Sample Itineraries
Harbour Skylines: 6 Days, Hong Kong + Shanghai
Victoria Harbour ferries and Lantau hills meet the Bund and tree-lined avenues of Shanghai, connected by a direct flight.
- Duration
- 5 nights / 6 days
- Pace
- Moderate (2 of 4)
- Cities
- Hong Kong → Shanghai
- Best for
- First-timers wanting two contrasting harbour cities
Who this route is for
This route suits travellers seeking a focused urban introduction that pairs British-influenced Cantonese streetscapes with East China heritage. Hong Kong sets an energetic baseline with harbour crossings and island walks, while Shanghai shifts the mood toward riverside architecture and quiet neighbourhood lanes. Entering mainland China from Hong Kong is a separate border crossing, and visa or visa-free eligibility depends on your passport; check the visa-free checker on our site before you book.
Reference prices
Price checked: 30 October 2026
- Independent
- From $1,600per person
- Private Guided
- From $2,600per person
Reference prices for 2027 trips · 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. Hong Kong3 nights
- 2. Shanghai2 nights
Domestic flight
Day by day
01
Arrival and Victoria Harbour
Hong Kong
Morning
Arrive at Hong Kong International Airport on Lantau Island and transfer into town by Airport Express train or private car, keeping the morning clear for settling in.
Afternoon
Rest at the hotel to unpack and shake off flight fatigue, or take a short walk nearby to adjust to the local rhythm.
Evening
Ride the Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour to Kowloon, followed by an evening walk along the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront promenade.
02
The Peak, Central and Temple Street
Hong Kong
Morning
Ride the Peak Tram up to Victoria Peak for panoramic views over the harbour and skyline.
Afternoon
Explore Central and Sheung Wan on foot, following hillside escalators down past antique shops to Man Mo Temple on Hollywood Road.
Evening
Wander through Temple Street Night Market in Kowloon for open-air food stalls and a look at local evening life.
03
Lantau Island and Tai O
Hong Kong
Morning
Take the Ngong Ping 360 cable car, or the bus if the cable car is not running, up to the Tian Tan Buddha and Po Lin Monastery.
Afternoon
Head across the island to Tai O fishing village to see stilt houses built over tidal flats and narrow market alleys.
Evening
Return to the city centre for an easy dim sum or Cantonese roast meat dinner near your hotel.
04
Flight to Shanghai and the Bund
Shanghai
Morning
A slow morning, perhaps one last dim sum breakfast or a harbour walk, then a private car to Hong Kong International Airport around midday.
Afternoon
Fly direct to Shanghai (about 2.5 hours), arriving at Hongqiao or Pudong, then a private car to your hotel (about 45 to 60 minutes).
Evening
An easy Bund walk as night falls, before dinner near the hotel.
05
Old Town, the Concession and Skyline Views
Shanghai
Morning
Explore the ponds and rockeries of Yu Garden, followed by a walk through the surrounding old-town lanes.
Afternoon
Stroll the plane-tree-lined streets of the former French Concession, dropping into tea houses and quiet courtyard cafes.
Evening
Take a Huangpu River evening cruise or ride the high-speed lift to the Shanghai Tower observation deck for views across the city.
06
Morning Walks and Departure
Shanghai
Morning
Spend a relaxed morning exploring the pedestrian lanes of Xintiandi or walking beside the landscaped paths of Suzhou Creek.
Afternoon
Check out of the hotel and take a private car to the airport for your onward journey.
Evening
Depart Shanghai for your flight home.
Reference prices for 2027 trips
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 $1,600
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 $2,600
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.
5 days · Shanghai · Suzhou
Shanghai + Suzhou: 5 Days, Soft Landing
- Independent
- from $1,400
- Private Guided
- from $2,200
Per person · reference price for 2027 trips, 2 sharing · excl. international flights
9 days · Beijing · Xi'an · Shanghai
First Time China: 9 Days, Beijing + Xi'an + Shanghai
- Independent
- from $2,400
- Private Guided
- from $3,800
Per person · reference price for 2027 trips, 2 sharing · excl. international flights
7 days · Shanghai · Hangzhou · Suzhou
Modern + Poetic: 7 Days, Shanghai + Hangzhou + Suzhou
- Independent
- from $1,800
- Private Guided
- from $2,900
Per person · reference price for 2027 trips, 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. Reference prices for 2027 trips.