Ready for a memorable 6‑day China family tour? This journey combines Shanghai’s modern skyline and hidden gems with Hangzhou’s West Lake serenity and cultural tea experiences—perfect for families seeking immersive travel without overspending.
Editor's Comment
I’ll be honest—I once thought Shanghai was only glass towers and fast-paced living. But this trip showed me its quieter side too. This itinerary balances both: the energy of China’s most dynamic city and the timeless calm of Hangzhou.
Shanghai’s Contrasts
The Bund at sunrise is unforgettable—the colonial buildings glowing gold while Pudong’s skyscrapers still sparkle with the night before. Later, Yu Garden feels like a hidden oasis, but the real highlight was folding wontons with a local family. Listening to their kitchen stories made the city’s history feel personal, even edible.
At Shanghai Tower, standing above the clouds at 546 meters gave me that “only in Shanghai” thrill. Yet at the Shanghai Museum, delicate blue-and-white porcelain reminded me that China’s beauty often rests in details, not scale.
Water Town Whispers
Zhujiajiao proved the past is alive here. Drifting through canals on a wooden boat, I passed women washing vegetables, old men playing chess, and red lanterns glowing on the water. At the Flower and Bird Market, I found joy in the small things—songbirds, goldfish, and bright orchids.
Hangzhou’s Calm
West Lake is poetry in motion. I biked along the shore and understood why generations of poets loved this view. The best moments weren’t from the top of Leifeng Pagoda but at water level, where willows dipped into the lake and wooden boats slid past.
On Hefang Street, herbalists still prepare medicine as they have for centuries, and in the tea fields, I picked leaves with farmers before sipping a cup made from my own harvest. That taste, fresh and earthy, felt like the true flavor of Hangzhou.
Trip Highlights of the Shanghai+Hangzhou Tour
- Walk along the famous Bund and enjoy stunning skyline views of Shanghai
- Make handmade wontons with a local family in their home
- Ride to the top of the Shanghai Tower for panoramic city views
- Witness the dazzling ERA Acrobatic Show (optional)
- Cruise through canals in the 1,700-year-old Zhujiajiao Water Town
- Stroll Hangzhou’s West Lake and visit legendary pagodas and temples
- Experience a peaceful morning of tea leaf picking in lush plantations
Itinerary
Welcome to Shanghai, China’s most dynamic metropolis! Upon arrival, your guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Enjoy a relaxing evening to soak in the energy of the city or take a night stroll along the famous Bund, illuminated by dazzling city lights.
You can add details and images related to the accommodation.
For Example, Hilton Hotels & Resorts (formerly known as Hilton Hotels) is a global brand of full-service hotels and resorts and the flagship brand of American multinational hospitality company Hilton.
the Bund （外滩 wài tān）: Shanghai’s Iconic Waterfront
Kick off the day at the Bund, a 1.5-kilometer waterfront promenade where 52 historic buildings reflect Shanghai’s colonial past. Snap photos of the futuristic skyline across the Huangpu River.
Yu Garden（豫园 yù yuán）: A Hidden Garden in the Heart of Shanghai
Step into the tranquility of Yuyuan Garden, a 400-year-old Ming Dynasty (1368-1644AD) masterpiece with ponds, rockeries, and intricately carved pavilions.
Handmade Wonton Experience : Make and Enjoy Wontons with a Local Family
Step into a local home for a hands-on wonton-making experience. Learn to mix the filling, fold the wrappers, and perfect your technique with guidance from your host. As you cook, hear stories about family traditions and Chinese culture. Finally, sit down and enjoy a delicious, home-cooked wonton feast—a true taste of local life!
You can add details and images related to the accommodation.
For Example, Hilton Hotels & Resorts (formerly known as Hilton Hotels) is a global brand of full-service hotels and resorts and the flagship brand of American multinational hospitality company Hilton.
Shanghai Tower （上海中心大厦 shàng hǎi zhōng xīn dà shà）: China’s Tallest Building
Rise above the city as you visit Shanghai Tower,the tallest building in China and the third tallest in the world, standing at 632 meters (2,073 feet). Designed as a spiraling structure resembling a dragon rising from the earth, its twisting form reduces wind resistance while symbolizing Shanghai’s rapid growth.
Hop aboard the world’s fastest elevator, racing upwards at 65 km/h, reaching the 118th-floor observation deck at 546 meters (1,791 feet) in just seconds. From the top, take in breathtaking 360-degree views of Shanghai’s skyline, from the winding Huangpu River to the iconic Bund and beyond.
Shanghai Museum （上海博物馆 shàng hǎi bó wù guǎn）: A Treasure Trove of Chinese History
With its sleek geometric design and bold modern structure, Shanghai Museum East Campus is an architectural masterpiece that houses China’s finest cultural treasures. Inside, explore six curated galleries featuring porcelain, jade, bronze, sculpture, painting and calligraphy.The Porcelain Gallery is a must-see, displaying exquisite blue and white porcelain that showcase China’s artistry across dynasties.
With a professional guide leading the way, you’ll have a truly enriching experience beyond just sightseeing.
Optional Experience: Night Cruise on the Huangpu River
Enhance your Shanghai experience with a Huangpu River night cruise. See the city light up in full color as you relax on deck and take in the dazzling reflections on the river. This optional tour offers a unique perspective of Shanghai at night—join if you’d like to see the city from a whole new angle!
Zhujiajiao （朱家角 zhū jiā jiǎo）: A Hidden Jiangnan Water Town in Shanghai
Tucked away in Shanghai’s modern metropolis lies Zhujiajiao, a 1,700-year-old Jiangnan water town with stone bridges, winding alleys, and tranquil canals.The highlight of your visit? A hand-rowed boat ride through Zhujiajiao’s picturesque waterways. Sit back as a boatman skillfully navigates the canals, passing under arched bridges and alongside centuries-old homes.
You can add details and images related to the accommodation.
For Example, Hilton Hotels & Resorts (formerly known as Hilton Hotels) is a global brand of full-service hotels and resorts and the flagship brand of American multinational hospitality company Hilton.
Local Flower and Bird Market （花鸟市场 huā niǎo shì chǎng）: A Vibrant Escape into Nature
The joy of visiting the Flower and Bird Market is simple yet profound—a break from the city’s concrete jungle.With just a small amount of money—or even none at all—you can spend hours admiring flowers, watching fish, and playing with birds.
Lush greenery and colorful aquariums line the walkways, drawing visitors of all ages. Children, especially, are captivated by the small animals—chirping crickets, playful rabbits, turtles, frogs, hedgehogs, and even lizards.
You can add details and images related to the accommodation.
For Example, Hilton Hotels & Resorts (formerly known as Hilton Hotels) is a global brand of full-service hotels and resorts and the flagship brand of American multinational hospitality company Hilton.
Optional Experience: ERA Acrobatic Show——A Thrilling Spectacle in Shanghai
Get ready for an adrenaline-pumping night at ERA – Intersection of Time 2, Shanghai’s most spectacular acrobatic show! Besides featuring jaw-dropping stunts, this performance is enhanced by high-tech lighting, sound, and visual effects, delivering a stunning immersive experience for audiences. Hold your breath as seven motorcycles race at high speed inside a massive steel globe, defying gravity with heart-pounding precision.
Departing from Shanghai, you will take a comfortable and efficient high-speed train to the beautiful city of Hangzhou for your onward journey.
West Lake (西湖 xī hú ): The Poet’s Muse
Visit West Lake, a place of stunning beauty and timeless romance. With calm waters, misty mountains, and elegant bridges, it has inspired over 200 poets to create more than 1,000 poems throughout Chinese history, making it a true muse for ancient literary masterpieces.
Leifeng Pagoda (雷峰塔 léi fēng tǎ ): A Legendary Tower Overlooking West Lake
Explore Leifeng Pagoda, a historic landmark offering panoramic views of West Lake. This five-story tower is not just a scenic spot—it’s tied to the famous Legend of the White Snake. According to the tale, the white snake spirit was imprisoned beneath the pagoda, waiting for her reunion with her true love.
Hefang Street (河坊街 hé fāng jiē ): Hangzhou’s Lively Historic Marketplace
Step back in time on Hefang Street, a bustling pedestrian street lined with traditional shops, tea houses, and local snacks. Don’t miss Hu Qing Yu Tang, an elegant 150-year-old traditional Chinese pharmacy where you can watch herbal medicine being prepared in the same way it has been for centuries.
Tea Picking Experience: Fresh Morning Harvest
Start your day in a lush tea plantation, where the morning’s first leaves are at their freshest. Follow local tea farmers into the fields and learn the traditional art of tea picking.
After gathering your own leaves, enjoy a freshly brewed cup made from your harvest. Savor the authentic taste of hand-picked tea while soaking in the peaceful scenery.
Lingyin Temple (灵隐寺 líng yǐn sì ): The Temple of the Soul’s Retreat
Nestled in lush forests, Lingyin Temple, meaning “Temple of the Soul’s Retreat,” was founded in 326 AD, making it one of China’s oldest and most significant Buddhist temples.
Beyond its rich history, Lingyin Temple is also one of the filming locations for the hit video game-inspired series Black Myth: Wukong, with its mystical architecture bringing the legendary Monkey King’s world to life.
Nearby, Feilai Peak features over 300 stone carvings from the Song (960-1279AD)and Yuan (1271-1368AD) dynasties, depicting Buddhas and mythical creatures, making it an open-air art gallery of ancient craftsmanship.
After having a good time in Hangzhou, take the high-speed train back to Shanghai, bringing your unforgettable Jiangnan journey to a perfect close.
Your guide will transfer you to the airport, marking the end of your memorable journey. Safe travels and see you next time!
What's Included & Excluded in Our Shanghai & Hangzhou Tour
What’s Included
- Breakfast & Lunch
- Hotel accommodations
- Professional English-speaking tour guide
- Drivers & air-conditioned vehicles
- Entrance fees to tourist sites
What’s Excluded
- International and domestic airfares or train fares
- China Visa fee
- Travel and medical insurance
- Gratuities to guides and drivers
Overall Trip Rating:
-
Verified Purchase
By Oliver July 15, 2025 Shanghai+Hangzhou, Perfect ComboWe joined this tour as part of our China trip. Shanghai was fantastic, especially the skyline and the Bund at night. The only thing was that the museum was a bit crowded and noisy when we went (some school groups), so it was hard to enjoy quietly. The guide tried to rearrange things a bit to help. Hotels were clean and comfy, breakfast could be better but not a big deal. We loved Hangzhou’s Leifeng Pagoda and tea farm walk. ERA show was fun too, but maybe slightly too long for our taste. All in all, pretty good experience and worth the money.
-
Verified Purchase
By Amira and Jonathan July 5, 2025 We had a great timeWe joined as a couple and both of us had totally different highlights. My partner was blown away by the view from Shanghai Tower and the night cruise on the river. I loved the handmade wonton experience—honestly, it was such a wholesome local moment! The lady who taught us was so sweet and funny. She didn’t speak much English but we understood each other with hands and smiles :) Hangzhou was super peaceful compared to the city. The tea picking morning was unforgettable – felt like a movie. Highly recommend if you like a balance between modern city vibe and natural calmness.
![The beautiful scenery of the Bund in Shanghai, China, with views of modern and historic buildings.]()
![The vibrant and colorful architecture along the Bund in Shanghai, China.]()
![The dazzling golden lights illuminating the Bund in Shanghai, China, at night.]()
![The lush green lotus leaves of West Lake, Hangzhou, China, blending with the distant mountains.]()
![A four-corner pavilion on the lotus-filled waters of West Lake, Hangzhou, China.]()
-
Verified Purchase
By Sofia June 28, 2025 Wonton making is so funThe auntie teaching us was so nice!! I was bad at folding but she kept helping me lol
-
Verified Purchase
By Vincent(France)June 24, 2025 A Bit Crowded but Still Worth ItYu Garden is a bit too touristy tbh but still beautiful. Go early if u can.
![Ancient architecture of Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai, China, hidden under lush trees.]()
![The interior of Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai, China, with unique stones and lush bamboo.]()
![The majestic pavilion of Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai, China, with eaves reaching skyward.]()
![Scholar sculptures on the rooftop of Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai, China.]()
![The protective guardian sculpture atop the roof of Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai, China.]()
-
Verified Purchase
By Grace June 7, 2025 Great for Older ParentsWent with my parents and they were happy with the pace – not too rushed. Guide spoke great English and was always making sure we were comfortable. Loved the calm water town day after all the skyscrapers in Shanghai.
![The view of the canal from a window in ZhuJiaJiao Water Town, China.]()
![Boats gliding across the water in ZhuJiaJiao Water Town, China, with spectators observing.]()
![The historic building of the post office in ZhuJiaJiao Water Town, China.]()
-
Verified Purchase
By Dana Lee(Singapore)May 29, 2025 Lisa Is the Best Guide Ever!Our guide Lisa was just amazing. Super knowledgeable but also really friendly, like talking to a friend. She answered all our random questions and made sure everyone was comfortable the whole time. Thank you Lisa!!
-
Verified Purchase
By Hanna April 9, 2025 A peaceful journeyI don’t like too busy places but this tour had good balance. Water town was calm, West Lake very peaceful. Shanghai more busy but not crazy.
![The boating dock at West Lake, Hangzhou, China, offering scenic boat rides.]()
