Sample Itineraries
Gentle Family China: 8 Days, Shanghai + Hangzhou + Yangshuo
Unhurried city walks in Shanghai, lakeside paths in Hangzhou and karst valley downtime in Yangshuo, planned with generous rests for families with children.
- Duration
- 7 nights / 8 days
- Pace
- Moderate (2 of 4)
- Cities
- Shanghai → Hangzhou → Yangshuo
- Best for
- Families with young children seeking an unhurried pace
Who this route is for
This route is shaped for families travelling with younger children who want a relaxed introduction to China without moving hotels too frequently. Shorter rail and flight hops connect riverside walks, shaded lakeside paths and peaceful limestone valleys. Afternoons leave generous space for quiet breaks, garden strolls or swimming, keeping each day manageable.
Reference prices
Price checked: 23 October 2026
- Independent
- From $2,200per person
- Private Guided
- From $3,400per person
2026 reference prices · reference price for 2 travelers sharing · international flights not included
Season, hotel level and group size change the price; your consultant quotes the exact trip.
Compare what each level includesThe route
- 1. Shanghai2 nights
- 2. Hangzhou2 nights
- 3. Yangshuo3 nights
High-speed rail
Domestic flight
Day by day
01
Arrival in Shanghai and a quiet evening
Shanghai
Morning
Touch down in Shanghai and transfer to your hotel, with the morning kept clear to unpack and unwind.
Afternoon
Rest off any travel fatigue in your room or wander into nearby cafes at an easy family pace.
Evening
Take a short, gentle evening stroll along the Bund to see the lights across the river, followed by an early dinner.
02
Old town gardens and the Natural History Museum
Shanghai
Morning
Wander through the rockeries and koi ponds of Yu Garden and the surrounding old town lanes.
Afternoon
Explore the Shanghai Natural History Museum, featuring dinosaur skeletons and interactive exhibits; note the museum is closed on Mondays.
Evening
Enjoy an early family-friendly dumpling dinner before returning to the hotel for a quiet evening.
03
High-speed rail to Hangzhou and West Lake
Hangzhou
Morning
Board a high-speed train from Shanghai Hongqiao to Hangzhou East, an easy ride of about an hour.
Afternoon
Check in to your hotel, then board a traditional rowing boat or electric boat across West Lake to enjoy the calm open water.
Evening
An unhurried lakeside dinner nearby, leaving plenty of time to rest before tomorrow's outdoor activities.
04
Lakeside causeway and Longjing tea terraces
Hangzhou
Morning
Enjoy an easy family cycle or shaded walk along the tree-lined Su Causeway beside West Lake.
Afternoon
Head into the green hills of Longjing tea village for a gentle walk through terraced bushes and a short tea-tasting stop.
Evening
Sample mild local snacks and browse traditional crafts along pedestrianised Hefang Street.
05
Flight to Guilin and transfer to Yangshuo
Yangshuo
Morning
Fly from Hangzhou to Guilin, taking around two to two and a half hours.
Afternoon
Transfer by road for about ninety minutes through green karst countryside to your Yangshuo hotel, checking in with time to unpack and rest.
Evening
Take a short stroll along the banks of the Yulong River before a relaxed dinner at your hotel.
06
Bamboo rafting and countryside downtime
Yangshuo
Morning
Drift down the calm Yulong River on a two-person bamboo raft steered by a local boatman through limestone peaks.
Afternoon
Head back to the hotel for an unstructured afternoon of swimming, reading or resting during the heat of the day.
Evening
A simple dinner nearby, with an optional ticket to the Impression Liu Sanjie river show; note it ends late and is weather dependent, so skip with younger children.
07
Karst village cycling and family cooking
Yangshuo
Morning
Set off on an easy bike ride along flat countryside paths or choose an open-air electric cart through the karst valleys.
Afternoon
Join a friendly family cooking class starting with a colourful village market walk to pick fresh ingredients.
Evening
Eat the dishes you cooked together for dinner, enjoying a peaceful final evening in the countryside.
08
Departure from Yangshuo
Yangshuo
Morning
Have a relaxed breakfast by the fields and take a final peaceful stroll around the hotel grounds.
Afternoon
Take the road transfer of about ninety minutes back to Guilin Liangjiang International Airport for your onward flight.
Evening
Board your scheduled departure flight, with the evening kept clear for airport transfers and connections.
2026 reference prices
Two ways to take this route.
Your final price depends on hotels, car arrangements and what you ask for — usually a little above this, sometimes more.
Independent
From $2,200
per person · reference price for 2 travelers sharing · international flights not included
- Guide
- No full-time guide; add a guide for set times or sights
- Car
- On request
Private Guided
From $3,400
per person · reference price for 2 travelers sharing · international flights not included
- Guide
- English-speaking private guide throughout
- Car
- Private car throughout
Included on both
- Hotels selected by us, confirmed by you, usually with breakfast
- Transport inside China: high-speed rail, domestic flights and transfers, including 12306 handling
- Entrance tickets for the sights in your itinerary
- Restaurant bookings made ahead where China requires it
- 24h WhatsApp / WeChat support while you travel, plus the LocalKey app
Not included
- International flights — we can book them on request, quoted separately
- Visa fees — many passports can enter China visa-free. Check your passport
- Personal spending and shopping
- Travel insurance
Tipping is not customary in China. There are no tips in your price, and you do not need to tip anyone who looks after you during your trip.
Make it yours
Keep the shape. Change the details.
Every sample here can be shortened, stretched, or rebuilt around what you care about.
Related itineraries
A few more starting points.
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Per person · 2026 reference price for 2 sharing · excl. international flights
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Per person · 2026 reference price for 2 sharing · excl. international flights
Per person · reference price for 2 travelers sharing · international flights not included. Your final price depends on hotels, car arrangements and what you ask for — usually a little above this, sometimes more. 2026 reference prices.