Excursions by Exotrav

China Tour

Journey from Beijing to Shanghai

Trip Duration:

8 days

Recommended season:

March – May

September–October

China - Trip Summary

A customized 8-day China tour begins in Beijing, the capital of China, where we’ll enjoy a rickshaw ride through the traditional hutongs, visit the Forbidden City, and walk along the Great Wall. The tour concludes in Shanghai, China’s largest city, with visits to iconic city sites and the water town of Zhujiajiao. This personalized tour of China offers a journey between old and new, tradition and modernity. We traverse through Beijing and Xi’an, symbols of imperial heritage, the lush rice terraces of Guilin, and Shanghai, where tradition meets remarkable advancement. Our comprehensive services include an English-speaking private guide, ensuring an unforgettable travel experience tailored to your pace and style.

Beijing • Shanghai • Water Towns

Day 1

Day 1: Arrival in Beijing - Hutong Alleyways- Peking Duck

Arrival in Beijing, where you will meet our representative at the airport and transfer to the hotel. Beijing is the capital of China and one of the oldest cities in the world, as well as one of the four ancient capitals of China. The vast city, covering an area of approximately 16,800 square kilometers, is located in the northeast of the country, and its literal translation is “Northern Capital.”

 

On the way, we will stop to visit the 798 Art District.
After resting and refreshing, we will embark on a rickshaw tour through the hutong alleyways. These narrow streets are lined with traditional courtyard houses, showcasing examples of traditional architecture and urban life in the old city. Afterward, we will continue to the vibrant Wangfujing pedestrian street.

 

In the evening, we will enjoy a Peking Duck dinner. The duck will be served roasted and sliced thinly, accompanied by crispy pancakes, a mixture of chopped herbs, and a sweet sauce. The restaurant where you will dine has received numerous awards and traditionally roasts the duck in a brick oven, enhanced with fruitwood for a richer aroma.
Overnight in Beijing.

Day 2

Day 2: Beijing - A Journey Through Imperial History

After breakfast, we will visit the Forbidden City, which served as the palace for Chinese emperors from the mid-reign of the third emperor of the Ming Dynasty until the end of the reign of the last emperor of the Qing Dynasty. The Forbidden City was the home of the emperor and his family for nearly 500 years, as well as the political and ceremonial center of the Chinese government.

 

It is called the “Forbidden City” because the emperors who lived there did not allow anyone to enter or leave without their permission. Since 1924, after the last emperor, Puyi, was expelled, the city has been open for visitors and has become a national museum.

 

We will visit Tiananmen Square, a vast square in the center of Beijing named after the Tiananmen Gate, which was built by the Ming Dynasty and is one of the most significant symbols of China. The square has hosted many important and historic events throughout Chinese history, including the proclamation of Chinese independence in 1949, along with countless cultural events, speeches, parades, and various cultural activities. Surrounding the square, you can find the Monument to the People’s Heroes, the Great Hall of the People, and Mao’s Mausoleum.

 

Afterward, we will enjoy a view from Coal Hill and continue to visit the restored Qianmen Street.
Overnight in Beijing.

 

Day 3

Day 3: Beijing - The Great Wall

After breakfast, we will drive approximately an hour and a half for a day trip to the Great Wall of China. The Great Wall is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World and stretches over 6,350 kilometers. Its construction began over 2,000 years ago when China was unified into a single kingdom by the Qin Dynasty. Parts of the wall were built by independent states and later unified into one wall by the Qin Dynasty. (Ascent and descent from the wall will be by cable car.)

 

Afterward, we will continue our visit to the Summer Palace, including a boat ride on the lake.

 

In the evening, we will enjoy an exciting Kung Fu show. This performance combines dance, acrobatics, and, of course, Kung Fu. The story follows a young boy wandering outside one of the many temples in China, dreaming of becoming a master of the martial art. The show first premiered at the Red Theatre in 2004 and has since presented two performances daily, attracting both tourists and local audiences.
Overnight in Beijing.

 

Day 4

Day 4: Beijing - Echoes of Faith and Tradition

After breakfast, we will visit the Temple of Heaven, where emperors used to communicate with the gods. In the park surrounding the temple, crowds of people practice Tai Chi, dance tango, play music, and sing.
We will continue to the Lama Temple, an active Tibetan temple that currently attracts China’s elite and middle class seeking prayers and guidance to cope with the rapid changes occurring in Chinese society.

 

After that, we will visit the Olympic Park, where we will view the “Bird’s Nest” and the “Water Cube.” We will conclude the day with a visit to the ancient Dashilan Street.
Overnight in Beijing.

 

Day 5

Day 5: Beijing – Shanghai- Urban Adventures in the Pearl of the Orient

After breakfast, we will transfer to the train station for a high-speed train ride of approximately 4 hours to Shanghai.

 

Shanghai is the largest city in China and the most populous city in the world. The city is located at the mouth of the Yangtze River and, unlike other cities in China, it does not belong to any specific province. Shanghai is divided into two parts, separated by the Huangpu River. The cosmopolitan Shanghai offers visitors unique architecture that blends European styles with modern skyscrapers, Buddhist temples, green parks, and a rich cultural life.

 

Upon arrival, we will take a stroll along the Bund, a riverfront area lined with colonial buildings. The Bund has been one of the city’s symbols for over 100 years. On one side, there are well-preserved colonial buildings that give the promenade a European character, including numerous hotels, banks, and commercial buildings. On the other side of the promenade lies the Pudong district, which features the towering skyscrapers that have become synonymous with the city.

 

We will continue with a visit to Nanjing Road, the main shopping street in Shanghai. After that, we will transfer to the hotel.

 

In the evening, enjoy dinner at a contemporary restaurant specializing in Shanghai cuisine.
Overnight in Shanghai.

 

Day 6

Day 6: Shanghai - Heavenly Skyline

After breakfast, we will ascend for a breathtaking view from the Shanghai TV Tower, one of the tallest towers in the world and a symbol of modern China. The tower rises to a height of 468 meters and was the tallest structure in China until 2007.

 

Next, we will visit the old town of Shanghai, including the Yuyuan Garden, the nearby markets, and the historic synagogue.
We will then explore the lively French Concession district, which features some of the most impressive ancient buildings in the city, constructed in European styles, giving the area an atmosphere reminiscent of “Paris of the East.” This vibrant district is filled with dozens of galleries, shops, restaurants offering cuisine from around the world, cafés, and pubs.

 

In the evening, enjoy an acrobatic show- a performance that combines traditional Chinese dance and martial arts, special effects, lighting, and original music.
Overnight in Shanghai.

 

Day 7

Day 7: Shanghai - Zhujiajiao - Shanghai

After breakfast, we will drive for about an hour to the water town of Zhujiajiao. Zhujiajiao is a water town that is over 1,700 years old. The town served as an important trading center for the surrounding rural area, and many of the ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties have been preserved to this day.

We will stroll through the town and observe the local way of life and the ancient architectural style that has been maintained.

 

Afterward, we will return to Shanghai. Upon arrival, we will visit a small, historic area of the city- Xintiandi- featuring unique small shops and cafés.
Overnight in Shanghai.

Day 8

Day 8: Shanghai - Airport

After breakfast and depending on your flight time, we will transfer to the airport for your flight back home.

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