How to Plan A Shanghai Huangshan Tour | Top Attractions, Itinerary, Best Time and Accommodation

No.1 Stroll along Shanghai's Iconic Bund to Nanjing Road

- Recommended Duration: half-day

- Best Visiting Time During the Day: In the evening

- Highlights: European-style Buildings along the Bund, Scrapers opposite the Bund, Shopping on Nanjing Road

Embark on a delightful journey as you stroll along Shanghai's Iconic Bund and continue your adventure to the vibrant Nanjing Road. Begin your walk on the Bund, taking in the magnificent views of the city's skyline and the Huangpu River. Admire the architectural gems of the Bund, such as the Peace Hotel and the Customs House, marveling at their historical significance.

As you cross over from the Bund, you'll find yourself on Nanjing Road, one of the world's busiest shopping streets. From international brands to local specialties, Nanjing Road offers a diverse range of shopping options to suit every taste.

Take a break from shopping and treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of the many restaurants, offering a variety of cuisines to satisfy your palate. Don't miss the chance to try local delicacies like xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) or Shanghai-style fried noodles.

Tips:

- Plan to visit during both daytime and evening to witness the contrast between the stunning skyline and the illuminated buildings along the river.

- Take advantage of its central location and plan to visit nearby sites to make the most of your time in the area.

The night view of the Bund of Shanghai

The historical buildings on the Bund

Recommended Huangshan Tours & Trips:

Classic Shanghai Day Tour - A Glimpse of China's Magic City2 Days Shanghai Highlights Tour with the Bund, Skylines & City Walk Experience4 Days Shanghai Relaxing Family Tour with Disneyland Fun

No.2 Take in the Allure of Shanghai's Skyline

- Recommended Duration: 2-3 hours

- Best Visiting Time During the Day: In the evening

- Highlights: Huangpu River Cruise, observation decks of the skyscrapers

Shanghai’s skyline is adorned with iconic skyscrapers, including the Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, Jin Mao Tower, and the Shanghai Tower – the second-tallest building in the world.

As the sun sets, Shanghai's skyline transforms into a dazzling display of lights. The illuminated skyscrapers, bridges, and riverside promenades come alive, casting a vibrant glow over the city.

Embarking on a Huangpu River cruise is an excellent way to experience the beauty of Shanghai's skyline. For an extraordinary perspective, head to one of the city's observation decks or rooftop bars. These skyscrapers offer stunning vistas from dizzying heights.

Tips

- Waibaidu Bridge is a recommended spot for capturing the skyline of the skyscrapers.

Shanghai Landmark Building - Oriental Pearl Tower

The amazing night view of skyline

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No.3 Explore Shanghai's Exquisite Yuyuan Garden and Bazaar

- Opening Hours: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM

- Recommended Duration: 2-3 hours

- Best Visiting Time During the Day: In the morning

- Highlights: Jade Rock, Dragon Wall, Nine Turn Bridge, Yuyuan Bazaar

Yu Garden is a typical example of a Jiangnan-style garden, located in the heart of Shanghai, offering a tranquil escape from the bustling city. It is a testament to Ming Dynasty design, featuring pavilions, bridges, ponds, and lush greenery. The Exquisite Jade Rock, a treasured centerpiece, along with the unique dragon wall and iconic Nine Turn Bridge, are must-see attractions.

Venture into the adjacent Yuyuan Bazaar, a bustling marketplace that adds a vibrant contrast to the garden's tranquility. Here, you can indulge in Shanghai's rich culinary landscape, sampling local delicacies from street food vendors. The bazaar is also a treasure trove of traditional crafts, perfect for souvenirs. Make sure to taste the famous xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) from Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant.

Tips:

- To avoid large crowds, consider visiting early in the morning or during weekdays.

- If you have the chance, visit Yu Garden during the Lantern Festival, which usually takes place in February or early March. The garden is adorned with colorful lanterns, creating a magical and festive atmosphere.

The classical Chinese garden in downtown Shanghai

Yu Garden is a Jiangnan-style garden

Recommended Huangshan Tours & Trips:

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No.4 Hiking in the Yellow Mountain to Admire the Natural Wonders

- Recommended Duration: 1-2 days

- Highlights: uniquely shaped pines, oddly shaped rocks, the sea of clouds, sunrise, and sunset

Yellow Mountain (Mt. Huangshan), located in south Anhui province, is one of China's most famous and beautiful mountainous areas, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known for its "four wonders" - uniquely shaped pines, oddly shaped rocks, the sea of clouds, and hot springs, the Yellow Mountain (1864 meters high) offers an unforgettable hiking experience.

Hiking in the mountains is easy and cozy with cable cars connected to the base of the mountain, even children and seniors can enjoy the beautiful wonders during the hiking way.

When you embark on a hiking journey in Yellow Mountain , you will definitely have the opportunity to witness the uniquely shaped pines and oddly shaped rocks. However, whether you can witness the sea of clouds is dependent on luck and weather conditions. You can only witness the amazing sunrise and sunset by staying overnight on the mountain. A winter Huangshan Mountain tour will increase the opportunity to appreciate the most beautiful natural wonders.

Tips:

- The cost of a hotel on the mountain is quite high considering the basic facilities they offer.

- Xihai Grand Canyon will be closed from November to March.

- The weather on the mountain can be unpredictable, so remember to bring a raincoat when hiking.

The sea of clouds in Yellow Mountain are famous

Huangshan Mountain in winter is like a dream

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No.5 Explore the Ancient Towns Such as Hongcun and Xidi

- Recommended Duration: Half day or one day

- Best Visiting Time During the Day: In the morning or in the afternoon

- Highlights: Hongcun, Xidi

More than 20 ancient towns located near the Yellow Mountain (Huangshan), are renowned for their well-preserved traditional architecture, rich cultural heritage, and picturesque surroundings. Among them, Hongcun and Xidi are the two most famous ancient towns that have been recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites for their cultural and historical significance.

Hongcun is designed in the shape of an ox while Xidi is designed in the shape of a boat. Both are predominantly designed in the Huizhou architectural style, a school of design that showcases intricate wood carvings, walls of pristine white, and roofs of contrasting black tiles.

Take a leisurely stroll through the ancient streets, lined with well-preserved houses and ancestral halls, and immerse yourself in the surrounding natural beauty, with lush green hills, tranquil waterways, and picturesque scenery.

Tips:

- The alleyways are narrow and can get crowded during the holidays. If time allows, you’d better stay overnight in the towns to avoid the crowds.

- The landscapes on rainy and sunny days can vary significantly, with rainy days often offering a more atmospheric and artistic ambiance.

Hongcun is the largest and most famous village among the Hui-style architectural villages.

Xidi is famous for the archway at the entrance of the village.

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The duration of your stay depends on your vacation schedule and preferences, but we recommend allocating at least 4-6 days to fully experience the top attractions in these popular destinations in China. If you have around 6 days for your trip, you can plan approximately 2-3 days in Shanghai, and then spend about 2-3 days in Huangshan to explore the classic sights in eastern China.

Shanghai (1-2 Days)

As one of China's most modern and international cities, Shanghai offers classic attractions that can be experienced in a short stay of 1-2 days. Don't miss the Shanghai Museum, Yu Garden , Nanjing Road, the Bund, and the awe-inspiring skyline with iconic skyscrapers like Shanghai Tower, Jin Mao Tower, and Oriental Pearl Tower.

Huangshan (1-3 Days)

With its picturesque natural landscape and ancient villages of Hui-style architecture, Huangshan has become a must-visit destination in eastern China due to its convenient transportation from Shanghai and Hangzhou. To fully explore the region's most popular attractions, it is recommended to allocate at least 2-3 days. You can hike in the magnificent Yellow Mountain to admire the unparalleled natural beauty or stroll along the quaint alleys of ancient towns to explore the history and culture of the locals.

The night on the Bund is beautiful and charming.

The Greeting Guest Pine is the most famous among the ancient pines in Huangshan Mountain.

Recommended 6-Day Classic Shanghai Huangshan Itinerary

This 6-day itinerary covers the classic destinations of Shanghai and Huangshan , encompassing the most enchanting highlights of both cities.

Day 1: After arriving in Shanghai, make use of your free time to explore China’s most internationalized and vibrant city.

Day 2: Spend a full day in Shanghai, and explore its magnificent attractions, such as the Bund, Shanghai Museum, Yu Garden , and the Lujiazui skyscrapers.

Day 3: Before taking a high-speed to Huangshan in the afternoon, you still have time to visit the old Shanghai, such as the Jade Buddha Temple and French Concession area in the morning.

Day 4: Spend a whole day hiking on Yellow Mountain to admire the peculiar pines, grotesque rocks, the sea of clouds, and amazing sunset.

Day 5: Get up early in the Morning to catch the sunrise. Then get down the mountain back to the city for the ancient towns.

Day 6: Before leaving Huangshan , make use of your remaining time to visit the famous Hongcun.

Shanghai to Huangshan Map

Check more detailed information in Huangshan Maps and Shanghai Maps. 

The high-speed rail is the best transportation between Shanghai and Huangshan . There are over 10 high-speed trains departing from Shanghai Railway Station and Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station to Huangshan North Railway Station every day. The trail starts from Shanghai Railway Station to Huangshan would stops at Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station. Depending on the train you take, the journey may take 2.5 - 3.5 hours. Here is the timetable for the rails:

Tips: Flights between the two cities were canceled after the High-speed rail was opened.

The best time to visit Shanghai and Huangshan is during the spring (March to May) or autumn (September to early November) seasons. The weather during these seasons is typically moderate, with fewer rain days, making it ideal for exploring the cityscapes of Shanghai and hiking in Huangshan. The temperatures are comfortable, ranging from 15°C to 25°C.

From a cost perspective, spring and autumn are outside the peak summer holiday season, meaning accommodation and flight prices can be cheaper and tourist sites less crowded. This allows for a more relaxed and cost-effective travel experience.

Try to avoid the holidays during early May and early October, when the top attractions will be crowded with Chinese tourists.

In Shanghai, it's highly recommended to stay around People's Square in Puxi, west of the Huangpu River. The top attractions of Shanghai are mainly located around this area. From here, you can easily get to the Bund, Yu Garden , Shanghai Museum, Nanjing Road, French Concession, and Xintiandi by subway. The hotel prices here are much lower compared to those along the Bund. Staying in this area puts you in Shanghai's historic core with easy access via the metro to visit other modern districts and attractions. Booking a hotel around People's Square provides the most convenient, lively Shanghai experience.

In Huangshan , there are two accommodation options: staying in the ancient town or staying on the mountain itself. Staying on the mountain provides the opportunity to witness the sunrise and sunset landscapes of Huangshan, making your hiking journey more convenient. On the other hand, staying in the town offers better value for money with a wider range of dining and entertainment options.

1. Before packing, check the weather forecast for both Shanghai and Huangshan during your travel dates. This will help you pack appropriate clothing and accessories for different weather conditions.

2. As the weather in both Shanghai and Huangshan can vary, pack clothing that can be layered easily. Bring a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings or higher altitudes in Huangshan.

3. Choose comfortable and sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots, especially if you plan to explore the trails in Huangshan.

4. Bring a lightweight daypack or backpack for day trips and hikes. This allows you to carry essentials like water, snacks, a camera, extra layers, and other items you may need during your explorations.

5. Pack travel-sized toiletries, including toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, soap, and any other personal care items you require. Hotels on Mt. Huangshan and ancient towns may not provide them for free.

When visiting Shanghai and Huangshan, you'll have the opportunity to try a variety of delicious local dishes. Here are some must-try foods in each destination:

What to Eat in Shanghai:

Xiaolongbao: These steamed soup dumplings are a Shanghai specialty. Be sure to try them at reputable establishments like Din Tai Fung or Jia Jia Tang Bao.

Shanghai-style Stir-Fried Noodles (Yangchun Mian): This dish features stir-fried noodles with a variety of ingredients like vegetables, meat, and soy sauce. It's a popular and satisfying choice for a quick meal.

What to Eat in Huangshan:

Stewed Mandarin Fish (Chougui Yu): This signature dish of Huangshan features fresh Mandarin fish cooked in a savory broth with bamboo shoots and other seasonings, creating a delightful combination of flavors.

Tofu Dishes: Try specialties like Maodoufu (tofu with hairy crab), Mapo Tofu (spicy tofu), and Fried Tofu Skin.

If your stay in China extends to about a week, consider expanding your tour to include the captivating cities of Hangzhou and Suzhou along with Shanghai and Huangshan . Hangzhou , famous for its picturesque West Lake and historic temples, provides a serene escape from urban hustle and bustle. Suzhou , renowned for its classic gardens and enchanting water towns, offers a beautiful blend of nature and traditional Chinese architecture.

High-speed railways make it possible to travel from Shanghai to Hangzhou and Suzhou in under two hours, enabling you to explore these cities within your timeframe.

For a longer itinerary, you might consider adding Beijing, with its historic sites like the Great Wall and Forbidden City, and Xi’an, housing the famous Terracotta Army, to your Shanghai and Huangshan tour. A tour of approximately 10-13 days would allow for an in-depth exploration of these remarkable cities.

Headquartered in China with a local team based in Huangshan, Asia Odyssey Travel is dedicated to providing the best service and ensuring an authentic and unforgettable experience for those looking to explore Huangshan. Our local team offers a range of carefully designed tours, including classic Huangshan tours, Huangshan Hiking Tours, Huangshan Ancient Town Tours, Shanghai Huangshan tours, and Hangzhou Huangshan tours to meet your needs and desires, ensuring a pleasant holiday during your Huangshan tour. Our professional travel consultants are always ready to help you customize your Huangshan tour at the most favorable local prices. Contact us now to start planning your dream Huangshan trip!