7 days Shanghai & Hangzhou Tour to Mount Huangshan
This one week long Shanghai and Hangzhou tour to Mount Huangshan covers Shanghai city highlights, West Lake in Hangzhou, Mount Huangshan scenery with sunrise views, and the historic village of Hongcun, combining city sightseeing with classic landscapes.
Itinerary
This 7-day Shanghai & Hangzhou tour to Mount Huangshan follows a well-paced route linking Shanghai, Hangzhou, Mount Huangshan, and Hongcun Ancient Village. The journey begins with guided sightseeing in Shanghai, followed by travel to Hangzhou to explore West Lake, Lingyin Temple, and local cultural sites.
From Hangzhou, continue to Mount Huangshan, one of China’s most famous mountain landscapes, with an overnight stay on the mountain to experience sunset and sunrise views. The tour concludes after the visit to Hongcun, a UNESCO World Heritage village known for its Huizhou-style architecture and traditional village setting. High-speed trains and private transfers ensure a smooth and comfortable travel experience throughout.
When you arrive at Shanghai airport, your local guide will greet you and drive with you to the hotel. Once settled in choose between taking a rest or exploring on your own.
In the morning, cross the Huangpu River and head to the Oriental Pearl TV Tower located at the tip of Lujiazui in the Pudong District. Recognized globally as the official landmark of Shanghai, it offers breathtaking views of the city and the Huangpu River. Next, visit Yu Garden, a beautiful garden established by a Ming Dynasty government officer, renowned for its intricate layout, stunning pavilions, and extensive use of rockeries and water features that capture the essence of nature. Afterwards, explore Shanghai Old Street to gain insights into Shanghai's history.
Today is free for you to explore Shanghai on your own. Your WindhorseTour Travel Advisor or local guide can offer suggestions based on your interests.
This morning, take a high-speed train from Shanghai to Hangzhou. Upon arrival, meet your local guide and start your Hangzhou day exploration.
Begin your visit at West Lake, Hangzhou’s iconic UNESCO-listed landscape. Enjoy a relaxing boat ride to take in the willow-lined shores, distant pagodas, and scenic views praised in Chinese poetry. Afterward, take a short walk to Red Carp Pond, where colorful koi swim in tranquil waters surrounded by gardens.
Next, visit the China National Silk Museum, the world’s largest silk museum. Learn about the origins of Chinese silk, traditional weaving techniques, and ancient textile crafts through engaging exhibits and demonstrations.
Continue to Lingyin Temple, one of China’s most important Buddhist temples. Explore its grand halls and quiet courtyards while your guide explains its long spiritual heritage.
Optional: Before entering the temple area, you may choose to visit the Feilai Feng grotto sculptures, where hundreds of ancient Buddhist carvings are etched into limestone cliffs, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship from the Song and Yuan dynasties.
Overnight at Hangzhou.
Take the morning high-speed train to Huangshan (about 1.5–2 hours), upon arrival, meet your local guide and drive to the foot of Mount Huangshan (about 1 hour) to begin your visit. As one of China’s most famous mountains, Huangshan is known for its four wonders: the fantastic pines, the unique rock formations, the sea of clouds, and the hot springs.
Enter the scenic area and take the park shuttle to Yungu Temple, where you will ride the Yungu Cableway up to the Beihai (North Sea) Scenic Area. From here, visit well-known viewpoints including Beginning-to-Believe Peak, Brush Pen Peak, Stone Monkey Watching the Sea, and Cloud-Dispelling Pavilion, all located in the Beihai Scenic Area.
In the late afternoon, head to Guangmingding (Bright Summit Peak) to watch the sunset. Stay overnight at a hotel on the mountain.
Wake early and return to Guangmingding (Bright Summit Peak) to watch the sunrise, one of the most popular experiences on Mount Huangshan. After sunrise, continue sightseeing as you walk toward the Front Mountain route, the classic and steeper side of the mountain known for its iconic scenery and wide panoramic views.
As you walk through the Yuping (Jade Screen) Scenic Area, pass famous landmarks such as Lotus Peak and the Greeting Pine (Yingke Song), a well-known symbol of Mount Huangshan. This section of the route features stone steps, distinctive rock formations, and open viewpoints that define the Front Mountain landscape. The whole walking takes about 2-3 hours depending on your physical condition. By late morning, descend the mountain via the Yuping Cableway.
(Alternatively, for an easier travel, you may return to White Goose Ridge to descend the mountain via the Yungu Cableway.)
Meet your driver at the foot of the mountain and continue by road to Hongcun Ancient Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its classic Huizhou architecture, tranquil ponds, and old merchant residences. It is considered one of China’s most beautiful villages and was a filming location for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Overnight at Hongcun.
In the morning, continue exploring Hongcun Ancient Village at a relaxed pace. Later, return to Huangshan City for your onward departure by train or flight, marking the end of the trip.
Inclusions
Tour notes:
General inclusions:
General exclusions:
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Comments
Interested in a trip for next summer
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