridges, each element thoughtfully arranged to create harmony and balance. As you wander through the garden, you’ll learn about its cultural significance and the philosophy behind traditional Chinese gardens, allowing you to connect with the space in a way that goes beyond the surface. This is a peaceful retreat, where you can escape the bustle of the city and reflect on the beauty of nature, all while your guide shares the fascinating stories that have shaped this historic garden.

After exploring the garden, take a short walk to Yuyuan Bazaar, where the hustle and bustle of local life surrounds you. The bazaar is a labyrinth of narrow streets and alleyways filled with vendors selling a wide range of goods, from traditional Chinese crafts to delicious street food. Here, you can sample local snacks, shop for unique souvenirs, or simply enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. Your guide will help you navigate the maze of stalls, ensuring you don’t miss out on the best items and providing recommendations for authentic local products. Whether you’re looking for a special memento or just want to experience the lively pulse of Shanghai, Yuyuan Bazaar offers an authentic glimpse into the city’s dynamic street culture. It’s a place where local traditions blend seamlessly with the modern world, and your guide’s knowledge will enhance your experience, offering insight into the significance of the bazaar in Shanghai’s commercial and cultural history.

For lunch, head to the famous Nanxiang Dumpling House, known for its mouthwatering Xiaolongbao, the iconic Shanghai soup dumplings. These delicate dumplings are filled with hot, savory broth and tender pork, and are a must-try for any visitor to Shanghai. The dish has a rich history, rumored to have originated in Nanxiang in the 19th century, when a bakery owner decided to experiment with a new type of steamed bun. Your guide will explain the origins of Xiaolongbao and offer tips on how to properly eat them without spilling the flavorful broth. As you savor the dumplings, you’ll gain insight into the importance of this dish in Shanghai’s culinary heritage, experiencing firsthand why it has become a global favorite.

After lunch, you’ll drive to the Bund, one of Shanghai’s most iconic landmarks. This scenic waterfront area offers a stunning display of Shanghai’s architectural evolution, perfectly blending colonial-era buildings with modern skyscrapers. As you walk along the promenade, your guide will take you through the history of the Bund, highlighting architectural gems such as the Shanghai World Financial Center, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, and Jinmao Tower. These structures are not only marvels of design but also represent different stages of Shanghai's growth. Your guide will share the stories behind these landmarks, from their origins during the colonial period to their role in Shanghai's rise as a global metropolis. With the skyline as your backdrop, you’ll have plenty of opportunities for memorable photos, while reflecting on the city’s remarkable transformation from a colonial port to a modern economic powerhouse.

Next, continue your tour with a visit to Nanjing Road, one of Shanghai’s most famous shopping streets, where both modernity and tradition collide. This bustling area is a paradise for shoppers, offering everything from luxury brands to local specialties. As you walk along this vibrant thoroughfare, your guide will provide fascinating insights into the history of Nanjing Road, once a colonial trading route that is now one of the world’s busiest commercial streets. You’ll pass by a variety of shops, from global fashion retailers to quaint stores offering traditional Chinese goods. Whether you’re shopping or simply soaking in the lively atmosphere, Nanjing Road is a great place to experience the energy of Shanghai. Your guide will also highlight key cultural landmarks along the way, offering a deeper understanding of how this street has evolved over the years.

In the evening, you’ll board a relaxing Huangpu River cruise, offering a spectacular view of Shanghai's skyline lit up at night. As you glide along the river, your guide will point out key landmarks, including the Bund’s historic buildings and the modern skyscrapers of Pudong, like the Shanghai Tower and Jin Mao Tower. The contrast between the colonial architecture and the futuristic skyline provides a striking visual of Shanghai’s rapid development. Your guide will share captivating stories about Shanghai’s transformation, from its colonial past to its present-day prominence as a global hub. This river cruise is a serene way to take in the city’s beauty, providing a unique perspective on Shanghai’s skyline, all while learning about the city’s fascinating history and development. The experience will leave you with lasting memories of Shanghai’s dynamic blend of tradition and innovation.

After the cruise, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel, reflecting on a day filled with cultural, historical, and scenic experiences. From the art treasures at the Shanghai Museum to the peaceful Yuyuan Garden and the bustling Bund, each stop has deepened your connection to the city. Your guide’s insights have brought the city’s history and culture to life, offering a true local experience. As you relax on your way back, you'll have lasting memories of a day spent discovering Shanghai like never before.

Day3 Shanghai-Suzhou

We’ll begin your Suzhou adventure by picking you up from your hotel at the designated time and driving you to Shanghai’s high-speed train station. Your journey will be smooth and comfortable, arriving in Suzhou in no time. Upon your arrival, our local Suzhou guide will be there to greet you at the exit of the train station with a "Your Way Holiday" welcome sign, ensuring a warm and seamless transition to your day of exploration.

Your first stop will be the stunning Lingering Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of China’s Four Famous Gardens. As you stroll through this beautiful garden, your guide will walk you through the intricate design and history of the grounds. The garden is renowned for its elegant halls, pavilions, and winding paths, all thoughtfully arranged to create a peaceful, harmonious environment. The garden's Qing Dynasty-style architecture, with its unique rock formations and tranquil ponds, showcases the ideal blend of man-made beauty and natural scenery. Your guide will explain the symbolism behind the various structures and highlight the artistic principles that define classical Chinese garden design. Lingering Garden offers an unforgettable visual and cultural experience, offering a glimpse into China’s historical landscape aesthetics.

After your tour of Lingering Garden, enjoy a delightful lunch at a local restaurant where you’ll have the chance to taste authentic Suzhou cuisine, known for its refined flavors and delicate preparations. Your guide will offer insights into local dishes and recommend popular specialties to ensure a true taste of Suzhou. Two must-try dishes are Squirrel-Shaped Mandarin Fish and Crab Roe Noodles. The Squirrel-Shaped Mandarin Fish is deep-fried for a crispy texture and coated in a sweet-savory sauce, named for its tail resembling that of a squirrel. Crab Roe Noodles are a local delicacy, featuring delicate noodles topped with fresh crab roe, offering a rich and savory flavor that highlights the freshness of Suzhou's waters. These dishes perfectly capture the essence of Suzhou's culinary tradition, with their unique flavors and elegant presentation.

In the afternoon, your guide will take you to the iconic Tiger Hill, one of Suzhou’s most famous tourist attractions. Tiger Hill is renowned for its blend of rich history and stunning natural beauty. Though only about 30 meters in height, it is home to several significant historical sites. Among these are the Tomb of King He Lu, the Yunyan Pagoda, and numerous other relics that highlight Suzhou’s cultural significance. As you explore the hill, your guide will provide detailed explanations of these sites, shedding light on their historical context and the stories behind them. The Yunyan Pagoda, which has stood for over a thousand years, serves as a symbol of the city’s enduring cultural influence and architectural brilliance. The peaceful surroundings of Tiger Hill, with its ancient trees, intricate stone carvings, and tranquil ponds, create a perfect harmony between history and nature, offering an immersive experience of Suzhou’s heritage.

Next, your guide will lead you on a leisurely stroll along Pingjiang Ancient Street, one of the most charming and historically rich parts of Suzhou. Stretching 1,606 meters alongside the serene Pingjiang River, this picturesque street offers a window into the city’s traditional lifestyle. Lined with classic Suzhou-style houses, their whitewashed walls and black-tiled roofs exude the elegance and simplicity that have characterized Suzhou’s architectural style for centuries. As you wander down the street, your guide will share captivating tales from Suzhou’s storied past, particularly its prominence during the Song Dynasty over 800 years ago. The well-preserved nature of the street, coupled with the peaceful views of the river, provides an authentic, immersive experience that takes you back in time. The street’s timeless ambiance invites you to connect with the ancient essence of Suzhou, offering a quiet, reflective journey through the heart of the city’s cultural heritage.

Following your walk through Pingjiang Ancient Street, you’ll head to the Suzhou No. 1 Silk Factory to gain an in-depth understanding of the city’s rich silk-making tradition. Suzhou has long been a center of silk production, with a history that stretches back over a thousand years. At the factory, you’ll witness the intricate processes that turn raw silk into luxurious fabrics. From the cultivation of mulberry trees to the careful raising of silkworms, you’ll see firsthand how these tiny creatures produce the delicate threads that have made Suzhou’s silk world-famous. Your guide will explain each step in the silk-making process, showcasing the skill and craftsmanship that goes into every piece of silk. More than just a craft, silk-making in Suzhou is an art form deeply embedded in the city’s culture and economy. As you explore the factory, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for Suzhou’s global legacy in silk production and its role in shaping trade and craftsmanship across centuries.

After a day of cultural immersion and exploration, filled with fascinating historical insights and scenic beauty, your guide will escort you back to your hotel in Suzhou. On the way, you’ll have a chance to reflect on the unforgettable experiences of the day, from the tranquil beauty of Lingering Garden to the timeless charm of Pingjiang Ancient Street and the intricate silk-making process. Once you arrive at your hotel, you’ll be free to relax, unwind, and savor the memories of a day well-spent discovering the essence of Suzhou.

Day4 Suzhou-Hangzhou

After breakfast, your guide will meet you at your hotel, and together, you will embark on a scenic drive to Tongli Water Town, located just an hour outside Suzhou. As you journey through the countryside, your guide will share fascinating details about the region’s history, landscape, and culture, setting the stage for your arrival in this tranquil, centuries-old water town. 

 Known for its ancient charm, Tongli is a picturesque town with over a thousand years of history, offering a serene escape from the bustling cities nearby. The town is a labyrinth of stone bridges, traditional architecture, and peaceful canals, each corner steeped in history. As you explore this charming town, your guide will share insightful stories about its past, giving you a deeper understanding of how the town has maintained its unique beauty while subtly adapting to tourism. The peaceful canals and ancient buildings create an atmosphere of tranquility, allowing you to experience the town as the locals have for centuries. Your guide will help you discover the town’s hidden gems, making sure you get the best angles for photos and providing fascinating details about each landmark you visit, ensuring an enriching and memorable experience.

Your first stop is the Retreat and Reflection Garden, an exquisite example of Suzhou-style garden design. Built in 1885, this garden earned its place as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001, joining the ranks of Suzhou's famous classical gardens. As you walk through the garden, your guide will highlight the unique east-west axis, a characteristic that distinguishes it from other gardens in the region. The pathways lead you through a serene environment filled with carefully designed pavilions, ponds, and vibrant plant life. Your guide will provide insightful explanations of the symbolism behind each feature, from the rocks that represent mountains to the ponds that evoke the tranquility of nature. By the end of your visit, you will have a deeper understanding of traditional Chinese garden philosophy and the art of creating harmonious landscapes.

Next, you’ll travel to Luo Xingzhou, a small island town located in the heart of Tongli Lake. This enchanting island is a peaceful retreat, offering visitors an escape from the modern world. As you cruise along the tranquil waters in a traditional wooden boat, your guide will point out the regal housing, gardens, and ancient stone bridges that line the island. The gentle boat ride allows you to appreciate the natural beauty and calm surroundings from a unique perspective. Once on the island, your guide will lead you on a stroll through its quaint streets, offering intriguing insights into the area’s history and culture. As you explore the peaceful town, your guide will help you connect with the rich history of the area, making this visit both relaxing and intellectually enriching.

After some leisure time, you’ll break for lunch at a local Chinese restaurant in the Water Town, where you’ll get to sample local delicacies. Your guide will help you navigate the menu, ensuring you try some of the town’s signature dishes, like Sweet Osmanthus Rice Wine and Suzhou-style Steamed Bun. Sweet Osmanthus Rice Wine is a fragrant and lightly sweet beverage made with glutinous rice, fermented with sweet osmanthus flowers, offering a unique and delicate flavor that’s popular in the region. Suzhou-style Steamed Buns are soft, chewy, and filled with savory pork or crab. These buns are a local favorite, known for their delicate flavor and satisfying filling. Your guide will provide insights into the culinary significance of these dishes, making your meal a memorable part of your cultural journey.

In the afternoon, your guide will take you to visit Chongben Hall, a remarkable building that showcases intricate wood carvings inspired by the folklore of the Yangtze River Delta. As you walk through the hall, your guide will point out the fine details of the carvings, each one telling a unique story from the region’s rich history. These carvings are not just decorative but serve as a window into the artistic traditions and cultural significance of the area. Your guide will explain the symbolism behind the scenes depicted, offering you a deeper understanding of the folk traditions and craftsmanship that have been passed down through generations. After exploring Chongben Hall, you’ll move on to Jiayin Hall, a beautiful traditional mansion built in 1912. The walls of Jiayin Hall are adorned with delicate engravings that vividly depict scenes from the classic Chinese novel *Romance of the Three Kingdoms*. Your guide will help you appreciate the historical and cultural value of these carvings, providing you with a profound insight into the influence of Chinese literature on the region’s art and architecture. This immersive experience will allow you to connect with both the history and craftsmanship of Tongli in a meaningful way.

Following your visits to these historic halls, you’ll make your way to the iconic Three Bridges, a collection of three famous bridges in Tongli: Taiping, Jili, and Changqing. These bridges are not only architectural wonders but also hold great cultural significance for the locals. For centuries, the people of Tongli have crossed these bridges during significant life events, such as births, weddings, and birthdays, to pray for health, happiness, and prosperity. Your guide will share the fascinating folklore behind each of these bridges, enriching your understanding of the local customs and traditions. As you stroll across the bridges, your guide will point out the views of the town’s canals, ancient buildings, and tranquil scenery, allowing you to experience the town’s beauty from a unique perspective. This visit will deepen your connection to Tongli’s cultural heritage, offering a glimpse into the lives and beliefs of its people.

After your immersive tour of Tongli, you’ll be transferred back to the Suzhou train station, where you’ll catch a high-speed train to Hangzhou. Upon arrival, your guide will be waiting for you at the station with a welcome sign, ensuring a smooth and stress-free transfer to your hotel. After settling in, you can enjoy a relaxing dinner at your hotel, reflecting on the day’s journey through the historic water town of Tongli.

Day5 Hangzhou

In the morning, your guide will meet you at your hotel lobby, and you’ll embark on a relaxing boat ride across the iconic West Lake. As you sail along its serene waters, you’ll be surrounded by the picturesque landscapes of islands, causeways, pagodas, and temples that have inspired poets and artists for centuries. Your guide will share stories and historical anecdotes about West Lake’s cultural significance, ensuring you not only enjoy the scenery but also understand why it is considered the soul of Hangzhou. The tranquil atmosphere and beautiful surroundings will make you feel as though you’ve stepped into a traditional Chinese painting, a truly immersive experience that captures the essence of Hangzhou.

Next, you’ll take a leisurely walk through Huagang Park, one of the top ten scenic spots in Hangzhou, known for its picturesque landscapes and seasonal floral displays. Originally a private garden during the Southern Song Dynasty, the park is now a lush retreat featuring vibrant trees, delicate flowers, and charming pavilions. As you wander along the winding paths, your guide will introduce you to the park’s most famous attraction—the Flower Pond. This tranquil water garden is home to countless graceful goldfish, creating a mesmerizing scene as they glide through the clear waters. Your guide will explain the cultural symbolism of goldfish in Chinese tradition, often associated with prosperity and good fortune. In spring, the park transforms with the bloom of its renowned peony garden, bursting into a dazzling array of colors. Your guide will also highlight the various plant species found in the park, offering fascinating insights into their significance in Chinese horticulture and classical garden design, making this visit both visually and culturally enriching.  

Afterward, you’ll visit Lingyin Temple, a revered Buddhist sanctuary with a history spanning over 1,600 years. Nestled within the lush forests of Feilai Peak, this sacred site has long been a spiritual retreat for monks and pilgrims. As you approach the temple, your guide will introduce you to the remarkable stone carvings that line the hillside, depicting intricate Buddhist figures and legends that date back to the Song and Yuan Dynasties. Inside the temple, you’ll find grand halls filled with incense and towering statues of Buddhist deities, including the impressive 19-meter-tall statue of Sakyamuni, the historical Buddha. Your guide will walk you through the temple’s profound history, explaining its role in the development of Buddhism in China and how its design reflects Buddhist philosophy. You’ll also have time to soak in the peaceful atmosphere, listening to the rhythmic chanting of monks, allowing you to experience the meditative essence of this ancient spiritual site.

For lunch, you will head to a local Tea Farmer’s Tea House, where you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in Hangzhou’s culinary traditions. If you’re interested, you can join a tea farmer who will teach you how to prepare local dishes like Beggar’s Chicken, Westlake Carp Fish in Vinegar Sauce (with no bones, don’t worry!), lotus root, bamboo shoots, and other delicious vegetables. Beggar’s Chicken is a famous Hangzhou dish where a whole chicken is marinated with fragrant spices, wrapped in lotus leaves, encased in clay, and slow-roasted, resulting in tender, juicy meat with a rich, earthy aroma. Westlake Carp Fish in Vinegar Sauce, a beloved local specialty, features fresh carp carefully deboned and cooked in a sweet and tangy vinegar-based sauce, creating a delicate balance of flavors. This hands-on experience will allow you to learn the authentic methods of preparing these local delicacies, giving you a deeper appreciation of the flavors and traditions that define Hangzhou cuisine. If cooking isn’t your thing, simply relax and savor the freshly prepared dishes in the charming tea house setting.

In the afternoon, you’ll journey to Meijiawu, a picturesque village nestled in the rolling hills of Hangzhou, renowned for its centuries-old tea culture. As the birthplace of China’s most famous green tea, Longjing (Dragon Well) Tea, this village offers a stunning landscape of terraced tea fields stretching across the misty hillsides. Your guide will lead you through the lush plantation, explaining the traditional tea-growing techniques passed down through generations, from hand-picking the tender leaves to the intricate pan-firing process that gives Longjing its signature nutty aroma and smooth taste. Along the way, you’ll learn how the unique climate and mineral-rich soil contribute to the tea’s exceptional quality. At a local tea house, you’ll be welcomed by a tea master who will demonstrate the precise art of brewing Longjing tea, allowing you to appreciate its delicate flavors firsthand. Your guide will also introduce you to the role of tea in Chinese culture, from the refined etiquette of tea ceremonies to its deep philosophical ties with harmony and mindfulness. Sitting in the tranquil surroundings of the tea house, sipping freshly brewed tea while overlooking the serene fields, you’ll experience the peaceful essence of Hangzhou’s tea heritage.  

The final stop of the day is Qinghefang Old Street, a vibrant historical district that captures the essence of Hangzhou’s past and present. This lively pedestrian street has been a thriving commercial hub since the Southern Song Dynasty, lined with well-preserved Ming and Qing Dynasty-style buildings that house traditional medicine shops, tea houses, silk stores, and artisanal workshops. As you stroll through the bustling lanes, your guide will point out the architectural details that reflect Hangzhou’s rich history, such as wooden lattice windows, curved rooflines, and intricately carved shop signs. You’ll have the opportunity to sample local delicacies like crisp sesame pastries and Hangzhou-style stuffed dumplings while browsing for unique souvenirs, from handcrafted fans to exquisite silk scarves. Your guide will share stories of the merchants and scholars who once gathered here, making Qinghefang a cultural melting pot for centuries. Whether you’re exploring the old apothecaries, watching a skilled craftsman engrave traditional seals, or simply soaking in the lively atmosphere, this final stop offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and local life, leaving you with a deeper connection to the spirit of Hangzhou.

After a full day of exploration, you’ll enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant, where you can savor traditional Hangzhou flavors. Following your meal, you will be taken to the stunning Impression of West Lake performance. Set against the mesmerizing backdrop of West Lake, this captivating 50-minute show seamlessly blends music, dance, and dramatic visuals to tell the enchanting stories and folk tales of Hangzhou. The performance takes place on the water, with spectacular lighting and a stunning stage that brings the lake’s natural beauty into the experience. Your guide will provide insight into the cultural significance of the performance, helping you better appreciate the rich history and legends that are brought to life on stage. After the show, your guide will accompany you back to your hotel, offering an opportunity to reflect on the magic of the evening and the unforgettable memories created throughout the day.

Day6 Hangzhou-Huangshan

Pick up from your hotel and transfer to Hangzhou train station, where you’ll board a high-speed train to Huangshan. Sit back and enjoy the scenic journey as the landscape shifts from urban skylines to rolling hills and tranquil countryside. Upon arrival, your local Huangshan guide will be waiting for you at the station exit, holding a welcome sign of "Your Way Holiday" for easy identification. 

From there, you’ll be transferred to a local restaurant for a simple yet authentic lunch, allowing you to taste the flavors of this historic region before beginning your exploration. Huangshan cuisine is known for its delicate balance of flavors and fresh, locally sourced ingredients. For lunch, we recommend trying two signature dishes: mandarin fish in sweet and sour sauce and hairy tofu. The mandarin fish, prized for its tender meat and light taste, is skillfully cut so that the flesh curls into an elegant, flower-like shape before being coated in a perfectly balanced sweet and sour sauce, creating a dish that is both visually stunning and delicious. Meanwhile, hairy tofu, a unique local delicacy, undergoes a natural fermentation process that results in a fine layer of white “hair” on the surface. When fried, it develops a crispy golden crust while maintaining a soft, flavorful interior, delivering a surprisingly rich umami taste. These dishes showcase the essence of Huangshan cuisine and provide a delightful introduction to the region’s culinary heritage.  

After lunch, your guide will lead you to Tunxi Ancient Street, a beautifully preserved historic area dating back to the Ming and Qing Dynasties. As you walk along the flagstone-paved streets, your guide will share stories about the merchants who once thrived here, contributing to Huangshan’s long-standing reputation as a center of trade and culture. The traditional Hui-style buildings, with their signature white walls, black-tiled roofs, and intricately carved wooden façades, transport you back in time. Along the street, a variety of antique shops, old apothecaries, tea houses, and local craft stores invite exploration. Your guide will point out hidden gems, such as century-old pharmacies where remedies have been passed down through generations and charming teahouses where locals gather to sip freshly brewed Huangshan Maofeng tea. As you browse handcrafted ink stones, calligraphy brushes, and rare teas, your guide will share fascinating insights into the cultural significance of these traditional crafts, ensuring you gain a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage of this historic street.

As evening falls, you’ll enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant before heading to your hotel for check-in. Your guide will ensure a smooth check-in process, assisting with any requests you may have. Before parting for the night, your guide will provide you with useful tips for the next day’s adventures, ensuring that you are well-prepared for the incredible experiences awaiting you in Huangshan.

Day7 Huangshan

In the morning, after checking out from your hotel, your guide will take you to Hongcun Ancient Village, a place often described as “a living Chinese painting.” With its well-preserved Anhui-style architecture, tranquil waterways, and misty mountain backdrop, Hongcun embodies the timeless beauty of ancient China. As you stroll through the village, your guide will explain how its unique layout, resembling the shape of an ox, was meticulously designed according to feng shui principles. Many of the village’s buildings date back to the Song Dynasty, featuring white-walled residences with dark-tiled roofs, elaborate wood carvings, and exquisite stone archways. Your guide will take you through hidden alleyways, leading you to picturesque spots such as Moon Pond and South Lake, where the reflections of the historic houses create stunning mirror-like images. Along the way, you’ll visit former residences of influential merchants, where your guide will share stories about the prosperous Huizhou culture and its impact on Chinese history.  

For lunch, you will dine at a well-selected restaurant in Hongcun Village, where you can enjoy two of the region’s most distinctive dishes: Hui-style Stewed Pork with Preserved Vegetables and Huangshan Braised Bamboo Shoots. Hui-style Stewed Pork with Preserved Vegetables is a beloved traditional dish, featuring tender, slow-braised pork belly layered with flavorful preserved mustard greens. The pork is cooked until melt-in-your-mouth soft, absorbing the rich, slightly sweet and savory sauce that makes it a true comfort food. Meanwhile, the Huangshan Braised Bamboo Shoots offer a taste of the mountain’s natural bounty, with fresh, tender bamboo shoots simmered in a savory sauce to enhance their earthy sweetness. These dishes highlight the unique flavors of Huangshan’s local cuisine and provide an authentic culinary experience to complement your journey.

After lunch, you will drive for about an hour to the foothills of Mt. Huangshan, where you will board the Yungu cable car for a scenic ascent to the mountaintop. As you glide above the lush forests and rocky peaks, your guide will point out the dramatic landscape features and explain their poetic names, inspired by centuries of Chinese art and literature. Upon reaching the summit, you will explore iconic peaks such as Beginning-to-Believe Peak, where ancient pine trees cling to the rock formations, and Brush Pen Peak, whose towering shape resembles a scholar’s brush poised to paint the sky. Your guide will take you to Lion Peak, known for its panoramic views, and A Monkey Gaping at the Sea, a uniquely shaped rock formation that appears like a monkey gazing over the vast landscape. As evening approaches, you will witness the breathtaking sunset from Cloud Dispelling Pavilion, where the rolling sea of clouds and ever-changing colors of the sky create a mesmerizing spectacle.  

After the day’s exploration, you will check into your mountaintop hotel, where you can relax and enjoy dinner in the comfort of your accommodation. Your guide will ensure a smooth check-in process and provide recommendations for the next morning’s sunrise viewing, should you wish to experience one of Huangshan’s most magical moments. Rest well, as another day of adventure awaits.

Day8 Huangshan-Shanghai

Waking up early to witness the sunrise over Huangshan is a truly unforgettable experience, one that connects you to the timeless beauty of this mystical mountain range. If the weather is favorable, rise before dawn and head to Refreshing Terrace, widely considered one of the best spots to watch the sun emerge from the horizon. As the first golden rays of sunlight break through the mist, they gently illuminate the rugged peaks that pierce through the sea of clouds, casting dramatic shadows and soft highlights across the landscape. This surreal view, often described as “the loveliest mountain of China,” is a living painting. Your guide will ensure you are positioned at the perfect spot for photos and will explain the cultural importance of this moment in Chinese art and poetry, where the sunrise over Huangshan is often symbolic of hope, renewal, and the passage of time. After taking in this serene and awe-inspiring scene, head back to your hotel for a leisurely breakfast, allowing time to reflect on the beauty of the mountain before continuing your journey. 

After a refreshing breakfast, your guide will take you on your final exploration of Huangshan’s scenic wonders. You’ll visit Dawn Pavilion, a tranquil spot offering panoramic views of the surrounding peaks bathed in soft morning light. From here, the mountain’s majestic range unfurls before you, showcasing the rugged terrain and striking rock formations that define Huangshan’s dramatic landscape. Continue on to Lion Peak (1690m), where you will see the famous Stone Monkey Watching the Sea—an iconic rock formation resembling a monkey staring out over the vast expanse of clouds. As you walk along the winding, well-maintained wooden paths, your guide will share local myths and legends associated with these rocks, giving you deeper insight into how nature and spirituality intertwine in Chinese culture. Finally, your guide will take you to the cable car station, where you’ll descend the mountain, taking one last look at Huangshan’s spectacular beauty. At the mountain base, your driver will be waiting to transport you back to Huangshan City, where you can rest before continuing your adventure.

Upon arrival in the city, enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant, where your guide can recommend classic Anhui dishes to savor before your departure. Afterward, you’ll be taken to Huangshan Train Station to board your afternoon high-speed train to Shanghai. Relax and enjoy the scenic journey back to the bustling metropolis. Upon arrival in Shanghai, our local guide will be waiting at the station to greet you and ensure a smooth transition to your evening plans. Before heading to your hotel, enjoy a delightful dinner at a carefully selected restaurant, where you can taste authentic Shanghai cuisine, marking the perfect end to your Huangshan adventure. 

Day9 Shanghai Departure

Enjoy a relaxing morning at your own pace, free to explore or simply unwind before your departure. Whether you choose to enjoy a leisurely breakfast, take a final stroll around your hotel, or visit a nearby café, this is your time to savor the last moments of your trip. If you wish, your guide can provide some last-minute recommendations or help with any final shopping or sightseeing. Once you're ready, you’ll be transferred to the airport in comfort. As you reflect on your journey, you'll have the opportunity to relax, knowing that everything is taken care of. After check-in, you can board your flight and head back home with wonderful memories of your time in China. We hope you had a memorable experience, and we wish you a pleasant trip back! Safe travels and we look forward to welcoming you again in the future.

Price Per Person in US Dollars

Price Includes 1. Cozy Ride:Enjoy the comfort and spaciousness of our air-conditioned car, offering scenic views. 2. Bilingual Expert Guide: Benefit from a personalized experience with a guide fluent in your language, catering to your needs. 3. Entrance Fees: Access all attractions and activities mentioned in the itinerary without worrying about additional entrance fees. 4. Seamless Transfer: Enhance your experience with convenient hotel or train station pickup and drop-off service. 5. Connect Seamlessly: Stay connected with complimentary onboard WiFi, allowing you to share your experiences in real-time. 6. City-to-City Train Tickets: Include the cost of train or flight tickets between the cities listed in the itinerary, ensuring a smooth and efficient travel experience. 7. Accommodations with Breakfast:  Hotel stays are included in the package. We select from trusted hotel brands, combining global chains and exclusive local brands, offering consistent service and an exceptional stay. 8. Complimentary Water: Receive a complimentary bottle of water for each person, keeping you refreshed throughout your journey. 9. Travel Agency Liability Insurance: Benefit from coverage under our travel agency liability insurance, providing added protection and peace of mind during your trip.

Price Excludes 1. Personal Expenses: This includes phone bills, laundry, additional tours, postage, and any entertainment fees not covered in the itinerary. 2. Meals: While meals are not included, our guide will recommend the best local food spots, giving you the chance to explore and choose based on your preferences. (Average cost per person for a regular meal at local eateries: 40RMB/6USD-80RMB/12USD) 3. Tips: Tips are not mandatory but are recommended for excellent service. If you feel satisfied with the service, you may consider leaving a tip. The tipping standards are as follows: Driver: 50-100 RMB per day/group; Guide: 100-200 RMB per day/group. 4. Insurance: Insurance coverage for personal loss, illness, or damages incurred during your trip is not included. 5. Optional Activities: Any optional activities listed in the itinerary are not included in the tour fees, allowing you to choose and participate based on your preferences.