Eastern China in 7 days: Yangzhou, Shanghai, Ningbo, sequenced for the smoothest travel and the best light — with classical gardens as the through-line.
Route at a glance
Why this route works
- 7 days, 3 bases — sequenced so travel days fall between sightseeing days and every stop gets real time on the ground, not just transfers.
- Classical gardens is the through-line: Yangzhou, Shanghai, Ningbo.
- Eastern China — one continuous trip instead of two separate holidays, so you only unpack and re-pack when the route really demands it.
Day-by-day itinerary
DAY
1
1
Yangzhou
Arrival & first look
09:00Arrive in Yangzhou. Your private driver meets you and transfers you to the hotel (about 45–90 min from the airport).
11:00Early check-in, drop your bags and freshen up.
12:30Welcome lunch — a local lunch spot recommended by your guide.
14:30Gentle orientation: a guided stroll through Yangzhou old quarter with short photo stops.
17:00Return to the hotel to rest. Activate your eSIM and set up Alipay / WeChat Pay with your card.
19:00Dinner at a recommended local restaurant — a regional dinner.
20:30Easy evening: a night view or free time. Your guide briefs you for tomorrow.
Overnightin Yangzhou.
Daily reminders · applies every day
- Carry your passport (plus a visa copy) — hotels and sites may check ID.
- Confirm tomorrow’s driver pickup time with your guide.
- Keep both cash and a topped-up mobile-payment app (Alipay / WeChat Pay).
- Charge your phone and power bank before heading out.
- Download the offline map for today’s area.
- Complete hotel check-in registration.
- Activate your eSIM / local SIM and test the data.
- Save the hotel address in Chinese to show taxi drivers.
DAY
2
2
Yangzhou
On the road to Shanghai
07:30Breakfast at the hotel and pack.
09:00Free morning for a last stroll or souvenir shopping in Yangzhou.
11:00Check out; private transfer to the station / airport for the intercity leg to Shanghai.
13:00Arrive Shanghai; check in or drop your bags at the hotel.
14:30Afternoon orientation of Shanghai with your guide — A guided visit to a second attraction..
18:30Dinner in Shanghai — a regional dinner.
20:30Free evening. Overnight in Shanghai.
DAY
3
3
Shanghai
Settle in & explore
07:30Breakfast at the hotel.
08:30Depart with your guide for this morning’s highlights.
09:15Guided tour of Shanghai's signature landmark and its museum quarter.
11:15Wander a traditional neighbourhood and its artisan streets.
12:30Lunch — a regional set-menu lunch at a local favourite.
14:00Afternoon at leisure — shopping streets, cafés and people-watching.
16:00A rooftop or riverside viewpoint for the golden hour.
17:30Return to the hotel to freshen up; free time.
19:00Dinner — a celebrated local restaurant (your guide's pick).
20:30A night market or a live cultural performance.
22:00Back to the hotel. Overnight in Shanghai.
DAY
4
4
Shanghai
Full-day exploration
07:30Breakfast at the hotel.
08:30Depart with your guide for this morning’s highlights.
09:15Explore Shanghai's historic core — temples, lanes and covered markets.
11:15Stop for a tea or coffee break at a landmark café.
12:30Lunch — a regional set-menu lunch at a local favourite.
14:00A guided visit to a second major sight or palace complex.
16:00A spa or foot-massage stop to recharge.
17:30Return to the hotel to freshen up; free time.
19:00Dinner — a celebrated local restaurant (your guide's pick).
20:30A rooftop bar with skyline views.
22:00Back to the hotel. Overnight in Shanghai.
DAY
5
5
Shanghai
On the road to Ningbo
07:30Breakfast at the hotel and pack.
09:00Free morning for a last stroll or souvenir shopping in Shanghai.
11:00Check out; private transfer to the station / airport for the intercity leg to Ningbo.
13:00Arrive Ningbo; check in or drop your bags at the hotel.
14:30Afternoon orientation of Ningbo with your guide — A food crawl through a local market with tastings..
18:30Dinner in Ningbo — a celebrated local restaurant (your guide's pick).
20:30Free evening. Overnight in Ningbo.
DAY
6
6
Ningbo
Settle in & explore
07:30Breakfast at the hotel.
08:30Depart with your guide for this morning’s highlights.
09:15A walking tour of Ningbo's centre and landmarks.
11:15A café break in a lively neighbourhood.
12:30Lunch — a local lunch spot recommended by your guide.
14:00Free time for shopping and strolling.
16:00A relaxed afternoon activity of your choice.
17:30Return to the hotel to freshen up; free time.
19:00Dinner — a regional dinner.
20:30Free evening to relax at the hotel.
22:00Back to the hotel. Overnight in Ningbo.
DAY
7
7
Ningbo
Final morning & departure
07:30Breakfast at the hotel and pack.
09:00Final stroll or last souvenir shopping near the hotel.
11:00Check out and settle any incidentals.
12:00Private transfer to the airport / station; your guide assists with check-in.
—End of services. Safe travels — thank you for travelling with WingPhoenix!
Getting around
| Leg | Distance | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Yangzhou → Shanghai | 234 km | High-speed rail |
| Shanghai → Ningbo | 152 km | High-speed rail |
Practical tips
- April–May & Sept–Oct are the sweet spot for most of China; avoid the Oct 1–7 National Day crowds.
- Set up Alipay / WeChat Pay and install a China eSIM before you land.
- Pre-book timed-entry tickets for major sights (Forbidden City, Terracotta Army, Panda Base).
- Emergencies: Police 110 · Ambulance 120 · Tourism hotline 12301 · WingPhoenix 24/7 WhatsApp +86 180 3801 6100.
Want this as a fully bookable trip — hotels, private car, English guides & live pricing? Build it free in the WingPhoenix AI trip planner or WhatsApp +86 180 3801 6100. Browse all itineraries →
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Frequently asked questions
How many days does this China itinerary take?
This plan is 7 days long, covering Yangzhou, Ningbo. Every day has hour-by-hour timings you can adjust in our free AI trip planner.
Which cities are included in this itinerary?
The route covers Yangzhou, Ningbo, sequenced to minimise travel time between them.
When is the best time to visit Yangzhou and this region?
For most of China, April to May and September to October give the mildest weather and the fewest crowds; try to avoid the National Day holiday (1 to 7 October). See our Best Time to Visit China guide for month-by-month detail.
Can I customise this itinerary?
Yes. Each day is editable in the WingPhoenix AI trip planner, and our trip designers can tailor the route to your pace, budget and interests. Message us on WhatsApp +86 180 3801 6100.
