8-Day Shenzhen, Shanghai, Hangzhou & Suzhou Tour
Discover China’s gems in 8 days! Start in Shenzhen with free time to shop at Luohu Commercial Center, then explore its modern highlights. Fly to Shanghai, then journey to Suzhou and Hangzhou for classic water towns and cultural sites. With hassle-free transfers by Intoexplore drivers, this tour blends shopping, city vibes, and ancient charm—perfect for adventurers and culture lovers. Book now!
Book this Tour
Shenzhen-Shanghai-Hangzhou-Suzhou
Included with every escorted tour
Day 1: Arrive in Shenzhen – Free Time
Arrive in Shenzhen – Free Time
4+stars Hotel
Breakfast
A driver from Intoexplore will pick you up from the airport or railway station and take you to the hotel for rest. If you have some free time, you can also explore at your leisure.
Suggestions for free time:
Luohu Commercial Center, a paradise for shopaholics, is home to a vast array of brands, offering you unique shopping and lifestyle experiences.
Day 2: Shenzhen
Window of the World–Splendid China & China Folk Culture Village–the Oriental Fashion Show
4+stars Hotel
Breakfast
In the morning, visit the Window of the World. It is a theme park located in the western part of the city of Shenzhen. It has about 130 reproductions of some of the most famous tourist attractions in the world squeezed into 48 hectares. The 108-metertal Eiffel Tower dominates the skyline and the sight of the Pyramids and the Taj Mahal all in proximity to each other are all part of the slightly kitsch appeal of this theme park.After lunch, visit the Splendid China & China Folk Culture Village including the Oriental Fashion Show（17:00-18:00 PM）. Splendid China Folk Culture Village in Shenzhen is a comprehensive miniature park reflecting the history, culture, art, ancient architecture, and customs and habits of various nationalities in China. It is one of the world largest scenery parks in the amount of scenarios reproduced. It is located by the Shenzhen Bay in a tourist area of Oversea Chinese Town in Shenzhen. It is a 35-40 minute train ride from Lohu metro station (Line 1 of Shenzhen Metro), or 30 minutes by bus. After tour, drive back to the hotel and free time at leisure.
Day 3: Shenzhen
Shenzhen Contemporary Art Museum–Dongmen Pedestrian Street
4+stars Hotel
Breakfast
Our guide will meet you at your hotel at 9:00 am. You will take a private car to begin the day tour, which includes a range of exciting and modern attractions:
Shenzhen Contemporary Art Museum
Explore Shenzhen’s cutting-edge cultural landscape at the Shenzhen Contemporary Art Museum, where you can witness the city’s vibrant art scene and dynamic exhibitions.
Shenzhen Urban Planning Exhibition Center
Next, visit the Shenzhen Urban Planning Exhibition Center, which offers an insightful look into the city’s incredible transformation from a small fishing village to a modern metropolis. The center showcases models of the city’s development and future plans.
Shenzhen Gangxia North Subway Station (Shenzhen Eye)
Our next stop is the Gangxia North Subway Station, known as the “Shenzhen Eye”，widely regarded as one of the most beautiful metro stations in the city. Its architectural design is a stunning blend of modernity and functionality.
Huaqiangbei Electronics Commercial Street
Explore Huaqiangbei, the heart of Shenzhen’s electronics market, where you can find everything from the latest gadgets to high-tech components. This area is a global hub for electronics innovation.
Shenzhen Happy Coast (DJI Drone Exhibition, Huawei Exhibition)
Continue to Shenzhen Happy Coast, a vibrant shopping and entertainment district. Visit the DJI Drone Exhibition, where you can discover the latest in drone technology, and the Huawei Exhibition showcasing groundbreaking technology from one of China’s leading tech giants.
Experience the Shenzhen Driverless Metro (Line 12, Taiziwan Station)
Take a ride on Shenzhen’s innovative driverless metro system (Line 12). This futuristic mode of transportation offers a glimpse into the future of urban mobility.
Ping An Finance Center (116th Floor, Free Sky)
Visit the Ping An Finance Center, one of the tallest buildings in the world. Go up to the 116th floor and experience panoramic views of Shenzhen and beyond from the “FREE SKY” observation deck.
Dongmen Pedestrian Street
Finish the day with a stroll through Dongmen Pedestrian Street, a bustling shopping district that offers a mix of traditional markets, modern shops, and delicious street food.
The tour concludes at approximately 17:00. After the tour, proceed to the airport and take a flight to Shanghai (approximately 2.5 hours). Upon arrival in Shanghai, a driver will pick you up and take you to the hotel for rest.
Day 4: Shanghai
Yuyuan Garden–Oriental Pearl Tower–Nanjing Road–the Bund
4+ stars Hotel
Breakfast
After breakfast, we will head to Yuyuan Garden. It has a typical Jiangnan garden style, reflecting the artistic style of the southern gardens of the Ming and Qing dynasties, which is “quiet and beautiful, delicate and exquisite”. The nearby Yuyuan Bazaar is a great place to sample local cuisine and explore traditional Chinese handicrafts.
Next, we will drive to the Oriental Pearl Tower, piercing the sky at 468 meters, this celestial-lensed titan—once China’s tallest—unfolds Shanghai’s soul. Ascend to the glass-floored observatory: Huangpu River’s ink-struck currents split the city’s twin personalities—colonial Bund whispers west, futuristic Pudong ignites east. By night, its 11 crystal spheres pulse like a constellation of fallen stars, stitching history to hyper-modernity.
In the afternoon, we will take you on a stroll along Nanjing Road, a shopping paradise that is not only perfect for shopping but also for experiencing the modern atmosphere of Shanghai.
Afterwards, we’ll head to the Bund, a former cargo transportation route that has been transformed into a bustling trade area. Here you will witness a perfect blend of Chinese and Western cultures while taking in the breathtaking skyline of Shanghai.
Day 5: Shanghai-Hangzhou
Shanghai–Hangzhou–West Lake–Lingyin Temple
4+stars Hotel
Breakfast
After breakfast, you will take an early morning high-speed train to Hangzhou, which is often referred to as “Heaven on Earth” because of its picturesque scenery.
The West Lake is a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its tranquility and beauty. It is surrounded by scenic hills and dotted with temples, pagodas, and gardens. Your tour of the West Lake will begin with a leisurely 45-minute cruise during which you can enjoy serene views of the lake, ancient pagodas, and lush gardens.
We will continue to visit the neighboring Lingyin Temple, which is one of the oldest and most famous Buddhist temples in China. The temple houses a large collection of Buddhist scriptures, statues, and artifacts.
Recommended Activities:
We will take you to the lakeside of the West Lake where an amazing musical fountain show awaits you at no extra cost.
You will have the opportunity to watch “Lasting Memories of Hangzhou”. This show is planned by the famous director Zhang Yimou and will be staged in the enchanting night scenery of the West Lake. The show usually starts at 7:00 p.m. and requires an additional fee.
Day 6: Hangzhou-Suzhou
Hangzhou–Suzhou–Humble Administrator’s Garden–Pingjiang Street–Jinji Lake
4+stars Hotel
Breakfast
After breakfast, you will take the high-speed train to Suzhou.
First, you take a stroll to Humble Administrator’s Garden, located on Northeast Street in Suzhou’s Gusu District, is one of China’s Four Great Classical Gardens. Known for its exquisite layout and elegant style, the garden features winding waterways, lush greenery, and a strong Jiangnan water-town ambiance. Key attractions within the garden include Yuanxiang Hall, Xiaofei Hong, and Liuting Pavilion, each offering a picturesque and poetic landscape. The garden also houses the Suzhou Garden Museum, where visitors can learn more about the history and culture of Suzhou’s classical gardens.
In the afternoon: Pingjiang Street (Suzhou’s Ancient Water Town Charm)
Stroll along Pingjiang Roa, a 1,000-year-old pedestrian street lined with whitewashed houses, canals, and stone bridges.
Stop by a traditional tea house to try Biluochun (Suzhou’s famous green tea) with local snacks.
Explore hidden craft shops (silk, embroidery, and fan-making) or visit the Kunqu Opera Museum for a cultural touch.
Then head to Jinji Lake, the glittering center of Suzhou’s industrial park (30-min drive from Pingjiang).
Walk along the lakeside promenade for skyline views, or rent a bike/speedboat for fun.
Visit the “Bookworm” café for coffee by the water, or snap photos at the “Gate to the East” (iconic futuristic arch).
Optional sunset drinks at Lounge Café (rooftop views) or W Hotel’s Wet Bar.
Day 7: Suzhou-Shanghai
Shantang Ancient Street-Tongli Water Town-Shanghai
4+stars Hotel
Breakfast
After breakfast, you will take the high-speed train to Suzhou.
First, you take a stroll to Shantang Ancient Street, it was once a bustling commercial district during the Ming and Qing dynasties and still retains its antique architectural charm today. Lined with numerous shops, the street offers a variety of Suzhou specialties, including local snacks and handicrafts. Here, you can savor delicacies like Ma Bing Gan Sheng Yuan and Jiangnan Crab Shell Pastries, experiencing the authentic flavors of Suzhou. Additionally, Shantang Ancient Street is home to several ancient stone bridges and traditional buildings, making it a perfect spot for capturing vintage-style photos.
In the afternoon, you will arrive in Tongli Water Town, which is a Jiangnan water town with a history of more than 1,000 years. Pretty and unsophisticated Tongli water town boasts fertile paddy fields rich resources and outstanding natives, thus crowned as”Small Oriental Venice”. In addition to these sights, the food in Tongli is also very worth trying, such as salted duck eggs, sugar taro, etc.
In the evening, you will take the high-speed train and speed towards the Shanghai.
Day 8: Shanghai Departure
Jade Buddha Temple–Tianzifang–Transfer to airport
4+stars Hotel
Breakfast
After breakfast at the hotel, you will visit the Jade Buddha Temple, one of the top ten attractions in Shanghai, is located in the bustling city center but seek peace and quiet in a bustling neighborhood. which houses the world’s largest collection of Jade Buddhas as well as numerous religious artifacts, ancient statues and Buddhist scriptures.
Then you will go to the Tianzifang which is touristic arts and crafts place that has developed from a traditional residential area.
In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight or train to your next destination or home. We hope you have a wonderful memory of your visit to Shanghai and look forward to seeing you again.
