Based on 2 persons & 4-star hotels for reference
Make an InquiryUpon arrival in Beijing, your guide will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may have time to rest before exploring the city at your own pace.
Accommodation option:
breakfast
Begin the day at the Summer Palace, the first UNESCO World Heritage Site on your tour. Its traditional garden design and impressive architecture offer a fascinating glimpse into China’s imperial past. Set beside Kunming Lake, the complex is home to the famous Marble Boat and a 700-metre-long covered walkway richly decorated with intricate details. Both offer excellent photo opportunities.
In the afternoon, travel north of Beijing to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, one of the highlights of any visit to China. Generally less crowded than other sections, Mutianyu offers sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. Take a cable car up to the wall, where you will have time to walk at your own pace and admire the magnificent structure as it winds like a dragon across the mountain ridges. On the return journey to Beijing, stop briefly for photos at the Olympic Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest.
Accommodation option:
Summer Palace
Mutianyu Great Wall
breakfast
Begin the day at Tiananmen Square, where Mao Zedong proclaimed the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949. His mausoleum and the Monument to the People’s Heroes stand in the centre of the square, which is surrounded by several important national buildings. At its northern end stands Tiananmen Gate, beyond which lies the Forbidden City, enclosed by imposing red walls. Explore the grand ceremonial halls of the Outer Court before continuing to the smaller buildings and courtyards of the former imperial private quarters. The immense scale of the palace complex is sure to impress.
In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Heaven in southern Beijing. Once reserved for emperors who came to pray for good harvests, the historic complex is now open to visitors. Its surrounding park is also a popular gathering place, where local residents meet to play cards, sing, and exercise.
Accommodation option:
Temple of Heaven
breakfast
The entire day is free for you to explore Beijing independently. With so much to see in China’s capital, your guide will be happy to offer suggestions and help you plan your day. Alternatively, join an optional excursion beginning at the Lama Temple, the largest Tibetan Buddhist temple complex outside Tibet, followed by the nearby Confucius Temple, dedicated to the famous Chinese philosopher.
Afterwards, wander through Beijing’s historic hutongs and perhaps make a brief visit to a local family living in the neighbourhood. The excursion also includes Jingshan Park, also known as Coal Hill, a small park just north of the Forbidden City. From the top of the hill, you can enjoy an outstanding view across the entire palace complex.
Accommodation option:
Beijing
breakfast
Today, take a high-speed train from Beijing to the megacity of Shanghai. China’s modern high-speed trains can reach speeds of up to 300 km/h. Upon arrival, you will be taken to your hotel. We recommend spending the afternoon strolling along the Bund and exploring Nanjing Road, Shanghai's main shopping street. In the evening, you can join an optional excursion to a spectacular acrobatics show. Shanghai's acrobats are renowned throughout China and regularly perform with the Chinese State Circus during its international tours. The performance is sure to be a highlight of your visit.
Accommodation option:
Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street
breakfast
Begin the day with a tour of Shanghai’s Old Town, which offers a glimpse of what the city looked like towards the end of the Qing Dynasty. Today, the area is home to numerous souvenir shops and well-known restaurants, as well as the famous Yu Garden, a fine example of a traditional private garden from southern China. Although popular with tourists, the garden remains a peaceful green oasis in the heart of the Old Town. Next, visit the Bund, Shanghai’s waterfront promenade. Historic trading houses line the west bank of the Huangpu River, while the ultra-modern skyscrapers of Pudong rise across the water. Take in a bird's-eye view of the city from the observation deck of Shanghai Tower before continuing to Longhua Temple, a peaceful Buddhist temple just outside the city centre. Afterwards, stroll along Nanjing Road, where busy shops, local shoppers, colourful signs, and eye-catching advertising displays create a lively atmosphere. A return visit in the evening is highly recommended, when the street and surrounding skyline are illuminated.
Accommodation option:
The Bund
breakfast
Today, you can either explore Shanghai at your own pace or join an optional excursion to Luzhi and Suzhou. Begin in Luzhi, an idyllic water town where many of the traditional buildings in the historic centre remain well preserved. Narrow canals crisscross the town and are still used as local waterways. Continue to Suzhou, known as the “Garden City.” Here, visit the Master of the Nets Garden, a former private garden that is one of the smallest yet most beautiful in China. Afterwards, take a walk through the city centre and visit a silk-spinning mill. Jiangsu Province has long been one of the centres of China’s silk industry. Return to Shanghai in the evening.
Accommodation option:
Luzhi Water Town
breakfast
Depending on your departure time, you will be transferred to the airport for your return or onward flight.
• Hotel accommodations as per the itinerary (twin room with shower/ bath and toilet, daily breakfast included)
• Local English-speaking tour guide
• Transfers, admission fees, and visits as specified in the itinerary
• Second-class tickets on modern high-speed trains, as specified in the itinerary
• Transportation in standard air-conditioned vehicles
Seat in Coach Tours, with English-speaking guides Guaranteed departure from groups of 2 Persons Maximum of 12 Persons per group