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18-Day New China Discovery

Customisable Itinerary
5.0 • (1 review)

Trip Overview

Enjoy an extraordinary odyssey through China, where timeless elegance meets cutting-edge innovation at every turn. Your journey begins in the dazzling metropolis of Shanghai, where the serenity of Ming Dynasty gardens unfolds beneath the city’s mesmerizing skyline. Meander through vibrant markets, ascend the majestic Shanghai Tower, and immerse yourself in the city’s storied past brought to life by captivating XR experiences. Explore the cultural crossroads of Xujiahui before gliding by high-speed train to Hangzhou, where tranquil West Lake reflects both classical poetry and the pulse of modern technology.

In Beijing, surrender to the enchantment of imperial grandeur. Stroll the winding hutongs, marvel at the Forbidden City’s golden rooftops, and glide along the city’s historic axis on a sleek electric bike. Savor gourmet cuisine delivered by drone atop the Great Wall, with panoramic mountain vistas stretching into eternity. Traverse to Tianjin, where smart ports hum with innovation and European-inspired enclaves evoke a bygone era.

Chengdu welcomes you with the playful charm of pandas, the spectacle of Sichuan opera, and the fiery allure of street-side delicacies. Neon-lit Chongqing tempts with riverside hotpot and cableway journeys soaring above a cyberpunk skyline. In Guangzhou, the world’s fastest fashion markets thrum with energy, while the Canton Tower rises in graceful splendor. Conclude your adventure in Shenzhen, the city of the future, where robotaxis, drone cafes, and sky-piercing tech towers set the stage for tomorrow’s dreams. This is China reimagined—a luxurious voyage through centuries of splendor and the boundless promise of what lies ahead.

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Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in the City of Light

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Arrival in the City of Light

Welcome to Shanghai, and transfer from the airport to your hotel. This service ensures a smooth journey from your arrival point to your accommodation. Relax as transportation is arranged, allowing you to begin your stay in Shanghai with ease and convenience following your flight.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Sunrise On The Bund Hotel5 star

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Shanghai Pudong International Airport to Sunrise On The Bund Hotel Luxury

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    Destinations

    Shanghai

Day 2

Skyline Futures & Ancient Dreams

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Skyline Futures & Ancient Dreams

Journey through Shanghai’s storied past and vibrant present as you explore the elegant Yuyuan Garden, a Ming Dynasty masterpiece nestled amid bustling markets. Savor local delicacies and browse unique handicrafts in the lively surroundings. Wander along the North Bund for picture-perfect moments, capturing retro charm at the Postal Museum and stunning skyline views from the Riverside Green’s observation deck. Ascend the iconic Shanghai Tower, marveling at cutting-edge engineering and panoramic vistas. Immerse yourself in history with the Qinchao Awakening XR Experience, where ancient China comes alive.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Sunrise On The Bund Hotel5 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Shanghai Tower and Shanghai Eye

    North Bund City Walk for Instagrammable Moments

    Qinchao Awakening XR Experience

    Yu Garden

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

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    Destinations

    Shanghai

Day 3

Crossroads of Culture & New Horizons

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Crossroads of Culture & New Horizons

Start your day with a guided walk through Xujiahui, exploring Shanghai’s cultural heritage. Visit the Xu Guangqi Tomb and Memorial Hall to learn about this Ming Dynasty scientist. Continue to Xujiahui Academy, the Gothic Catholic Church, and Xujiahui Park for a glimpse of local life. End at the Little Red House, where the Chinese national anthem originated. Transfers from your hotel to the train station in Shanghai and then to your hotel in Hangzhou are included.

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    Accommodation

    Zhongwei Sunny Hotel Garage4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Xujiahui City Walk for Shanghai's Cultural Tapestry

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    Transportations

    Train from Shanghai to Hangzhou

    Private Driver from East Railway Station East Gate Bicycle Zulindian to Zhongwei Sunny Hotel Garage

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    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

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    Destinations

    Shanghai

    Hangzhou

Day 4

Future Wisdom on West Lake Shores

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Future Wisdom on West Lake Shores

Begin your day with a 40-minute punted boat ride on West Lake, offering a scenic and relaxing way to view the lake’s highlights while avoiding crowds. Continue to the Wensan Future Technology Center for an hour, where you’ll experience interactive exhibits from leading tech companies in Hangzhou. Spend two hours at the Huqingyu Hall Chinese Medicine Museum, learning about traditional Chinese medicine, receiving an AI-powered health assessment, and participating in hands-on activities blending ancient practices with modern technology.

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    Accommodation

    Zhongwei Sunny Hotel Garage4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Zhejiang Traditional Chinese Medicine Museum

    Wensan Future Technology Center

    Punted boat ride on the West Lake

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

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    Destinations

    Hangzhou

Day 5

Back to Old Beijing Streets

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Back to Old Beijing Streets

Begin your day with a transfer from your hotel in Hangzhou to the train station, followed by a transfer from the Beijing train station to your hotel. Experience a two-hour Hutong walking tour in Beijing’s Dongcheng District. Walk through historic alleyways, visit a local family, and see traditional courtyard houses. Climb the Bell Tower for panoramic views and explore the 700-year-old Hong'en Temple. Optional cultural experiences include Chinese calligraphy or paper cutting, available by advance request.

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    Accommodation

    Beijing Peace Hotel 4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Hutong Walking Tour in Dongcheng District

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Zhongwei Sunny Hotel Garage to East Railway Station East Gate Bicycle Zulindian

    Train from Hangzhou to Beijing

    Private Driver from Beijing South Railway Station to Peace Hotel - Peace Palace Ballroom

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    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

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    Destinations

    Hangzhou

    Beijing

Day 6

Imperial Axis of Power

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Imperial Axis of Power

Visit the Forbidden City, Beijing’s largest and best-preserved imperial complex, once home to 24 emperors. Walk for about two hours through halls, courtyards, and galleries. Ride an electric bike along the Central Axis, passing major landmarks like the Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square, and historic hutongs. Helmets and guides provided.

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    Accommodation

    Beijing Peace Hotel 4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Explore the Central Axis of Beijing with Electric Bike

    Forbidden City

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Beijing

    Guangzhou

Day 7

Heavenly Rituals & Great Wall Futures

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Heavenly Rituals & Great Wall Futures

Enjoy on a remarkable day exploring Beijing’s rich heritage and innovation. Journey to the Temple of Heaven, an architectural masterpiece from 1420, where emperors once prayed for bountiful harvests. Stroll through vibrant gardens alive with locals practicing tai chi and singing, set within 273 hectares of tranquil parkland. Later, ascend the historic Badaling Great Wall by cable car, marvel at sweeping vistas, and experience a cutting-edge drone meal delivery—an extraordinary fusion of ancient grandeur and modern ingenuity in one unforgettable tour.

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    Accommodation

    Beijing Peace Hotel 4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Great Wall of Badaling

    Temple of Heaven

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Beijing

Day 8

Smart Ports & Riverfront Lights

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Smart Ports & Riverfront Lights

Today, your guide and driver will take you from Beijing to Tianjin, visiting several highlights. Begin at Tianjin Port’s “Smart and Zero-Carbon” Terminal to see fully automated, efficient port operations powered by renewable energy. Explore Ancient Culture Street, known for its traditional Chinese architecture and vibrant local atmosphere. Walk through the Italian Concession, the only preserved Italian-style area in Asia, with its cafes, galleries, and museums. Capture photos of the Tianjin Eye, a unique Ferris wheel built on a bridge. Meals will be at recommended vegetarian restaurants based on your preferences.

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    Accommodation

    Beijing Peace Hotel 4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Tianjin Port“Smart and Zero-Carbon” Terminal

    Ancient Culture Street

    Italian Concession

    Taking Pictures of Tianjin Eye

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Beijing

    Tianjin

Day 9

From Capital to Spice Capital

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From Capital to Spice Capital

Begin your day with a transfer from your hotel to Beijing airport. Upon arrival at your destination, you will be met at the airport and provided with a transfer to your next hotel. All transportation is arranged for a smooth and comfortable travel experience between locations.

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    Accommodation

    voco Chengdu Chunxi Road By Ihg4 star

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Peace Hotel - Peace Palace Ballroom to Beijing Capital International Airport

    Plane from Beijing to Chengdu

    Private Driver from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport to voco Chengdu Chunxi Road By Ihg

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    Meals

    Breakfast

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    Destinations

    Beijing

    Chengdu

Day 10

Soul of Chengdu: Opera, Streets & Living Culture

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Soul of Chengdu: Opera, Streets & Living Culture

Experience the vibrant heart of Chengdu with a visit to a traditional folk theater, where you can go backstage, observe artists preparing, and watch a live Sichuan Opera performance among local fans. Explore the Qingyuan Community to see local life, sip tea, and witness Sichuan embroidery. Wander Chengdu’s old streets on a culinary adventure, tasting authentic dishes and street snacks. Discover Dongjiao Memory, a transformed factory now filled with music venues, trendy shops, and lively art spaces.

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    Accommodation

    voco Chengdu Chunxi Road By Ihg4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Chengdu Old Street Culinary Adventure

    Dongjiao Memory

    Qingyuan Community

    Behind the Scenes at a Folk Theater

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

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    Destinations

    Chengdu

Day 11

Pandas, Spice & Sichuan Heartbeat

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Pandas, Spice & Sichuan Heartbeat

Begin your day at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, located six miles from the city center. See over 200 giant pandas, including playful cubs at the Panda Kindergarten. The base is accessible by shuttle or on foot. Lunch or dinner will feature authentic Sichuan cuisine at a local restaurant, recommended by your guide. Transfers between hotels and train stations are included.

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    Accommodation

    Somerset Yangtze River Chongqing4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Panda Breeding and Research Center

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Train from Chengdu to Chongqing

    Private Driver from West Railway Station Filling Station to Somerset Yangtze River Chongqing

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    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

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    Destinations

    Chengdu

    Chongqing

Day 12

Cyberpunk Chongqing: Old Streets & Neon Nights

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Cyberpunk Chongqing: Old Streets & Neon Nights

Explore Shancheng Alley, located along the Yangtze River, where you can walk among old residential buildings and observe daily Chongqing life. Visit tea houses and traditional dessert shops, and see walls decorated with both classic and modern artwork. Some shops offer products inspired by local creativity. The area features Western-style buildings, reflecting Chongqing’s international history.

Visit Shiba Ti, once a vital city link, now a large commercial and cultural area ideal for photos. Later, discover Chongqing’s cityscape, ride the cableway, and enjoy a riverside hotpot dinner with skyline views.

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    Accommodation

    Somerset Yangtze River Chongqing4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Shancheng Lane

    Shiba Ti

    Cyberpunk Chongqing City Explorer

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Chongqing

Day 13

From Mountain City to Maritime Gateway

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From Mountain City to Maritime Gateway

Today’s itinerary includes a hotel to airport transfer in Chongqing, followed by an airport to hotel transfer upon arrival in Guangzhou. The main activity is a visit to the Thirteen Hongs Museum, located at the historic trading site. The museum presents the story of the Thirteen Hongs, which operated as China’s exclusive port for Western trade during the Qing Dynasty. Exhibits feature more than 4,800 artifacts, including export art such as porcelain and ivory carvings. Please note, the museum is closed on Mondays.

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    Accommodation

    voco Guangzhou Shifu4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Guangzhou Thirteen Hongs Museum

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Somerset Yangtze River Chongqing to Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport

    Plane from Chongqing to Guangzhou

    Private Driver from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport to voco Guangzhou Shifu

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    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

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    Destinations

    Chongqing

    Guangzhou

Day 14

Threads of Speed: Guangzhou Fashion Economy

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Threads of Speed: Guangzhou Fashion Economy

Immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of the Zhongda Textile District, where you will observe the complete journey from fabric trading to rapid garment production within the world’s largest textile market. Witness firsthand how high-density clustering and decentralized collaboration drive swift market responses. Explore the Baima Wholesale Market, renowned for its ever-evolving fast fashion trends, and gain valuable insight into the transition from design to commercial success. Conclude by developing a balanced strategy for fulfilling a large-scale apparel order.

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    Accommodation

    voco Guangzhou Shifu4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Zhongda Textile District & Baima Wholesale Market Visit

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

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    Destinations

    Guangzhou

Day 15

Canton Elegance: Tea, Craft & Skyline Lights

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Canton Elegance: Tea, Craft & Skyline Lights

Awaken your senses with a daring plunge into Canton’s vibrant morning tea ritual, where steaming baskets of dim sum and fragrant teas fuel lively conversations and bold plans. Venture into the mesmerizing Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, a masterpiece of intricate carvings and legendary tales, whispering secrets of Guangdong’s storied past. Ascend the soaring Canton Tower, conquering its dizzying heights and treading the transparent walkways of the Starry Sky Observation Deck. Gaze fearlessly down at the sprawling city below, heart pounding with the thrill of adventure and discovery at every exhilarating turn.

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    Accommodation

    Hyatt Place Shenzhen Dongmen

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Canton Tower (Incl. 433m Starry Sky Observation Deck Ticket)

    Chen Clan Ancestral Hall

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Train from Guangzhou to Shenzhen

    Private Driver from Shenzhen Railway Station to Hyatt Place Shenzhen Dongmen

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Guangzhou

    Shenzhen

Day 16

Shenzhen Rising: From Village to Silicon City

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Shenzhen Rising: From Village to Silicon City

Start on a thrilling exploration of Shenzhen’s revolutionary spirit at Yumin Village History Museum, where relics and photographs capture the audacious leap into prosperity. Ascend the scenic trails of Lianhua Mountain Park, standing face-to-face with the towering Deng Xiaoping statue and soaking in sweeping vistas of the dynamic Futian skyline. Dive into the Shenzhen Reform and Opening-Up Exhibition Hall to uncover the city’s bold metamorphosis. Descend into the dazzling Eye of Shenzhen, then plunge into the electric energy of Huaqiangbei Market for a fast-paced, bargain-hunting adventure.

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    Accommodation

    Hyatt Place Shenzhen Dongmen

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Yumin Village History Museum

    Lianhua Mountain Park

    Huaqiang Electronic World

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Shenzhen

    Jieyang

Day 17

Future Nanshan: Drones, Robots & Skyline Dreams

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Future Nanshan: Drones, Robots & Skyline Dreams

An exclusive journey through Shenzhen’s Nanshan High-Tech district, beginning with a private introduction to DJI Sky City—an architectural marvel conceived by Foster + Partners. Admire the soaring glass towers before exploring the curated Visitor Center, where premium DJI lifestyle collections await. Glide effortlessly in a sleek PonyPilot Robotaxi to the DJI Flagship Store, immersing yourself in the brand’s innovative legacy. Stroll through Shenzhen Talent Park, where breathtaking city views pair with the indulgence of drone-delivered delicacies or a robot-crafted coffee. Conclude at MixC World, surrounded by avant-garde digital artistry.

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    Accommodation

    Hyatt Place Shenzhen Dongmen

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Shenzhen Nanshan High-Tech Tour

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Shenzhen

Day 18

Departure from the Futuristic City

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Departure from the Futuristic City

The driving distance from the hotel to the airport in Shenzhen is approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. Airport transfers are available, providing a convenient option for travelers. Travel times may vary depending on traffic conditions, so it is recommended to plan accordingly when scheduling your departure.

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    Transportations

    Private Driver from Hyatt Place Shenzhen Dongmen to Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport

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    Meals

    Breakfast

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    Destinations

    Shenzhen

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What’s included?

  • 17 nights accommodation
  • 33 activities
  • 17 breakfasts, 15 lunches and 1 dinner
  • Airport transfer
  • Domestic flights
  • Entrance fees
  • Ground transportation
  • Licensed English speaking guides

What’s not included?

  • Alcohol beverages
  • Entry visas / airport departure tax
  • Gratuities
  • International flights
  • Laundry
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Trekking permits

Inspiration for you

Explore the authentic activities in China

Yu Garden, Shanghai, China|Shanghai Tower and Shanghai Eye, Shanghai, China|North Bund City Walk for Instagrammable Moments, Shanghai, China|Qinchao Awakening XR Experience, Shanghai, China|Xujiahui City Walk for Shanghai's Cultural Tapestry, Shanghai, China|Punted boat ride on the West Lake, Zhejiang, China|Zhejiang Traditional Chinese Medicine Museum, Zhejiang, China|Wensan Future Technology Center, Zhejiang, China|Hutong Walking Tour in Dongcheng District, Beijing, China|Forbidden City, Beijing, China|Explore the Central Axis of Beijing with Electric Bike, Guangdong Province, China|Great Wall of Badaling, Beijing, China|Temple of Heaven, Beijing, China|Tianjin Port“Smart and Zero-Carbon” Terminal, Tianjin, China|Ancient Culture Street, Tianjin, China|Italian Concession, Tianjin, China|Taking Pictures of Tianjin Eye, Tianjin, China|Chengdu Old Street Culinary Adventure, Sichuan, China|Behind the Scenes at a Folk Theater, Sichuan, China|Dongjiao Memory, Sichuan, China|Qingyuan Community, Sichuan, China|Panda Breeding and Research Center, Sichuan, China|Shancheng Lane, Chongqing, China|Shiba Ti, Chongqing, China|Cyberpunk Chongqing City Explorer, Chongqing, China|Guangzhou Thirteen Hongs Museum, Guangdong Province, China|Zhongda Textile District & Baima Wholesale Market Visit, Guangdong Province, China|Canton Tower (Incl. 433m Starry Sky Observation Deck Ticket), Guangdong Province, China|Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, Guangdong Province, China|Yumin Village History Museum, Guangdong Province, China|Lianhua Mountain Park, Guangdong Province, China|Huaqiang Electronic World, Guangdong Province, China|Shenzhen Nanshan High-Tech Tour, Guangdong Province, China