11 Days Beijing, Huangshan, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Shanghai Tour

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Beijing Arrival

   Welcome to our 11-day China tour of Beijing, Huangshan, Hangzhou, Suzhou, and Shanghai. Upon your arrival, our local driver will pick you up at the airport or railway station. Then escort you to your hotel in downtown Beijing in our comfortable private air-conditioned vehicle. After check-in, the remainder of the day is yours to relax.

   Meal: N/A

   Accommodation: in Beijing

2. Day 2: Beijing Exploration
   ‌Walk through China's Imperial Past in Beijing

   Around 8:30 am, the English-speaking guide will meet you at your hotel lobby. Then you will be transferred to visit Tian’anmen Square, the biggest city square in the world. This place is very important in Chinese history. Stroll around and learn about the historical stories from your guide.

   Next, a 10-minute walk takes you to the amazing Forbidden City. This was the home of emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties, with more than 70 palaces and over 9,000 rooms. It’s one of the largest and best-kept old wooden buildings in the world. As you explore the grand buildings, you’ll feel the deep history of China and admire the breathtaking architecture.

   

   After lunch, spend the afternoon in the Summer Palace, a favorite summer spot for the emperors during the Qing Dynasty. You’ll get to see the beautiful lake, walk through the beautifully painted long corridor, appreciate valuable old treasures, and cross a graceful stone bridge. If you like, you can choose to take a boat ride on the lovely Kunming Lake (optional, at your own expense).

   Go back to your hotel in the evening, and the rest of the night is yours to enjoy as you like.

   Suggested things to do: You might want to watch a classic acrobatic show or a Beijing Opera performance. Or you can try some tasty local foods such as Peking duck, dumplings, or hot pot.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Beijing

3. Day 3: Great Wall of Beijing
   Take in Breathtaking Mountain Views While Hiking on Great Wall

   Good morning! After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, you will be taken to explore the Mutianyu Great Wall. The car ride takes about 2 hours. The Mutianyu section is undoubtedly one of the best preserved and most famous Great Wall in China. It has a very long history, with its origins dating back to the 6th century. Later, Mutianyu was rebuilt during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Spanning 5400 meters, the Mutianyu Great Wall consists of buildings such as city walls, enemy towers, city gates, and beacon towers. The number of watchtowers is the largest among all the Great Wall, and each tower has a unique design and function.

   

   After arrival, follow the guide to hike along the walls. You can also choose to take a cable car or a chair lift (at an additional cost), which can save energy and allows you to enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains. Along the way, your guide will explain some historical facts and legendary stories about the Great Wall to you.

   After lunch, we will visit the Sacred Way. Strolling along the path adorned with animal and official stone statues. Explore Dingling Tomb, the only excavated Ming emperor's tomb, including the underground palace where the emperor and his concubines rest.

   On the way back to the hotel, stop and admire the iconic Bird’s Nest and Water Cube from outside. Rest well in the hotel at night.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Beijing

   

4. Day 4: Beijing to Huangshan by Flight
   Learn about Ming Dynasty Prayers and Hutong Life

   Today is the last day of exploration in Beijing. In the morning, you will first be taken to the Temple of Heaven, a world cultural heritage site located in a royal religious complex in the southeast of central Beijing. Founded in 1420 during the Ming Dynasty, it was the place where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties held annual ceremonies - praying to heaven for a bountiful harvest. The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and the Echo Wall are the highlight buildings. The nearby park is a great place for locals to relax. If you can wake up early, you will see locals practicing Tai Chi and calligraphy with water here.

   

   After that, take a rickshaw to the hutongs in Beijing. You will have the opportunity to explore Beijing's traditional culture and the daily lives of ordinary people. The guide will lead you to some of the most famous and unique hutongs, where you may visit a local family.

   It's time to say goodbye to Beijing. Take the flight to Huangshan. After arrival, a local driver will escort you to a hotel in the center of Huangshan city.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Huangshan

   

5. Day 5: Mount Huangshan Hiking
   Hike Huangshan's Peaks through Pines and Sea of clouds

   After breakfast, your private Huangshan guide will meet you in the hotel lobby. Then, you'll head to Mount Huangshan, one of the five most famous mountains in China.

   At the Yungu Cable Car Station, take the cable car up to the Beihai Scenic Area. Along the way, you'll see many unique pine trees and interesting-shaped rocks. After getting off the cable car, follow your guide to hike for Begin-to-Believe Peak, where you will enjoy the amazing sea of clouds. Then, walk to Dispelling Cloud Pavilion and pass the well-known Black Tiger Pine. From there, capture a great view of the West Sea Grand Canyon.

   

   If you continue into the canyon, you’ll see high cliffs and tall rocks with pine trees growing from them. Walking through the first and second rings of the canyon usually takes about 3 hours, but you can adjust your hike depending on how you feel.

   If you still have energy, spend about an hour visiting Bright Summit (1840 meters/6102 feet) to watch the sunset and see the Flying-over Rock. You will stay overnight on the mountain.

   Note: From December to March, the West Sea Grand Canyon is closed because of heavy snow. Your travel plan will be changed if you visit during this time.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: on the Mountain

   

6. Day 6: Huangshan to Hangzhou by High-speed Train
   ‌Chase Sunrise Over Peaks and 900-Year-Old Village Charm

   Wake up early (5:00 in summer, 5:30 in winter) and walk about 0.5 km from the Shilin (Lion Forest) Hotel to Refreshing Terrace to see the stunning sunrise over Yellow Mountain. After that, go back to the hotel and have breakfast.

   Then continue your Yellow Mountain hike by visiting the well-known "Monkey Watching the Sea" Rock and Lion Peak, which stands at 1,690 meters (5,544.6 feet). After taking satisfactory pictures, walk along the wooden path to the Yungu Cable Car Station and ride the cable car down the mountain. Your driver will be waiting for you at the bottom.

   

   The last stop in Huangshan city is Hongcun Village, famous for its rich history and beautiful natural setting. The village covers 19 square kilometers and dates back about 900 years to the Song Dynasty. Today, it still has 138 buildings from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. In 2000, Hongcun was added to the list of World Cultural Heritage sites.

   After your visit, go to the train station for a high-speed train to Hangzhou. On arrival, your local driver will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel in Hangzhou.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Hangzhou

   

7. Day 7: Hangzhou’s Highlights
   ‌Cruise West Lake's Beauty, Savor Longjing Tea's Heritage

   Hangzhou is known as the 'heaven on earth'. West Lake is an important part of Hangzhou's reputation. It is the first lake cultural heritage listed in the The World Heritage List in China, and is famous for the pattern of "one mountain, two towers, three islands and three embankments". This 6.38 square kilometer water area is beautiful all year round: peach and willow trees in spring, lotus flowers in summer, clear reflection of the moon on the lake surface in autumn, and snow covering the Broken Bridge in winter.

   You will enjoy a boat ride, appreciating the beautiful scenery up close. Also, you can take a stroll along the shore or hop a sightseeing bus to explore famous attractions such as Su Causeway, Flower Harbor with Fish, and Three Pools Mirroring the Moon.

   

   Continuing on to Feilai Peak, which is a limestone mountain with hundreds of Buddha statues carved on the rocks. The name of this mountain peak comes from a legend that it flew from India to Hangzhou. Facing Feilai Peak, Lingyin Temple is one of the top ten ancient temples of Chinese Zen Buddhism, with a history of 1700 years. Visiting its magnificent Great Hall, the 24.8-meter-high statue of Shakyamuni Buddha carved from 24 camphor trees will leave a deep impression on you.

   Afterwards, be transferred to Meijiawu Tea Village, where the scenery is picturesque and surrounded by tea gardens. Learn about the history and production process of the famous Longjing tea. Taste a cup of fresh tea and local tea flavored delicacies such as Longjing fish (pay extra).

   Finally, visit the China National Tea Museum to deepen your understanding of Chinese tea culture.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Hangzhou

   

8. Day 8: Hangzhou to Wuzhen, High-speed Train to Shanghai
   Explore Wuzhen's Ancient Canals, Ming-era Streets by Foot and Boat

   After breakfast, we drive for 1.5 hours to Wuzhen - an old town with over 1,300 years of history. It’s known as the “town of fish and rice” and the “capital of silk.” Wuzhen is a classic water town in the Jiangnan area and has kept its original look and layout from the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China period.

   Today, you'll mainly visit the Wuzhen West Scenic Area. This area is made up of 12 small islands connected by more than 70 bridges. You can walk along the narrow old streets, see traditional buildings from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, and stop by local craft workshops and historic halls. With your guide’s help, you’ll learn about Wuzhen’s 7,000 years of cultural heritage. If you’d like, you can also take a boat ride (optional and not included in the price) for a different view of the town.

   

   Afterward, transfer to the railway station for a high-speed train to Shanghai. Upon arrival, your local driver will pick you up and transfer you to your downtown hotel.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Shanghai

9. Day 9: Shanghai’s Essence
   Feel the Ancient Charm and Modern Life of Shanghai

   Shanghai is a city where ancient charm meets modern life. Today in the morning, take a guided tour of the Shanghai Museum in People’s Square (note: it's closed on Mondays). Your tour guide will show you valuable cultural items from the Paleolithic period to modern times and share interesting stories about them.

   Next, go to visit Yuyuan Garden. Built during the Ming Dynasty, this garden is over 450 years old. It was once a private garden made for a man’s father to enjoy his retirement. Inside, you’ll find peaceful pavilions, green trees, and small lakes. After visiting the garden, take a walk through the nearby Yuyuan Market.

   

   After lunch, you’ll ascend the Shanghai World Financial Center. This tall building has 104 floors, and the 94th, 97th, and 100th floors are open for sightseeing. You can go up to the 100th floor, where there’s a glass walkway with amazing views of the Huangpu River (optional).

   Nanjing Road, which is 1,528 meters long, is the oldest shopping street in Shanghai. Take a look at the old department stores and try some tasty local snacks.

   Your next stop is the Bund, a must-see in Shanghai. It’s known as an “International Architecture Exhibition” because of its buildings in British, French, Italian, and Spanish styles. It’s a great place to enjoy the river views, especially at night.

   Optional evening activities (pay extra): You can enjoy a wonderful acrobatic show or take a night cruise along the Huangpu River to see the city lights along the shore.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Shanghai

   

10. Day 10: Shanghai to Suzhou, Back to Shanghai
    ‌Wander Ming Dynasty Gardens and Witness Silk's Birth in Suzhou

    After breakfast, drive to Suzhou, which takes about 1.5 hours. Suzhou is famous throughout the country for its gardens and silk. Firstly, you will visit Lingering Garden, one of the four famous gardens in China, which was first built during the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty. The garden is known for its exquisite garden art and the layout of "changing scenery with every step". The whole park is divided into four areas: central, eastern, western, and northern. The central area features its water scenery, the eastern area boasts great hall and courtyard buildings, the northern area is a pastoral scenery, and the western area is quite charming with mountains and forests.

    

    Next, stroll through the Shantang Ancient Street. This cultural avenue dates back to 825 AD. Admire traditional houses, shops, bridges, and temples. If you are interested, you can take a boat tour on the river and appreciate this charming water town from a unique perspective.

    

    In the afternoon, we will head to Tiger Hill. The core landscape here is the Huqiu Pagoda, which was built in the Northern Song Dynasty and is the oldest surviving leaning pagoda in China, on par with the Leaning Pagoda of Pisa. With a history of over 2500 years, it is a symbol of Suzhou. Follow your guide to explore the scenic area and learn about the legends and stories behind some of the famous sites. From the mountain, you can enjoy a panoramic view.

    The Suzhou No.1 Silk Factory is the last stop. You can watch the entire silk making process from silkworm breeding and cocoon selection to silk reeling, weaving, and final production.

    After finishing, we drive back to our hotel in Shanghai.

    Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

    Accommodation: in Shanghai

    

11. Day 11: Shanghai Departure

    Enjoy your free time before it's time to leave. Your driver will then take you to the airport or train station for your trip home. Your 11-day China tour from Beijing comes to an end here. Have a safe and pleasant journey - we hope to see you again someday!

    Meal: Breakfast

    Accommodation: N/A