12 days Shanghai to Beijing Tour with Mount Huangshan

Welcome to Shanghai, a large modern city in Eastern China, your 13 days picturesque China tour will start now. Get ready to visit beyond Shanghai to magical ancient coastal cities moving west and then north for a tour of Beijing like no others. 

So please relax this day as you are assisted to your Shanghai hotel after arriving from your overseas flight. Or if ready explore the city on your own because the fun is just starting.

In the morning you will visit the People’s Square. It is a large public square in Shanghai and the site of Shanghai's municipal government headquarters building. It is used as the standard reference point for measurement of distance in the Shanghai municipality.

Then you will visit the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall, where you can have a whole understanding of this city. Afterward, go to visit Xintiandi in the French Concession. It was the location of the first congress of China's Communist Party, however today it is a hip cultural center of Shanghai. There are many cafes, bars, bookstores and boutiques here. And Tianzifang is a place liked by many foreigners. It is an arts and crafts enclave that has developed from a renovated residential area. 

In the afternoon, visit the iconic Oriental Pearl TV Tower, one of Shanghai’s most recognizable landmarks. Ride up to the observation decks for panoramic views of the city and the Huangpu River. Then, take a walk down Nanjing Road, Shanghai’s bustling commercial street, before arriving at the historic Shanghai Bund, where colonial architecture faces off with the modern skyline across the river.

In the evening, you can choose to enjoy a Huangpu River night cruise (optional, extra fee applied), offering stunning views of illuminated Shanghai.

Today is yours to explore Shanghai at your own pace. Spend the day shopping or simply strolling around to get a deeper feel for the city. If you’re unsure where to go, your local guide will be happy to share plenty of suggestions.

This morning, drive approximately 1.5 hours to Suzhou, the "City of Gardens." Begin at the Humble Administrator’s Garden, the largest and most renowned classical garden in Suzhou. Originally built in the early 1500s, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is celebrated for its elegant layout, tranquil ponds, and beautifully arranged pavilions. Its poetic scenery perfectly reflects the traditional Jiangnan garden style.

Then move to visit the Suzhou Museum, known for its stunning design by architect I.M. Pei and its excellent collection of local art and cultural relics.

Afterward, take a relaxed stroll along Pingjiang Road, a charming historic street dating back to the Song Dynasty. Lined with canals, stone bridges, whitewashed houses, teahouses, and artisan shops, it offers a lovely glimpse into Suzhou’s traditional life.

In the afternoon visit Lingering Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its masterful blend of natural landscapes and classical architecture across four distinct themed sections. This Ming Dynasty garden showcases elegant pavilions, rockeries, winding corridors, and peaceful courtyards.

Suzhou is also famous for its high-quality silk. If you're interested and time is allowed, you may stop by a silk factory to see the production process and pick up some unique souvenirs for family and friends.

Morning drive to visit Tongli Water Town, one of the Jiangnan region's best-preserved water town with over 1,000 years of history. Take a relaxing boat ride along narrow canals to admire the classic water town scenery. Then explore on foot through quiet cobblestone lanes, crossing arched stone bridges and passing well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty residences.

Visit the Retreat and Reflection Garden (Tuisi Garden), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and exquisite example of Jiangnan garden design. You may also explore historic courtyard houses and small museums showcasing Tongli's traditional culture and architecture.

Return to Suzhou for the afternoon, and take high speed train to Hangzhou (about 1-1.5 hours train ride). Upon arrival, meet your local driver and transfer you to hotel. Rest of the day is for you to explore Hangzhou on your own. 

Hangzhou, one of the seven ancient capitals of China, is the capital city of Zhejiang Province. Today, you will visit some of its most iconic attractions, starting with the Six Harmonies Pagoda and the Lingyin Temple. After breakfast, drive to the Six Harmonies Pagoda located at the foot of Yuelun Hill, facing the Qiantang River. The tower was built to calm the tidal range of the river. Take a charming walk behind the pagoda, through terraces dotted with sculptures, bells, shrines, and inscriptions.

Next, head to the Lingyin Temple, a famous monastery in the Jiangnan region, founded 1,700 years ago. Later, visit West Lake, located in the western area of Hangzhou and considered the city's most famous attraction. For centuries, West Lake has inspired poets and painters with its natural beauty and historical relics, making it a significant source of inspiration for Chinese garden designers.

In the late afternoon or evening, head to the train station to take the train to Huangshan (about 1.5-2 hours train ride). Upon arrival, check into hotel at Huangshan. Explores Tunxi Old Street, a souvenir street lined with wooden shops and Ming-style buildings. 

Morning drive about 1 hour to the foot of the Mount Huangshan where you will take the Yuping cable-car up to the Mountain from the western side. A 3.5 hours hike will take you to see the fantastic and unforgettable views, including the Jade Screen Peak, Welcoming-guest Pine Tree, Lotus Peak, Turtle Peak, Heavenly Sea Pavilion, Bright Top Peak, the Flying-over Rock, the Cloud-dispelling Pavilion and Grand Canyon of the West Sea. Stay overnight up the mountain.

Watch the sunrise early in the morning and enjoy the stunning views of the Lion's Peak, where the "Stone Monkey" is perched. Next, visit the Beginning-to-believe Peak before descending the mountain via the Yungu Cable-car on the eastern steps. After that, take a short drive to Yixian County, which is often praised as the "Eden's Garden on Earth', here you explore the beautiful village, Hongcun, which is considered living museums of Chinese traditional residential houses by many western scholars and experts. Hongcun Village was the filming location for the Oscar-awarded movie "Crouching Tiger and Hidden Dragon." Later in the afternoon, drive to Huangshan train station to take a high-speed train to Beijing (G46, 17:36-22:40, about 5 hours train ride). 
Upon arrival at Beijing, your Beijing driver will pick you up and transferred to hotel. 

Since you arrived late last night, today begins with a relaxed start so you can rest a bit in the morning. Around 10:00 AM, your Beijing guide will meet you in the hotel lobby and take you to the Mutianyu Great Wall, one of the most beautiful and well preserved sections of the wall. It lies about 80 kilometers north of downtown Beijing, and the drive takes around two and a half hours by private car.

When you arrive, you will have two to three hours to explore this impressive stretch at your own pace. You can walk along its watchtowers and enjoy the sweeping mountain scenery, or if you prefer an easier way up, take the cable car. Many travelers also enjoy riding the toboggan on the way down, which adds a fun way to end the visit. If you would like a quieter experience, you may choose to visit the Huanghuacheng Water Great Wall instead.

On your return, stop briefly at Olympic Green to see the Bird's Nest stadium and Water Cube from the 2008 Olympics.

Optional: End your evening at Donghuamen Night Market for street food or Sanlitun Bar Street for nightlife.

Start your day at Tiananmen Square, the world's largest public square and the heart of Beijing. From here, enter the magnificent Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that served as home to 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Walk through grand courtyards, ornate ceremonial halls, and historic gates as you discover over 500 years of imperial Chinese history.

Next, head to Jingshan Park, located just behind the Forbidden City. Climb to the hilltop pavilion for spectacular panoramic views of the Forbidden City's golden roofs and the Beijing skyline. This is one of the best photo spots in the city.

In the afternoon, visit the Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and masterpiece of Chinese garden design. This sprawling imperial retreat features the beautiful Kunming Lake, graceful Longevity Hill, and elegantly decorated pavilions and corridors. Stroll through the gardens where Qing Dynasty emperors once relaxed during hot summer months.

In the evening, you may choose to enjoy an optional Kung Fu show or traditional Peking Opera performance (additional fee).

Start your morning at the Temple of Heaven, where emperors once held grand ceremonies to pray for good harvests. The highlight is the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, famous for its elegant three-tiered circular roof. Arriving early gives you the chance to watch local residents practicing tai chi, dancing, or playing traditional games, offering a warm and lively glimpse into daily Beijing life.

Next, continue to the historic Shichahai area in old Beijing. Visit a traditional courtyard home and enjoy a Hutong tour by rickshaw through narrow lanes that preserve the charm of a bygone era. You will also have time to explore Yandai Xiejie and the nearby Drum Tower, both rich in culture and local flavor.

Later, visit Gongwang Fu, or Prince Gong’s Mansion, once the residence of a prominent Qing dynasty statesman. Its grand halls, graceful courtyards, and beautifully designed gardens reflect the elegance and sophistication of Beijing’s imperial past. As you wander through the complex, your guide will share stories that bring the history of the mansion to life.

Enjoy some free time to explore Beijing on your own or do a bit of last-minute shopping before returning to your hotel.

Drive to the airport for your departure. We wish you a pleasant journey home, and WindhorseTour is always happy to assist you if you’d like to extend your trip in China.