From
USD 3,600
|
Duration
12 Days
Customise This Tour Book Now
Signature Tour

Eastern China
Travel

"From the misty shores of West Lake to the neon skyline of Shanghai — a journey through China's most poetic landscapes."

12
Days
3
Cities
USD 3,600
Starting From
View Itinerary ↓
Eastern China Route Map

Hangzhou to Nanjing

This 12-day journey explores China's most refined region — the Jiangnan waterlands. Begin in Hangzhou, where West Lake has inspired poets for a millennium. Continue to Shanghai, China's dazzling future-facing metropolis. End in Nanjing, the ancient capital that shaped modern China. This is a journey of classical gardens, imperial tombs, tea plantations, and world-class museums.

  • 🏞️West Lake & Lingyin Temple — Hangzhou's poetic lake and sacred Buddhist grottoes
  • 🌆Shanghai Bund & Disneyland — Colonial grandeur meets futuristic magic
  • 🏯Yu Garden — A classical Ming Dynasty garden in the heart of Shanghai
  • 🪦Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum — A magnificent hillside monument in Nanjing
  • 🏛️Nanjing's Ancient Heritage — Ming tombs, city walls, and the Presidential Palace

Why This Tour

"Eastern China offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, imperial history, and modern urban energy. This itinerary is ideal for travellers who want a more relaxed pace — shorter train rides, fewer city transfers, and more time to soak in each destination. From Hangzhou's poetic lake to Shanghai's dazzling skyline and Nanjing's solemn grandeur, this is China at its most accessible and enchanting."

The Journey Unfolds

Each day reveals a new chapter of eastern China's story — from misty lakes and ancient temples to dazzling skylines and imperial grandeur.

01
Day 1
Hangzhou • Arrival

Welcome to Hangzhou

Your journey through eastern China begins in paradise on earth.

  • 🛬International flight arrival at Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport — private chauffeur welcome with name board
  • 🚗Private transfer to your hotel near West Lake (approx. 40 min)
  • 🏨Check in and settle in — evening stroll along West Lake to watch the sunset
02
Day 2
Hangzhou

West Lake — A Living Painting

The lake that inspired poets and emperors for a thousand years.

  • 🏞️West Lake (UNESCO World Heritage) — a full-day exploration of China's most famous lake; cruise to Little Yingzhou Island, walk the Su Causeway, and visit Leifeng Pagoda
  • 🐟Huagang Fish Viewing Park — one of the ten classic West Lake scenes, famous for its colourful koi fish
  • 🎭Impression West Lake — optional evening outdoor performance directed by Zhang Yimou, staged on the lake itself
03
Day 3
Hangzhou

Sacred Peaks & Ancient Temples

Where Buddhism meets the misty mountains of the south.

  • 🛕Lingyin Temple — one of China's most significant Buddhist monasteries, nestled among ancient trees and bamboo groves
  • 🪨Feilai Peak — a limestone hill carved with over 300 Buddhist rock carvings dating back to the 10th century
  • 🍵Longjing (Dragon Well) Tea Plantation — visit a traditional tea village to see terraced tea fields and sample the legendary Longjing tea
04
Day 4
Hangzhou

Song Dynasty Dreams & Local Flavours

Step back into ancient China and into the heart of Hangzhou's old town.

  • 🏘️Songcheng (Song Dynasty Town) — a themed cultural park recreating life in the Southern Song Dynasty; don't miss the spectacular "Romance of the Song Dynasty" show
  • 🛍️Hefang Street — Hangzhou's most famous historical street, lined with traditional shops, tea houses, and snack stalls
  • 🏛️Qinghefang Historic District — explore the Ming and Qing dynasty architecture and sample local delicacies like beggar's chicken and dongpo pork
05
Day 5
Hangzhou → Shanghai

Tea Villages & High-Speed to Shanghai

From Hangzhou's green hills to Shanghai's neon skyline.

  • 🌿Longjing Village — walk through the terraced tea fields where the famous Dragon Well tea is grown; meet local tea farmers
  • 🌲Nine Creeks in Misty Forest (Jiuxi Yanshu) — a scenic 5km forest trail winding through bamboo groves, streams, and tea terraces
  • 🚄High-speed train Hangzhou East → Shanghai Hongqiao (approx. 1 hour)
  • 🌃Evening: Nanjing Road — Shanghai's premier shopping street, dazzling with neon lights
06
Day 6
Shanghai

The Bund & the Pearl of the Orient

Where old Shanghai meets the future.

  • 🌉The Bund — Shanghai's legendary waterfront promenade; colonial-era buildings on one side, futuristic skyscrapers on the other
  • 🛍️Nanjing Road Walking Street — China's premier shopping street, from traditional department stores to luxury boutiques
  • 🚢Huangpu River Evening Cruise — see Shanghai's skyline illuminated at night from the water
07
Day 7
Shanghai

A Day at Disneyland

The happiest place on earth, Shanghai-style.

  • 🏰Shanghai Disneyland — China's most magical theme park; explore the Enchanted Storybook Castle, TRON Lightcycle Power Run, Pirates of the Caribbean, and the stunning evening fireworks show
  • 🎠Disneytown — shopping and dining at the Disney entertainment district outside the park gates
08
Day 8
Shanghai

Art Deco & Ancient Gardens

Shanghai's elegant side — tree-lined streets and Ming Dynasty charm.

  • 🏛️Wukang Road — the most beautiful street in Shanghai, lined with 1920s Art Deco and French-style architecture
  • 🌳Former French Concession — a leisurely walking tour through tree-shaded avenues lined with heritage villas
  • 🏯Yu Garden — a classical Ming Dynasty garden with exquisite pavilions, rockeries, and zigzag bridges
  • 🥟City God Temple Bazaar — a bustling market of traditional crafts and Shanghai street food: xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) and shengjianbao (pan-fried buns)
09
Day 9
Shanghai

Lujiazui — China's Financial Capital

Touch the clouds above Shanghai's futuristic skyline.

  • 🏙️Lujiazui Financial District — the heart of Shanghai's skyline; walk among the towering skyscrapers of Pudong
  • 🔮Oriental Pearl Tower — ascend to the observation deck for a 360-degree view of the entire city
  • 🏗️Shanghai Tower — optional visit to the world's second-tallest building (632m); the observation deck at 546m offers breathtaking views
  • 📜Shanghai History Museum — located at the base of the Oriental Pearl, tracing Shanghai's transformation from fishing village to global metropolis
10
Day 10
Shanghai → Nanjing

High-Speed to the Ancient Capital

From Shanghai's modernity to Nanjing's imperial grandeur.

  • 🚄High-speed train Shanghai → Nanjing (approx. 1 hour)
  • 🪦Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum — a magnificent hillside monument dedicated to the founding father of modern China; climb the 392 steps for stunning views
  • 🏛️Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum — the tomb of the Hongwu Emperor, founder of the Ming Dynasty; a sacred path lined with stone animals and statues
  • 🏮Confucius Temple (Fuzimiao) & Qinhuai River — a lively historic quarter with traditional shops, street food, and evening boat rides on the Qinhuai River
11
Day 11
Nanjing

Republican Era & Old Nanjing

The soul of modern China, preserved in stone.

  • 🏛️Presidential Palace — the former presidential office of the Republic of China; a fascinating museum spanning the Taiping Rebellion to the end of the civil war
  • 🏘️Laomendong (Old South Gate) — a beautifully restored historic district with traditional architecture, artisan workshops, and local snacks
  • 🧱Nanjing City Wall — walk along the best-preserved section of the Ming Dynasty city wall at Zhonghua Gate
12
Day 12
Nanjing • Departure

Until We Meet Again

The journey through eastern China ends, but the memories remain.

  • Leisurely breakfast at the hotel
  • 🛬Private transfer to Nanjing Lukou International Airport for your departure flight
  • 🎒"Zàijiàn" (再见) — until we meet again. Your Eastory journey continues with us whenever you're ready to return.

Everything You Need

Transparent pricing, no hidden costs. Here's exactly what your tour includes.

✅ Included

  • 🏨11 nights handpicked accommodation across 3 cities
  • 🚗Private driver & vehicle throughout the entire journey
  • 🌏English-speaking local guide in every city
  • 🚄High-speed rail: Hangzhou → Shanghai, Shanghai → Nanjing
  • 🎫All entrance fees to listed attractions and monuments
  • 🍽️Daily hotel breakfast
  • 📱24/7 on-call support throughout your journey
  • 🧳Luggage handling at all hotels and transfers

❌ Not Included

  • ✈️International flights to/from China
  • 🛂China visa fees
  • 🛡️Travel insurance (recommended)
  • 🍜Lunches and dinners (unless specified)
  • 🎁Personal expenses & souvenirs

Curated Stays Across Eastern China

Every hotel is handpicked for location, character, and the quality of its hospitality. From lakeside retreats in Hangzhou to art deco gems in Shanghai and heritage hotels in Nanjing. We tailor your accommodation to your preferences — all you need to do is tell us what you love.

Handpicked Accommodation
Handpicked Accommodation

Tailored to Your Taste

Rather than locking you into specific hotels, we select accommodation based on your personal preferences. Whether you prefer heritage boutique hotels, international five-star chains, or authentic local guesthouses — we curate the perfect stay in every city along your route.

  • 11 nights handpicked accommodation across 3 cities
  • Options from 5-star luxury to boutique charm
  • Central locations — walk to major sights
  • Flexible upgrades available on request

Travel in Comfort & Style

Throughout your Eastern China journey, a private vehicle with your personal driver is at your disposal — no shared buses, no waiting, no hassle.

Private Vehicle
Premium Private Transport

Your Chauffeur, Your Schedule

Every transfer on this itinerary is by private, air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced local driver. From airport pickups to scenic drives across the Jiangnan region — you travel on your terms, with stops whenever inspiration strikes.

  • Private chauffeur from arrival to departure — door-to-door service
  • Flexible itinerary — stop for photos, detours, or spontaneous discoveries
  • All fuel, tolls, and parking included — no hidden costs

Ready to explore Eastern China?

This itinerary is a starting point. Every Eastory tour can be tailored to your preferences — change the pace, swap cities, add experiences. Speak with our travel specialists to design your perfect journey.