Shanghai--Qingdao 6-Day Tour

Embark on a captivating 6-day adventure through two of China’s most vibrant cities: Shanghai and Qingdao. This meticulously crafted itinerary invites you to experience Shanghai’s iconic skyline, historic gardens, and bustling markets before venturing to Qingdao, a coastal paradise celebrated for its beer culture, European-inspired architecture, and breathtaking mountain vistas. From the tranquil elegance of Yuyuan Garden to the soaring heights of the Shanghai Global Financial Center, and from the colonial charm of Qingdao’s Badaguan to the spiritual serenity of Laoshan Mountain, each day promises a new discovery. Immerse yourself in local flavors, explore UNESCO-worthy heritage sites, and unwind along golden beaches. Perfect for culture enthusiasts, foodies, and nature lovers alike, this tour offers a harmonious blend of East-meets-West experiences, ensuring memories to last a lifetime.

  • Tour Code: ST-SQ-06

Day 1: Shanghai Arrival

  • Shanghai Arrival

  • 4+ stars Hotel

  • None

Welcome to Shanghai, the city of prosperity. A metropolis that never sleeps, a city that has always been fascinating, nostalgic and modern, oriental and western at the same time.

Our professional tour guide will meet you at the airport arrival and transfer you to your hotel for rest.

The rest of the day is free time. If you want to wander around, you can find a tour guide and your guide will give you some good suggestions.

Day 1: Shanghai Arrival Day 1: Shanghai Arrival Day 1: Shanghai Arrival

Day 2: Shanghai

  • Yuyuan Garden--Shanghai World Financial Center--Nanjing Road--the Bund

  • 4+ star hotels

  • Breakfast

After breakfast, we will head to Yuyuan Garden. It has a typical Jiangnan garden style, reflecting the artistic style of the southern gardens of the Ming and Qing dynasties, which is "quiet and beautiful, delicate and exquisite". The nearby Yuyuan Bazaar is a great place to sample local cuisine and explore traditional Chinese handicrafts.

Next, we will drive to the Shanghai World Financial Center, known as the "Eye of Shanghai", which is 474 meters high. From its 100th floor, you will have a panoramic view of Shanghai's modernity and feel the city's prosperity and vitality.

In the afternoon, we will take you on a stroll along Nanjing Road, a shopping paradise that is not only perfect for shopping but also for experiencing the modern atmosphere of Shanghai. 

Afterwards, we'll head to the Bund, a former cargo transportation route that has been transformed into a bustling trade area. Here you will witness a perfect blend of Chinese and Western cultures while taking in the breathtaking skyline of Shanghai.

 

Idea for Evening Activities

Take a night cruise on the Huangpu River and enjoy the beauty of the city at night (about 50 minutes).

Day 2: Shanghai Day 2: Shanghai Day 2: Shanghai

Day 3: Shanghai-Qingdao

  • Jade Buddha Temple--Tianzifang--Transfer to Beijing

  • 4+ star hotels

  • Breakfast

After breakfast at the hotel, you will visit the Jade Buddha Temple, one of the top ten attractions in Shanghai, is located in the bustling city center but seek peace and quiet in a bustling neighborhood. which houses the world's largest collection of Jade Buddhas as well as numerous religious artifacts, ancient statues and Buddhist scriptures. 

Then you will go to the Tianzifang which is touristic arts and crafts place that has developed from a traditional residential area.

In the afternoon, you will arrive in Qingdao by high-speed rail. The rest of the time is free. If you want to go around, you can find a guide who will give you some good suggestions.

Free activities recommended:
If you have time in the evening, it is recommended to go to Qingdao May Fourth Square or the city to taste food and drink Tsingtao beer

Day 3: Shanghai-Qingdao Day 3: Shanghai-Qingdao Day 3: Shanghai-Qingdao

Day 4: Qingdao

  • Qingdao Beer Museum - Badaguan Scenic Area - Qingdao German Governor's Mansion Site Museum
  • 4-Star Hotel
  • Breakfast

Welcome to Qingdao, a renowned coastal city with charming shorelines and the exquisite Qingdao Beer. Your first stop is the Qingdao Beer Museum. Upon entering, you'll see old-fashioned mashing vessels and fermentation tanks quietly displayed, recounting the brewing legend since the factory's establishment in 1903. Through multimedia interactive devices, you can immersively experience the process of malt rolling in the mashing vessels and yeast "dancing" in the fermentation tanks. Savor a glass of beer; the golden liquid with its dense foam releases a blend of malt aroma and hops' fragrance on your tongue, instantly invigorating your journey.

Next, we'll stroll through the Badaguan Scenic Area. Known as the "Museum of World Architecture", over 200 buildings with diverse styles are scattered here, each carrying a unique story. The Flower Stone Villa, with its German castle-style exterior constructed from granite and pebbles, is mysterious and elegant. The Princess Villa's blue-and-white exterior paired with a pointed tower roof exudes a fairy-tale charm. The Butterfly Villa is famous for being the filming location of the movie "After the Peach Blossoms", brimming with literary and artistic atmosphere. Walking slowly along the tree-lined paths, with the wisteria tree shadows swaying, you'll feel as if you're in a European town.

Then, we'll visit the Qingdao German Governor's Mansion Site Museum. This German-style building completed in 1905 is a gem of architectural art. The red-tiled roofs complement the beige walls, with granite and wooden decorations enhancing each other. The Baroque-style columns and carved doors and windows showcase luxury. Inside, the governor's living room, study, and bedroom have been restored, displaying century-old pianos, silverware, and even the wallpaper patterns have been replicated to match those of the time. Strolling through it, you'll feel as if you've traveled back to the colonial era, truly touching the historical threads of that bygone time.

Day 4: Qingdao Day 4: Qingdao Day 4: Qingdao

Day 5: Qingdao

  • Laoshan Mountain - Lanchao Pavilion
  • 4-Star Hotel
  • Breakfast

In the early morning, set off for Laoshan Mountain and head to the Taiqing Scenic Area, renowned as the "Number One Mountain by the Sea". Upon entering the scenic area, the towering 36.9-meter-high bronze statue of Laozi stands majestically, as if recounting the thousand-year-old Taoist charm. Start your hiking from the Bashui River. Along the way, the gurgling streams are flanked by bizarre peaks and strange rocks, resembling a "bonsai garden by the sea". When you reach the Longtan Waterfall, the cascading water resembles a white silk ribbon, crashing into the emerald pond and creating a spray of snowy waves. Continuing your climb, you'll find the Shangqing Palace, with its red walls and gray tiles nestled among the verdant pines and cypresses. Inside, the incense smoke curls upwards and the Taoist music lingers. The Mingxia Cave, perched high on the cliffs, is shrouded in mist and clouds, resembling a fairyland in Penglai. Gazing down from there, the vast expanse of mountains and seas is breathtaking. When descending the mountain, take the cable car to enjoy a panoramic view of the mountain and sea scenery. Finally, arrive at Taiqing Palace, the largest Taoist sanctuary in Qingdao. Ancient ginkgo trees tower above, and the Sanqing Hall stands solemnly. Here, you can listen to the Taoist priests' lectures and feel the profound tranquility of Taoist culture.

In the afternoon, return to the downtown area and ascend Lanchao Pavilion in Xiaoyushan Park. No strenuous climbing is needed here, yet it offers an excellent viewing spot. Looking westward, the Zhanqiao Pier resembles a long dragon stretching into the sea, with the Huilan Pavilion's vermilion eaves glittering under the setting sun. Gazing eastward, the "world architecture" of Badaguan is dotted with red tiles among the green trees, and the First Bathing Beach is bustling with crowds. The golden sandy beach and the azure sea outline a beautiful arc. As dusk falls and the city lights come on, the city's neon lights and the rippling reflections on the sea blend harmoniously, creating a highly romantic atmosphere. Finally, stroll along the seaside promenade to the Zhanqiao Pier, listen to the waves crashing against the shore, and watch the lights reflected on the water, feeling the gentle night atmosphere of Qingdao's seaside.

Evening Free Activity Suggestions:

Head to the May Fourth Square. The iconic sculpture "The Wind of May" features a spiral-ascending shape and a vibrant Chinese red, recounting the momentous history of a century ago. It harmonizes with the sea and sky, creating a magnificent sight. Walk along the seaside wooden promenade and enter the 2008 Olympic Sailing Center. The docks are filled with sailing boats, with the white sails contrasting beautifully with the blue sea and sky. The Olympic torch sculpture on the shore stands quietly, witnessing the glorious moments. As night falls and the lights come on, the Qingren Dam Bar Street becomes lively. Sit in an open-air bar, feel the sea breeze, and watch the city skyline's neon lights flicker across the water, enjoying Qingdao's fashion and romance.

Day 5: Qingdao Day 5: Qingdao Day 5: Qingdao

Day 6: Departure from Qingdao

  • Qingdao departure
  • None
  • Breakfast

If your schedule allows, we suggest visiting the Second Bathing Beach in Qingdao during summer. Compared to the First Bathing Beach, it is more tranquil. The sand is as fine as powder, and the sea water is clear and azure, with rugged reefs along the shore. You can set up a parasol on the beach and enjoy a sunbath; or step on the waves to pick up shells and catch crabs, full of childlike fun. You can also rent a kayak and paddle leisurely on the sea. When the setting sun casts a golden hue on the sea, walk barefoot on the beach, letting the waves gently kiss your ankles, and let this Qingdao trip end in contentment and satisfaction.

Finally, pack your bags and head to the airport or railway station, carrying full memories and embarking on your next journey.

Day 6: Departure from Qingdao

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China Travel Customer Reviews & Experiences

At Into Explore, we pride ourselves on creating unforgettable journeys across China. Don't just take our word for it—read what our customers have to say! Here, you can explore firsthand accounts from travelers who have experienced the beauty, culture, and adventures of China with us.

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IntoExplore
Excellent
Charnay Tung
March 11,2025
This agency offers good services and always help me with any errors during booking. Thanks for taking good care of my team during our trip at Shanghai.
Lucía Fernández
Nov. 20,2024
Special thanks to my guide, Sofia. It's really hard for me to find a Spanish tour guide. She is professional and I have a good understanding about the China culture under her guide. During the Xi'an trip, I was shocked by the strong atmosphere of culture. I hope I can go next time, really love it.
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John J
Mar 2025 Family
4.8 of 5 bubbles
An amazing experience with Into Explore, their services are absolutely brilliant
I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to Into Explore for providing the Johnston Family with an amazing experience in China, it really was a brilliant service with a very personal touch by Vicky/Tiana and their team of guides and drivers.
Our whole journey through China exceeded our expectations due to the fact that Into Explore made everything so easy and if issues arose, they were rectified in an extremely timely manner.
Their services is highly recommended and they are very flexible with their clients trip design. Design your vacation and they will work with you to ensure your personal needs are fully taken care off and supported by their office staff at all times.
Once again, our experience with Into Explore was a brilliant one and a very special thanks to Vicky.
Swandi T
Mar 2025 Family
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Amaging Exploring Shenzen
Shenzen is wonderful city since arrive all imigration was very helpful and smiling,entering city has lot of park with so many tree. I got good travel agent who serve me well (IntoExplore),I like to explore food, city view hang out in seaworld area. People are welcome and helpful.
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Robert Gex
Apr 15,2025
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Independent travel by train in China…
Independent travel by train in China can be daunting ordeal. We decided to use Intoexplore for booking the trip and are very happy we did. It almost felt like Norman was a family member guiding us through how to use Alipay for payments in China to where to find the ticket office in the train station to convert digital tickets to paper. He was always available (sometimes at 6 am!) to answer any question and solve any problems that arose .. I would strongly recommend him to anyone who is thinking about independent travel to China .
Seaid
February 06,2025
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Excellent experience in Great Wall
as a first-time traveler in beijing, I`m so many thanks to Norman for arranging a well-planned trip to great wall and also the kind driver and guide. My first experience to China was perfect. thanks a lot!!!

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