VariArts Travel

Shanghai: Decadent, modern, exciting Tour Overview

Shanghai is undoubtedly the most dynamic and exciting city in the world’s fastest changing nation. Once the decadent playground of foreign adventure-seekers, Shanghai has once again emerged as an exhilarating and world-class city.

 

Cosmopolitan without losing its sense of history, this booming metropolis is the showpiece of the fast-paced Chinese economy, where temples and local markets are nestled between towering monuments to capitalism, and tree-lined European avenues from the colonial past lead to contemporary shopping malls with the latest brands and charming local designer's boutiques.

 

Walk through Shanghai’s past with a visit to the Yuyuan Gardens, one of the finest imperial gardens throughout China, then discover its creative side at the galleries of Tianzifang. Enjoy a dream-like boat ride on the heavenly canals of Suzhou, then continue exploring the mix of east and west along The Bund. Exploring Shanghai brings together the past, present, and future in a city that never stops.

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Insider Eperences & Highlights:

 

The Bund, where colonial glamour meets modern China, the Canals of Suzhou, boutique shopping along the famous Tianzifang, a traditional Chinese Acrobatic Show, cycling the Old Town, The Yuyuan Gardens and more.

 

Accomodation:

 

The Langham Xintiandi is ideally located in the heart of Shanghai adjacent to Huai Hai Road, known as the Champs Elysees of the East, and its boutiques, cares and bars.

 

Inclusions:

 

Accomodation/Hotel, Private Driver Transfers, Private Tour Guides, Museum & Heritage Buildings' Entrances, Culinary Excursions with daily lunch and two evenings where we have selected restaurants highlighting excellent local cuisine.

 

Duration: 4 Days

 

 Day by Day: Your tailored Shanghai itinerary...

Day 01 Welcome! Check-in, local dining and sights

 

After your arrival, we'll book into the wonderful Hotel Langham Xintiandi, then jump right into local life and an 'Insider's' travel experience  with a personal invitation to a Shanghaiese family’s home. You’ll have an unforgettable insight into Chinese society, and warm hospitality over a meal of authentic cuisine. In the afternoon, wander the intricate paths of the Yuyuan Garden, one of the best imperial gardens in China known for its impeccable detail, classic architecture, and serene views. You’ll have some time to browse the lively bazaar alongside, which sells all sorts of traditional items and wares, perfect for gifts.

Day 02 Tianzifang, cosmopolitan life, local dining, boutiques & sights

 

Take a stroll through the collegiate Shanghai Campus area, where some of the brightest minds in China meet regularly to discuss and debate, as well as host talks from some of the world’s great contemporary thinkers. Continue into the cosmopolitan soul of modern Shanghai at Tianzifang, a newly renovated old quarter of the city with the swankiest cafes, designer boutiques, and stores. Finish the day with a show of Chinese acrobatics that has to be seen to be believed.

Day 03  The Canals of Suzhou, a Teahouse luncheon, pure escapism

 

Come morning, you’ll be in the dreamlike city of Suzhou, renowned by artists and poets for centuries. The town is built on a network of interlocking canals feeding the ponds and lakes of the best classical style gardens in China. After lunch at a local teahouse, explore the Humble Administrator’s Garden, generally considered the finest in Southern China. If time allows, find a slice of the old empire in the Suzhou old town.
 

 

 

Day 04  Biking around the Old Town, Drinks at the Bund

 

Bike around the old town of Shanghai, a mélange of architectural heritages from east and west, then stroll along the Bund, where buildings from the glory days of imperial Shanghai stand across the glittering skyscrapers of the contemporary city. Take the public ferry to explore the futuristic buildings up close, and look down from one of the highest observation points in the world. 
 

 

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Further Details: Accommodation, food, weather, inclusions ...

Accomodation:

 

Ideally located in the heart of Shanghai’s entertainment hub, The Langham Xintiandi is also adjacent to the high street chic of Huai Hai Road, known as the Champs Elysees of the East. Enjoy the inner city excitement of Shanghai, close by are must-see museums, charming cafe's, excellent restaurants and bars.  The Langham is a

5-star property. The South Huangpi Road Subway Station (Line 1), is at its front door and provides easy access to the top tourist attractions in Shanghai such as the People’s Square and The Bund. Modern rooms feature dark wood interiors and oversized windows overlooking the city.

 

 

Culinary Delights:

 

Shanghai cuisine, also known as Hu cuisine, tends to expertly modify the tastes and techniques of surrounding provinces, such as Jiangsu and Zhejiang. Yet what can be called Shanghai cuisine is epitomised by a generous splash of alcohol to the pan! Fish, crab, chicken are "drunken" with spirits and are briskly cooked/steamed or served raw. Salted meats and preserved vegetables are also commonly used to enhance the dish. Noodle bars also abound and are rightly famous with cult like followings.

 

We 'curate' a selection of dining experiences to highlight authentic local cuisine and local beer is also available at meals, some Shanghai brewers are doing a superb job!

 

What to pack? What's the weather like?

 

Shanghai weather is generally mild and moist, with four distinct seasons - a pleasant warm spring, an even warmer rainy summer, a comfortable cool autumn and an overcast brisk winter. The region's location at the estuary of the Yangtze River to the East China Sea makes it wet such that it rains for about one third of the year.

 

The hottest time here comes in July and August, with more than 10 days at temperatures around 35 C (95 F). The coldest time is from the late January to early February. The spring from March to May is very pleasant and a light coat serves you well by early evening.

What's Included: 

All hotel accommodation based on double occupancy. Brilliant hotels known for luxury, charm, hospitality and uniqueness are a hallmark of Variarts itineraries. Fly into town, unwind and know you'll be staying at the best places with truly great value offered via the tours. Every night you spend with us is included in the price of your trip.

 

All meals as indicated in the itinerary, highlighting the local cuisine including local beer or wine (as selected by VariArts local guides). We include meals where it makes sense, yet we understand that going off on your own to make a great discovery is rewarding, too!

 

All special events and private tours. Our guides will do whatever it takes to make your trip hassle free. They are equipped with cellphones and on call 24/7. They also happen to be firendly, highly informed, fun ... and they really care you get the most out of each trip! 

 

Services of professional local guides and other staff. Each morning, our guides brief you on the day’s options. We do this one-on-one, so you never get the feeling you’re involved in anything touristy.

 

Admission charges to all places and activities mentioned in the itinerary.

 

All transportation from rendezvous to drop-off.

 

All baggage transportation. Your baggage is transported from one hotel to the next. This is done by local handlers so the guides are free to concentrate on you.

 

Extra support. Each trip offers the opportunity to dine or lunch independently from the group…and we’ll happily make arrangements for you.

 

The VariArts difference - it may be intangible but years of experience and exhaustive research on the ground; local knowhow and the countless personal relationships we’ve cultivated which make for a seamless care free travel experience.

Book Now: Make a reservation, find out more! ...

Curated travel, local experts, the most interesting hotels from boutique and chic to 5 star international luxury standards, amazing culinary delights, experiences you won’t find in any guidebook ... yes ... we're experts and you are in great hands! Start now and reserve your holiday, just ask us:

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