China3 days
Shanghai and Hangzhou: Urban Waterfront and Tea Country — 3 Days
A bullet-train loop through Shanghai's historic quarters and West Lake's pavilions, with hands-on tea picking in Hangzhou
This 3-day route moves between two distinct urban centers connected by fast train. Day one anchors you in Shanghai's Puxi district — walking from the pedestrian-only Nanjing Road through the colonial-era Bund, then south into the old city to Yu Yuan Garden and the Shanghai Museum's collection of 120,000 pieces. Day two takes you by bullet train to Hangzhou and West Lake, where mountains ring three sides of the water; the route includes Lingyin Temple (founded 326 AD) and ends at a Longjing tea plantation where you pick leaves and learn processing methods. Day three is your departure.
Highlights
- Walking tour of Shanghai's Nanjing Road and the Bund's colonial riverfront
- Yu Yuan Garden — the Ming-era pavilions and rockwork of Shanghai's old city
- Shanghai Museum — over 120,000 pieces of Chinese art and cultural artifacts
- West Lake in Hangzhou — mountains on three sides, willow trees, and classical bridges
- Lingyin Temple — Zen Buddhist temple founded in 326 AD near Hangzhou
- Longjing Tea Plantation — hand-picking green tea and learning traditional processing
Day by day
1Shanghai: Nanjing Road, the Bund, and Yu Yuan GardenNanjing Road · the Bund · Yu Yuan Garden · Shanghai Museum
Arrive in Shanghai and transfer to your hotel. After settling in, begin a walking tour of Puxi, Shanghai's principal district on the Huangpu River's west bank. The route follows Nanjing Road (a pedestrian thoroughfare lined with department stores and food vendors) down to the Bund — a waterfront strip of colonial-era banking halls and trading offices facing east across the river toward Pudong's modern skyline. Continue inland and south into the old walled city to Yu Yuan Garden. End the day at the Shanghai Museum, housed in a modern building near People's Square; its four floors hold pottery, calligraphy, painting, and sculpture spanning several dynasties — over 120,000 objects in total, making it the largest museum in China.
2Hangzhou by Bullet Train: West Lake, Lingyin Temple, and Longjing TeaWest Lake · Lingyin Temple · Longjing tea plantation · Six Harmonies Pagoda · Shanghai to Hangzhou · Hangzhou to Shanghai
The morning bullet train to Hangzhou departs Shanghai and arrives in under two hours. Upon arrival, head directly to West Lake, the city's defining geography. The lake sits in a basin ringed on three sides by low green mountains; the fourth side borders the city proper. Willows line the shore, and a series of classical bridges, causeways, and pavilions punctuate the water. Continue to Lingyin Temple, a Buddhist sanctuary founded in 326 AD and still in use; the temple sits at the base of a limestone cliff carved with hundreds of stone Buddhist figures from various periods. After lunch, visit a Longjing tea plantation — Hangzhou's signature product. Here you can hand-pick the green tea leaves (typically done in spring and early summer), steep a cup of the finished product, and learn the history and drying techniques that give the tea its character. The afternoon concludes with a visit to the Six Harmonies Pagoda. Return to Shanghai by evening train.
3Depart ShanghaiShanghai's airport or train station
Transfer to Shanghai's airport or train station at a time that suits your departure.
Where you go
- 1the Bund
- 2Shanghai Museum
Included
- Included:
- English speaking guide service
- Private transfer in air-conditioned van
- Sightseeing tours with entrance fee
- Regular class fast train Shanghai-Hangzhou-Shanghai
Not included
- Do Not Include:
- International airfare
- China Visa
- Hotel accommodation
- Meals