7-Day China Honeymoon Itinerary 2026: Perfect Week-Long Romantic Escape

Only have one week for your China honeymoon? That's enough time for an incredible romantic adventure. This 7-day China honeymoon itinerary takes you through the country's most romantic destinations, balancing iconic experiences with intimate moments and practical travel logistics.

Whether you're arriving fresh from your wedding or celebrating an anniversary, this carefully crafted week will give you memories to last a lifetime.

Why 7 Days Is Perfect for a China Honeymoon

The Sweet Spot

Seven days in China offers the ideal balance:

• Enough time to see 2-3 destinations without rushing
• Not too exhausting – you'll actually relax, not just survive
• Manageable jet lag – you'll adjust by day 2-3
• Budget-friendly – a week is affordable even for luxury experiences
• Visa-friendly – fits within 144-hour visa-free transit if planned right

What You Can Realistically Cover

In 7 days, choose ONE of these route styles:

Route Style	Destinations	Experience
Classic Romance	Shanghai → Hangzhou → Suzhou	Culture, gardens, water towns
Natural Wonder	Guilin → Yangshuo → Longji	Mountains, rivers, rice terraces
Modern + Ancient	Beijing → Great Wall → Xi'an	History, icons, culture
Beach + Culture	Sanya + Haikou	Tropical relaxation
Mountain Magic	Chengdu → Leshan → Emei Shan	Pandas, Buddhism, nature

Important: Don't try to see all of China in 7 days. Pick one route and enjoy it deeply.

---

The Ultimate 7-Day China Honeymoon Itinerary

This itinerary focuses on the Classic Romance route—perfect for first-time visitors who want a blend of modern China, classical beauty, and intimate experiences.

Day 1: Arrive Shanghai – First Impressions

Theme: Arrival, recovery, first taste of China

Morning/Afternoon:

• Arrive at Shanghai Pudong (PVG) or Hongqiao (SHA) airport
• Private transfer to hotel (pre-arrange for smooth arrival)
• Check in, freshen up, take a short nap if needed

Evening:

• 5:00 PM: Gentle walk along the Bund as the city lights up
• 7:00 PM: Romantic dinner with Pudong skyline views
• 9:00 PM: Huangpu River night cruise (optional – great for photos)

Where to Stay:

Hotel	Why It's Romantic	Price
Waldorf Astoria on the Bund	Historic elegance, river views	$400-600
The Peninsula Shanghai	Art Deco luxury, rooftop bar	$450-700
Fairmont Peace Hotel	Iconic, jazz bar, history	$350-500
The PuLi Hotel	Modern boutique, Jing'an Temple views	$300-450

Romantic Dinner Spots:

Restaurant	Cuisine	Views	Price (couple)
M on the Bund	Continental	Bund/Pudong	$150-200
Ultraviolet (splurge)	Multi-sensory	Private	$500-800
Mr & Mrs Bund	French	Pudong skyline	$120-180
Hakkasan	Cantonese	Modern setting	$100-150

Day 1 Tips:

• Don't overdo it—jet lag is real
• Have hotel address in Chinese for taxi
• Download DiDi app for easy taxi booking
• The Bund is stunning at blue hour (just before dark)

---

Day 2: Shanghai – Explore Together

Theme: Discovery, local life, special experiences

Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM):

• Breakfast at hotel or local café
• Explore the French Concession together
  • Tree-lined streets, beautiful architecture
  • Boutique shopping on Anfu Road
  • Coffee at a hidden courtyard café
• Visit Tianzifang (artistic lanes, if not too crowded)

Lunch:

• Dim sum experience at Din Tai Fung (famous xiaolongbao)
• Or local restaurant in French Concession

Afternoon (2:00 PM - 6:00 PM):

• Yu Garden (豫园) – classical Chinese garden
• Walk through the Old Town area
• Couples' spa treatment at your hotel (book ahead)

Evening:

• Cocktails at a rooftop bar (Vue Bar, Flair, or Bar Rouge)
• Dinner in the French Concession
• Optional: Shanghai Circus World acrobatic show

Romantic Experiences to Book:

Experience	Duration	Price	Notes
Couples massage (hotel spa)	90 min	$150-300	Book for late afternoon
Private food tour	3 hours	$150-200	Evening in local neighborhoods
Photography session	2 hours	$200-350	Capture your honeymoon
Cooking class	3 hours	$80-120	Learn Shanghai dishes together

Day 2 Tips:

• French Concession is best explored on foot
• Tianzifang is crowded on weekends—go early or skip if Saturday
• Book spa and special experiences in advance

---

Day 3: Shanghai → Hangzhou – Lake Romance

Theme: Transition, classical Chinese beauty, West Lake

Morning:

• Sleep in slightly
• Leisurely breakfast
• Check out of Shanghai hotel

10:30 AM: High-speed train to Hangzhou

• Shanghai Hongqiao → Hangzhou East
• Duration: 45 minutes
• Book 1st class for comfort ($50/person)

Arrival in Hangzhou (12:00 PM):

• Private transfer to hotel
• Check in and freshen up

Afternoon (2:00 PM - 6:00 PM):

• West Lake (西湖) exploration
  • Walk along the Su Causeway
  • Visit Flower Harbor (花港观鱼)
  • Take in the legendary views
• Private boat ride on West Lake at golden hour (book ahead)

Evening:

• Sunset over West Lake
• Dinner at a lakeside restaurant
• Evening walk along Broken Bridge (断桥)

Where to Stay:

Hotel	Why It's Romantic	Price
Amanfayun	Restored village, ultimate tranquility	$800-1,500
Four Seasons Hangzhou	Lakeside, impeccable service	$400-700
West Lake State House	Historic, traditional gardens	$200-400
Banyan Tree Hangzhou	Mountain views, excellent spa	$350-550

Must-Do: Private West Lake Boat Ride

• Duration: 45-60 minutes
• Cost: ¥150-200 for private small boat
• Best time: 4:30-6:00 PM for golden light
• Book through hotel concierge

Day 3 Tips:

• Train tickets can be bought on Trip.com or 12306 app
• West Lake is large—focus on one area today
• Sunset at Broken Bridge is magical but can be crowded

---

Day 4: Hangzhou – Tea, Gardens & Temples

Theme: Immersion in classical Chinese culture

Early Morning (Optional):

• Sunrise at West Lake (for photography lovers)
• Most tourists aren't awake yet—peaceful and beautiful

Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM):

• Longjing Tea Village (龙井村)
  • Drive through tea plantations (25 minutes from city)
  • Private tea ceremony with a tea master
  • Learn about Dragon Well tea, the most famous Chinese green tea
  • Purchase fresh tea directly from farmers
  • Enjoy tea and mountain views together

Lunch:

• Authentic Hangzhou cuisine in the tea village
• Or return to the city for West Lake fish in vinegar sauce (西湖醋鱼)

Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM):

• Lingyin Temple (灵隐寺) – one of China's most important Buddhist temples
  • Explore the temple grounds
  • See the Feilai Feng cliff carvings
  • Peaceful, spiritual atmosphere
• Return to hotel for rest

Evening:

• Impression West Lake outdoor water show (seasonal, check schedule)
  • Directed by Zhang Yimou
  • Stunning light and water performance on the lake
  • Advance booking essential
• Or: Romantic dinner at hotel, evening at leisure

Romantic Experiences:

Experience	Duration	Price	Notes
Private tea ceremony	2 hours	$50-100	Includes tea village tour
Impression West Lake show	70 min	$80-150	Not available Dec-Feb
Couples' massage	90 min	$150-250	Hotel or local spa
Private dinner	2 hours	$100-200	Lakeside setting

Day 4 Tips:

• Longjing tea is expensive—¥300-1,000 for good quality
• Lingyin Temple is an active religious site—dress modestly
• Impression West Lake must be booked ahead in peak season

---

Day 5: Hangzhou → Water Town → Suzhou

Theme: Ancient water town magic, transition to Suzhou

Morning (7:00 AM - 11:00 AM):

• Early breakfast at hotel
• Check out of Hangzhou hotel
• Drive to Wuzhen Water Town (1.5 hours)

Wuzhen Exploration (11:00 AM - 3:00 PM):

• East Wuzhen (东栅) – more authentic, less restored
  • Ancient bridges and canals
  • Traditional craftsmen workshops
  • Quieter morning atmosphere
• Lunch at a waterside restaurant in town
• Gondola ride through the canals

Why Wuzhen Over Other Water Towns:

Water Town	Pros	Cons
Wuzhen	Well-preserved, romantic	Can be crowded on weekends
Zhouzhuang	Most famous, photogenic	Very touristy
Tongli	Less commercial	Further from main routes
Xitang	Good for photography	Crowded at night

Afternoon (3:00 PM - 6:00 PM):

• Continue to Suzhou (1.5 hours drive from Wuzhen)
• Check in to Suzhou hotel
• Rest and freshen up

Evening:

• Explore Pingjiang Road (平江路) – Suzhou's most beautiful street
  • Stone bridges, willow trees, canals
  • Traditional teahouses and silk shops
  • Perfect for evening strolls
• Dinner at a canal-side restaurant

Where to Stay in Suzhou:

Hotel	Why It's Romantic	Price
Tonino Lamborghini	Modern luxury, excellent service	$200-350
Pan Pacific Suzhou	Lake views, great location	$180-280
Garden Hotel Suzhou	Near classical gardens	$150-220
Pingjiang Lodge	Historic, canal-side boutique	$120-180

Day 5 Tips:

• Hire a driver for today—logistics are complex
• Wuzhen is best on weekdays (avoid weekends if possible)
• Pingjiang Road is magical at dusk
• East Wuzhen is smaller but more authentic than West Wuzhen

---

Day 6: Suzhou – Gardens & Silk

Theme: Classical Chinese gardens, cultural immersion

Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM):

• Humble Administrator's Garden (拙政园)
  • China's most famous classical garden (UNESCO World Heritage)
  • Arrive at 8:00 AM opening—tour groups come later
  • Allow 1.5-2 hours to explore
  • Perfect for romantic photos
• Walk to Suzhou Museum (designed by I.M. Pei)
  • Free entry, beautiful modern architecture
  • Excellent collection, 1 hour visit

Lunch:

• Traditional Suzhou cuisine
• Try squirrel-shaped mandarin fish (松鼠鳜鱼)

Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM):

• Silk Factory/Museum visit
  • Learn about Suzhou's 4,000-year silk history
  • Watch silk-making demonstrations
  • Shopping opportunity for quality silk products
• Lion Grove Garden (狮子林) – optional second garden
  • Famous for its labyrinth of rockeries
  • Smaller but unique

Evening – Special Romantic Experience:

• Kunqu Opera performance
  • Ancient Chinese opera form, UNESCO heritage
  • Incredibly beautiful, even if you don't understand the words
  • Often performed in traditional garden settings
• Alternative: Evening cruise on the Grand Canal

Romantic Experiences:

Experience	Duration	Price	Notes
Private garden tour	2 hours	$100-150	Skip the crowds with guide
Kunqu Opera	90 min	$30-60	Book through hotel
Grand Canal cruise	1 hour	$20-40	Evening departure
Silk shopping tour	2 hours	$50-80	Expert guidance on quality

Day 6 Tips:

• Gardens are best in the morning—arrive at opening
• Suzhou Museum is closed Mondays
• Silk prices vary wildly—let hotel recommend reputable shops
• Take it slow today—gardens reward contemplation

---

Day 7: Suzhou → Shanghai → Departure

Theme: Relaxed morning, homeward journey

Morning (Flexible):

• Sleep in and enjoy a leisurely breakfast
• Optional: One more garden visit (Master of Nets Garden – smaller, quieter)
• Final walk along Pingjiang Road
• Last-minute silk shopping if desired

Late Morning/Afternoon:

• Private transfer to Shanghai airport (2-2.5 hours by car)
• Or high-speed train to Shanghai + transfer

Transfer Options:

Method	Duration	Cost	Notes
Private car	2.5 hours	$150-200	Most convenient, door-to-door
Train → taxi	1 hour + transfer	$60-80	Faster but requires transfer
Shared shuttle	3+ hours	$40-60	Budget option, less flexible

Before You Leave:

• Ensure you have departure tickets/documents
• Exchange leftover RMB if needed (airport has exchange)
• Check luggage weight (China airlines are strict)
• Download photos to phone for the journey home

At the Airport:

• Arrive 3 hours before international departure
• Duty-free shopping (Chinese tea, silk, etc.)
• Reflect on your incredible week together

---

7-Day Itinerary Budget Summary

Budget Version (~$3,000 total for two)

Category	Cost
Flights (economy, round-trip)	$1,400
Hotels (3-4 star, 6 nights)	$700
Trains/transport	$150
Food	$350
Activities/attractions	$200
Miscellaneous	$200
Total	~$3,000

Mid-Range Version (~$5,500 total for two)

Category	Cost
Flights (economy, good timing)	$1,600
Hotels (4-star, boutique, 6 nights)	$1,400
Private transfers	$400
Food (nice restaurants)	$700
Activities (private experiences)	$600
Miscellaneous	$300
Total	~$5,000-5,500

Luxury Version (~$10,000+ total for two)

Category	Cost
Flights (business class)	$4,500
Hotels (5-star/luxury, 6 nights)	$3,000
Private transfers throughout	$600
Food (fine dining)	$1,000
Activities (all private)	$800
Spa treatments	$400
Miscellaneous	$500
Total	~$10,000-12,000

---

Alternative 7-Day Itineraries

Option B: Natural Wonder Route (Guilin-Yangshuo)

Day	Location	Highlights
1	Arrive Guilin	Rest, Two Rivers Four Lakes night cruise
2	Guilin → Yangshuo	Li River cruise, arrive in paradise
3	Yangshuo	Countryside cycling, cooking class
4	Yangshuo	Hot air balloon sunrise, bamboo raft
5	Longji Rice Terraces	Day trip, minority villages
6	Yangshuo	Spa day, Impression Liu Sanjie show
7	Yangshuo → Guilin → Depart	Morning at leisure, fly home

Best for: Nature lovers, photographers, adventure couples

---

Option C: History & Icons Route (Beijing-Xi'an)

Day	Location	Highlights
1	Arrive Beijing	Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City
2	Beijing	Great Wall (Mutianyu), private hike
3	Beijing	Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace
4	Beijing → Xi'an	Fly, Muslim Quarter evening
5	Xi'an	Terracotta Warriors, city walls cycling
6	Xi'an	Tang Dynasty show, dumpling banquet
7	Xi'an → Depart	Morning pagoda, fly home

Best for: History buffs, first-time China visitors, iconic experiences

---

Option D: Beach Escape (Sanya)

Day	Location	Highlights
1	Arrive Sanya	Resort check-in, beach
2	Sanya	Beach, spa, relaxation
3	Sanya	Wuzhizhou Island day trip
4	Sanya	Rainforest park, afternoon beach
5	Sanya	Tianya Haijiao, sunset beach dinner
6	Sanya	Free day, couples activities
7	Sanya → Depart	Morning beach, fly home

Best for: Beach lovers, relaxation seekers, winter escapes

---

Practical Tips for Your 7-Day Honeymoon

Before You Go

Booking Timeline:

• 6 months ahead: Flights (best prices)
• 3 months ahead: Hotels (especially Amanfayun, Four Seasons)
• 1 month ahead: Special experiences, shows, private tours
• 1 week ahead: Restaurant reservations (fine dining)

Documents & Prep:

• Valid passports (6+ months validity)
• Visa or 144-hour transit exemption research
• Travel insurance (medical coverage essential)
• VPN apps downloaded (ExpressVPN, Astrill)
• WeChat set up and verified
• Hotel addresses in Chinese
• Alipay/WeChat Pay linked to cards

Packing Essentials

Both Partners:

• Comfortable walking shoes (you'll walk a lot)
• Layers (weather varies)
• Portable charger (20,000mAh)
• Universal adapter (Type I)
• Tissues (not always provided)
• Hand sanitizer
• Medications (personal + stomach remedies)

Romantic Extras:

• One nice outfit for special dinners
• Small Bluetooth speaker
• Written notes to discover in luggage
• Camera for memories

Money Tips

• Payment: Alipay/WeChat Pay works almost everywhere
• Cash backup: ¥1,000-2,000 for emergencies
• Tipping: Not expected but appreciated at luxury hotels
• Credit cards: Only reliable at international hotels

Communication

• WeChat: Essential—everyone uses it
• VPN: Required for Google, Instagram, WhatsApp
• eSIM: Consider Airalo or Holafly for data
• Key phrases: Learn thank you (xièxiè), hello (nǐ hǎo), how much (duōshao qián)

---

Making It Special: Honeymoon Touches

Free/Easy Romantic Gestures

• Watch sunrise together (West Lake, Great Wall)
• Write postcards to your future selves
• Create a shared photo album daily
• Learn a Chinese phrase together each day
• Find a quiet garden bench and just sit together

Splurge-Worthy Experiences

Experience	Location	Cost	Why It's Worth It
One night at Amanfayun	Hangzhou	$800-1,500	Unforgettable tranquility
Private Great Wall hike	Beijing	$200-400	Avoid crowds completely
Couples spa day	Any luxury hotel	$200-400	Mid-trip rejuvenation
Sunset photography session	Yangshuo/Hangzhou	$150-300	Professional honeymoon photos
Private cooking class	Various	$100-200	Skills you'll use forever

Hotel Honeymoon Perks

When booking, always mention it's your honeymoon:

Common perks offered:

• Room upgrade (when available)
• Champagne or wine on arrival
• Flower arrangement
• Late checkout
• Romantic turndown service
• Complimentary breakfast

How to ask: Email hotel directly after booking through OTA, or call ahead. Be specific: "We're celebrating our honeymoon and would appreciate any special touches you might offer."

---

What to Avoid

Common 7-Day Mistakes

1. Trying to see too much – Pick 2-3 destinations max
2. No rest days – Build in afternoon breaks
3. Booking everything last minute – Popular experiences sell out
4. Ignoring jet lag – Day 1 should be easy
5. Over-scheduling evenings – Leave room for spontaneity
6. Skipping meals together – Don't rush through food
7. Constant phone checking – Disconnect when possible

What Not to Pack

• Heavy guidebooks (use phone)
• Too many nice outfits (one is enough)
• Expensive jewelry (not worth the worry)
• Full-size toiletries (hotels provide, buy locally)

---

After Your Honeymoon

Preserving Memories

• Create a shared photo album immediately
• Write down favorite moments before you forget
• Keep ticket stubs and receipts in a scrapbook
• Order prints of your best photos
• Plan your next China trip while memories are fresh

Already Dreaming of Return?

After 7 days, you'll have only scratched the surface. Future trips might explore:

• Yunnan: Lijiang, Dali, Shangri-La
• Sichuan: Pandas, Jiuzhaigou, Tibetan culture
• Zhangjiajie: Avatar mountains
• Silk Road: Xi'an to Dunhuang
• Tibet: Ultimate adventure

---

Final Thoughts

A 7-day China honeymoon is the perfect introduction to this extraordinary country. By focusing on one region—whether the classical romance of Shanghai-Hangzhou-Suzhou, the natural wonders of Guilin-Yangshuo, or another route—you'll experience China deeply rather than superficially.

The key to a successful honeymoon is balance: iconic experiences and quiet moments, adventure and relaxation, being tourists and simply being together. This itinerary gives you structure while leaving room for spontaneity—the unplanned moments that often become your favorite memories.

Your week in China will be unlike anywhere else you've traveled. The combination of ancient culture, stunning landscapes, incredible food, and genuine warmth creates honeymoon magic.

Pack light. Stay curious. Take lots of photos. And most importantly—enjoy every moment together.

Your 7-day China honeymoon adventure starts now.

---

Planning your China honeymoon? The China Survival Kit includes visa calculators, VPN setup guides, offline taxi cards, translation tools, and 15+ practical resources to help you navigate China smoothly—so you can focus on each other.