Beijing-Shanghai 6 Days Tour
Great Wall, Forbidden City, The Bund, Shanghai Tower
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Beijing-Shanghai 6 Days Tour
Beijing, an ancient capital with over 3,000 years of history, and Shanghai, a dazzling window into China’s modern openness and innovation, stand as two iconic cities that together embody the nation’s profound past and vibrant present. Though strikingly different in character, each offers a unique lens on Chinese civilization. If you wish to experience the captivating interplay of antiquity and modernity in China, we highly recommend this 6-day Beijing-Shanghai highlights tour.
Beijing, once the capital of six dynasties and now the capital of the People’s Republic of China, seamlessly blends imperial grandeur with local authenticity. From the magnificent Forbidden City and the majestic Great Wall to the winding Hutongs and serene courtyard homes, the city invites you to hike along ancient fortifications and take a rickshaw ride through traditional alleys, immersing yourself in the quintessential “Old Beijing” way of life.
A swift 4.5‑hour high‑speed train ride takes you from Beijing to Shanghai – an international metropolis often called the “Paris of the East”. On the Bund, a historic waterfront promenade, a lineup of colonial-era buildings tells a century of stories, while the futuristic skyscrapers of Lujiazui sketch the skyline of tomorrow. Stroll through the classical Yu Garden, explore the Shikumen (stone-gate) lanes that preserve old Shanghai’s memories, or take a nighttime cruise on the Huangpu River to witness the city’s dazzling neon panorama.
From imperial relics to modern landmarks, from the unhurried rhythm of Beijing’s hutong life to the fast‑paced energy along Shanghai’s Huangpu River, this journey immerses you in a symphony of China’s past and future – delivering a richly layered travel experience that will linger in your memory long after you return home.
Through this visit, you can experience "Must-See, Must-Do"
Highlight 1: Stroll through the Forbidden City, visit the Summer Palace, and listen to the court secrets and garden legends of the Ming and Qing dynasties amidst red walls, yellow tiles, pavilions, and towers.
Highlight 2: Climb the less crowded, scenic, and well-preserved wild Great Wall, and enjoy panoramic views of the magnificent landscape.
Highlight 3: Ascend China's tallest building and climb to an altitude of 546 meters to overlook the economic capital of China.
Highlight 4: Stroll along the Bund promenade, gaze at the magnificent skyline formed by Pudong's skyscrapers, and experience the century-old charm and modern prosperity of both sides of the Huangpu River.
Itinerary Overview
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Beijing (4 Days)
Forbidden City, Mutianyu Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, Summer Palace, Bird's Nest & Water Cube -
Shanghai (2 Days)
Shanghai Museum, Yu Garden, The Bund, Nanjing Road, Shanghai Tower
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Beijing | Airport Transfer & Hotel Check-in
Hello! Welcome to Beijing, the capital of China! Upon your arrival at Beijing Airport or Train Station, your guide and driver will be waiting for you at the exit to escort you to your selected hotel in the city center. The rest of the day is free for you to rest and adjust to the time difference, or explore the area around your hotel.
【Arrival Guide】
Beijing has well-developed air and high-speed rail transportation. There are two airports in the city—Beijing Daxing International Airport and Beijing Capital International Airport, operating numerous international and domestic routes. You can fly to Beijing from most major cities in China (such as Hong Kong, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Xi’an, Guilin, Hangzhou, Kunming, Wuhan, Xiamen, Guiyang, Chongqing, Lanzhou, etc.). Alternatively, you can take a high-speed train to Beijing: approximately 4-5 hours from Xi’an, 4.5-6 hours from Shanghai, 2.5-3 hours from Zhengzhou, 4-5 hours from Wuhan, and 5-5.5 hours from Harbin.
【Free Time】
After checking into your hotel, if you wish to explore the surroundings, feel free to ask your guide for exclusive tips. Whether it’s heading to Wangfujing Street to taste authentic local snacks, experiencing the old Beijing hutong culture in Shichahai, or watching the flag-lowering ceremony at Tiananmen Square, your guide can tailor the most suitable itinerary based on your interests and time.
Day 2 Beijing City Tour | Visit Tiananmen Square, Stroll through the Forbidden City, Explore Old Beijing Hutongs
After breakfast, your guide will pick you up from your hotel and take you to Tiananmen Square—the world’s largest urban public square and a symbol of China. Over the past decades, it has witnessed many significant historical events in China. Passing through the square, you will marvel at the grandeur and magnificence of the Forbidden City (Palace Museum). As the world’s largest and best-preserved ancient imperial palace complex, it was once home to 24 emperors of China. This imperial garden, with its 8,728 rooms, is not only an architectural masterpiece that embodies Chinese civilization but also a “city within a city,” much like the Vatican in Rome. Entering through the Meridian Gate, proceed along the central axis to explore the exquisite palaces. With your guide’s explanations, you will not only admire the brilliant ancient architecture and countless treasures but also hear the imperial stories hidden within the red walls and yellow tiles. Afterward, move to Jingshan Park, just a 15-minute walk away, and ascend to the Wanchun Pavilion for a panoramic view of modern Beijing and the continuous golden rooftops of the Forbidden City.
In the afternoon, let’s wander through the old Beijing hutongs and experience authentic local life at a leisurely pace. Take a ride in a special rickshaw through the winding alleys, with unique shops lining both sides, telling stories of the old city’s street life.
Evening Recommendation (Optional): You can experience Peking Duck at Quanjude, world-renowned for its roast duck.
Forbidden City, Beijing
Tiananmen Square, Beijing
Day 3 Beijing Great Wall Tour | Mutianyu Great Wall, Bird's Nest & Water Cube
This morning, you will head to the Mutianyu Great Wall, located northwest of Beijing (73 kilometers from the city, about 1.5-2 hours by car). The Great Wall, with over 2,000 years of history, spans multiple northern provinces of China, with a total length exceeding 3,000 miles, making it one of the world’s most astonishing ancient engineering marvels. Mutianyu Great Wall connects Jiankou Great Wall to the west and Gubeikou Great Wall to the east. It is the best-preserved and most fully restored section of the Great Wall, not only with fewer tourists but also famous for its 23 Ming Dynasty watchtowers and magnificent scenery. You will take a cable car directly to Watchtower No. 14 to begin an unforgettable Great Wall hiking experience, focusing on the western section. Surrounded by pine and cypress trees on the mountains, the winding Great Wall stands majestically on the vast land, offering you the most breathtaking natural scenery. Challenge yourself by climbing to Watchtower No. 20 to fulfill your Great Wall dream. Cherish this rare opportunity and take plenty of photos!
After bidding farewell to this soul-stirring historical wonder, we return to the urban area of Beijing, passing by the Olympic landmarks—the Bird’s Nest (National Stadium) and the Water Cube (National Aquatics Center). These two Olympic venues have witnessed China’s dual Olympic glory from the 2008 Summer Olympics to the 2022 Winter Olympics. Stop for exterior photos to capture Olympic memories. After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel by private car, and tonight you will surely sleep soundly with memories of the Great Wall.
Mutianyu Great Wall, Beijing
Bird’s Nest and Water Cube, Beijing
Day 4 Beijing High-Speed Train to Shanghai | Summer Palace
After breakfast, drive to the “Imperial Garden Museum”—the Summer Palace. This former imperial summer resort, integrating pavilions, towers, lakes, and mountains, is a masterpiece of Chinese classical garden art. You can stroll along the winding corridors, admire the magnificent Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, gaze at the vast Kunming Lake, and experience the poetic beauty of traditional Chinese landscape paintings with every step.
After the tour, you will be escorted to the train station to take a high-speed train to Shanghai (approximately 4.5-5.5 hours). Upon arrival, your guide and driver will be waiting at the exit to escort you to your hotel. Welcome to this vibrant international metropolis and begin your exciting Shanghai journey.
Summer Palace, Beijing
Summer Palace, Beijing
Day 7 Shanghai City Tour | Shanghai Museum, Yu Garden, Nanjing Road & The Bund
This morning, you will visit the Shanghai Museum for a soul-stirring art journey, appreciating top-tier collections and gaining a deep understanding of China’s profound history. The exterior of the Shanghai Museum resembles an ancient bronze cooking vessel—a ding, with a round top and a square base, symbolizing “the roundness of heaven and the squareness of earth.” The museum houses 120,000 artifacts spanning 5,000 years of history, showcasing the treasures of Chinese art in their entirety. You will immerse yourself in the bronze and ceramic exhibition halls, admiring exquisite bronzes and ingenious ceramic treasures. Don’t miss the two most prized possessions: the bronze ritual vessel Da Ke ding, over 3,000 years old, and the Marquis Su of Jin bells (ancient percussion instruments).
Next, move to the Yu Garden, a classical garden gem hidden in the bustling city. Stroll leisurely through it, admiring typical Jiangnan garden architecture, and savor the exquisite wood carvings, stone carvings, and brick carvings, which are a feast for the eyes. The Yu Garden Bazaar outside is also full of fun, where you can taste authentic local snacks and purchase exquisite traditional handicrafts and artworks.
Then, you will stroll along Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, lined with numerous famous shops, restaurants, cafes, and souvenir stores, with tall buildings standing side by side. Continue forward, and you will arrive at the Bund, the top must-visit spot in Shanghai. Known as the “Exhibition of Ten Thousand Nations Architecture,” the Bund features 52 buildings of various styles. Across the river, you can see the skyline and skyscrapers of Lujiazui in Pudong. The last stop of today’s itinerary is the Shanghai Tower, China’s tallest and the world’s second-tallest building, standing at 632 meters. Take the elevator directly to the 118th floor, the observation deck at 546 meters, to enjoy a panoramic view of modern Shanghai and the dazzling cityscape.
Shanghai skyline viewed from Oriental Pearl Tower across the Bund, Shanghai
Yu Garden, Shanghai
Day 8 Departure from Shanghai | Hotel Check-out & Airport Transfer
Your eight-day tour of China is coming to an end. You will then have free time in Shanghai to explore the city’s charm at your own pace. Afterward, our guide will escort you to the airport or train station to take a flight or high-speed train to your next destination.
Thank you for choosing Fenglin China Travel for your journey in China. We are committed to providing you with quality service and look forward to meeting you again on your next trip to China or Asia!
Airport Transfer
Return home safely after your China tour.
Price: What's Included & Excluded
What’s Included?
- Experienced Driver & Air-Conditioned Vehicle
- Professional Licensed English-Speaking Guide
- Hotel Accommodation with Breakfast
- Domestic Flights (Economy Class) or High-Speed Trains (Second Class) as listed in the itinerary
- Entrance Fees, Activities, and Meals as listed in the itinerary
- Accident Insurance
- We provide comprehensive services from itinerary planning and operational reception to the end of the journey.
What’s Not Included?
- International Airfare
- Visa Fees for Entry
- Personal Expenses
- Single Room Supplement
- Optional Recommended Activities
- Pick-up and Drop-off Services on the First and Last Day
- Tips for Driver and Guide
Important Itinerary Notes for Booking a Private China Tour
Booking a private China tour is very simple. Select the tour you are interested in and click “Free Consultation.” Please tell us your requirements and preferences when submitting the form. You do not need to pay immediately during this process. After submitting your request, our professional travel experts will reply within 0.5 to 24 hours. You will only make a deposit after all information is confirmed. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the travel expert directly.
The itinerary above is a sample that most travelers choose. The tour can be customized according to your preferences, interests, and budget. Also, if you wish to extend your trip, just let us know your preferred destinations and activities. Our professional travel experts will completely redesign the itinerary for you and your group at the best price. Tell us your ideas now >>
Private tour means you will travel to tourist attractions within a city by private vehicle. Our selected private vehicles are spacious, comfortable, and air-conditioned. Moreover, our drivers are experienced. As for travel between two destinations, we use domestic flights (economy class seats) or high-speed trains (second-class seats, usually less than 6 hours). Local guides and drivers will pick you up at the airport and train station and escort you to the hotel.
Accommodation and Hotel Conditions for Your China Tour
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- Travel Style: Private Custom Tour (Flexible Travel Dates and Number of Travelers)
- Tour Route: Beijing-Shanghai
- Route Features: History, Culture, Architecture, Skyscrapers, Museums
Price: Request
(Based on a private guided tour for two people. Prices vary depending on the program, travel dates, and number of people)
Free Consultation! You don’t need to pay for booking.
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