Embrace the Serene Beauty of China
Shanghai offers a fascinating blend of old-world charm and futuristic innovation. Stroll along the iconic Bund, where historic buildings stand side-by-side with towering skyscrapers.
Hangzhou, on the other hand, is a city of tranquility and natural beauty. Experience the convenience of AI-powered living while exploring its picturesque landscapes. Discover the hidden gems of a less commercial water town, called Nanxun.
This 4-day itinerary is perfectly designed for travelers taking advantage of China's visa-free transit policy. Send us your inquiry to make the most of your visa-free transit with our expertly crafted tour.
Tour 'Wow' Points
Unravel Shanghai's Rise along the Bund.
Discover the secrets behind Shanghai's remarkable transformation through an in-depth exploration of the iconic Bund.
Enjoy a Tranquil Boat Ride.
Experience the authentic charm of Hangzhou with a tranquil boat ride. Then have an insightful visit to a traditional Chinese medicine museum.
Try Your Hand at the Age-old Art of Woodblock Printing.
Step back in time and rediscover the magic of Chinese woodblock printing. Design your own masterpiece with your name in Chinese calligraphy.
Participate in a Traditional Water Wedding Ceremony.
Witness the magic of a traditional water wedding performance, and if you're up for it, you can even join in as the groom!
Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.
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Hangzhou & Wuzhen - new experiences with kids
Hangzhou and Wuzhen were part of our 10-day Shanghai-Hangzhou-Suzhou tour planned by China Highlights. Our local guide Susan - a Hangzhou native, was friendly, professional and shared with us the history, stories and food highlights of Hangzhou. From the boat ride on West Lake, tasting tea at Meijiawu, seeing the view from Chenghuangge, buying traditional (and modern) wares at Qinghefang street, visiting Hu Xueyan's mansion, to Wuzhen's scenic water town, Susan gave us many interesting bits of information at each place. She ordered a selection of local specialties for lunch on both days, all delicious and many we haven't tried before. Too bad we couldn't finish the food! She also gave us tips on what to buy and places to see and eat at in our spare time outside of the tour. Susan also made sure all our transfers and check-ins were smooth. Some kid-friendly experiences were fun for my 2 boys - tea brewing and tasting ceremony at Meijiawu, and clay pot making/painting at Wuzhen. We especially liked Wuzhen's picturesque vibe, with lots of interesting collated history and craft displays (e.g. lotus feet shoes, indigo cloth dye). Thanks to Susan and China Highlights for an enjoyable trip to Hangzhou and Wuzhen! more
Jun 2025, Lu W
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West Lake and Tea Village
Derek did a terrific job guiding us around the sights of Hangzhou and giving us outstanding restaurant tips. Also, my niece was not feeling well and Derek was prepared to take us to see a doctor if necessary. My niece enjoyed learning about the local education system from him. more
Jun 2025, Amy C
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Excellent personal tour of Hangzhou
We recently travelled to Hangzhou and had a fabulous time exploring the West Lake area which was absolutely beautiful. Our tour guide, Jill, was very friendly and helpful and very knowledgeable. She planned a wonderful tour around her city and took us to the old town market street and treated us to the local dumplings. We also enjoyed the Hangzhou Memories show at West Lake. That was quite an impressive evening show! The next day she drove us to Xitang and showed us all around this water town and found a great place for lunch where she helped us order lunch. Jill was very kind and thoughtful and took good care of us while in Hangzhou. more
Jun 2025, drinapete
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Suggested Itinerary
Here is a suggested itinerary. We are happy to customize a tour according to your interests and schedule.
Your private guide will be ready to meet and greet you at airport arrivals. A comfortable private car (non-smoking) with an experienced driver will transfer you directly to the downtown area.
Start your journey with the iconic Bund. Follow your local guide into historical buildings, touch the old items, and find some clues to Shanghai's colonial past and development history.
You will have a chance to try shengjian (pan-fried buns) in an unassuming Michelin-starred restaurant, which the tourist crowds never find.
Get a unique "ticket" from your guide, board a public ferry with the locals, and cross the Huangpu River to the Pudong area — the financial engine of Shanghai.
Take the fastest elevator in the world up Shanghai Tower. There you will be able to stand at the top of Shanghai.
In the morning, visit Yu Garden, which was built in the 16th century. It is like a peaceful oasis, hidden in the bustling metropolis. When walking in the garden, you will learn the meanings of its design and decoration.
Then, follow Shanghai's timeline to the 19th century for the former French Concession. A good proportion of Shanghai's colonial architecture has been carefully preserved there, and buildings even sport heritage plaques giving details of their history.
After lunch, take the bullet train to Hangzhou. Your Hangzhou local guide will meet you at Hangzhou East Train Station.
When you step off the train in Hangzhou, you will enter a smart city — AI-controlled traffic system, world-leading payment methods, new-era retail stores… Follow your guide to explore a new type of supermarket and find out how it can deliver goods into customers' hands in 30 minutes.
The best time to pick tea leaves is in the morning, so the first visit of the day is a tea village. Go with the tea farmers and learn to pick tea leaves. Have a break at a tea farmer's home, and discover the proper way to make tea.
Have lunch in a tea-themed restaurant and see how tea is a part of Hangzhou's daily dishes.
In the afternoon, walk by the beautiful West Lake, then take to the water on a rowing boat. Listen to the interesting stories behind the sights of the lake.
Later you will visit a hundred-year-old traditional Chinese medicine pharmacy. There you can see various medicinal materials and observe how TCM pharmacists make up a prescription. Try a cup of healthy herbal tea.
In the late afternoon, enjoy an afternoon tea in a roof garden beside West Lake. Appreciate the porcelain, tea, and scenery.
After breakfast at your hotel, prepare to interact with Chinese culture and have a relaxing boat ride in Nanxun Water Town!
Nanxun Water Town is the most original and unique of such towns. It is full of life and culture, and less commercial than other water towns.
Take a rowing boat to visit the former residence of Zhang Shiming, a super-rich man of the late Qing Dynasty (1644–1912).
There will be a wedding performance on the water, showing you how a traditional wedding is conducted in the water town. If you like, you can take part and play the bride/groom!
After the dreamy experiences in Nanxun Water Town, we'll drive you to Shanghai Pudong Airport (or a train station) and wave goodbye.
Tour Price
Price includes: