Memorable 7-Day Shanghai Beijing Tour – Fast Train & Top Highlights

Summary

Day 1 Arrive in Shanghai
Day 2 Shanghai: Yuyuan Garden, The Bund, Nanjing Road, Old French Concession, Boat Cruise On the Huangpu River
Day 3 Shanghai: Zhujiajiao Water Town 
Day 4 Shanghai--Beijing by Bullet Train
Day 5 Beijing: Tian'an men Square, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven
Day 6 Beijing: Mutainyu Great Wall, Summer Palace
Day 7 Beijing Departure

Day 1 Shanghai Arrival

Welcome to China! Upon your arrival at Shanghai Pudong International Airport, our friendly local tour guide will be waiting for you right at the airport exit, holding a clear welcome sign that reads “Your Way Holiday.” They will warmly greet you and assist with your luggage before escorting you directly to your hotel for a comfortable check-in. After settling in, the rest of the day is yours to relax and explore at your own pace, whether you want to unwind from your journey or take a leisurely stroll around the vibrant city of Shanghai.

Day 2 Shanghai

Your day begins as our professional English-speaking guide greets you in the lobby of your Shanghai hotel, holding a sign that reads “Your Way Holiday.” After a warm welcome, you will set off by private vehicle to the heart of the city to begin your immersive exploration of Shanghai’s most iconic landmarks and vibrant neighborhoods.

Your first stop is the enchanting Yuyuan Garden, a classical Chinese garden located in Shanghai’s Old City. Built during the Ming Dynasty, this exquisite garden spans over five acres and is a masterpiece of traditional Chinese landscaping. As you stroll along the winding paths, cross charming stone bridges, and admire ornate pavilions, your guide will share stories of the garden’s history and its symbolic design elements — from koi-filled ponds representing prosperity, to carefully placed rocks evoking mountains. You’ll have the chance to visit the famous Exquisite Jade Rock, a mysterious 3.3-meter tall limestone boulder prized for its unusual holes and textures. Adjacent to the garden, the lively Yuyuan Bazaar offers a bustling market atmosphere, where you can browse local crafts, taste freshly made snacks like the famous Shanghai soup dumplings (xiaolongbao), and soak in the vibrant street life.

Next, you’ll continue your journey to The Bund — Shanghai’s historic waterfront promenade along the Huangpu River. This iconic stretch is renowned for its stunning skyline views and the grandeur of its colonial-era architecture. As you walk along the promenade, your guide will point out notable buildings such as the Customs House, the Peace Hotel, and the HSBC Building, each telling tales of Shanghai’s cosmopolitan past and its rise as a global financial center. On the opposite riverbank, the futuristic skyscrapers of Pudong rise dramatically, including the Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower, and Jin Mao Tower, creating a spectacular contrast of old and new.

For lunch, you will enjoy a carefully selected meal at a traditional Shanghainese restaurant nearby, featuring classic local dishes such as red-braised pork belly (hong shao rou), steamed hairy crab (seasonal), stir-fried river shrimp, and fresh seasonal vegetables. The meal is served with fragrant jasmine tea, providing an authentic taste of Shanghai’s rich culinary heritage in a warm and inviting setting.

Following this, your guide will escort you to Nanjing Road, Shanghai’s premier shopping street. Stretching for nearly six kilometers, Nanjing Road is a bustling artery filled with department stores, boutiques, and eateries. You will have some leisure time to explore the wide variety of shops, from luxury international brands to charming local stores, allowing you to find unique souvenirs or simply enjoy the lively urban atmosphere.

In the afternoon, your tour continues with a visit to the Old French Concession, one of Shanghai’s most charming and historically rich neighborhoods. Known for its tree-lined avenues, colonial-era villas, and vibrant café culture, the area offers a peaceful contrast to the city’s modern skyscrapers. As you wander the shaded streets, your guide will introduce you to the neighborhood’s fascinating history as a foreign settlement and its evolution into a trendy hotspot. You can admire the architecture, browse boutique shops selling art, antiques, and fashion, and perhaps stop for a coffee or tea in one of the quaint cafés nestled among the greenery.

As the day draws to a close, you’ll embark on a relaxing boat cruise along the Huangpu River. This scenic journey offers a breathtaking perspective on Shanghai’s skyline as it lights up in the evening. Floating past both the historic Bund and the futuristic Pudong district, you’ll witness the city’s transformation from traditional to ultra-modern. Your guide will point out landmarks and share captivating stories about the river’s role in Shanghai’s development as a trading hub. The gentle breeze and shimmering reflections on the water create the perfect ambiance to reflect on the day’s experiences.

After the cruise, you will be comfortably transferred back to your hotel, where you can unwind or continue exploring Shanghai at your leisure. This carefully curated day showcases the rich tapestry of Shanghai’s culture, history, and urban vitality — an unforgettable introduction to one of China’s most dynamic cities.

Day 3 Zhujiajiao Water Town

Your day begins with a comfortable drive to the charming ancient town of Zhujiajiao, located about 50 kilometers west of downtown Shanghai. Known as the “Venice of Shanghai,” Zhujiajiao is one of the best-preserved water towns in China, with over 1,700 years of history. Crisscrossed by canals, arched stone bridges, and narrow cobbled lanes, this peaceful town offers a glimpse into traditional Jiangnan life, away from the bustle of the metropolis.

Your walking tour begins at Fangsheng Bridge, the largest and most iconic of the town’s 36 ancient stone bridges. Spanning the Caogang River with five elegant arches, the bridge dates back to the Qing Dynasty and has long been a spiritual landmark — locals believe crossing it brings good fortune. From the top, you’ll enjoy a lovely view of the waterway, where traditional wooden boats glide silently beneath, reflecting the rhythm of daily life that has remained unchanged for centuries.

Continue your journey through the narrow alleys and lively canalside streets, where Ming and Qing dynasty architecture lines both sides. Many of the old residences now house boutique shops, tea houses, and snack stalls. As you walk, your guide will share stories of Zhujiajiao’s history as a prosperous market town — once an important hub for rice, textiles, and pottery — and how its strategic waterways allowed commerce to flourish.

You’ll then visit Ke Zhi Garden (also known as the Ma Family Garden), a beautifully preserved private residence and classical garden complex from the late Qing period. “Ke Zhi” means “learning to be content,” and the garden’s layout reflects this philosophy. Inside, you’ll discover elegant pavilions, rockeries, lotus ponds, and traditional courtyards that blend scholarly taste with local charm. Each stone and shrub in the garden has a poetic meaning, and your guide will highlight the symbolism behind its tranquil design.

Next, step into the Post Office Museum, a hidden gem that tells the story of Zhujiajiao’s importance as a postal hub during the Qing Dynasty. Inside the quaint building, you’ll find vintage stamps, telegraph equipment, and documents showing the town’s role in connecting rural communities with Shanghai and beyond.

Around midday, you’ll pause for lunch at a traditional riverside restaurant, where you’ll enjoy a relaxing meal of local specialties such as braised pork in soy sauce, steamed river shrimp, lotus root stuffed with glutinous rice, and crisp-fried tofu. Served with seasonal greens and local herbal tea, the lunch not only satisfies your appetite but also offers a delicious introduction to the authentic flavors of Jiangnan cuisine.

For those who wish to enjoy the town from the water, an optional boat ride (at your own expense) offers a peaceful journey along the canals. As you drift beneath the ancient bridges and past whitewashed houses, the sound of the oars and the still reflections create a dreamlike experience that captures the soul of this historic town. Your guide will be happy to assist if you wish to join this additional experience.

The afternoon invites slower, more personal discoveries. You may choose to explore smaller attractions such as Qing Dynasty rice shops, old apothecaries, or browse in craft shops offering hand-painted fans, bamboo carvings, embroidered sachets, and silk scarves. Street food lovers might sample sesame cakes, sticky rice dumplings, or Osmanthus jelly from local vendors.

As you stroll through the quieter backstreets, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the way tradition lives on in Zhujiajiao. Elderly residents still play cards under shaded eaves, hang laundry from second-story balconies, and sell homegrown vegetables from hand-pulled carts. These scenes offer an intimate glimpse of daily life unchanged for generations.

At the end of the day, you’ll depart Zhujiajiao with a deeper understanding of the town’s history, culture, and enduring charm. The return journey to Shanghai offers time to relax and reflect on the peaceful beauty of one of China’s most beloved water towns.

Day 4 Shanghai to Beijing by train

In the morning, our driver will drive you to Shanghai train station, you will take bullet train from Shanghai to Beijing, it takes around five and a half hour. Once you arrived, you will be pick up by our Beijing local tour guide will a welcome signage "Your Way Holiday" and escorted to your hotel directly. Our tour guide will help you check-in. The rest of the day is free on your own.

Day 5 Beijing

Your day begins with a journey into the heart of imperial Beijing as you head to Tian’anmen Square, the symbolic center of modern China. As one of the largest public squares in the world, Tian’anmen has witnessed many of the country’s most significant historical events. Surrounded by monumental buildings such as the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum of China, and the Mausoleum of Chairman Mao, the square is a powerful introduction to China’s political legacy. Your guide will share stories about the square’s construction, its evolving role throughout the 20th century, and the meaning behind the Monument to the People's Heroes that rises at its center.

Crossing under the iconic portrait of Chairman Mao, you’ll pass through the Tian’anmen Gate (Gate of Heavenly Peace) and enter the Forbidden City, the grand imperial palace of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Known today as the Palace Museum, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the largest and best-preserved wooden palace complex in the world. As you walk through its grand courtyards and golden-roofed halls, your guide will provide deep insight into the lives of emperors, concubines, scholars, and eunuchs who once lived within these crimson walls.

Your visit will include highlights such as the Hall of Supreme Harmony, where emperors held court; the Palace of Heavenly Purity, the emperor’s living quarters; and the Imperial Garden, a tranquil retreat of pine trees, rockeries, and pavilions. Along the way, you’ll learn how the layout of the Forbidden City reflects traditional Chinese cosmology, hierarchy, and symbolism — every color, number, and direction carefully chosen to reinforce imperial power.

After a morning rich in culture and history, you’ll pause for lunch at a local restaurant, where you can enjoy a selection of traditional Beijing dishes. Your guide may recommend specialties such as zhajiang mian (noodles with soybean paste), stir-fried seasonal vegetables, and Beijing-style dumplings, served in a relaxed setting that blends local flavor with comfort.

In the afternoon, you’ll continue your exploration at the Temple of Heaven, one of China’s most beautiful and spiritually significant sites. Set within a vast park dotted with ancient cypress trees, the temple complex was once the exclusive domain of emperors, who came here annually to pray for good harvests.

As you walk through the complex, your guide will explain the deeply symbolic architecture of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests — a triple-gabled circular structure built entirely without nails, representing heaven and earth in perfect harmony. You’ll also visit the Imperial Vault of Heaven and the Circular Mound Altar, where emperors made sacrificial offerings. The site’s layout, based on ancient Chinese cosmology, reflects the belief in the unity of heaven, earth, and humanity.

Beyond the architecture, the Temple of Heaven Park is a beloved gathering place for locals. Depending on the time of day, you may see Beijing residents playing traditional instruments, practicing tai chi, flying kites, or dancing in open squares — a lively and authentic expression of community life.

As the sun begins to set over the ancient rooftops, you’ll return to your hotel with lasting memories of Beijing’s imperial grandeur, spiritual traditions, and the vibrant culture that continues to thrive in its historic heart.

Day 6 Beijing

Your day begins with a scenic drive to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, located about 70 kilometers northeast of central Beijing. This stretch of the Wall is celebrated for its majestic views, well-preserved condition, and comparatively fewer crowds — making it one of the best sections for an immersive and peaceful Great Wall experience.

As you arrive at the base, you’ll ascend to the wall via a cable car (or optional chairlift) that offers sweeping views of the surrounding mountains draped in forests. Once at the top, begin your walk along the ancient stone pathway, flanked by crenelated battlements and historic watchtowers that once guarded the northern frontier of Imperial China. Your guide will explain the strategic significance of the wall, its architectural features, and stories of the soldiers who once stood watch along its winding spine.

You’ll have time to explore different parts of the wall at your own pace — whether climbing to higher towers for panoramic photo opportunities or simply pausing to absorb the vastness of this man-made wonder stretching across the rugged landscape. If you'd prefer a more adventurous descent, you have the option to take a fun toboggan ride back down the mountain — a thrilling and popular way to end your Great Wall visit.

After this invigorating morning, you’ll stop for lunch at a local countryside restaurant near the wall. Here, you’ll enjoy a hearty meal featuring northern-style Chinese dishes such as stir-fried shredded potatoes, sweet and sour pork, green beans with minced meat, and handmade dumplings — all served with steamed rice and tea in a rustic setting.

In the afternoon, your journey continues with a visit to the Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most elegant and expansive royal gardens in China. Originally built as a retreat for the imperial family, the Summer Palace showcases a harmonious blend of traditional Chinese landscape design, architecture, and natural beauty.

As you stroll through the tranquil grounds, your guide will lead you along the Long Corridor, an elaborately painted covered walkway adorned with over 14,000 colorful paintings, each depicting scenes from literature and mythology. You’ll visit the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity, once used for imperial audiences, and climb to the Tower of Buddhist Incense, which offers stunning views over Kunming Lake and the rolling hills beyond.

A leisurely walk or optional boat ride across the lake (seasonal) provides the perfect way to appreciate the garden's design, where pavilions, bridges, and willows reflect gracefully in the water. Your guide will share stories of Empress Dowager Cixi, who famously diverted naval funds to restore the palace in the late Qing Dynasty, leaving behind a legacy of grandeur and intrigue.

As the day winds down, you’ll return to your hotel in the late afternoon, carrying with you unforgettable memories of two of Beijing’s most iconic landmarks — the enduring strength of the Great Wall and the timeless beauty of imperial garden life.

Day 7 Beijing Departure

Your driver in Beijing will arrange your transfer to the airport according to your flight time, ensuring you arrive with plenty of time for check-in and security procedures. We wish you a smooth journey and hope you had a wonderful time exploring China with us.

Price Per Person in US Dollars