Best Places To See In Beijing And Shanghai

Both the archaic Beijing and the vogue Shanghai are the two top destinations that are packed full of amazing attractions in China. WindhorseTour recommends you visit the most popular attractions in these two cities: Tiananmen Square, Oriental Pearl Tower, and Zhouzhuang Water Town. When you travel to Beijing, you also can visit the Forbidden City which was a vast palace complex for emperors in ancient times. This blog will be focused on the first part – the Beijing Tour. 

Beijing Tour

You will spend your first few days in Beijing which is the capital of China. Having an excursion to Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, and Ming Tombs will give you an exciting experience. After visiting these places, you will be able to learn more information about the old Beijing and new Beijing. Please look at the Beijing and Shanghai Sightseeing Tour for more information. Beijing is always waiting for you.

Tiananmen Square

Tiananmen Square is the third largest city square in the world and is an assembling place for celebrations of traditional Chinese festivals and other big events. Here, you can see the national flag-raising ceremony with thousands of travelers both from home and abroad. As the must-see attraction in Beijing, you have a lot of things to do: taking photos in front of the portrait of Chairman Mao and visiting the other attractions such as Tiananmen Tower, Great Hall of the People, and Monument to the People’s Heroes. If you would like to travel to Beijing, please look at Beijing Highlights Tour for more information.

The Forbidden City

Walking along Tiananmen Square to its north end, you will reach the magnificent Forbidden City which is an ancient architecture complex. The Forbidden City was the Chinese imperial palace in ancient times and now houses the Palace Museum. With spectacular architecture and grounds on a scale hard to imagine, the Forbidden City is stunning to see and walk through. A trip to the Forbidden City will give you an incredible experience of Chinese culture and history when you travel to Beijing.

Ming Tombs

Ming Tombs are located some 42 km away. (26 mi.) north-northwest of central Beijing, Ming Tombs lies the mausoleums of thirteen emperors of the Ming Dynasty. The Ming Tombs is the best-preserved tomb area with the most emperors buried and attracts millions of travelers to appreciate its long history and palatial architecture. Walk through the Sacred Way in front of it which is believed to lead the emperor, the son of Heaven to the road up to Heaven to savor an important piece of history in the Ming Dynasty. You should not miss the Ming Tombs when you travel to Beijing. If you are interested in the Beijing tour, please find more information from WindhorseTour: Best Beijing 5-Day Tour.

Shopping and Souvenirs

When you travel to Beijing, the most famous attractions such as Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Ming Tombs are recommended for you. Never go home empty-handed because you can buy some souvenirs for your relatives and friends such as Chinese knots, Jasmine Tea, and Cloisonne.

Shanghai Tour

After traveling to Beijing, you will take a train to Shanghai which is a modern city in China. It will take you about five and a half hours on the train and the scenery along the way is really beautiful. You can have a rest and enjoy the beautiful scenery through the window. Yuyuan Garden, Oriental Pearl Tower, and Zhouzhuang Water Town are must-sees in Shanghai city. This blog will be focused on the second part – the Shanghai Tour. 

Discovering Shanghai

In the last few days of the tour, you will travel to Shanghai which is the most popular tourist destination. Shanghai has been described as the “showpiece” of the booming economy of China and has lots of famous attractions including Yuyuan Garden and Oriental Pearl Tower which should not be missed by every traveler. Besides from Beijing Shanghai Sightseeing Tour, you should never miss the Zhouzhuang Water Town which is also called “the Venice of the East”.

Yuyuan Garden

Located in the northeast of the old city of Shanghai, Yuyuan Garden is divided into six general areas laid out in the Suzhou style which is designed with constructed landscapes mimicking the natural scenery of rocks, hills, and rivers with strategically located pavilions and pagodas. The six general areas are Sansui Hall, Wanhua Chamber, Dianchun Hall, Huijing Hall, Yuhua Hall, and Inner Garden. Each of them is worth your visit and is an excellent place for photography. If you are interested in the Shanghai tour, please look at Shanghai City Highlights & Outskirts Tour for more information.

Oriental Pearl

Oriental Pearl Tower which has a height of 468 m. (1,535 ft.) is just like a twinkling star in Shanghai’s night sky. As the best place to take photos and to get a bird’s-eye view of the whole of Shanghai, the Oriental Pearl Tower attracts a large number of travelers both from home and abroad every year. What’s more, the Bund and Huangpu Rivers are also close to the Oriental Pearl Tower so you can either have sightseeing with the spectacular scenery along the Bund or have a cruise trip on the Huangpu River in the evening. Please find more information at WindhorseTour’s Shanghai/Suzhou With Tongli Water Town Tour.

Zhouzhuang Water Town

With a history of more than 900 years, Zhouzhuang Water Town is not very far from Shanghai. WindhorseTour will drive you to your destination. Most of the residencies and houses in the Zhouzhuang Water Towns were built in the Ming or Qing Dynasties. You can walk along the ancient street and go sightseeing to see the architecture. Traditional handicrafts such as blacksmith smith, paper cutting, and clay sculpture can be found along the street. When you travel to Shanghai, you should not miss the Zhouzhuang Water Town.

Final Words

Visit the famous Shanghai attractions and enjoy yourself in modern Shanghai. It will give you an exciting experience.

As you traverse the bustling streets, immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of life that makes Shanghai a cosmopolitan center of culture, commerce, and fashion. The city’s famous attractions, such as the soaring Oriental Pearl Tower, the serene Yuyuan Garden, and the picturesque Zhouzhuang Water Town, are testaments to its diverse appeal, blending historical depth with architectural marvels.

In Shanghai, every corner tells a story, and every experience enriches your understanding of China’s dynamic evolution. From the awe-inspiring skyline viewed from the Bund to the tranquil waterways of ancient towns, Shanghai captivates the heart and imagination. It’s a place where you can savor exquisite local cuisine, shop for unique souvenirs, and witness the harmonious coexistence of tradition and innovation.

As you conclude your visit, carry with you not just memories of iconic landmarks but also a deeper appreciation for Shanghai’s role in shaping the narrative of a country racing towards the future while honoring its past. Let the city’s energy inspire you, its history informs you, and its beauty stays with you long after your journey ends. Shanghai is more than just a destination; it’s an experience that promises to leave an indelible mark on your soul.

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• Beijing To Datong Tour
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