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Top 20+ China Tour from Shanghai 2024/2025

Why Start your China Vacation from Shanghai?

Starting your China vacation tour in Shanghai offers numerous advantages. As a major international hub, the city is conveniently accessible, with airlines connecting to 282 cities and regions around the world, whether by flight or cruise. Once you arrive, Shanghai serves as a gateway to mainland China, allowing you to effortlessly explore iconic destinations such as Beijing, Xi’an, Zhangjiajie, Guilin, and Chengdu through efficient flights and high-speed trains. Beyond its logistical benefits, Shanghai is often referred to as the "Paris of the East," where the vibrant fusion of modernity and tradition creates a unique cultural tapestry. You can experience the dynamic blend of Eastern and Western influences as you explore its historic landmarks and contemporary attractions. Additionally, the city boasts visa-friendly policies and a variety of foreigner-payment-friendly facilities, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable travel experience.

Our PRIVATE CHINA TOUR Features:

Flexible and customizable:
you decide the departure date, places to visit, room requirements, tour pace, etc. while we are responsible providing accurate recommendations.
Cost-effective packages:
fully designed to your interests and needs, covering sightseeing, hotels, private cars, necessary flights and trains, tour guide, etc. we take care of every detail, you just sit back and enjoy.
Private and comfort:
No join-in groups; private guides and drivers; travel at your leisure; highest quality travel service at the best prices;
Reliable knowledge and tour services:
we take care of every detail, you just sit back and enjoy

BEST 8 China Tours from Shanghai

After arriving in Shanghai, you can spend 2 to 3 days exploring this bustling metropolis, immersing yourself in its impressive museums, stunning architecture, and diverse cuisine. If time allows, do not miss out Hangzhou and Suzhou which can be reached by high speed trains from Shanghai easily. After Shanghai, you can travel north to Beijing and Xi’an, creating a classic China itinerary that spans about 8 to 9 days. For those who appreciate natural landscapes, it’s highly recommended to include Guilin (approximately 3 to 4 days) and Zhangjiajie (about 3 to 4 days) in your trip. If you prefer a more leisurely exploration, consider adding a Yangtze River Cruise (around 4 to 5 days) to your itinerary. You can also journey to Tibet with a stop in Chengdu, the hometown of the Giant Panda. Below are our top 8 recommended China tours starting from Shanghai!

- 8 Days China Golden-triangle Destinations Tour
- Discover the best of the BEST of China at your own pace! From the metropolitan Shanghai to the ancient hearts Xian and Beijing, you’ll explore the East-meets-West culture, profound history of the ancient emperors, authentic local life and more activities.
- Shanghai / Xian / Beijing
- from $1,432 / private tour
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- 9 Days East China & Huangshan Mountain Tour
- The terrific soaking up of metropolis, artistic traditional gardens, tranquil ancient water towns, exquisite Hui styled architectures, fabulous Yellow Mountain by bullet train to Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou & Huangshan in one go!
- Shanghai / Suzhou / Hangzhou / Huangshan
- from $1,572 / private tour
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- 12 Days Shanghai Yangtze Cruise Xian Beijing China Tour
- With a more relaxed pace, you’ll see everything from bustling city to majestic Yangtze River by a relaxing cruise and spend some days stepping back to ancient capitals, exploring the incredible historical wonders and heritage sites.
- Shanghai / Yangtze Cruise / Chongqing / Xian / Beijing
- from $2,132 / private tour
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- 10 Days Classic China Tour from Shanghai - First Date with China
- Discover the history, experience the stunning contrasts of ancient tradition and modern fashion, and get up and close with the finest scenery under heaven - Guilin & Yangshuo. Just indulge in the amazing atmosphere of China!
- Shanghai / Guilin / Yangshuo / Guilin / Xian / Beijing
- from $1,962 / private tour
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- 15 Days China Golden Triangle with Guilin Zhangjiajie
- From east to west and south to north, this itinerary offers a perfect blend of China’s metropolitan highlights and scenic wonders. It is ideal for those seeking an immersive travel experience, blending China’s iconic cities and landscapes.
- Shanghai / Zhangjiajie / Guilin / Xian / Beijing
- from Request / private tour
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- 17 Days China Yangtze Tour with Tibet & Giant Panda Visit
- A great chance to see the classical historical and cultural sights, and also admire the breathtaking scenery of this beautiful China. You are in the rhythm of a graceful melody feeling the authenticity, enthusiasm and magnificence China has to offer.
- Shanghai / Yangtze Cruise / Chengdu / Lhasa / Xian / Beijing
- from $3,509 / private tour
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- 16 Days China Landscape Tour with Zhangjiajie & Yangtze Cruise
- Embark on an unforgettable odyssey through the diverse landscapes and rich cultural tapestry of China with our comprehensive tour that seamlessly weaves together the iconic cities and natural wonders.
- Shanghai / Guilin / Chongqing / Yangtze Cruise / Yichang / Zhangjiajie / Xian / Beijing
- from Request / private tour
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- 15 Days China Tour with Tibet Discovery & Panda Visit
- This China tour is all about giving you the best impression of China's diversity - World heritage sites Great Wall and Terracotta Warriors, adorable Giant Pandas, holy land & roof of the world - Tibet...
- Shanghai / Guilin / Yangshuo / Guilin / Chengdu / Lhasa / Xian / Beijing
- from $3,266 / private tour
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Other Recommended China Tours Starting from Shanghai

In addition to Top 8 tour packages, China Discovery offers a wide range of other tours starting from Shanghai, each featuring unique themes and destinations. These tours include comprehensive sightseeing, essential train and flight arrangements, private car transfers, comfortable accommodations, and dedicated personal tour guides—all designed to ensure a worry-free vacation in China. If you're unsure where to begin, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our experienced travel specialists are ready to customize the perfect tour tailored to your interests and preferences.

8 Days Treasures of Jiangnan China Odyssey Tour

This is a unique trip full of diverse things to see and experience with the advanced riding of China high speed train. You will explore the southeastern China, the most prosperous region which is known for diversity of culture - modern metropolis, beautiful water towns, art of Suzhou Classical Garden, Buddhism, Chinese tea culture, Huizhou-style architecture… The fabulous Yellow Mountain pleases both your mind and eyes, which combines the landscape enjoying with cultural exploration in a single trip. You will start the trip from Shanghai to soak in its vitality and busyness, then go to experience the exquisite Jiangnan-style elegance in Suzhou and Hangzhou. Lastly, be amazed at the four wonders of the Yellow Mountain.
- Destinations: Shanghai/ Suzhou / Hangzhou / Huangshan / Jingdezhen / Wangxian Valley
- Hightlights: Hangzhou West Lake, Wuzhen Water Town, Suzhou No.1 Silk Factory, Yellow Mountain, Hongcun Ancient Villages, China Ceramic Museum, Wangxian Valley
- from Request / private tour, Flexible departure
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10 Days Golden Triangle Tour with Panda Fun

In this 10-day tour, you’ll be face-to-face with not only the adorable giant pandas, but also the grand representative architectures, world-famous Great Wall and Terracotta Warriors, real lifestyle and customs of local folks…feel relaxed and ease yourselves into the rhythm of every day journey in Shanghai, Chengdu, Xian and Beijing.
- Destinations: Shanghai / Chengdu / Xian / Beijing
- Hightlights:
- from $1,891 / private tour, Flexible departure
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10 Days China Golden Triangle Plus Hangzhou Paradise Tour

This 10 days' China tour has collected the best classical destinations for you in a single trip. You start your vacation from Shanghai, the blend of West and East, to picturesque city Hangzhou, then make a memorable stop at the ancient capital Xian, and lastly finish your vacation in Beijing, the most popular travel destination in China.
- Destinations: Shanghai / Wuzhen / Hangzhou / Xian / Beijing
- Hightlights: The Bund, Shanghai World Financial Center, Wuzhen Water Town, West Lake, Terracotta Warriors, Ancient City Wall, Mutianyu Great Wall, Forbidden City
- from Request / private tour, Flexible departure
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8 Days Shanghai Hangzhou Beijing Highlights Tour by High Speed Train

To race across the incredible China on the reliable, speedy and comfortable high speed railways from the fashionable Shanghai to imperial Beijing, via the heavenly city of Hangzhou. Start your bullet train adventure form Shanghai, then take a bullet train to the heavenly city - Hangzhou where you will cruise leisurely on the picturesque West Lake and enjoy a cup of famous Longji tea. Next, you will take another bullet train to Beijing to visit the world-famous Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace… The Most exciting thing will be the Great Wall hiking. Enjoy the adventure now!
- Destinations: Shanghai / Hangzhou / Beijing
- Hightlights: The Bund, Zhujiajiao Water Town, West Lake, Longji Tea Plantation, Forbidden City, Mutianyu Great Wall
- from Request / private tour, Flexible departure
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7 Days Shanghai Suzhou Beijing Contrast Tour by High Speed Train

A short but essential trip to Shanghai and Beijing, the two main parts of China will show you a seamless blend of ancient imperial wonders and a modern metropolis. Furthermore, it will be a lifetime memory to take a bullet train from Shanghai to Beijing in just 5 hours.
- Destinations: Shanghai / Tongli / Suzhou / Beijing
- Hightlights: Shanghai the Bund, Tongli Water Town, Suzhou Museum, Suzhou Lingering Garde, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Great Wall
- from Request / private tour, Flexible departure
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6 Days Shanghai Hangzhou & Suzhou Bullet Train Tour with Wuzhen Water Town

A classic Shanghai tour, with an extension to nearby Suzhou and Hangzhou, is an essential and popular trip to appreciate the classic and elegant East China. Take the flying cool train to see their distinct splendid and authentic charm and prosperous development in 6 days. Start from marveling at the glamorous cityscape as well as the historical appearance of Shanghai, and ride to Hangzhou to admire the paradise beauty of West Lake, tea fields, etc. with rich poetic and painting culture. And enjoy leisure time at the quiet, soft and beautiful Wuzhen Water Town. Furthermore, visit Suzhou to soak in its best artistic and literal aroma at its classic garden and look at the real making of silk products. The trip will be perfectly ending in Shanghai!
- Destinations: Shanghai / Hangzhou / Wuzhen / Suzhou / Shanghai
- Hightlights: The Bund, Shanghai World Financial Center, Wukang Road City Walk, Wuzhen Water Town, West Lake, Linger Garden
- from request / private tour, Flexible departure
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7 Days Shanghai Hangzhou Huangshan Highlights Tour

This tour takes you to see a different China, which is prosperous, elegant, magnificent and poetic, traditional and open! Start from Shanghai to catch its fancy skyline of world top skyscrapers facing century old colonial architectures and walk in the classic garden to seek its hidden Chinese beauty. Then, transfer to Hangzhou to see the “Paradise City on Earth” around the fabulous West Lake and get up to enjoy the forest quietness and tea fields refreshing. Continue to Huangshan to visit the picturesque traditional village filmed in Hollywood movie and hike up on gorgeous Yellow Mountain to embrace its best splendid natural wonders!
- Destinations: Shanghai / Hangzhou / Huangshan
- Hightlights: The Bund, Shanghai World Financial Center, Yu Garden, West Lake, Meijia Dock Dragon Well Tea Village, Yellow Mountain, Hongcun Ancient Village
- from request / private tour, Flexible departure
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14 Days China Panda Loving Care Tour with Tibet Discovery

Set off on a comprehensive adventure with great PANDA loving care program fun and TIBET discovery! In this 14-day tour, you will not only explore the iconic sights in China’s golden triangle cities - Beijing, Xian and Shanghai, join in meaningful Panda Loving Care in Dujiangyan Panda Base to do interesting interactive activities, but also feel the spirit of Tibetan Buddhism on the Roof of the World.
- Destinations: Shanghai / Chengdu / Lhasa / Xian / Beijing
- Hightlights:
- from $3,157 / private tour, Flexible departure
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14 Days Essential China & Yangtze River Cruise Tour

You will literally be impressed after spending 14 days on this all-around China tour. With a focus on historic and cultural splendors and the most breathtaking natural sceneries, including 3 days cruising on China's longest and most spectacular river where also locates numerous historic and cultural relics and modern man-made marvels along its way.
- Destinations: Shanghai / Yichang / Yangtze Cruise / Chongqing / Guilin / Yangshuo / Xian / Beijing
- Hightlights:
- from $2,463 / private tour, Flexible departure
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15 Days China Splendors Tour with Avatar Zhangjiajie

From Shanghai, one of the top gateways of China, we are taking you to the top destinations to fully explore the splendors of China, like Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Yangtze River, Terracotta Warriors, Forbidden City and Great Wall and more. Many awesome activities and experience is covered in this tour. Just come with us to see all the splendors of China!
- Destinations: Shanghai / Zhangjiajie / Yichang / Yangtze Cruise / Chongqing / Xian / Beijing
- Hightlights:
- from $2,468 / private tour, Flexible departure
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14 Days Wild China Tours from Shanghai to Yunnan on Expresses

The Hunan, Yunnan, Guizhou Provinces are believed as three of the wildest regions in China where you can see extraordinary natural landscapes - Karst, snow mountains, gorges, etc., and experience exotic and unique ethnic culture. You will start your trip from Shanghai, then go to explore the Avatar world in Zhangjiajie. After that, you will take a high speed train to Kaili, the very center of Guizhou ethnic culture. The last part of your trip is Yunnan exploration. You will visit the ancient city of Lijiang, hike Tiger Leaping Gorge, discover the land of Shangri-la and finish your tour in Kunming, the spring city.
- Destinations: Shanghai / Zhangjiajie / Kaili / Kunming / Lijiang / Shangri-la / Kunming
- Hightlights: The Bund, Zhangjiajie National Park, Fanjingshan Mountain, Miao Ethnic Group, Lijiang Ancient Town, Tiger Leaping Gorge
- from $2,758 / private tour, Flexible departure
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12 Days China Xiapu Mudflats Xiamen Tulou Coastal Tour by Bullet Train

12 days’ relaxing, interesting and scenic China coastal tour by the modern, fast and comfortable CRH bullet trains. You will visit colossal Shanghai first, then take a bullet train to Hangzhou, known for its beautiful West Lake, then visit Putuoshan, the holy land for Buddhist pilgrims. The train journey then take you into Fujian Province where you will first spend two days at Xiapu to do some photography of the incredible mudflats, stunning sunrise and sunset, picturesque fishing villages, then move on to Xiamen to see the spectacular Tulou homes - the earth buildings of local Hakka people.
- Destinations: Shanghai / Hangzhou / Putuoshan / Xiapu / Xiamen / HK
- Hightlights:
- from Request / private tour, Flexible departure
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19 Days Grand China Tour with Inspiring Experience

This 19-day wide-ranging tour has China’s top seven destinations covered, stretching from the Eastern China, Southern China, Western China and Northern China, with time to soak up all the sights and get all-sided acquaintance on China. It features both breathtaking natural landscape far from the madding crowd and authentic cultural and active experiences, bringing you closer to extraordinary sites, the local people and their way of life…Please remember, the tour is yours which can be customized as you like!
- Destinations: Shanghai / Suzhou / Zhouzhuang / Shanghai / Guilin / Yangshuo / Longsheng / Chengdu / Lhasa / Xian / Beijing
- Hightlights:
- from $4,016 / private tour, Flexible departure
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10 Days Legendary Silk Road Tour from Shanghai

As the fast growing of the networks of both flights and high speed railways, you can now easily travel from Shanghai to the highlighting part of the Silk Road - Zhangye, Jiayuguan and Dunhuang (can extend to Turpan, Urumqi and Kashgar). The most recommended itinerary is: Shanghai – Xian – Zhangye – Jiayuguan – Dunhuang in which you can explore the history, culture and food of the ancient Silk Road, also marvel at tremendous landscapes of desert, Gobi, rainbow mountain, Yardang landform which you can only see in the wild northwestern China.
- Destinations: Shanghai / Xian / Zhangye / Jiayuguan / Dunhuang
- Hightlights: Shanghai the Bund, Shanghai Museum, Xian Terracotta Warriors, Ancient City Wall, Zhangye Danxia Landform, Jiayuguan Pass, Yulin Grottoes, Mogao Grottoes, Mingshashan
- from $1,876 / private tour, Flexible departure
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Frequent Questions about China Travel Asked by Our Clients

Here we list out the most frequently asked questions that our former customers about tour planning, travel documents, itinerary, hotel, booking, dinning. You are also welcomed to submit your question to us, our travel experts are always ready to help. Read more tips »

1. What services are included in my tour package?

All our tours are private tour packages except for some programs operated by our partners, such as Yangtze Cruise, Tibet Group Tour, etc. Private tour package means high standard of tour services and more flexibility. Travel with our tour package, you will have your own tour guide and vehicle who only serve for you. Besides, itinerary, hotels, meals and tour activities can all be customized according to your personal need. And for sure, all above services are covered in your tour price, which means you don’t have to worry about extra payment or hidden costs. While providing you the best tour service, we also ensure our tours are valuable and affordable for you.

2. How to choose China destinations and when is the best time to visit China?

Where to go?
For the first-timer China tour, you can go to classic destinations, such as Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Guilin, Zhangjiajie, Yangtze River, Tibet, etc. To add some different experience, you can travel classic destinations with some other unique destinations.
For Nature Enjoyment: Yunnan, Tibet, Sichuan, Gansu, Guizhou, Huangshan, Inner Mongolia, Yangtze River;
For Culture Exploration: Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Tibet, Xinjiang, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Pingyao, Luoyang, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Xiamen, etc.
For Family with Kids: Shanghai, Beijing, Xian, Chengdu, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Xiamen, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, etc.
For Adventure: Sichuan, Gansu, Xinjiang, Tibet, Yunnan, etc.

When to go?
Since China is so large and diverse, you can always find suitable destinations to visit in each season, or each month. In the big metropolis, such as Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Chengdu, the season doesn't matter as much as visiting natural destinations, because their best highlights are all conveniently located in or near the city downtown, and it is always very easy to book flights, trains and hotels. But some destinations are only recommended to be visited in specific seasons.
Generally speaking, autumn is the best season to travel China when the weather is pleasant and scenery is finest. To avoid the crowds, you can avoid traveling during the festivals, such as National Holiday, Middle Autumn Festival, etc.

3. Apply for Chinese Visa?

Unless you are qualified for Visa-free policies, such as long-term residential visa, transit visa free, or you are from specific countries, you are required to have a Tourist Visa (L Visa) for your China tour. You can apply for Chinese visa in Chinese embassies or consulates in your country. To successfully obtain a Chinese Visa, applicants need to prepare some materials to prove his/her legal identity and purpose of visiting. The most important requirements are basic documents, including your passport and a completed visa application form. And supporting documents relate to your itinerary like flight ticket and hotel booking record and visiting schedule and Invitation Letter, etc. are also very helpful.

4. How to book tour with China Discovery

Making a booking with us is quite simple: 1) Send an Inquiry; 2) Get a tour package with quotation from us; 3) Amend the tour according to your requirement; 4) You confirm the tour and pay a deposit; 5) Pay the balance; 6) Enjoy your tour.

5. How to make payment for my tour?

You can make payment either by Wechat Pay, Alipay, or Bank Transfer, PayPal, even cash. Your travel consultant will instruct you to complete the payment.

6. Can I get refund if I have to cancel my trip?

If you must cancel your trip, please submit your cancellation in written form by email or fax with your signature as early as possible. The final refund amount depends on when we receive your cancellation notice or letter, and actual expense, such as hotel booking, tickets reservation, etc. Your travel consultant will help you with the detailed process.

7. What kinds of vehicles you use for our tour?

It depends on your group size and budget. We have sedan car, SUV, business van (MPV), different types of buses available. No matter where you are going to visit, your vehicle is licensed, air conditioned, clean, and expertly maintained. To maximize your comfort, we use vehicles with extra space for you and your luggage.

8. What kinds of hotel we can expect for?

In each destination, you’ll stay in a comfortable hotel with great location! We only use hotel with good-ratings, great locations, well-equipped facilities, cozy bed, high quality service and guests’ feedbacks. Choices are a lot ranging from luxury 5 star, comfortable 4 star to budget 3 star. You could decide where to stay to best suit for your budget and likes. Generally, the hotels have both Western and Chinese breakfast with a wide choices. If you have already got an ideal hotel, please feel free to tell our travel consultants and they'll book the hotel for you.

Need more choices for your China tour?

On the other hand, besides Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu and Hong Kong are the other perfect cities to start a China trip. Get inspired and delighted by our handpicked top itineraries now!

On one hand, if you just want a short stay in & around Shanghai, the 2~9 days Shanghai China tours like Shanghai Beijing Tours, Yangtze River Delta Tours, Shanghai Suzhou Hangzhou Tours, Shanghai Huangshan Tours will save you more time and money.

Start planning your tailor-made holiday to China by contacting one of our specialists. Once inquired, you’ll get a response within 0.5~23.5 hours.

Customize a Trip