Itinerary
- Day 1
Beijing
Your local guide will meet you when you arrive in Beijing and take you to your hotel. Once you've checked in, the rest of the day is yours to spend however you'd like. You can relax after your flight or get out and start feeling the city's energy on your own terms.
- Start point
- Beijing, China (Beijing international airport)
Optional Activities
- Explore Beijing's vibrant atmosphere independently
- Day 2
Beijing
Start your day at the Forbidden City, walking through its 980 buildings that span 600 years of history. After lunch with Peking Duck, head to the Summer Palace where you'll see peaceful gardens and Kunming Lake. Later, visit the Temple of Heaven from the 15th century to experience its spiritual atmosphere and architectural details.
- Meals
- Lunch (Peking Duck)
Included Activities
- Guided tour of the Forbidden City
- Guided tour of the Summer Palace
- Guided tour of the Temple of Heaven
Landmarks/POIs Forbidden City Summer Palace Temple of Heaven Kunming Lake - Day 3
Beijing
You'll spend the full day on the Badaling Section of the Great Wall, one of the best-preserved parts. Climb along the ancient stone structure and take in the views across the hills and surrounding landscape as you make your way through different sections.
Included Activities
- Guided tour of the Badaling Section of the Great Wall
Landmarks/POIs Great Wall of China - Badaling Section - Day 4
Beijing
This day is yours to explore Beijing however you want. Check out traditional tea houses, walk through hutong alleys and shop around, see what's happening at the 798 Art District, or wander through local markets. Your guide can suggest places and help you plan if you'd like specific recommendations.
Optional Activities
- Visit traditional tea houses
- Shop in hutong alleys
- Explore the 798 Art District
- Wander through local markets
- Optional tours upon request (guide can arrange)
Landmarks/POIs 798 Art District - Day 5
Beijing to Shanghai
After breakfast, head to the train station for your high-speed train to Shanghai, traveling at over 300 km/h. Your guide will see you off with traditional snacks before you board. When you arrive in Shanghai, your new local guide will meet you, and then you'll visit the Jade Buddha Temple to see its jade statues and spiritual setting.
Included Activities
- High-speed train journey Beijing to Shanghai
- Guided tour of the Jade Buddha Temple
Landmarks/POIs Jade Buddha Temple 
- Day 6
Shanghai
Start at Yu Garden, a Ming dynasty site with winding bridges and lotus ponds throughout. From there, check out Chenghuang Miao Bazaar for traditional crafts and street food. Grab lunch with Shanghai's famous soup dumplings, then walk along the Bund to see the colonial buildings and modern skyscrapers facing each other. Shop on Nanjing Road, and by evening, take a 45-minute cruise on the Huangpu River to see the Pudong skyline lit up.
- Meals
- Lunch (Shanghai xiao long bao (soup dumplings))
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Yu Garden
- Guided tour of Chenghuang Miao Bazaar
- Walking tour of the Bund
- Visit to Nanjing Road
- Evening Huangpu River Cruise (45 minutes)
Landmarks/POIs Yu Garden Chenghuang Miao Bazaar The Bund Nanjing Road Huangpu River - Day 7
Shanghai
You have the day to explore Shanghai at your own pace, with your guide available if you need suggestions. Visit museums, galleries, cafes, or shops whenever you feel like it. Or if you prefer, join the optional trip to Zhujiajiao, a water town with canals and wooden boats passing under stone bridges.
Optional Activities
- Explore museums independently
- Visit art galleries
- Browse cafés
- Shop at shopping centers
- Optional tour to Zhujiajiao water town
Landmarks/POIs Zhujiajiao - Day 8
Shanghai
Have breakfast at your hotel, then head to the airport for your departure. You'll leave with memories from Beijing and Shanghai, and the experiences you've had will stay with you.
- Meals
- Breakfast
