Eastern Heritage Journey

Today you will fly to Shanghai. On arrival, your private guide will welcome you at the arrival hall and transfer you to your hotel with a private car and driver. Your guide will help you with luggage and hotel check-in and ensure your arrival is worry-free.

Begin at the exquisite Yuyuan Garden (closed Mondays), a classical Chinese garden dating back to the Ming Dynasty, where you will savour traditional tea at the iconic Huxinting Teahouse, perched gracefully above a lotus pond. Ascend to the observation deck of Shanghai Tower, China's tallest building, for breathtaking panoramic views of the city's dramatic skyline. The highlight of your tour is an in-depth exploration of the Bund's International Architecture Complex, showcasing stunning examples of Art Deco, Neoclassical, Gothic and Baroque styles. Discover the Shanghai Postal Museum, Shanghai Stock Exchange Museum, Bund Origin No.1, Bund History Museum, the grand Former Sassoon House, the prestigious Former Shanghai Club, Former Chartered Bank, the clock-towered Customs House, Shanghai Telecom Museum, Former Butterfield & Swire and the Former North China Daily News Building. Each structure tells a compelling story of Shanghai's cosmopolitan past as the "Paris of the East".

Enjoy your free time until your guide comes and escort you to the high-speed train station.

Take a 3-hour bullet train ride from Shanghai to Huangshan.

Your private guide will greet you at Huangshan High-Speed Railway Station with a name sign, ensuring a smooth and comfortable start to your adventure. Head to a traditional workshop where you will participate in an authentic Herbal Fragrance Plaque Making session. Under the guidance of a skilled craftsman, you will grind various Chinese medicinal herbs into fine powder, blend them into a smooth paste and press the mixture into beautifully shaped moulds to create your own aromatic plaque—a perfect souvenir embodying ancient Chinese wellness traditions. Afterwards, stroll through the charming Tunxi Ancient Street, a well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty commercial hub lined with traditional Hui-style architecture. Browse local shops selling tea, ink stones, calligraphy brushes and handicrafts whilst soaking in the nostalgic atmosphere of old Huangshan.

Experience an unforgettable journey to Huangshan (Yellow Mountain), one of China's most celebrated natural wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ascend comfortably via the Yungu Cable Car to begin your mountain exploration, saving energy for the spectacular scenery ahead. Discover the legendary Four Wonders of Huangshan: marvel at the ancient Peculiar Pines  clinging impossibly to granite cliffs, including the famous Welcoming Guest Pine; explore fantastically shaped Grotesque Rocks that inspire imagination; witness the ethereal Sea of Clouds  rolling between peaks like ocean waves; and learn about the renowned Hot Springs at the mountain's base. A delicious lunch is included to refuel during your exploration. As evening approaches, settle into your mountain-top accommodation to witness the magical sunset and prepare for an early morning sunrise—one of Huangshan's most breathtaking experiences. This overnight stay allows you to fully immerse yourself in the mystical atmosphere and capture the mountain's beauty in different lights.

Begin your day with one of nature's most spectacular displays—Sunrise over Yellow Mountain. Wake before dawn and make your way to one of the prime viewing platforms to witness the first golden rays illuminating the granite peaks, while the sea of clouds below transforms into a canvas of pink and orange hues. This magical moment is considered one of Huangshan's most treasured experiences. After breakfast, descend comfortably via cable car, taking in the mountain vistas one last time as you return to the base.

Continue your journey to the charming Bishan Village, a beautifully preserved ancient Huizhou village that blends traditional architecture with contemporary cultural revival. Explore the renowned Bishan Bookstore, a literary sanctuary housed in a renovated ancestral hall; climb the historic Yunmen Pagoda for panoramic village views; browse the nostalgic Bishan Supply and Marketing Cooperative, a retro-style shop celebrating China's collective economy era; relax at the hip Pig's Inn Bar, a converted pigsty turned trendy café-bar; stroll across the picturesque Jianxi Ancient Bridge spanning the village stream; and visit the quaint Village Shop for local snacks and souvenirs.

Enjoy your free time until your guide comes and escort you to the high-speed train station.

Take a 1.5-hour bullet train ride from Huangshan to Hangzhou.

Start your Hangzhou exploration with a convenient pickup from the high-speed railway station, followed by a full day of cultural and scenic highlights. Discover the perfect harmony of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage in Hangzhou, one of China's most picturesque cities. Begin at the iconic West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its serene waters, willow-lined shores and poetic landscapes that have inspired artists and poets for centuries. Ascend the legendary Leifeng Pagoda for panoramic views of the lake and learn the romantic legend of the White Snake. Stroll along Su Causeway, one of the famous Ten Scenes of West Lake, where ancient bridges arch gracefully over lotus-filled waters—especially enchanting during spring when peach blossoms frame the pathway.

Continue to Hu Xueyan's Former Residence, an exquisite example of Qing Dynasty merchant architecture featuring intricate wood carvings, elegant gardens and a fascinating glimpse into the life of one of China's most successful businessmen. Wander through the bustling Qinghefang Street, a vibrant historic pedestrian street lined with traditional shops, local snacks and cultural performances that capture old Hangzhou's atmosphere.

Conclude your journey at the Traditional Chinese Medicine Museum, where you'll participate in an interactive experience including a hands-on herbal grinding demonstration and witness ancient pharmaceutical preparation methods. Learn about China's 5,000-year medical heritage while trying your hand at traditional medicine-making techniques.

Immerse yourself in the world of China's most celebrated green tea on this comprehensive Longjing (Dragon Well) Tea exploration. Hangzhou's tea culture dates back over a thousand years, and this tour takes you deep into the lush hillsides where the finest Longjing tea is cultivated.

Begin at the China National Tea Museum, the country's premier institution dedicated to tea culture. Explore fascinating exhibits showcasing tea history, cultivation techniques, tea ceremony traditions, and the diverse varieties of Chinese tea. Gain essential knowledge that will enhance your appreciation of the tea experiences to follow.

Journey to Meijiawu Tea Plantation, a picturesque tea village nestled in verdant hills. Walk among terraced tea fields where local farmers still hand-pick tender leaves using centuries-old methods. Visit a traditional tea house, meet tea farmers, and learn about the meticulous process from leaf to cup. Enjoy a tea tasting session while surrounded by the serene landscape.

Continue to the prestigious Longjing Imperial Tea Garden, where tea was once exclusively grown for Chinese emperors. This historic site represents the pinnacle of Longjing tea quality. Discover why this particular microclimate and soil produce tea of such exceptional flavor and aroma. Participate in tea picking (seasonal), witness traditional tea processing methods, and savor authentic Longjing tea prepared by expert tea masters.

After your tea village exploration, enjoy a comfortable airport transfer, ensuring you arrive on time for your departure flight with memories of Hangzhou's tea culture and perhaps some premium Longjing tea to take home.