8-Day Wangxian Valley, Wuzhen, Hangzhou and Shanghai Photography Tour

Welcome to Shanghai! To ensure your arrival is stress-free, your private tour guide will meet you in the arrivals hall and transfer you to your hotel in a private car. Your luggage and hotel check-in will be taken care of.

After breakfast, you will transfer to Hangzhou on a high speed train taking only 45 minutes. Let's start from the most iconic landmark of Hangzhou, the West Lake.

The West Lake offers different view in different season. Autumn is considered the most beautiful season, with clear skies, comfortable temperatures, and vibrant fall foliage, especially golden ginkgo trees. For a more leisure experience, your guide will rent a traditional boat that allows for unique perspectives of the islands and the surrounding landscape from the water.

Standing atop Wushan Mountain, adjacent to West Lake, the City God Pavilion provides the best vantage point for sweeping 360-degree vistas of the entire lake, encompassing the picturesque Leifeng Pagoda and Baochu Pagoda.

Escape the city with a scenic 30-minute drive to Meijiawu Tea Village. Here, you'll be greeted by rolling green hills and charming small bridges, offering a tranquil backdrop. Delve into the fascinating tea-making process and savor the reward of brewing your very own cup of fresh, aromatic tea.

If you're keen on immersive cultural experiences, Song Dynasty Town is definitely worth to visit. Its highlight is the "Romance of the Song Dynasty" show, a massive and highly theatrical performance brimming with elaborate costumes, stunning sets, thrilling acrobatics, and graceful dances. Beyond the show, you can also rent traditional clothing for unique photo opportunities.

While China boasts numerous water towns, Wuzhen stands out as perhaps the most quintessential and successfully preserved. Driving about 1.5 hours, you will arrive in Wuzhen.

Your journey into the heart of Wuzhen begins in Dongzha. Dongzha offers a genuine glimpse into traditional water town life and is rich in cultural heritage. Unlike some more commercialized areas, many local residents still call Dongzha home, creating a truly "lived-in" atmosphere.

In the afternoon, prepare to be enchanted by Xizha's picturesque scenery, where charming canals wind through the historic settlement, reflecting the elegant riverside buildings and the graceful arches of stone bridges.

As dusk settles, Wuzhen Xizha transforms into a magical spectacle. The night view is truly a highlight, with thousands of lights illuminating homes and buildings, casting a shimmering reflection across the tranquil waters. This enchanting scene creates an unforgettable atmosphere, inviting you to linger and soak it all in.

To get to Wangxian Valley, you need to take a 2-hour high speed train from Hangzhou to Shangrao Railway Station first. Then drive another 1 hour to the valley.

Wangxian Valley is a true hidden gem that captivates visitors with its unique charm, blending stunning natural beauty with ancient allure. You will be stunned by its dramatic cliff-side guesthouses, the refreshing cascade of its waterfalls, and a generally ethereal atmosphere that feels plucked from a fairy tale.

Follow your guide to wander along the suspended plank road, marveling at the 100-meter-deep valley often veiled in a mystical mist. You won’t miss the iconic Qingyun Bridge and Triple Waterfall, a perfectly refreshing retreat, especially during summer.

As evening descends, twilight town magically illuminates, transforming the ancient village into a glowing, dreamlike fairyland.

Enjoy a morning of self-exploration. You'll have the opportunity to rent exquisite traditional Chinese attire and have your makeup done to resemble a classic character from Chinese drama. This is a wonderful chance to capture a series of perfect photos to cherish forever.

Afterward, we'll depart on a three-hour high-speed train to Shanghai, arriving in time to prepare for an exciting journey through this city of striking contrasts – both deeply traditional and vibrantly modern – starting tomorrow.

Your first stop is the Yu Garden, which is filled with stunning pavilions, halls, and bridges that showcase intricate Ming Dynasty design. You'll find serene ponds, artistic rockeries, winding pathways, and lush greenery, all meticulously arranged to create visually appealing scenes. These provide fantastic backdrops for traditional and cultural shots.

Adjacent to the garden, you will get to the City God Temple, whose complex and the surrounding bazaar feature classic old dynasty-style buildings with ornate roofs, detailed carvings, and vibrant colors.

Next, we will ascend the Shanghai Tower, the highest building in China, to enjoy the panoramic view of the Bund. You will have an unparalleled view of the iconic skyscrapers of the Bund. See the Huangpu River winding through the city, and the vastness of Shanghai stretching to the horizon.

After crossing the Huangpu River, we'll begin our photographic city walk along the North Bund. This route is a photographer's dream, providing incredible opportunities to capture Shanghai's magnificent architecture with fewer tourists than the main Bund. Prepare your camera, as you'll have ample chances to secure the most spectacular views of the city from diverse perspectives.

Let's start our day at the Jade Buddha Temple, a place where people traditionally pray for good fortune and family prosperity. More than just a historic site, this temple has recently become a popular destination for younger generations seeking blessings for luck and personal advancement. Beyond its stunning architecture and serene atmosphere, the temple also offers delicious vegan food and even a cat sanctuary, adding unique experiences to your visit.

Located not far from the temple, Tian An 1000 Trees is an innovative and visually stunning architectural landmark. Your tour guide will help you find the best angles for taking great pictures of the building.

In the afternoon, you'll head to Shanghai's most bustling street, Nanjing Road. There, you'll encounter the giant "The Louis" Ship-Style Store, a striking new landmark that has quickly become a prime spot for incredible photos.

The evening's highlight is the Xu Yan banquet, where you'll be transported to an ancient Chinese dynasty. Don a beautiful Hanfu and immerse yourself in an unforgettable experience, complete with captivating performances and incredible photo opportunities that will make you feel like you've stepped back in time.

Simply let your trip advisor know your departure time of flight, and he/she will handle all the arrangements. Your dedicated tour guide will ensure a seamless transfer, getting you to the airport safely for your flight home.