5-Day Hong Kong & Shanghai Highlights Tour with Zhujiajiao
Tour Overview
Experience two very different sides of urban China in one 5-day journey. Start in Hong Kong with panoramic views from Victoria Peak, the harbor scenery of Aberdeen, and the relaxed waterfront atmosphere of Stanley before flying to Shanghai.
In Shanghai, look across the city from Shanghai Tower, explore ancient Chinese art and classical gardens, and walk along the Bund, where historic waterfront architecture faces the skyscrapers of Lujiazui across the Huangpu River.
Finish in Zhujiajiao Water Town, where old lanes, stone bridges, canals and riverside houses give you a slower contrast to the two metropolises.
Travel destinations: Hong Kong, Shanghai
Suitable for: City Explorers, Culture Lovers, First-Time Visitors
Tour type: Private
Tour at A Glance
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Day
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Destination
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What to See & Do
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1
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Hong Kong
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Arrival, hotel transfer, free time, optional Star Ferry, Temple Street Night Market
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2
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Hong Kong
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Victoria Peak & Peak Tram, Aberdeen Harbor, Stanley Market, jewelry exhibition center, free time
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3
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Hong Kong – Shanghai
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Flight to Shanghai, optional Xintiandi or Tianzifang
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4
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Shanghai
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Shanghai Tower, Shanghai Museum East, Yu Garden, Nanjing Road, the Bund, optional Huangpu River night cruise
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5
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Shanghai
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Zhujiajiao Water Town, Fangsheng Bridge, optional boat ride, departure
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Highlights of this tour
Take the Peak Tram to Victoria Peak to enjoy panoramic views across Victoria Harbor toward Kowloon and see how the city spreads around the water.
Discover a different side of Hong Kong Island from the fishing village heritage of Aberdeen Harbor to the market streets and waterfront of Stanley.
Capture the pictures of old Shanghai and modern Shanghai facing each other — well-preserved historic buildings on one side and the skyscrapers of Lujiazui rising across the Huangpu River at the Bund.
Escape central Shanghai for Zhujiajiao Water Town, where canals, stone bridges, old lanes, and historic riverside houses shape the townscape.
Day-by-day Itinerary
- Day 1: Hong Kong Arrival
Upon arrival in Hong Kong, your guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel for check-in. No sightseeing is arranged today, so the rest of the day is free for you to relax at your own pace.
Recommended Activities:
If you arrive early, head to Victoria Harbor and take the Star Ferry between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. The short ride provides you with excellent views of the harbor and both sides of Hong Kong's skyline.
In the evening, visit Temple Street Night Market in Kowloon. Browse stalls selling souvenirs, clothing, accessories, and everyday items, then stop for dinner or a snack at one of the local eateries and restaurants nearby.
Experience the Star Ferry - Day 2: Hong Kong City Exploration & Free TimeDiscover Hong Kong Island's classic sights
Start the day at Victoria Peak where you'll take the famous Peak Tram up the steep hillside. As the tram climbs, watch Hong Kong Island's cityscape unfold around you. At the Peak, enjoy panoramic views across Victoria Harbor to Kowloon, with Hong Kong Island's high-rises below.
Next, visit Aberdeen Harbor, home to fishing communities. Walk along the waterfront and see traditional fishing boats and sampans alongside the modern city skyline.
Hike Victoria Peak and take photos for check-in Continue to Stanley Market, where you can browse stalls selling clothing, souvenirs, accessories, and other local goods. If shopping is not your priority, head to the nearby waterfront for a walk, relax at a café, or simply enjoy the coastal views.
After the guided tour, enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your own pace. You may continue shopping, explore another neighborhood, or return to your hotel to relax.
Free Time Ideas:
Spend some time at Repulse Bay. Stroll along the water front, enjoy views across the bay, or simply relax by the sea.
Walk along the Avenue of Stars and take in the Hong Kong Island skyline across the harbor. If you're there in the evening, stick around for A Symphony of Lights and watch the beams sweep across the water.
Avenue of Stars - Day 3: Hong Kong to Shanghai by Flight
Your driver will pick you up from the hotel and transfer you to the airport for your flight to Shanghai, which usually takes around 2.5–3 hours.
Upon arrival in Shanghai, the local guide will meet you and escort you to your hotel for check-in. If you arrive with enough time and energy, you can explore the city independently.
Recommended Activities (Optional, Time Permitting):
Explore Xintiandi's shikumen districts, where restored historic buildings now house restaurants, cafés, bars, and boutique shops. With lots of places to eat and relax, it is particularly convenient for an easy evening after your flight.
Compared with Xintiandi's polished redevelopment, Tianzifang feels denser and more informal, making it an interesting place to explore Shanghai's old lane architecture and creative shopping scene.
Tianzifang, transformed from the old alleyway of Shikumen - Day 4: Shanghai HighlightsSee Shanghai's skyline, ancient art, classical gardens and historic streets
Today's exploration takes you to Lujiazui, where you’ll head up to the Shanghai Tower observation deck. From above, look across the skyscrapers of Pudong, the Huangpu River and the historic Bund on the opposite bank. Your guide will point out key landmarks and explain how the city developed on both sides of the river.
After that, visit Shanghai Museum East, one of the city's major museums of ancient Chinese art. Focus on several of its important galleries, with collections covering Chinese bronzes, ceramics, jade, calligraphy, painting and other art forms. As you explore, your guide will share the historical background and craftsmanship behind the pieces.
Yuyuan Garden in autumn Continue to Yu Garden in the afternoon, a classical Chinese garden in Shanghai's old city. Walk past ponds, pavilions, rockeries and covered corridors, and notice how these elements are carefully arranged to create changing views within a relatively compact space.
Wander around the nearby Yuyuan Bazaar, where traditional-style buildings house souvenir shops, snack stores and restaurants. Browse at your own pace or stop to try some local snacks and traditional pastries.
Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street is one of Shanghai's best-known commercial streets. Walk past major department stores, flagship shops and long-established local brands as you make your way toward the Bund.
At the Bund area, you will see that on one side stand the historic buildings that once housed banks, trading companies and consulates and across the river rise the modern skyscrapers.
Huangpu River night cruise and Shanghai skyline Optional Activity: Take a Huangpu River night cruise to see Shanghai from the water after dark. The illuminated buildings along the Bund and the skyscrapers of Lujiazui create a very different cityscape from the daytime.
- Day 5: Zhujiajiao Water Town, Shanghai DepartureImmerse yourself in the idyllic beauty of a traditional water town
Drive to Zhujiajiao Water Town, about an hour from central Shanghai. As you leave the city behind, the landscape begins to change — waterways, old streets, and traditional houses come into view.
Once you arrive, follow the old street along the river. Small bridges, old houses, and riverside shops line the way as you walk toward Fangsheng Bridge. Stop here for a moment and take in the view of the canals and the buildings on both sides.
Shanghai Zhujiajiao Water Town scenery You'll have some free time to explore independently. Browse small shops, try local snacks, or relax at a riverside teahouse. If you would like to see the town from the water, you can also take a boat ride at your own expense. The hand-cranked boat slowly takes you along the canals and beneath old stone bridges, offering a different perspective of the riverside houses.
After the tour, your guide and driver will take you to the airport, railway station, or another designated drop-off point according to your onward travel plans.
Note: We recommend booking your onward flight or high-speed train for the late afternoon or evening. This allows enough time to explore Zhujiajiao without rushing.
Tour Price Per Person
The price varies depending on the activity, number of people, travel date, and selected hotel. Please contact us for a specific price.
Accommodation For This 5-Day Shanghai & Mount Fanjing Tour
For your China private tour, the choice is in your hands: you can select luxury 5-star hotels for unparalleled comfort, cozy 4-star accommodations, or value-for-money 3-star options.
All our partner hotels are handpicked for their prime locations, conveniently situated near bustling commercial areas. Every room is equipped with standard amenities like air conditioning, hot water, 24-hour showers, reliable Wi-Fi, and windows for natural light.
In some hotels, there are English-speaking staff who are committed to providing attentive service. Should you have any special requests, feel free to ask - they are always ready to assist.
