Shanghai & Huangshan Essence Exploration

/5 935 Latest reviews

Tour Code: ODY-CN-2554

Destination:Shanghai, Huangshan

Duration

7 Days

Tour Type

Private & Bespoke

Tour Style

Classic

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About This Trip

Experience the perfect blend of urban vibrancy and natural beauty on this 7-day journey through Shanghai and Huangshan. Walk along the historic Bund, explore the elegance of Yuyuan Garden, and immerse yourself in colonial-era charm in the Former French Concession. Then, escape to the breathtaking landscapes of Huangshan, where ancient villages, misty peaks, and stunning sunsets await. Enjoy hands-on cultural experiences - pick fresh vegetables in the fields, cook over traditional wood-fired stoves, and craft fragrant incense by hand. This tour offers an unforgettable combination of history, culture, and natural wonders.

Itinerary Summary

DAY PLACE HIGHLIGHTS
1 - 3 Shanghai The Bund, Former French Concession, Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Museum, Yuyuan Garden, Yuyuan Bazaar
4 - 7 Huangshan Hongcun Village, Nanping Village, North Sea Scenic Area and West Sea Scenic Area of Mt. Huangshan, Tunxi Old Street, Incense DIY Experience
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Itinerary

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Day 1: Shanghai Arrival

Welcome to Shanghai! Your guide will meet you at the airport, and a private transfer will send you to your hotel. In the evening, you may explore the city's iconic streets independently, such as Nanjing Road Pedestrian and Yuyuan Road, which usually combine chic and traditions.

Day 2: Urban Planning Museum, Old Shanghai Legacies, the Bund

Begin at the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Museum, a fascinating showcase of the city's evolution, featuring cutting-edge concepts like the "sponge city" initiative for sustainable urban development. Next, step into the tranquility of Yuyuan Garden, a masterpiece of classical Chinese landscaping. Wander through its pavilions and rockeries, admiring intricate wood carvings that reflect centuries of craftsmanship. Just outside, explore the bustling Yuyuan Bazaar, where locals start their day with traditional snacks and lively market exchanges. Finally, stroll through the Former French Concession, a charming district echoing Shanghai's colonial past. Marvel at its tree-lined avenues and European-style villas while uncovering little-known stories from a bygone era.

To conclude your day, walk to the Bund, the landmark of Shanghai, to take in the contrast between the modern skylines and the historic relics across the Huangpu River.

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Shanghai

Day 3: Bullet Train to Huangshan City, UNESCO-listed Village Exploration

This morning, board a high-speed train to Huangshan city. The remain of the day is for you to have a free exploration or good rest. In the afternoon, drive to Hongcun, a UNESCO-listed ancient village that feels like a journey back in time. Stroll through its atmospheric alleys, where centuries-old white-walled, black-tiled homes reflect in tranquil canals. Once a thriving merchant settlement, Hongcun showcases exquisite Anhui-style architecture and a well-preserved way of life from 500 - 600 years ago. Film enthusiasts may recognize its enchanting scenery from Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, adding a cinematic touch to your visit.

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Huangshan

Day 4: Rural Life Experience at Nanping

Journey to Nanping Village, a hidden gem rich in history and culture. This ancient settlement boasts eight well-preserved ancestral halls and elegant Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture, offering a glimpse into China's storied past. Immerse yourself in authentic rural life with a hands-on experience at a local family home. Draw water from ancient wells, wash fresh vegetables, and cook over a traditional Huizhou-style wood-fired stove in a courtyard that has stood for centuries. Children will love picking organic produce in local farmers' gardens, making it a fun and educational experience for all. Finally, savor the flavors of Chinese cuisine, crafted by your own hands in this timeless setting.

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Yixian

Day 5: Huangshan Scenic Area

Begin your Huangshan adventure with a cable car ride into the North Sea Scenic Area. Hike through ancient pine forests and marvel at the breathtaking landscapes. Pass by Shixin Peak, renowned for its unique rock formations and twisted pines.

In the afternoon, if the weather permits, witness a spectacular sunset atop the mountain. Spend the night on Huangshan to prepare for an unforgettable sunrise.

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Huangshan

Day 6: Sunrise Watching, Hiking & Incense DIY

Wake up early to witness the magnificent Huangshan sunrise, often accompanied by the mystical "sea of clouds." Hike through the West Sea Scenic Area and explore the West Sea Grand Canyon, known for its dramatic cliffs and deep ravines.

Then, descend the mountain by cable car and be transferred to Tunxi Old Street, featuring its stylish whitewashed walls, grey-tiled roofs, and traditional shops selling tea, traditional inkstones, furniture, etc.

Later, a unique incense DIY experience awaits. Under the instruction of the craftsmen, make and take away your own joss stick pendant, which is one of the traditional forms of incense in China, often worn for its numerous health benefits, such as clearing the mind, calming the spirit, and enhancing mental clarity.

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Huangshan

Day 7: Shanghai Departure

After breakfast, take a high-speed train back to Shanghai. Then, your guide will escort you to the airport for your departure.

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What Our Clients Say

"Great Customized Service", "Trip of A Lifetime", "Exceed All Expectations"

Richee Family Adventures

05 Aug 2025

Second Honeymoon My wife and I celebrated our 20th anniversary by spending a few weeks touring around Asia. We loved how Odynovo worked with us to craft a tour of what we wanted to see and how we wanted to see it. This was our first time traveling with a private tour guide, and it was truly amazing. they took care of all transportation, tickets, and everywhere we went we had someone who not only spoke our language, but was also very well-versed in the places we were visiting. We saw Beijing and then took a bullet train to Xi'an. In both cities we had tour guides who had done this "a thousand times," and as a result knew all the tricks on where to take the best pictures, what lines to stand in, where to eat, and what not to waste your time seeing. At one point our guide pulled out ponchos from her backpack when it started to rain, while another helped us haggle for a good price on a new suitcase. We were surprised by how much we loved China, and it is safe to say that is because of the quality of service we got from Odynovo. Oh, and the hotels were great, too! In our first hotel my wife fell in love with her breakfast soup that she had to have every morning, while in Xi'an we were right around the corner from the Muslim Night Market and were able to get to it in less than 5 minutes of walking.We are already looking to see what tours we will be doing next through Odynovo, as the service was amazing, the quality was remarkable, and the cost was very worth it for what we received.
Shannon V

05 Aug 2025

Fabulous! We had a fabulous experience with our guide and Odynovo walking the Great Wall of China, and all other sites in Beijing. We loved our Peking duck dinner. It was fabulous. Thank you, Sammie/Jing for a great experience.
domotic d

05 Aug 2025

Beijing Beauty It started off with a friendly face at the airport, with Roy, our tour guide.The week has been such a pleasure and a treat. From adventures to The Great Wall, Temple of Heaven and the Forbidden City, to local markets, delicious Beijing food and roof top tea houses.Roy and our driver, Mr. Zhou, were prompt in picking us up and driving us around safely.The knowledge and fact about history and Beijing that Roy knows and explains is amazing and the fact he could answer my weird and inquisitive history questionsnwoth ease was a treat.He made it so easy to enjoy ourselves and absorb all that was around us, he even takes great photos too! 😊Polite, kind and thoughtful and ever patient in letting us take our time with things that interested us.I would highly recommend this tour and Roy again and again.
Zarah B

05 Aug 2025

Amazing travel experience My name is Zarah M. Babangida a Nigerian and i visited Beijing with my colleagues from the office. During our 5 day stay in Beijing, Ms. Eva Ma, was our Tour guide and from the minute we came through the Arrival Gate of the Airport, we were embraced by her alluring smile and warm welcome. She remained consistent with her warmth, a kind and intelligent professional who exuded unique passion not just for her job as a tour guide but, even more so as a proud Chinese woman. Her outstanding insight and knowledge of the sweet Chinese history and heritage left us in awe. I couldn't be more proud and thankful that she was assigned to our group and she made our stay exciting, fun-filled effortless and knowledge packed. I absolutely commend her dedication to work which she depicted throughout our stay. I recommend her to every visiting tourist because to know Eva, is to love her. If it were up to me, i will increase her bonuses or upgrade her salary as i am sure most tourists would want or revisit for her sake first and then perhaps other reasons.Thank you Eva and keep the passion up🙌.

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