09:00 Meet and depart from downtown Shanghai inner ring area (Driving time to Zheng He Park, Liuhe: approx. 80 minutes)

10:20 – 11:20 Visit Zheng He Park (1 hour) Located right at historic Liujiagang (Liuhe Port), the actual anchorage from which Zheng He’s seven great voyages set sail, Zheng He Park is a riverside theme park dedicated to maritime exploration heritage covering 122 hectares. Major park highlights: 1.    Giant Bronze Statue of Zheng He: Standing 18 metres tall and weighing over 50 tons, this is China’s largest bronze Zheng He sculpture. Zheng He holds a historic navigation chart and faces toward Yangtze River, vividly recreating the majestic moment when the grand fleet prepared to cast off for far flung oceans. 2.    1:1 Full scale Replica of 2000 Liao Treasure Ship (Zheng He No.2 Treasure Ship): Measuring 71.1 metres long, 14.05 metres wide with a 38 metre high main mast. This faithful reproduction showcases authentic Ming Dynasty large ocean vessel construction craftsmanship for close up viewing. 3.    Zheng He Memorial Hall (closed every Monday): A two storey exhibition venue enhanced with immersive multi media light and sound displays.   Ground floor: Zheng He seated statue plus monumental mural Soaring Sails from Liu River, depicting the spectacular scene of Zheng He’s armada departing from Liujiagang harbour.   Upper floor: Displays historic archives, images and replica ancient nautical instruments, narrating Zheng He’s life story, sailing routes across seven voyages, and cultural exchange tales from more than 30 countries and regions across Africa and Asia. 

11:20 – 11:40 Transfer from Zheng He Park to Liuhe Ancient Town (Driving time: approx. 20 minutes)

11:40 – 14:00 Visit Liuhe Ancient Town & Tianfei Palace (2 hours 20 mins) Liuhe Ancient Town, historically known as Liujiagang, was the departure point of Zheng He’s great voyages and a key hub along the Maritime Silk Road throughout the Ming and Qing dynasties. Besides its maritime legacy, it is also a classic Jiangnan water town, lined with riverside dwellings, stone arch bridges and quiet ancient lanes. Wander along old streets, visit Tianfei Palace and historical stele relics where Zheng He’s fleet prayed and assembled before sailing overseas. Ample time for sightseeing, photos and lunch break inside the ancient town.

14:00 – 15:00 Transfer from Liuhe Ancient Town to Qinglong Ancient Temple (Driving time: approx. 60 minutes)

15:00 – 15:45 Visit Qinglong Ancient Temple (45 minutes) Qinglong Town was once the starting point of the Maritime Silk Road in the Tang and Song dynasties, Shanghai’s earliest international seaport. Back in its heyday, Qinglong Temple ranked among the largest Buddhist monasteries in Jiangnan, with as many as 5,000 halls and rooms. Today, only the current Qinglong Ancient Temple and the thousand year old Qinglong Tower remain. In ancient times, Qinglong Tower served as a lighthouse, guiding merchant ships sailing along the Maritime Silk Road into the harbour.

15:45 – 16:45 Transfer back to downtown Shanghai (Driving time: approx. 60 minutes)

End of Tour Options 

1. Drop off at The Bund (confluence of Suzhou Creek and Huangpu River) You will be dropped off at the Bund where Suzhou Creek flows into the Huangpu River. You may freely explore the riverside area on your own. The standard tour ends here.

2. Transfer back to your hotel Direct drop off at your downtown hotel. The standard tour service concludes.

3. Optional self funded evening extension (select one activity only) This evening programme is optional and all costs are at the client’s expense. Two choices available:   Option A: Huangpu River Night Cruise Enjoy a cruise on the Huangpu River to view the illuminated colonial buildings on the Bund and the modern skyline of Lujiazui from the water.   Option B: Top of Shanghai Observation Deck (Shanghai Tower) Visit the Top of Shanghai, the observation deck of the world’s second tallest skyscraper. Take in a spectacular 360° panoramic night view of Shanghai from 546 meters high. Please note: Overtime guide fee and transport cost will apply if you select this evening extension.