9 Days East China Ancient Towns and Villages Tour: Shanghai-Shaoxing-Shenxianju-Gexian Village-Wangxian Valley-Wuzhen-Shanghai

Start the day with a full exploration of Shenxianju Scenic Area (神仙居景区), one of the most iconic natural attractions in eastern China. Take the cable car and eco-elevator system up the mountain, enjoying sweeping views of vertical cliffs, deep ravines, and dense forests below.

Walk across Ruyi Bridge (如意桥), a suspended glass-like sky bridge that stretches between mountain peaks, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys. The area is especially famous for its unique rock formations, including towering cliffs shaped by millions of years of natural erosion, combined with seasonal flowers and misty weather patterns that create a dreamlike landscape.

After the visit, depart for Quzhou (衢州), a historic cultural city known as a gateway between Zhejiang, Anhui, and Jiangxi provinces. Upon arrival, explore Shuitingmen Historic Area (水亭门历史文化街区), a well-preserved riverside district featuring ancient city walls, traditional architecture, and restored cultural streets.

This area reflects the historical layout of old Quzhou, where stone-paved streets, river views, and traditional gates preserve the atmosphere of ancient Jiangnan urban life. Small cafés, local snack shops, and cultural exhibitions also bring modern life into the historic setting.

Begin the day with a visit to Nianbadu Ancient Town (廿八都古镇), one of the most culturally diverse ancient towns in eastern China. The town preserves centuries-old streets, ancestral halls, and traditional residences influenced by different regional cultures due to its historical position as a border trade hub.

Continue to Xianxia Ancient Road (仙霞古道) and Xianxia Pass (仙霞关), an important historical mountain pass once used for military defense and trade routes. Walking through the ancient stone pathways, you will see preserved fortress remains and dramatic mountain scenery, offering a strong sense of historical depth combined with natural beauty.

In the afternoon, visit Jianglang Mountain Scenic Area (江郎山景区) for an exterior viewing and photography stop. This UNESCO-listed Danxia landform is famous for its three towering sandstone peaks rising sharply from the landscape, creating one of the most recognizable natural formations in Quzhou (衢州).

After sightseeing, return to Quzhou (衢州) for rest. The evening is free for local exploration or relaxation.

Depart for Gexian Village (葛仙村), a 5A-level scenic resort inspired by Taoist culture and traditional Jiangnan-style architecture. Set at the foot of mountains and surrounded by rivers and forests, the village blends natural scenery with cultural design, creating a peaceful “fantasy retreat” atmosphere.

Upon arrival, explore the scenic area using internal transportation and walk through riverside paths, lantern-lit streets, wooden bridges, and traditional-style buildings. The landscape combines misty mountains with water features, making it especially photogenic throughout the day.

In the evening, experience the highlight of the destination—Gexian Village Night View (葛仙村夜景). Watch the large-scale water-screen performance “Cultivating the Heart and Returning to Truth” (修心归真水幕电影), where lights, water effects, and projection technology create a dramatic cultural show. The night atmosphere is further enhanced by illuminated buildings, bonfire activities, and themed cultural performances.

Optional experience includes Han-style costume dressing and lotus lantern blessing activities, allowing visitors to participate in traditional cultural rituals.

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Gexian Village (葛仙村), with free time to explore riverside scenery, mountain viewpoints, or village streets. The environment is designed for slow travel, offering a calm contrast to the previous days of mountain and city sightseeing.

Continue to Wangxian Valley (望仙谷), one of China’s most popular scenic photography destinations. The valley is known for its cliffside architecture, waterfalls, glass walkways, and layered canyon landscapes. Walking through the area, you will pass hanging houses built along steep cliffs, stone bridges over streams, and wooden walkways integrated into natural rock formations.

Key highlights include Wangxian Waterfall (望仙瀑布), glass skywalk viewpoints, and canyon trails that offer wide panoramic views of the valley. The combination of natural geography and human-built cliff structures creates a surreal “hanging city in the mountains” atmosphere.

In the late afternoon, enjoy the illuminated night scenery before returning to Shangrao (上饶) for accommodation.

Depart from Shangrao (上饶) and travel toward Jiande (建德), a scenic riverside region along the Xin’an River known for its mountains, water landscapes, and ancient towns.

Visit Yanzhou Ancient Town (严州古镇), a well-preserved Jiangnan town often described as a “mini Dali.” The town features ancient city walls, riverside streets, traditional houses, and viewpoints overlooking the Xin’an River. The atmosphere is quiet and cultural, reflecting old trading life along the river system.

Continue to Hangzhou (杭州) and visit the famous West Lake Scenic Area (西湖景区), one of China’s most iconic cultural landscapes. Explore lakeside viewpoints such as West Lake Heaven and Earth (西湖天地), where classical gardens, bridges, pagodas, and modern leisure spaces blend together.

The West Lake area offers calm water views, willow-lined paths, and distant mountain scenery, making it one of the most elegant urban lake landscapes in China.

After sightseeing, check in at your hotel in Hangzhou for rest.

Start the day in Hangzhou (杭州) with a visit to a Longjing Tea Garden (龙井茶园), one of the most important tea-producing areas in China. Walk through layered green tea terraces, learn about traditional tea-picking methods, and experience local tea culture rooted in centuries of Jiangnan heritage. The fresh mountain air and quiet village atmosphere make it a relaxing cultural experience.

Continue to Wuzhen Water Town (乌镇), one of the most famous ancient water towns in China, known for its stone bridges, canals, wooden houses, and preserved Ming and Qing architecture. The town is divided by waterways, creating a classic Jiangnan landscape of bridges, boats, and riverside streets.

Explore scenic lanes, riverside viewpoints, traditional workshops, and cultural exhibition areas. During flower seasons, the town becomes especially picturesque with seasonal blossoms along canals and courtyards. The evening atmosphere is peaceful, with soft lighting reflecting on the water.

Check in at a hotel inside or near Wuzhen (乌镇) and enjoy a relaxed night in the ancient town environment.

Begin the day in Wuzhen Water Town (乌镇), a classic Jiangnan water town known for its canals, stone bridges, and preserved Ming and Qing-style architecture. In the morning, enjoy a relaxed walk through riverside lanes where wooden houses, black-tiled roofs, and slow-moving boats reflect the traditional lifestyle of southern China.

You may explore key scenic areas, including canal-side streets, ancient residences, artisan workshops, and small cultural exhibition spaces. The town is especially peaceful in the early hours, when the waterways are calm and local daily life begins along the riverbanks. Seasonal flowers along bridges and courtyards further enhance the scenic atmosphere.

After the visit, depart for Shanghai (上海), returning from ancient water town scenery to a modern international metropolis. Upon arrival, begin your city exploration at Zhang Garden (张园), a restored historic architectural district that reflects old Shanghai residential culture. Walk through traditional alleyways, heritage buildings, boutique stores, and cultural spaces that showcase the evolution of Shanghai’s urban history.

Continue to the Bund (外滩), one of the most iconic landmarks in China. From here, enjoy panoramic views of the Lujiazui (陆家嘴) skyline across the Huangpu River, featuring futuristic skyscrapers, including illuminated towers and modern financial landmarks. The contrast between colonial-era buildings and ultra-modern architecture creates one of the most recognizable night views in Asia.

In the evening, enjoy free time or optional riverside walking before returning to the hotel.

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Shanghai (上海) depending on your flight schedule. You may take a short walk around your hotel area, explore nearby shopping streets, or enjoy a final glimpse of the city’s modern skyline and local street life.

At the designated time, transfer to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (上海浦东国际机场) for your departure flight. This marks the end of your East China journey, combining mountain landscapes, ancient water towns, cultural heritage sites, and modern city experiences.