10-Day Shanghai, Xiamen and Chaoshan Food Route
A softer 10-day route for repeat travelers or overseas Chinese families who want city life, coast, food, tea, and heritage.
Why this route works
This route is for travelers who want China beyond the most standard first-time loop. Shanghai gives an easy urban start, Xiamen adds coast, and Chaoshan brings food, tea, heritage, and local identity.
Good for
- Repeat China travelers who want a more regional experience.
- Chinese-speaking families from Malaysia, Singapore, and other overseas communities.
- Food travelers who want local ordering and route support.
What can be customized
Adjust the balance between Shanghai, Xiamen, Chaozhou, Shantou, and Nan’ao; add family-origin stops; or make the route more coast-focused or food-focused.
Trip Highlights
- Shanghai skyline and old-town neighborhoods
- Xiamen Gulangyu and coastal pacing
- Chaozhou heritage streets and gongfu tea
- Shantou food route and Nan'ao island option
- Good for Chinese-speaking families from Malaysia, Singapore, and other overseas communities
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Shanghai with a smooth transfer and a light Bund or dinner option if energy allows.
- Local support: airport pickup, hotel check-in, payment backup, and first route briefing.
- Good to know: arrival day stays flexible for long-haul travelers.
Day 2
See Shanghai's highlights: the Bund, old town, Yu Garden area, and French Concession or museum option.
- Local support: route order, food planning, ticket advice, and weather backup.
- Good to know: this day gives a polished modern-China opening.
Day 3
Keep Shanghai flexible with a food walk, museum, shopping area, family-friendly stop, or slower neighborhood day.
- Local support: customize the day around budget, interests, and energy.
- Good to know: this buffer prevents the route from feeling too rushed.
Day 4
Travel to Xiamen and settle into the coast with an easy evening near the sea or local food area.
- Local support: flight or rail timing, station or airport transfer, and hotel area notes.
- Good to know: the city change is planned with enough buffer.
Day 5
Visit Gulangyu with ferry timing support, then add Nanputuo Temple, coastal road, or a local snack route.
- Local support: ferry tickets, walking route, payment help, and heat or rain backup.
- Good to know: Xiamen should feel softer than Shanghai.
Day 6
Use the morning for Xiamen coast or free time, then travel to Chaozhou for the Chaoshan food and heritage section.
- Local support: transfer planning, luggage timing, and dinner suggestion on arrival.
- Good to know: we keep this day lighter to protect the food route ahead.
Day 7
Explore Chaozhou old town, Paifang Street, Guangji Bridge area, tea culture, and a carefully paced local food route.
- Local support: guide explanation, ordering help, payment backup, and tea context.
- Good to know: this is a culture-and-food depth day.
Day 8
Move through Shantou food streets, heritage blocks, markets, and local meal timing.
- Local support: private transfer, restaurant decisions, translation, and queue management.
- Good to know: we choose fewer stops and better meals instead of chasing every snack.
Day 9
Choose Nan'ao island for coast and sea views if weather works, or keep an inland slow-food and tea day.
- Local support: weather check, replacement plan, driver coordination, and flexible meal timing.
- Good to know: this day is intentionally adaptable.
Day 10
Depart from Chaoshan or connect onward, with a final morning for tea, gifts, or favorite local food.
- Local support: airport or rail transfer, luggage timing, and last-minute communication help.
- Good to know: the route can extend to Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, or back to Shanghai.
Included
- Private route planning
- Guide or local support as selected
- Transfer and rail timing advice
- Restaurant and ticket planning suggestions
Not Included
- International flights
- Attraction tickets unless requested
- Meals unless listed
- Travel insurance and personal spending