6-Day Beijing & Shanghai

Begin at Tian’anmen Square, then enter the Forbidden City. Your expert guide will lead you beyond the main route to 12 handpicked spots revealing imperial stories across centuries. After lunch, explore the hutongs by pedicab. Visit a traditional siheyuan (courtyard home), try calligraphy, and climb the Bell Tower for a classic view of old Beijing. Insight: Feel traditional life — the sound of mahjong and bicycle bells brings these lanes to life.

Start at the Temple of Heaven and observe locals practicing tai chi and flying kites — a genuine window into daily life. Then drive ~1.5 hours to Mutianyu Great Wall. Take the cable car up, walk the less-crowded sections, and enjoy sweeping mountain vistas. Tip: Comfortable shoes recommended for the best panoramic photos.

Visit the Summer Palace — stroll the Long Corridor, board a dragon boat on Kunming Lake, and hear stories of the Qing court. After lunch, transfer to the high-speed rail station and travel to Shanghai. Your Shanghai guide will meet you on arrival and escort you to your hotel. Experience: China’s bullet trains run at speeds up to 350 km/h — a modern travel highlight.

Start at The Bund to see classic European façades. Cross the Huangpu River by local ferry to Pudong and visit Shanghai Tower for a 360° panorama. Have lunch at a Michelin-recommended local restaurant sampling shengjian and xiaolongbao. In the afternoon, visit Yu Garden and end with a stroll through the Former French Concession. Local secret: Pause at a villa-turned-café in the French Concession for a perfect Shanghai moment.

Enjoy a relaxed morning. Depending on your schedule, choose last-minute shopping on Nanjing Road or a quick visit to the Shanghai Museum. Your guide will transfer you to the airport or train station and assist with check-in for your onward journey. Optional extension: Add 2–3 days for Hangzhou, Suzhou, or Huangshan — all easily reached from Shanghai.