AriaTravel
AriaTravel
Eastern Elegance and Southwest City Life
Small group Fixed departures 11 days · 5 stops

Eastern Elegance and Southwest City Life

An 11-day journey through Shanghai, Hangzhou, Chongqing, Chengdu and Guangzhou, exploring heritage, landscapes and contemporary local life.

View departures English-speaking tour · Party size 2–12 guests
Route
Shanghai → Hangzhou → Chongqing → Chengdu → Guangzhou
Duration
10 Nights, 11 Days
Party size
2–12 guests
Language
English
1

Journey overview

A shared journey · a fixed itinerary

An 11-day journey through Shanghai, Hangzhou, Chongqing, Chengdu and Guangzhou, exploring heritage, landscapes and contemporary local life.

This 11-day journey connects Shanghai, Hangzhou, Chongqing, Chengdu, Guangzhou. Shanghai contrasts historic riverfront architecture with one of Asia's most recognizable contemporary skylines. Hangzhou combines the poetic scenery of West Lake with Buddhist heritage, tea culture and wetland ecosystems. Chongqing's steep terrain, layered streets and illuminated riverfront create one of China's most distinctive urban experiences. Chengdu pairs giant panda conservation with ancient water engineering, Taoist landscapes and an easygoing teahouse culture. Guangzhou balances Lingnan heritage and Cantonese daily life with a modern skyline along the Pearl River. The programme is designed for international travelers seeking a balanced introduction to culture, landscapes and contemporary local life.

2

Trip Route & highlights

  1. Days 1–2

    Shanghai

    • Shanghai Tower
    • Nanjing Road
    • The Bund
  2. Days 3–4

    Hangzhou

    • Lingyin Temple
    • Feilai Peak
    • Longjing Tea Village
    • Qinghefang Ancient Street
    • Xixi National Wetland Park
    • China National Silk Museum
  3. Days 5–6

    Chongqing

    • Liziba Station
    • Jiefangbei
    • Hongyadong
    • Ciqikou Ancient Town
    • Shibati Traditional Scenic Area
  4. Days 7–8

    Chengdu

    • Dujiangyan Irrigation System
    • Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
    • People's Park
  5. Days 9–11

    Guangzhou

    • Huacheng Square
    • Haixinsha Island
    • Pearl River
    • Yum Cha
    • Chen Clan Ancestral Hall
    • Yongqing Fang
    • Cantonese Opera Art Museum
    • Enning Road
    • Lychee Bay
    • Liwan Lake Park
3

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Shanghai Shanghai

The Bund Skyline View — Eastern Elegance and Southwest City Life
Accommodation: Shanghai

Arrive in Shanghai and transfer to the hotel. The remainder of the day is free.

Day 2 Shanghai highlights and transfer to Hangzhou Shanghai to Hangzhou

Nanjing Road — Eastern Elegance and Southwest City Life
Shanghai Tower — Eastern Elegance and Southwest City Life
The Bund — Eastern Elegance and Southwest City Life
Yu Garden — Eastern Elegance and Southwest City Life
Meals: B/LAccommodation: Hangzhou

Start your day in Yu Garden, continue to Shanghai Tower. Later, walk along Nanjing Road. End the day with a slow walk on The Bund. After the visit, you will be transferred to train station for your trip to Hangzhou. On arrival, your local team will meet you and take you to your hotel.

Day 3 West Lake and Lingyin Temple Hangzhou

Feilai Peak Grottoes — Eastern Elegance and Southwest City Life
Lingyin Temple — Eastern Elegance and Southwest City Life
Longjing Tea Village — Eastern Elegance and Southwest City Life
Qinghefang Ancient Street — Eastern Elegance and Southwest City Life
West Lake — Eastern Elegance and Southwest City Life
Meals: B/LAccommodation: Hangzhou

Begin your day at West Lake, then visit Lingyin Temple, one of China's oldest Buddhist temples, and nearby Feilai Peak with ancient stone carvings. Continue to Longjing Tea Village, surrounded by tea terraces and misty hills, known for West Lake Longjing tea. End the day at Qinghefang Ancient Street, where old buildings, local snacks, and traditional shops reflect the city's history.

Day 4 Hangzhou highlights and transfer to Chongqing Hangzhou to Chongqing

China National Silk Museum — Eastern Elegance and Southwest City Life
Xixi National Wetland Park — Eastern Elegance and Southwest City Life
Meals: B/LAccommodation: Chongqing

Start at Xixi National Wetland Park, visit the China National Silk Museum, the largest silk-themed museum in China. Explore the history of the Silk Road, discover traditional silk-making techniques, and learn about the important role silk played in cultural exchanges between China and the world.

After the visit, transfer to the airport for your flight to Chongqing. Upon arrival, your local guide will meet you and take you to your hotel.

Day 5 Chongqing city experience Chongqing

Eling Park — Eastern Elegance and Southwest City Life
Hongyadong — Eastern Elegance and Southwest City Life
Jiefangbei — Eastern Elegance and Southwest City Life
Liziba Station — Eastern Elegance and Southwest City Life
Meals: B/LAccommodation: Chongqing

Visit Eling Park and Liziba Station, then continue to Jiefangbei. In the evening, you may try Chongqing hotpot, ask your guide for recommendation. End the day at Hongyadong, a riverside area with traditional-style buildings and night views.

Day 6 Chongqing highlights and transfer to Chengdu Chongqing to Chengdu

Ciqikou Ancient Town — Eastern Elegance and Southwest City Life
Shibati Traditional Scenic Area — Eastern Elegance and Southwest City Life
Meals: B/LAccommodation: Chengdu

After breakfast, visit Ciqikou Ancient Town, a historic riverside neighborhood known for its traditional streets, old-style buildings, and local snacks.

Continue to Shibati Traditional Scenic Area, a restored hillside district that showcases Chongqing's unique mountain-city culture through historic architecture, local shops, and everyday life.

After the visit, transfer to the railway station and take a high-speed train to Chengdu. Upon arrival, your local guide will meet you and take you to your hotel.

Day 7 Mount Qingcheng and Dujiangyan Chengdu

Dujiangyan Irrigation System — Eastern Elegance and Southwest City Life
Mount Qingcheng — Eastern Elegance and Southwest City Life
Meals: B/LAccommodation: Chengdu

Travel to Mount Qingcheng and continue to the Dujiangyan Irrigation System. The mountain section will be adjusted to fitness, weather and operating conditions.

Day 8 Chengdu highlights and transfer to Guangzhou Chengdu to Guangzhou

Peoples Park — Eastern Elegance and Southwest City Life
Research Base Of Giant Panda Breeding — Eastern Elegance and Southwest City Life
Meals: B/LAccommodation: Guangzhou

Visit Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding early in the day, then stop at People's Park to experience the city's relaxed local life. Transfer onward after the visit. Continue to Guangzhou by the confirmed rail or air service. On arrival, meet the local team and transfer to the hotel. Exact timings and transport mode are subject to operational confirmation.

Day 9 Modern Guangzhou and Pearl Night Guangzhou

Canton Tower — Eastern Elegance and Southwest City Life
Haixinsha Island — Eastern Elegance and Southwest City Life
Huacheng Square — Eastern Elegance and Southwest City Life
Pearl River — Eastern Elegance and Southwest City Life
Meals: B/LAccommodation: Guangzhou

Start the day at Huacheng Square for a view of Canton Tower. Continue to Haixinsha Island for a riverside walk along the Pearl River. In the evening, enjoy walking around Pearl River to see the city lights.

Day 10 Modern Guangzhou and Pearl River Guangzhou

Cantonese Opera Art Museum — Eastern Elegance and Southwest City Life
Chen Clan Ancestral Hall — Eastern Elegance and Southwest City Life
Liwan Lake Park — Eastern Elegance and Southwest City Life
Yongqing Fang — Eastern Elegance and Southwest City Life
Meals: B/LAccommodation: Guangzhou

In Guangzhou, experiencing the local Yum Cha culture is an essential part of the journey. It can be seen as a Cantonese-style brunch, combining leisure and delicious food in one experience. Continue to Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, known for its traditional carvings and architecture. Walk through Yongqing Fang, a restored historic area with shops and cafés. Visit Cantonese Opera Art Museum, then stroll along Enning Road. Continue to Lychee Bay and end at Liwan Lake Park.

Day 11 Lingnan heritage and departure Guangzhou

Haixinsha Night View — Eastern Elegance and Southwest City Life
Meals: B

It is time to end your Guangzhou journey. Enjoy your final moments at your own pace. When ready, your guide and driver will meet you at the hotel and take you to the airport for departure.

4

What’s included

✓ Included

  • Hotel Accommodation: Based on twin share with western style breakfast. Properties are conveniently located close to the city centre, rated 4-star. A room with one king-size bed can also be arranged upon request.
  • Guide Service: excellent English-speaking tour guide service
  • Meet-and-greet service with a name sign at the airport or train station.
  • Vehicle Service: Air-conditioned coach with experienced drivers, ensuring ample luggage space for your comfort. (1) Free airport & train station pick-up for arrivals from 08:00 to 22:00. (2) Free airport & train station drop-off for departures from 09:00 to 23:00.
  • Domestic Transportation: Internal Air/high-speed train (Economy Class)
  • Entrance fees as per itinerary
  • Airport pick-up and drop-off
  • 24/7 On-Call Support
  • Daily lunches as indicated in the itinerary
  • Insurance

✕ Not included

  • International Airfare
  • Tips for guide and driver
  • Personal expenses
  • Entry Visa
  • Optional Activities
  • Payment and refund processing fees
  • Single Room Supplement
5

Good to know

Enquiry and confirmation

This page accepts enquiries only. Our sales team checks availability, explains any displayed price and confirms the next steps personally.

Changes to attractions

If any scheduled attraction is closed or unavailable during the trip, we will arrange a suitable alternative attraction whenever possible.

Cancellation policy

Cancellation fees are calculated from the date Aria Travel receives the written cancellation request.

If the cancellation is made between 45 and 30 days before the scheduled departure date 10% of tour price
If the cancellation is made between 29 and 15 days before the scheduled departure date 30% of tour price
If the cancellation is made between 14 and 7 days before the scheduled departure date 50% of tour price
If the cancellation is made 6 days or less before the scheduled departure date, including the departure date 100% of tour price
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