2 Week China Itinerary: Shanghai and Beyond
From Shanghai’s dazzling skyline to the beaches of Sanya and the peaceful beauty of Hangzhou, this two-week China itinerary is filled with unforgettable experiences. Best of all, we shared it with our family—and our daughter-in-law, who grew up in Shanghai, was our personal guide to the city’s hidden gems and local traditions.
There are trips that check off destinations, and then there are journeys that immerse you in a place. Our two weeks in China did exactly that.
We began in vibrant Shanghai, exploring historic neighborhoods, beautiful gardens, incredible food, and a skyline unlike any other. From there, we escaped to the tropical shores of Sanya before slowing down in the natural beauty of Hangzhou.
Traveling with our kids made the experience even more meaningful, and having our daughter-in-law as our guide gave us an insider’s view of China that we’ll always treasure.
Over two weeks, we stayed in six unique hotels—from the historic Peace Hotel on the Bund to modern luxury overlooking Shanghai’s skyline. If you’re planning a trip to China, here’s our complete itinerary, favorite hotels, and tips for making the most of your visit.
Our 2-Week China Itinerary at a Glance
Days 1–3: Shanghai
- Arrive in Shanghai
- Stay at The Langham, Xintiandi
- Explore Xintiandi, Chenghuangmiao (Shanghai Old Town), Yuyuan Garden, local markets, and the Bund
Days 4–6: Sanya
- Fly from Shanghai to Sanya
- Stay at The EDITION Sanya
- Relax on the South China Sea, enjoy the resort, and unwind on the beach
Days 7–8: Shanghai
- Return to Shanghai
- Stay at The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Jing’an
- Explore Jing’an District, restaurants, shopping, and nearby attractions
- Visit Zhujiajiao Ancient Water Town
Days 9–10: Hangzhou
- Stay at Xianghu National Tourist Resort
- Discover Hangzhou’s peaceful scenery, gardens, and lakeside beauty
Days 11–12: Shanghai
- Stay at the historic Peace Hotel
- Walk the Bund, enjoy the riverfront, and experience one of Shanghai’s most iconic landmarks
Days 13–14: Shanghai
- Stay at W Shanghai – The Bund
- Take in skyline views, enjoy the hotel’s modern style, and soak up the city before heading home
Where We Stayed
One of the highlights of this trip was experiencing six very different hotels. Each offered a unique perspective on Shanghai and beyond—from historic elegance to modern luxury and a tropical beach escape.
| Hotel | Location | Nights | Why We Loved It |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Langham, Xintiandi | Shanghai | 2 | Beautiful luxury hotel in a walkable neighborhood filled with restaurants, cafés, and shopping. |
| The EDITION Sanya | Sanya | 3 | A stunning beachfront resort on the South China Sea with incredible pools and a relaxing atmosphere. |
| The Portman Ritz-Carlton in Jing’an | Shanghai | 3 | Elegant accommodations in one of Shanghai’s most vibrant districts. |
| Xianghu National Tourist Resort | Hangzhou | 2 | A peaceful retreat surrounded by natural beauty—perfect after the energy of Shanghai. |
| Peace Hotel | The Bund, Shanghai | 1 | A legendary Art Deco landmark and one of Shanghai’s most historic hotels. |
| W Shanghai – The Bund | Shanghai | 2 | Contemporary luxury with spectacular skyline views and a memorable finish to our trip. |
First Impressions of Shanghai
Our first impression of Shanghai? We were amazed by how beautiful, clean, and surprisingly quiet the city felt. For a city this large and bustling, we weren’t expecting that!
One of the first things we noticed was the lack of traffic noise. So many of the cars are electric—even the buses—which gives the streets a completely different feel from other major cities we’ve visited. There’s plenty of activity and energy, but somehow it doesn’t feel chaotic.
And then there are the trees! Huge, mature trees line many of the streets, creating beautiful canopies over neighborhoods filled with charming older buildings. We loved seeing how much of the historic architecture has been preserved and so well cared for.
We settled into The Langham in Xintiandi, which turned out to be such a wonderful home base. Xintiandi is incredibly walkable, with a mix of old and new—historic buildings tucked alongside stylish shops, cafés, restaurants, and beautiful little streets made for wandering. And, of course, the food! From our very first meals, we knew eating our way through Shanghai was going to be one of the highlights of the trip.
Shanghai surprised us almost immediately: beautiful and bustling, yet peaceful; historic, yet incredibly modern. It was the perfect place to begin our two weeks in China.
Exploring Old Shanghai
We absolutely loved exploring Chenghuangmiao and Shanghai Old Town. This was one of those places where you could really feel the history and culture of the city come alive.
Wandering through the old streets, bustling markets, local food stalls, and shops felt like stepping back in time. The beautiful traditional architecture, intricate details, and waterways winding through the old town, with traditional boats gliding along the canals, transported us back to ancient China.
Yuyuan Garden was especially beautiful—peaceful pathways, ponds, pavilions, bridges, and lush gardens tucked right into the heart of the busy city. We loved the contrast of the serene gardens and historic buildings with the energy of modern Shanghai just beyond them.
The blend of history, culture, gardens, waterways, food, and everyday life made this one of our favorite experiences in Shanghai. It truly felt like a little journey into the past.
A Tropical Escape in Sanya
We decided to add Sanya to our China itinerary because, after several days of exploring Shanghai, we loved the idea of slowing down and experiencing a completely different side of China. We flew from Shanghai to Sanya, and suddenly we were surrounded by palm trees, beaches, and views of the South China Sea. It truly felt like a vacation within our vacation!
Because we’re Marriott Bonvoy members and have the Marriott Bonvoy credit card, we were able to use our benefits for three free nights at The Sanya EDITION. What a treat!
Our beautiful five-star room overlooked the South China Sea, and our days were filled with incredible food, swimming, long beachfront walks, afternoon tea, pickleball, and simply soaking in the views.
We also experienced a typhoon while we were there, which meant lots and lots of rain! On the rainiest day, we changed our plans and headed to the mall for some shopping—a fun way to spend the day while the storm passed through.
And then there were the breakfast buffets. Truly out of this world! We made our own noodle bowls, sampled dumplings and just about every Chinese breakfast dish you could imagine, and somehow still found room for the gorgeous freshly baked pastries. Breakfast itself was an experience!
Even with the typhoon, Sanya was one of the most memorable parts of our trip. It gave us a chance to slow down, enjoy the resort, eat incredibly well, and experience a beautiful tropical side of China we hadn’t expected.
If you have a few extra days in your China itinerary, Sanya is such a wonderful contrast to Shanghai—and The Sanya EDITION was an absolute treat.
A Different Side of Shanghai: Jing’an
After Sanya, we flew back to Shanghai and stayed at The Portman Ritz-Carlton in Jing’an, one of Shanghai’s most stylish central neighborhoods. We absolutely loved this part of the city—fabulous shopping, wonderful restaurants, beautiful tree-lined streets, and so much to explore on foot.
The Ritz had that wonderful old-fashioned elegance we love—classic and polished, but still very cool. It was the perfect place to come back to after a day of shopping and exploring, then get dressed up and head out for dinner.
Jing’an itself has such a great energy. It’s home to Nanjing West Road, one of Shanghai’s major upscale shopping streets, along with restaurants, cafés, luxury hotels, and the beautiful Jing’an Temple. We loved the mix of modern Shanghai alongside the older architecture and leafy streets.
Visiting Zhujiajiao Ancient Water Town felt like stepping back in time. Just outside Shanghai, this centuries-old town is filled with winding canals, ancient stone bridges, traditional buildings, and glowing red lanterns hanging above the narrow streets.
One of our favorite experiences was riding in a traditional wooden boat along the canals, passing beneath old bridges and getting a completely different view of the town. With the lanterns, waterways, historic architecture, little shops, and incredible history surrounding us, it felt like we were experiencing a piece of old China that has been preserved for generations.
It was charming, beautiful, and easily one of the most memorable day trips from Shanghai.
One of the highlights of our stay was a night at Jazz at Lincoln Center Shanghai, where we saw the legendary Jon Faddis and his quartet. What an experience! The setting was intimate and sophisticated, and the live jazz was incredible—definitely one of those nights we’ll always remember.
1000 Trees: One of the coolest modern sights we visited in Shanghai! Designed to resemble a tree-covered mountain, this massive shopping, dining, and arts complex rises along Suzhou Creek with trees growing right out of its columns. We walked, shopped, ate, and loved seeing such a creative side of modern Shanghai.
By this point in our trip, we were realizing just how many different personalities Shanghai has. Old and new, quiet and bustling, historic and glamorous—every neighborhood showed us another side of this fascinating city.
And Jing’an? We’d go back in a heartbeat.
Slowing Down in Hangzhou & Xianghu
After the energy of Shanghai, we were ready to slow things down a bit. We drove a couple of hours from Shanghai toward Hangzhou and into the mountains, where we spent two beautiful days at Xianghu National Tourist Resort.
What a change of pace! Everything felt lush, green, and almost tropical. We experienced warm sunshine mixed with tropical rain showers, misty mountain views, and such a peaceful atmosphere. The property where we stayed was absolutely gorgeous, with beautiful rooms and incredible views that made us want to linger and take it all in.
One of the highlights was experiencing our first truly traditional Shanghainese dinner. The dishes and flavors were unlike anything we’d eaten before—unique, beautiful, and such a wonderful way to experience more of the culture through food.
We also explored West Lake and hiked through the beautiful landscape surrounding Lingyin Temple, one of Hangzhou’s most famous historic Buddhist temples. Surrounded by forested hills, ancient carvings, temples, and incredible scenery, it felt worlds away from the bustle of Shanghai.
Adding Hangzhou to our Shanghai itinerary gave us something we didn’t even realize we needed: a chance to slow down and experience a quieter, greener, more peaceful side of China. These two days were incredibly special.
Stepping back in Time at Shanghai’s Historic Peace Hotel
For our next stop, we checked into the legendary Peace Hotel on the Bund, and staying here truly felt like stepping back into another era.
The hotel first opened in 1929 as the Cathay Hotel, built by businessman Sir Victor Sassoon. Its distinctive green copper pyramid roof has been part of Shanghai’s skyline for nearly a century. During Shanghai’s glamorous 1920s and ’30s, the hotel became one of the city’s most fashionable gathering places, welcoming international travelers, celebrities, diplomats, and artists. Today, it’s the Fairmont Peace Hotel, beautifully restored while still preserving so much of its original Art Deco character.
We loved the old-world glamour—the architecture, beautiful details, history, and feeling that countless stories had unfolded within these walls before us. It’s classic Shanghai and such a special hotel to experience at least once.
And the location! We could step outside and stroll along the Bund, with its grand historic buildings lining one side of the Huangpu River and the futuristic skyline of Pudong glowing across the water. At night, the views were absolutely unforgettable.
Of course, food was part of the experience, too! We had an incredible dinner at a Michelin-starred Italian restaurant, and it was truly out of this world—one of those meals we still talk about. And dumplings at brunch – amazing!
Between the history of the Peace Hotel, evening walks along the Bund, incredible food, and those sparkling Shanghai views, this stay felt like experiencing both old and new Shanghai at the very same time.
Ending Our Trip at W Shanghai – The Bund
For our final stop, we checked into W Shanghai – The Bund, a Marriott Bonvoy property, and what a fun way to end our two weeks in China!
After experiencing the historic elegance of the Peace Hotel, the W felt like stepping into a completely different Shanghai—modern, vibrant, playful, and very cool. We were now on the other side of the Bund, which gave us a whole new perspective of the city we had spent the past two weeks exploring.
The panoramic views were incredible. From this side of the river, we could look back toward the Bund and its beautiful historic architecture, with the sprawling Shanghai skyline surrounding us. Seeing it from this angle—especially when the city lit up at night—was spectacular.
We loved the contrast of ending our trip here. We had experienced ancient gardens and temples, quiet mountain retreats, tropical Sanya, historic hotels, incredible food, bustling neighborhoods, and ultra-modern Shanghai—and now we could look out over so much of it and reflect on what an adventure it had been.
The W was the perfect place for those final meals, walks, views, and a little modern luxury before heading home.
Two weeks later, Shanghai still had one more side of itself to show us. And what a view to end on.
8 Best Restaurants in Shanghai: From Soup Dumplings to Michelin Stars
Shanghai is an incredible food city. These are a mix of restaurants we experienced, iconic Shanghai restaurants, and places worth adding to your list—from humble soup dumplings to unforgettable Michelin-starred dinners.
- Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet — One of Shanghai’s most extraordinary dining experiences, with an immersive multi-sensory tasting menu. Definitely a splurge and a special-occasion restaurant.
- Fu He Hui — Michelin-starred vegetarian Chinese cuisine served in an elegant, peaceful setting. Beautifully presented and a unique Shanghai dining experience.
- Da Vittorio Shanghai — Exceptional Italian fine dining from the renowned Cerea family. Michelin-starred and perfect for an unforgettable dinner.
- Taian Table — An intimate Michelin-starred restaurant from chef Stefan Stiller, known for creative tasting menus and beautifully executed dishes.
- Meet the Bund — Upscale Fujian cuisine with fantastic seafood and beautifully presented dishes. A wonderful choice for experiencing elevated Chinese cuisine.
- Old Jesse (Lao Jishi) — A favorite for traditional Shanghainese food. Come here for classic local dishes and a more authentic, casual experience.
- Jia Jia Tang Bao — Go for the xiaolongbao! These famous Shanghai soup dumplings make this casual spot worth adding to your itinerary.
- Lost Heaven — A gorgeous, atmospheric restaurant featuring flavors inspired by China’s Yunnan region. Wonderful food and a beautiful setting make it especially fun for visitors.
Helpul Tips for Traveling to China
- Best time to visit: Spring and fall are ideal for comfortable temperatures and fewer weather extremes. We loved visiting in the fall – the weather was amazing.
- Transportation: China’s trains, subways, and ride services are excellent. For longer distances, we also flew domestically—it was easy and efficient.
- Mobile payment apps: Set up Alipay and/or WeChat Pay before you leave home and connect a credit card. Mobile payment is used almost everywhere.
- Internet & VPN: Many familiar websites and apps are restricted in China. Download and set up a reliable VPN before arriving—not after you get there.
- Language tips: English isn’t widely spoken everywhere. A translation app is incredibly helpful. Download Chinese for offline use before your trip. We use GOOGLE Translate!
- Packing suggestions: Comfortable walking shoes are a must! Pack layers, a small umbrella, portable charger, and any medications you might need.
- What we learned: China felt incredibly clean, safe, modern, and easy to navigate once we figured out the apps. Go with an open mind, try the food, explore beyond the tourist areas, and embrace the adventure! Yes, we had our daughter-in-law help map out the itinerary, but you can use AI to help you as well now, to get the most adventure!
Final Thoughts
What a blessing it was to experience China with our kids and grandbaby. Having our daughter-in-law and her family there gave us a firsthand look at everyday Chinese life in a way we never could have experienced on our own—from gathering around the table for family dinners to sharing traditions, food, and time with her parents and extended family. Those moments were some of the most meaningful of the entire trip.
Shanghai gave us world-class dining, fascinating history, and incredible energy. Sanya allowed us to slow down beside the South China Sea, while Hangzhou reminded us why China is celebrated for its breathtaking natural beauty.
But more than the places we visited, it was the people we experienced them with that made this journey so special. Traveling with our family, being welcomed into another family, and seeing China through their eyes was truly a gift.
For Paul and me, this was a trip of a lifetime—two unforgettable weeks filled with family, food, culture, adventure, and so much gratitude. We came home with full hearts and memories we’ll treasure forever.
And the sunsets? Amazing every night.
Our trip was not sponsored; all opinions are my own.
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I’m Sandy—lover of food, family, cooking, THE BIG BOARD, travel, and bringing people together. Through great recipes and connection around the table, we become better, stronger, and more courageous people. Feasting on Life is real, and every time we do it, we grow a little more. Read more...
