7-Day Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou and Hengdian Cinematic Tour

Welcome to China! Your tour guide will be at the airport, ready to whisk you away to your hotel. We can't wait for you to begin your Shanghai adventure! Tomorrow, we'll dive into an exciting exploration of both modern and classic China.

Yu Garden in Shanghai is a vast and beautifully designed classical Chinese garden, offering a tranquil escape from the bustling city. Throughout the garden, you'll find a harmonious blend of decorative halls, elaborate pavilions, glittering ponds, archways, and intricate carvings.

Next to the Yu Garden, you will visit the City God Temple, which is a significant Taoist temple with a history of nearly 600 years. You can experience a strong religious atmosphere and the unique charm of Chinese traditional culture.

Nanjing Road in Shanghai is a vibrant, iconic thoroughfare that pulses with the city's commercial energy and historical charm. Stretching approximately 5.5 kilometers from The Bund in the east to Jing'an Temple in the west, it's often hailed as "China's No. 1 Commercial Street."

You will not miss the chance to take a picture with the latest landmark of Louis Vuitton, "The Louis" ship-shaped structure. This one-of-a-kind architecture blends retail, art, and gastronomy, serving as a connection to its spirit of travel and exploration.

As Shanghai's most iconic spot, the Bund is perpetually bustling. However, with your guide, you'll easily navigate the crowds and never worry about getting lost.

After dinner, let's take a night cruise to enjoy the unparalleled views of Shanghai's iconic skyline, including the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, the Shanghai World Financial Center, the Historic Bund, and the Yangpu Bridge. Your guide will tell you the stories behind those buildings.

Get ready to explore Suzhou today! We'll take a car, and in less than 1.5 hours, you'll be enjoying a unique city atmosphere that's quite a contrast to Shanghai.

While smaller than the expansive Humble Administrator's Garden, the Master-of-Nets Garden offers a more intimate and delicate charm. This miniature masterpiece packs a world of beauty and tranquility into its modest space, perfectly capturing the essence of a classic Chinese landscape garden.

Pingjiang Road is a vibrant, living testament to Suzhou's rich history. This 1,600-meter-long historic street, once a bustling thoroughfare in the Song Dynasty, remains a hub of activity today. Here you'll find lively shops, delicious local eateries, and picturesque canals. For a unique view of Suzhou's culture and history, consider a leisurely rickshaw ride along the waterway.

With a history spanning over a thousand years, Tongli Water Town is a captivating network of canals and ancient architecture. Fifteen rivers divide the town into seven islands, all connected by 49 historic bridges. Visitors can explore hundreds of gardens, temples, cottages, and former residences of prominent figures, many dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties.

After dinner, you'll hop on a high-speed train to Hangzhou, a quick 50-minute journey.

The classic viewpoints of the West Lake have inspired poets and artists for centuries. It offers divers perspectives of the lake's beauty throughout the seasons. A boat trip is a fantastic way to experience its tranquility and beauty from the water.

Lingyin Temple is located northwest of West Lake, nestled amidst lush hills and grottoes, it offers a serene and historically rich experience.

To experience authentic Longjing Tea culture, you will visit the Meijiawu Tea Plantation, one of the most important and largest production bases in Hangzhou. Taste freshly brewed Longjing Tea and learn about the unique "Four characteristics" of Longjing.

The Hu Qingyu Hall Chinese Traditional Herbal Medicine Museum at Qinghefang Old Street is a fascinating and unique attraction that offers a deep dive into the world of traditional Chinese Medicine. It's housed in the beautifully preserved historic buildings of the famous Hu Qingyu Tang Pharmacy. After visit the museum, you will visit the Hefang Old Street for more cultural exploration.

Drive for 2.5 hours from Hangzhou to Hengdian and start a journey through Chinese films.

Modeled after the fabled Xianyang Palace of the Qin Dynasty, this grand complex has been the backdrop for numerous historical blockbusters like "Hero" and "The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor."

Qing Ming Shang He Tu (Riverside Scene at Pure Brightness) brings to life a famous historical painting, showcasing the bustling daily life and architecture of the Northern Song Dynasty.

Each studio offers a wide array of spectacular shows, including imperial processions, martial arts performances, theatrical productions, special effects shows, and traditional Chinese Opera Performances. Follow your guide so you don't miss the shows.

Wander through incredibly detailed, full-scale replicas of ancient Chinese cities and palaces. Visit the Palace of Ming and Qing Dynasties, a replica of Beijing's Forbidden City. Many palace dramas are filmed here.

The opportunity to dress up historical attire is irresistible. Choosing between the elegant flowing robes of the Han Dynasty, the vibrant and opulent styles of the Tang, or the intricate garments of the Qing, each costume promised a unique immersion.

The Guangzhou Street & Hong Kong Street will transport you to the 19th and early 20th centuries with meticulously recreated streets, perfect for experiencing old Guangzhou and Hong Kong's retro charm.

Beyond the static beauty, the experience is enriched by the feeling of being on a living film set, with the occasional sight of film crews and actors in period costumes further blurring the lines between past and present, making for a truly memorable and visually stunning visit.

Enjoy a seamless 2.5-hour high-speed train ride from Hengdian straight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, your tour guide will take care of your transfer from the train station to the airport, providing full assistance to ensure a timely and stress-free boarding experience for your flight.

Over seven days, this itinerary has presented a captivating blend of experiences: from the bustling modernity of Shanghai to the tranquil classical gardens of Suzhou, the picturesque lakes and mountains of Hangzhou, and the unique cinematic world of Hengdian. We trust you've gathered a collection of beautiful memories to cherish.