Overview
Most Chinese itineraries save the freshest highlights for the end as a coda. This one gives that moment three nights and a full city. The journey begins in Shanghai, where ancient walled neighborhoods, plane-lined streets of the old concessions, and the towers across the river are all woven into a single afternoon. Then the route heads south by rail along the delta, ending in Shenzhen: a city of markets where components, prototypes, and finished machines are sorted by floor, autonomous cars running on real public roads, and a museum documenting four decades of urban transformation. By the final morning, you will find the future no longer feels abstract, because you have seen exactly how people make it.
— LyrikTrip Travel Designer
Share your travel dates, number of travelers, and passport details, and we will verify entry requirements and departing flights from Shenzhen, then outline your hotels and ground arrangements in Suzhou and Hangzhou within the written itinerary.
Why you'll love this trip
- The country at work. Bund towers, a commuter ferry, an electronics market, a drone showroom, with English-speaking guides city by city.
- 10 days from a rowing boat on a canal to a car with no driver. See who builds it.
- On your final morning in Shanghai, glide through a canal town by rowboat, then walk across a stone arch bridge you once passed beneath. Here, water and bridges were once the entire transportation system—and they still are.
- As night falls, stand with your guide on the Bund: on one side, the historic waterfront architecture; on the other, the towering skyscrapers of Pudong. The city gazes across the water.
- Cross the Huangpu River on a commuter ferry used by locals, standing by the railing alongside daily riders and their e-bikes instead of on the observation deck.
- Hop into a driverless car in Shenzhen and watch the steering wheel turn on its own amid the traffic. The fare is included in your quote; whether the service runs on a given day is decided by the operator, not us. If it doesn't run, the fee will be deducted from your quote.
- Accompanied by your guide, explore Huaqiangbei level by level. Your guide will explain each floor: the ground floor offers loose components, the next floor showcases sample units, and the floors above feature finished devices.
- At the Shenzhen Planning Hall, we read a city’s self-narrative through models and maps—grounding it in the very landscape the story speaks of.
- Stay three nights each in Shanghai and Shenzhen, with one night in Suzhou and two in Hangzhou along the way; two high-speed rail segments connect the cities of Jiangnan.
Things to do

Electronics
Electronics
ElectronicsItinerary
Shanghai · Day 1 - Day 3
· Land in Shanghai
Your driver meets your flight, whatever time it lands. Nothing else is asked of you today.
· The old city, the objects, the river
A Ming garden in the morning, a floor of bronzes after lunch, two skylines after dark. Day two puts four hundred years of the city in order before you have to think about it.
· Under the plane trees, then across the water
A low, quiet morning in the streets the towers never reached. The afternoon crossing is the one every local makes.
Suzhou · Day 4
· A canal town, then the train
The last Shanghai morning goes to the water it was built on. By mid-afternoon the delta is running past the window.
Hangzhou · Day 5 - Day 6
· Suzhou waterways; high-speed rail to Hangzhou
Spend the morning in Suzhou before heading to Hangzhou by high-speed rail. The intricate web of canals and old lanes connecting the two cities seamlessly bridges this next chapter of the journey.
· Take It Slow in Hangzhou
Stay in the city today and let your pace linger along the banks of West Lake and the nearby lanes.
Shenzhen · Day 7 - Day 10
· South to Shenzhen
A flight afternoon, and the day the route changes its subject. You go to sleep in a city that is forty years old.
· Nobody in the driver's seat
One car with no driver in the morning, one market with everything in it after lunch. Today is the day the word "made" stops being an abstraction.
· The maker and the map
In the morning, explore DJI’s flagship store to see their drone lineup, then visit the urban planning exhibition in the afternoon to discover how Shenzhen balances industrial growth with quality of life.
· Between the Coast and the Old Town
If flight times allow, stroll through Shekou or Nantou Ancient City before heading to the airport.
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Hotels
These are sample stays typically included in the itinerary. Final pricing depends on the hotel level selected.
Included / Excluded
What's Included
- Private vehicleLocal transport for sightseeing and transfers is included in Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou, and Shenzhen, covering airport pickup in Shanghai on Day 1, drop-off to the station in Shanghai on Day 4, drop-off at the airport in Hangzhou and pickup at the airport in Shenzhen on Day 7, and drop-off at the airport in Shenzhen on Day 10. Specific vehicle types and transfer times are subject to the written order.
- Intercity transportThe high-speed rail journeys from Shanghai to Suzhou on Day 4 and from Suzhou to Hangzhou on Day 5, as well as the domestic flight from Hangzhou to Shenzhen on Day 7, are all included in the base price. The rail tickets are for second-class seats and the flight is in economy class; please refer to the written quotation for specific flight numbers and seating. Checked baggage allowances are subject to the regulations of the selected airline.
- HotelsThe base price of USD 3,270 includes 9 nights of accommodation across the entire itinerary: 3 nights in Shanghai, 1 night in Suzhou, 2 nights in Hangzhou, and 3 nights in Shenzhen. Specific hotels and room types are subject to the written order. Breakfast at hotels for the 6 combined nights in Shanghai and Shenzhen is included; breakfast arrangements in Suzhou and Hangzhou depend on the specific order.
- GuideThe listed tours in Shanghai and Shenzhen come with English-speaking guides, including an evening escort along the Bund on the second day. For Suzhou and Hangzhou, the on-ground sightseeing services specified are included in the base price; exact guide timings are subject to the written itinerary.
- Tickets & experiences, ShanghaiYu Garden with the old city, admission · Shanghai Museum, with the timed reservation booked by us · Former French Concession with Wukang Road, walking, no admission · Huangpu River ferry, fare · the Bund with the Pudong skyline in the evening, guide accompanied, no admission · Zhujiajiao on the day-four morning: the rowing boat ride, Kezhi Garden admission and the Fangsheng Bridge walk
- Tickets & experiences, ShenzhenDay 8: one ride in an autonomous taxi (fare included) and a guided walk in Huaqiangbei with a local guide; Day 9: entry to the DJI flagship store and tickets and reservation for the Shenzhen Urban Planning Exhibition Hall; Day 10: if flight times allow, a leisurely stroll in either Shekou or Nantou Ancient Town. The arrangements listed above are included in the base price.
- Robotaxi availabilityThe ride is in the base price, and the operator, not us, decides whether the service runs on the day. Each order is rechecked before departure and the result is given to you in writing. Where the recheck shows the service will not run, the ride is removed from the plan and its amount is deducted from that order; no substitute and no rebooking are promised in advance
- MealsHotel breakfast is explicitly included for six meals: Days 2–4 in Shanghai and Days 8–10 in Shenzhen. Breakfast arrangements at the Suzhou and Hangzhou hotels are subject to the written itinerary.
- Other servicesBottled drinking water on listed touring days. Travel accident insurance for the duration of the journey
Not Included
- International flightsFlights into Shanghai and out of Shenzhen
- Connecting flights departing from ShenzhenIf your trip departs China from Hong Kong or Guangzhou instead of Shenzhen, you are responsible for all cross-border vehicle, transit processing, and subsequent ticketing costs.
- VisasVisa fees and processing procedures for guests who require a Chinese visa
- DiningLunch and dinner are at your own discretion and expense, except for hotel breakfasts as listed. Breakfast arrangements at Su-Kan hotels are subject to written confirmation.
- Cabin upgradesRailway first-class or business seats and premium class airfare are priced separately upon selection.
- Optional add-onsSelected items are priced separately; no optional items are included in the basic itinerary. The current optional add-on on this route is the Shanghai Tower Observation Deck.
- IndividualTips, single room supplements or extra bed fees, personal expenses
Special Notes
A few things on this route follow a contract, a calendar or an operator's confirmation. Here they are, told straight.
- Itineraries for Suzhou and Hangzhou — This 10-day route is bookable. The starting price of $3,270 includes one night in Suzhou and two nights in Hangzhou, plus the listed ground services in both cities. Specific hotels, vehicle use, guide hours, and tour activities will be detailed in the written itinerary according to the selected dates. Any additional options you choose will be quoted separately.
- Days four to seven — On Day 4, arrive in Suzhou via high-speed rail; on Day 5, proceed to Hangzhou by high-speed rail; on Day 6, remain in Hangzhou; on Day 7, fly to Shenzhen. The two high-speed rail segments, domestic flight, three nights' accommodation in the Suzhou-Hangzhou area, and pre-arranged local ground transfers are included in the base price.
- The robotaxi ride — in your price, and not a promise about the day. The operator decides whether the service runs. Your order is rechecked before departure and you get the result in writing; if it will not run, the ride comes out of the plan and its amount comes off your order. We do not promise a substitute or a rebooking in advance.
- Cabin class — High-speed rail is arranged in second class, and domestic flights in economy class; the specific train/flight numbers and cabin class will be stated in the written quotation. Requests for upgrades will be quoted separately.
- Entry Requirements — Guests are not pre-excluded based on passport nationality. Visa requirements, eligibility for visa exemption, or transit visa exemption must be verified on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the specific passport held, port of entry, duration of stay, and departure itinerary.
- Leaving from Shenzhen — Day 10 defaults to a transfer to Shenzhen Airport. Please verify your specific flight details based on your travel dates. If you need to depart from Hong Kong or Guangzhou, a separate shuttle can be arranged; cross-border or inter-city transit and onward tickets are not included in the base price.
- Visa window — Visa-exemption policies and their validity periods may change depending on your travel dates. Please provide your passport details and complete entry and exit itinerary before payment so we can verify the official requirements in effect at that time.
- The national holiday week — Demand for tickets, flights, and hotels is high during the National Day holiday. Please provide your specific travel dates; all offers are subject to written quotations and actual availability.
- Shanghai Museum reservation — entry is by timed slot and the booking system carries limited English, so we book your slot with the details on your confirmation.
- On the Bund after dark — people do approach visitors on the waterfront with invitations to practice English or to go for tea, and those invitations end at a bill. Your guide is with you for the whole evening, which is the simplest answer to it.
- Confirmation and changes — Every written quote clearly states the confirmation deadline and cancellation or modification terms. The itinerary includes two high-speed rail segments and one domestic flight; rescheduling may affect train tickets, flights, and hotels simultaneously, subject to the order's specific terms.
Is Ten Days Your Length?
Fewer than ten days?
Fewer than ten days?
The two ends come apart cleanly. Shanghai with Zhujiajiao stands on its own, and so does the Shenzhen half; the delta in the middle is the part that shortens. Tell us your dates and who is coming, and we cut days rather than cut the pace.
Good to Know
- Group
- Private, just your party. From 1 guest. No fixed maximum party size.
- Pace
- Four cities in 10 days: Shanghai 3 nights, Suzhou 1, Hangzhou 2, Shenzhen 3. Two rail legs and one flight, with one day in Hangzhou that does not move at all
- Effort
- Level ground throughout, no altitude and no climbs. The walking days are the market floors, the old lanes and the canal town
- Ports
- Shanghai in, Shenzhen out; airport pickup on day one and drop-off on day ten. Where no suitable direct service exists out of Shenzhen, the order leaves through Hong Kong or Guangzhou, arranged on request and quoted separately
- Visas
- Verify visa or visa-exemption requirements case by case, based on passport type, port of entry, duration of stay, and departure plans. Guests holding U.S. passports may also inquire about arrangements.
- Language
- The guided sightseeing days in Shanghai and Shenzhen feature local English-speaking guides; guided tours in Suzhou and Hangzhou are subject to the written itinerary, and the listed ground services are included in the base price.
- Payment
- Minimum of 1 guest per booking. Pay a 10% deposit (minimum USD 399) to lock in your dates; the balance is due 14 days before departure. Hotel and cancellation/refund terms are governed by the written booking confirmation.
- Season
- Travel dates can be tailored to your schedule; please note that holiday tickets, flights, hotel bookings, and entry requirements are subject to written confirmation for your specific trip.
Your Private Concierge

Jenessa
Private China Route Concierge
“A bilingual planning desk for tailor-made China journeys.”
Our China team tunes pacing, hotels and local hosts around each route style.
Step 01
Tell us what excites you
Not your dates and budget — your curiosity. Where have you always wanted to go? What do you want to feel? We start there.
24h
First concept delivered
Step 02
We design it around you
Your specialist builds the itinerary from scratch — routes, hosts, hotels, and experiences you won't find anywhere else.
100%
Private, never off-the-shelf
Step 03
Lock it in with 30%
When the plan feels right, a 30% deposit holds your trip. Balance due 30 days before departure.
30%
Deposit to confirm
Step 04
Travel. We handle the rest.
Your Trip Pack arrives before you fly. On the road, your concierge is one message away — for the expected and everything you didn't plan for.
24/7
Support throughout your journey
Guest Reviews
4.9 / 5 · from 523 verified reviews
Perfect for couples
“My partner and I had an amazing time in China. Everything was arranged for us — transfers, hotels, guides. No stress at all.”
Great for families
“Traveled with my two kids and had zero issues. The team made sure the pace wasn't too rushed and included things the kids would enjoy. Communication was easy throughout. Will definitely use them again for our next Asia trip.”
Alisa made the whole experience easy
“Alisa was our point of contact throughout and she was brilliant — patient, knowledgeable, and always quick to reply. The trip itself was wonderful. Beijing and Guilin were highlights.”
Good service, minor hiccup but sorted quickly
“Really good service. There was a small mix-up with one of our restaurant bookings but it got sorted quickly. The rest of the trip was seamless.”
Really listened to what we wanted
“Really helpful team. They listened to what we wanted and delivered. Beijing and Xi'an were incredible.”
China Ready
We've solved the hard parts. Here's everything a first-time Western traveler needs to know before arriving.
VPN & Internet Access
What's blocked
Google, Gmail, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, and most Western news sites are inaccessible in China without a VPN.
Download before you leave
It's nearly impossible to download a VPN once inside China. Install and test at home. Recommended: Astrill (most reliable), Mullvad, ExpressVPN — subscribe to at least two in case one stops working.
Hotel Wi-Fi tip
Some hotels block VPN connections on their Wi-Fi. Use your phone's mobile data as a hotspot if the VPN drops.
Good news
WhatsApp works perfectly through a VPN, so your messaging stays unchanged. Apple iMessage and Signal also work.
Paying in China
China is cashless
Alipay and WeChat Pay are used for almost everything — restaurants, taxis, markets, tickets. Cash is rarely accepted in cities.
International cards now work
Foreign Visa/Mastercard can now link directly to Alipay (set up in minutes, $5,000 single transaction limit). Your concierge walks you through the setup on your first morning.
Carry some cash
We recommend ¥500–800 RMB in cash for the rare vendor that won't accept digital payment, and for small towns.
Booking this trip
Your deposit and balance are charged via Stripe — the same trusted platform used by Airbnb and Booking.com. USD billing, no surprise conversion fees.
Visa & Entry
Do you need a visa?
Most US, UK, EU, Australian, Canadian, and New Zealand passport holders need a tourist (L) visa for stays over 10 days. We provide a visa invitation letter with every booking — it significantly speeds up approval.
240-hour visa-free transit
Citizens of 55+ countries (including USA, UK, most of EU, AUS, NZ, Canada) can enter China visa-free for up to 10 days if transiting through eligible ports. This covers our 12-day itinerary only if you have a confirmed onward flight.
Processing time
Apply 4–6 weeks before departure. Standard processing: 4–7 business days. Express (3 days) and same-day options available at most Chinese consulates.
What we provide
Visa invitation letter, hotel confirmation for all nights, suggested itinerary document — everything the consulate needs, formatted correctly.
Safety & Practical Tips
Is China safe?
China consistently ranks among the safest countries for foreign tourists. Violent crime against visitors is extremely rare. Cities have extensive CCTV coverage and a visible police presence.
Emergency numbers
Police: 110. Ambulance: 120. Your concierge is your first call for any non-emergency situation — she has local contacts for every city on the itinerary.
Health & medications
Bring a full supply of any prescription medication. International pharmacies exist in major cities but may not carry your brand. Travel insurance is required — we can recommend policies that cover China specifically.
Language
English fluency outside hotels and tourist sites is limited. Your guides all speak English. We provide a printed pocket card with essential Chinese phrases and emergency contacts for every traveler.
Before You Book
Everything worth knowing before you book.
Because three of the ten days are not contracted. Suzhou and Hangzhou have no ground handling on our side: no vehicle, no guide, no admissions, no hotel. We are not going to sell you four days we cannot deliver, so the route takes no orders and no deposits until both cities hold contracted, bookable ground handling and are named in the inclusions. Everything in Shanghai and Shenzhen, and all three intercity legs, are settled and written out above. Tell us your dates now and we will write to you on the day the route opens.
It is a public service run by an operator on real city routes, and we book it against your date in advance. We cannot guarantee it, because whether the service runs that day is the operator's decision, not ours. So we recheck your order before you travel and tell you the result in writing; if it will not run, the ride comes out of the plan and its amount comes off your order. What holds either way: the Huaqiangbei walk the same day, with your guide reading the market floor by floor, and the planning hall the next day, neither of which depends on an operator.
Not this one. Shenzhen currently has no direct air service to the United States, so a route that ends in Shenzhen does not stand for US guests, and we do not sell it to the US market rather than quietly leaving you to solve the flight home. If you want this subject matter, tell us and we will say plainly what a version on a different departure gateway would take: it would be a different product and would go through compliance review again.
It depends on what you came for. This route is built for looking at how the country works now, so it spends its time on the things that are actually running: a market that supplies factories, a car on a public driverless route, a company's own shop floor, a hall that keeps the record of a city's plan. Behind all four sits the older Shanghai the money for it came through. If what you want is the first-trip set, the Great Wall, the Terracotta Warriors and the pandas, say so and we will point you at the routes that carry them.
Shenzhen has full direct service to France, Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium. It has full direct service to Italy, Spain, Portugal and Greece as well. If that is your way home, the airport drop-off on day ten is in your price. Direct points out of Shenzhen are limited for the UK. The same holds for the Nordic countries with Central Europe and Ireland, and for Canada with Australia and New Zealand, so we check the timetable for your exact departure date before you book. Where nothing suitable flies, your order leaves China through Hong Kong or Guangzhou instead: the overland crossing to Hong Kong runs about 40 to 60 minutes, we book it on request, and it is quoted separately rather than folded into your base price.

