7 days Beijing Shanghai Tour

Upon your arrival at Beijing Airport or one of the Beijing Train Stations, your tour guide and driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Once settled, you can relax and recuperate or choose to explore Beijing city at your leisure for the rest of the day. Overnight in Beijing.

On your first day of sightseeing in Beijing, start with a visit to Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world and a gathering place for celebrations of traditional Chinese festivals and significant events.

From Tiananmen Square, walk to the north end to enter the majestic Forbidden City. Explore this ancient architectural complex and imagine life as one of the 24 Chinese emperors who once ruled and discussed national affairs within its walls.

Then proceed to Jingshan Park, it was a part of the Forbidden City until the early 1900's when the walls were pulled down and a road cut through it destroying several gates and buildings between the park and the rear entrance of the palace

In the afternoon drive to visit the Summer Palace, it's a royal garden that surrounding Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill are more traditionally known as Wanshou Shan. This palace was built by the emperors during Qing dynasty as a summertime retreat. You will easily see many spectacular gardens, palaces, and temples throughout. In the evening, you may choose to enjoy the Kong Fu Show or Peking Opera(Optional).

A fresh morning begins with a visit to Mutianyu, a less-crowded section of the Great Wall. It takes around 2.5 hours to drive from Beijing city to Mutianyu Great Wall. Cable cars are available to take you up to a good section and then down. Upon reaching the top, you can stroll freely along the wall, through the watch towers and enjoy the panoramic view of the Great Wall winding its way across hills and mountains.

You will spend a relaxing afternoon visiting the chief tomb of a cluster of Ming Tombs. 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.

On your way back to downtown Beijing, you will have time to go to the 2008 Olympic Green to enjoy an outer view of the iconic architecture of China's Olympic Games: the Bird's Nest and Water Cube (If you elect to go inside of the stadiums, the entrance fee is on your own). Dinner includes Beijing roast duck (optional). Overnight in Beijing.

After breakfast, start your day with a visit to the Temple of Heaven. This sacred imperial temple is where emperors once prayed for good harvests and offered sacrifices to the God of Heaven during the winter solstice. Explore this architectural and landscaping masterpiece to appreciate its historical significance and beauty.

Next, head to the old part of Beijing where you'll visit a 300-year-old courtyard. Your English-speaking guide will provide a detailed explanation of the courtyard (Siheyuan) - discussing its history, layout, Fengshui, and traditional Chinese culture.

Following the courtyard visit, set out on a rickshaw tour through the narrow alleys (Hutong) to experience the real life of local Beijing residents. Two people share one rickshaw. You'll be dropped off at the Silver Ingot Bridge (Yinding Bridge) and walk along the 800-year-old Yandai Xiejie (Tobacco Pipe Lean Street) to the Drum Tower. Here, visit the large drum tower and enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding Hutongs and traditional courtyards.

You'll have ample time to explore local bars and shop for souvenirs in this area. Don't miss trying some of the delicious local snacks. In the afternoon, take a bullet train from Beijing to Shanghai, a journey that lasts about 4.5 hours. Upon arrival, your guide and driver in Shanghai will pick you up at train station and transfer you to hotel. Overnight in Shanghai.

In the morning, your guide will take you to Yu Garden, one of the finest Suzhou-style gardens, where you can admire its stunning views and delicately designed architecture dating back to the Ming Dynasty. Then, wander through Shanghai's Old Street to experience the local lifestyle. Next, visit the French Concession - Xin Tian Di, known for its unique blend of old and new architecture and a lively area filled with boutique shops, art galleries, upscale restaurants, and bars. 
After lunch, proceed to the Oriental Pearl Tower, a landmark of Shanghai, to enjoy a panoramic view of the entire city, particularly the spectacular scenery along the Bund. Then, stroll through the vibrant Shanghai Bund and Nanjing Road shopping area. In the evening, you have the option to take a cruise on the Huangpu River or watch an acrobatic show (both are optional and fees are not included). Overnight in Shanghai.

After breakfast, your guide will meet you at the hotel and drive together to one of the top water towns in China -- Zhouzhuang. Located in the middle between Shanghai and Suzhou city, Zhouzhuang Water Town has a history of more than 900 years with many houses built in the Ming and Qing Dynasty. Surrounded by lakes on all four sides, the beauty of this ancient town can easily be seen through the interlaced rivers and stone bridges.

You can freely stroll on its ancient lanes and streets or sit down in one of the bars to slowly take in its unique houses with courtyards. What's unique about some of houses is that they have an arch gateway in front of them built by carved bricks.

Afternoon will be spent visiting one of the courtyard houses, the Shen's Residence which was built in 1742 during the Qing Dynasty by a man named Shen Benren, a descendant of a wealthy man in the late Yuan to early Ming Dynasty. With seven courtyards, five archways and more than 100 rooms of different sizes, it's a such large compound for you to wander in that you may even lose your way. Before you are driven back to downtown Shanghai, you will also have time to see the Milou tower in Zhouzhuang. It is believed to be the rallying place of ancient men of letters who were inspired by this charming water town and wrote many valuable literary works in praise of it. Overnight in Shanghai.

Shanghai is such a large city that it's impossible to include all it has to offer in several days. So today you will have a free day explore it; your guide can give you some suggestions on where to go and what to see. After that, you will be transferred to Shanghai Airport or Shanghai Train Station; say goodbye to your guide and driver. Ending your Beijing and Shanghai combined trip!

WindhorseTour can help extend your trip to other tourist destinations in China. Our Travel Advisors are here to give you suggestions and would like to help create custom itinerary to suit your requirements and interests.