7-Day Immersive China Cinematic Tour: Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou, and Hengdian

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Shanghai Arrival

   Welcome to Shanghai! Today, your personal tour guide will pick you up at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. You can spend the rest of the day resting or exploring this international metropolis on your own.

   If you’re interested in shopping, we have prepared for you a guide to discovering fashion in Shanghai, from century-old local brands on Nanjing Road, fashionable stores in Xintiandi, to luxury brands near the Bund, and niche styles and designs in the independent shops hidden in the old neighborhood lanes.

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   4-Star Hotel in Shanghai
2. Day 2: Shanghai City Essence
   Traverse the Streets of Shanghai and Discover Iconic Landmarks

   After breakfast, step into the quiet Yu Garden in the midst of the busy metropolis. It was a private classical garden preserved from Ming Dynasty. See the beautiful traditional architecture and walk down the Nine-Zigzag Bridge.

   During your visit, your tour guide will tell you about the history of the garden. Follow along to see the Great Rockery, appreciate the sculpting of Yulinglong, and see the koi fish under Nine-Zigzag Bridge swimming in the reflection of the pavilion.

   

   The City God Temple is nearby Yu Garden. The traditional temple architecture appears particularly elegant among the city skyscrapers. In the narrow lanes by the temple, there are many old family-owned stalls selling local snacks like Xiaolongbao, pear-syrup candy, as well as small handicrafts.

   Then we’ll go on a leisurely walk from People’s Square to further experience the vibe of Shanghai. We’ll walk eastward along Nanjing Road, the earliest commercial street in the city. It’s not only a paradise for shopping but also has a lot of entertainment options.

   When we reach Nanjing West Road, you’ll see a large cruise-ship-shaped building. It’s the latest Louis Vuitton concept store and exhibition space called the Louis. Its unique design and iconic monogram pattern have made it a popular landmark in Shanghai’s fashion scene.

   We’ll keep walking into Nanjing East Road. Asia’s largest M&M’s World will be the first to catch your attention. You may also want to stop by somewhere for a cup of coffee or milk tea. We’ll continue our walk this way, making stops wherever you wish along the historic buildings and new stores till we get to the Bund.

   The Bund is undoubtedly the most famous landmark of Shanghai. 52 historic buildings of western architectural style are reminders of the city’s past. Across Huangpu River, stand the iconic skyline made up of skyscrapers like the Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Tower. You’ll be standing between 200 years of remarkable history and development.

   

   Optional Evening Activities:

   • After the sunset, board a Huangpu River Night Cruise to see the skyscrapers light up in the dark, colorful lights reflect in the moving water.
   • You can also catch an acrobatic show at Shanghai Circus World. ERA Time and Space Journey 2 tells a time-travel story through thrilling stunt acts, martial arts, and multimedia effects.

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   4-Star Hotel in Shanghai
3. Day 3: Suzhou Garden & Water Town
   Admire Suzhou Classical Jiangnan Gardens and Tour Ancient Water Towns

   The first thing today, we’ll drive for 2 hours to begin our Suzhou journey.

   Compared to the crowded Humble Administrator’s Garden, Master of the Nets Garden is known for its relatively small size but exquisite design. You’ll encounter fewer crowds here. In the quiet garden, walk past the pavilions, waterscapes, greeneries. Each piece you see there is by design.

   If you visit the garden in April or May, you’ll see pink and purple wisteria hanging over the white walls and windows. It’s the best season for photography.

   Our next stop is Pingjiang Road. It’s a well-preserved ancient block in Suzhou, and the best of it is hidden in its narrow lanes. Walking down these quiet lanes, you’ll hear the sound of Pingtan on and off, see locals chatting sitting by the doorway. It’s a good idea to make a stop at Hu Xiang Shi Bridge. It’s a stone bridge representative of the classic Jiangnan landscape, great for taking photos.

   

   In the afternoon we’ll drive to Tongli Water Town, a typical Jiangnan ancient town. Tuisi Garden is worth visiting. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site with elegant pavilions built above water.

   Your tour guide will take you over the “three bridges,” Taiping Bridge, Jili Bridge, and Changqing Bridge. They are located in the center of the town. Crossing them is a local way of praying for happiness and prosperity.

   The best water town experience would be to take a hand-rowed boat ride. Slowly sail past the white walls of the residential houses. Occasionally, there will be stone steps extending to the edge of the water. You can sit back in the boat, see the reflection of the bridges, trees, and old houses, take in the slow vibe of the town.

   After the visit to Tongli Water Town, you’ll take a highspeed train to Hangzhou. The journey will only take about an hour.

   More Fun Experiences:

   • Take a rickshaw ride down Pingjiang Road. Riding past the old shops, hear the wheels rattling over the stone-paved street. It’ll feel as if you’re watching an old movie.
   • Walk into a teahouse by the water. Listen to a traditional Suzhou Pingtan performance. Even if you can’t understand the lyrics, the dialect makes a beautiful tune against the Pipa.

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   4-Star Hotel in Hangzhou
4. Day 4: Hangzhou Highlights
   Walk into a Jiangnan Painting of West Lake and Tea Fields

   Wake up in the romantic city of Hangzhou. The first stop today will be the famous West Lake. You’ll take a boat ride to see the iconic sights, the Su Causeway, Leifeng Pagoda, and the mountains in the distance, all unfolding before you like a painting. In the center of the lake, the Three Ponds Mirroring the Moon is the scenery printed on China’s 1 Yuan bill.

   Then we’ll head to Meijiawu Tea Village, a vast, historic Longjing tea plantation of Hangzhou. You’ll see green fields sprawl across the mountain. Here, you can learn about traditional methods of tea production from local farmers. Watch how the tea leaves are dried and pressed, leaving its fragrance in the air. You’ll be served a cup of fresh Longjing tea in the teahouse.

   You’ll have your lunch near the tea village. On the deck facing the green fields, the fragrance will be brought to you in the wind. The delicious local dishes served to you will incorporate tea as well.

   

   In the afternoon, you’ll first visit Hu Qing Yu Tang. It’s a museum of traditional Chinese medicine where you can learn about how herbs are prepared and what tools are used. See the “hundred drawers” used to categorize the medicine convenient for grabbing.

   From there we’ll head to Hefang Street, a major commercial street since the Southern Song Dynasty. You can still feel its prosperity today from its vibrant scene, the old shops and eateries on both sides. Why not pass over the restaurants queued up with tourists and try to discover authentic Hangzhou cuisine like the Crab Roe Noodle.

   Activity Tips:

   At Hu Qing Yu Tang, you can witness how modern technology has been incorporated into traditional Chinese medicine. AI diagnosis can give you an overall checkup report. You can try preparing your own mugwort and experience moxibustion by machine. It’s a unique and educational travel experience to have.

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   4-Star Hotel in Hangzhou
5. Day 5: Hengdian World Studios
   Enjoy Impressive Performances at Hollywood of the East

   Today you’ll start your Hengdian film tour. After breakfast, we’ll drive for 2.5 hours from Hangzhou to Hengdian.

   Known as “Hollywood of the East,” Hengdian World Studios is the largest film and TV production studio in China. There is a total of ten scenic zones including Ming and Qing Palatial Garden, Qin Palace, and Qing Ming Shang He Tu. There are vivid replicas of historical architecture from each era from Qin, Han Dynasty to Republic of China.

   

   Each year, the studio welcomes hundreds of filming crews, including those of many famous screen productions like Nirvana in Fire. Hengdian World Studios is at the same time a National 5A Tourist Attraction. Visitors can experience the shooting process, watch live-action performances, and experience China’s film culture.

   There are large-scale themed performances and street shows including the emperor’s enthronement ceremony, plays, stunt shows, martial arts, and traditional Chinese opera. Each show has a scheduled showtime. Your tour guide will show you around in order, so you won’t miss anything you want to catch.

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   4-Star Hotel in Hengdian
6. Day 6: Hengdian Cinematic Exploration
   Tour the Magnificent Outdoor Sets and See a Filming Crew at Work

   Today you will tour the sets of some of China’s most classic architecture. Guangzhou Street and Hong Kong Street is the studio’s oldest section. It’ll bring you back to the vibrant city streets in the 19^th century.

   Ming and Qing Palatial Garden is the largest filming area. There is a life-size replica of the Forbidden City.

   Qing Ming Shang He Tu reenacts folk life in the busy streets of Northern Song Dynasty.

   

   During your tour, your tour guide will take you to a filming site in action. You might encounter the director concentrating behind the camera, the props crew running across the scene, or actors resting in their costume. You’ll be transported back in time while witnessing how a scene is actually made.

   Fun Experience:

   You can experience what it’s like to be an actor at Hengdian World Studio. Put on a historic costume, whether it be an elegant Han Dynasty robe, exquisite Tang Dynasty outfit, or an ornate Qing costume. Have a unique and immersive visit.

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   4-Star Hotel in Hengdian
7. Day 7: Hengdian to Shanghai by High-Speed Train

   After breakfast, you’ll take a high-speed train from Hengdian to Shanghai. The fastest service will only take 2 hours. A recommended service is train C3612 (08:33-10:39).

   Once you get to Shanghai, your tour guide will transfer you to the airport from the train station. We will make sure you check in smoothly.

   Tip: We recommended booking a departure flight after 3 pm.

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