6-Day Beijing and Shanghai Tour
A Tale of Two Cities
Dive deep into two of China’s most iconic metropolises — Beijing, the imperial heart of dynasties, and Shanghai, a glittering symbol of modern China’s rise. This private 6-day journey blends history, culture, tradition, and vibrant city life, perfect for first-time visitors.
Tour Highlights
🚩 Walk through Beijing’s imperial heritage: Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and Summer Palace
🚩 Experience authentic hutong life with a courtyard home-visit and calligraphy lesson
🚩 Hike the scenic Mutianyu section of the Great Wall with round-trip cable car access
🚩 Discover Shanghai’s contrasts: The Bund, Pudong skyscrapers, Yu Garden, and the Former French Concession
🚩 Ride China’s high-speed train from Beijing to Shanghai for a seamless travel experience
Tour ‘Wow’ Points
🏯 Forbidden City – Beyond the Central Axis
Step inside the imperial palace of 24 emperors. Unlike the standard tourist route, you’ll explore quieter courtyards and hear tales of China’s most hardworking emperor, the powerful Empress Dowager Cixi, and the last boy emperor who witnessed the dynasty’s fall.
🏮 Hutongs – Local Life in Old Beijing
Discover centuries-old hutongs with a local family visit. Learn calligraphy from a master and climb the Bell Tower for unique city views. It’s a living glimpse into Beijing’s traditional lifestyle and culture.
🧱 Mutianyu Great Wall – Scenic Mountain Fortress
Famed for its watchtowers and panoramic mountain views, Mutianyu is ranked the most beautiful Great Wall section on TripAdvisor. A cable car ride saves time and energy, letting you focus on the epic views.
🌆 Shanghai – Old Meets New
Explore The Bund’s colonial-era buildings, then cross the river into Pudong for the futuristic skyline. Ascend Shanghai Tower for sweeping cityscapes — a visual journey from 19th-century trade hub to global financial powerhouse.
🥢 Local Food & Lanes – Taste of Shanghai
Wander hidden alleys to see how locals live today, then enjoy traditional snacks and dumplings in a Michelin-listed restaurant. It’s a perfect mix of culture and cuisine.
🌳 Former French Concession – Elegant Heritage
Stroll through leafy boulevards lined with European-style villas, churches, and cafés. Learn how this district became a hub of style, art, and intellectual life in the 20th century.
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1 – Beijing Arrival
Your private guide will meet you upon arrival at Beijing Capital International Airport. Transfer in comfort to your hotel and settle in. The rest of the day is at your leisure — take a walk near your hotel or simply relax after your flight.
Day 2 – Beijing | Forbidden City & Hutong Discovery
Start at Tian’anmen Square, the largest public square in the world and the symbolic heart of China. Continue to the Forbidden City, where your expert guide will show you 12 handpicked halls and courtyards, weaving in fascinating stories of emperors, empresses, and court intrigue.
In the afternoon, travel to Beijing’s historic hutongs. Visit a traditional courtyard home where a local family has lived for generations, enjoy a hands-on Chinese calligraphy session, and ascend the Bell Tower for sweeping views of old Beijing.
Day 3 – Beijing | Temple of Heaven & Mutianyu Great Wall
Begin the day at the Temple of Heaven, where emperors once prayed for good harvests. Today, you’ll join locals practicing tai chi, singing, or playing traditional instruments, experiencing how history and daily life merge.
After lunch, head out to the Great Wall at Mutianyu, a TripAdvisor favorite. Ride the cable car up, stroll along the watchtowers with breathtaking views, and descend by cable car again for a relaxed visit.
Day 4 – Beijing to Shanghai | Summer Palace & High-Speed Train
In the morning, explore the Summer Palace, China’s best-preserved imperial garden. Wander lakeside pavilions, stroll along the Long Corridor, and enjoy a dragon boat ride across Kunming Lake for panoramic palace views.
In the afternoon, board a high-speed train to Shanghai. On arrival, your private guide will escort you to your hotel.
Day 5 – Shanghai | The Bund, Skyscrapers & Old Town
Uncover the layered history of Shanghai. Begin with an in-depth Bund walk, learning hidden stories behind its grand colonial facades. Then cross the Huangpu River to Pudong and ascend the 632-meter Shanghai Tower for a bird’s-eye view of the city.
Continue to Yu Garden, a classic Ming-era Chinese garden filled with pavilions and rockeries. In the afternoon, stroll through the Former French Concession, where tree-lined boulevards and Art Deco mansions tell the story of cosmopolitan Shanghai in the 1930s. End the day with local Shanghai snacks at a Michelin-rated restaurant.
Day 6 – Shanghai Departure
Enjoy some free time before your guide transfers you to the airport or train station for your onward journey. Optional extensions are available if you wish to stay longer in Shanghai.
Why Choose This Tour
✔ Ideal for first-time visitors to China
✔ Balanced mix of history, culture, and modern city life
✔ Private guides and flexible pacing tailored to your interests
✔ Seamless travel with high-speed train between Beijing and Shanghai
✔ Opportunities to engage with locals for authentic experiences
From US$1,309 per person
(based on 2 travelers, 4-star hotels.)
The more people, the bigger the discount — up to 40% off.
