The Bund Shanghai with Pudong skyline

Essential · Two cities, six unhurried days

Beijing & Shanghai Essentials

6 days From USD 1,199 per person
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Overview

A focused six-day journey through China's political capital and its commercial heart. Suitable for travelers using the 144-hour or 240-hour visa-free transit policy, or anyone who wants to see the iconic sights without the cost and time of adding more cities. Two cities, two private guides, no rushed transitions.

Duration

6 days

From

USD 1,199

per person

Tier

Essential

Service Level

Essential tier

Private English-speaking guide and driver in each city. Comfortable 4-star hotels in central locations. High-speed train between cities (2nd class).

Best For

  • First-time visitors with limited time
  • Visa-free transit travelers
  • Business trip extensions
  • Couples or solo travelers

Highlights

What makes this journey distinct

  • Mutianyu Great Wall (less crowded than Badaling)
  • Forbidden City with skip-the-line entry
  • Tiananmen Square + Temple of Heaven
  • The Bund at sunset
  • Yu Garden + Old Town walk
  • Optional Shanghai Tower observation deck

Day by Day

The Itinerary

01

Arrive Beijing

Met at the airport by your guide and driver. Transfer to your hotel in central Beijing. Brief welcome and itinerary review. Free evening to recover from the flight.

02

Imperial Beijing

Tiananmen Square in the morning, then the Forbidden City with your guide explaining the architecture and history. Lunch at a hutong restaurant. Afternoon at Jingshan Park for the panoramic view.

03

Great Wall

Drive to Mutianyu Great Wall (~90 min). 3-4 hours hiking the wall. Cable car up to save energy, toboggan or chairlift down. Evening free.

04

Beijing → Shanghai

Morning visit to the Temple of Heaven. After lunch, transfer to Beijing South Station for the high-speed train to Shanghai (4.5 hrs). Met at Shanghai Hongqiao Station, transfer to hotel. Evening Bund stroll.

05

Shanghai Day

Yu Garden and the Old Town in the morning. Afternoon in the French Concession — walking tree-lined streets, optional coffee stop. Visit to the Shanghai Museum (closed Mondays). Optional Huangpu River evening cruise.

06

Departure

Free morning depending on your flight. Airport transfer for your departure flight.

What's Included

Inclusions

  • Private English-speaking guide in each city
  • Private vehicle with professional driver
  • 5 nights 4-star hotel (Western breakfast)
  • High-speed train Beijing → Shanghai (2nd class)
  • All entrance fees on itinerary
  • Daily lunch at recommended restaurants
  • Airport pickup and drop-off

Not Included

Exclusions

  • International flights to/from China
  • China entry visa (we provide guidance)
  • Travel insurance (recommended)
  • Personal expenses & gratuities
  • Optional dinners and activities

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