6 daysBeijing · Shanghai
Beijing & Shanghai in 6 Days
Two cities, one week, and the version of China most first-time visitors are looking for: imperial Beijing in the morning, neon Shanghai by night, with a private guide and driver the whole way.
China Highlights with Tibet & the Yangtze in 17 Days
Beijing · Xi’an · Chengdu · Shanghai
The full sweep: Beijing, Xi’an, Lhasa, Chengdu, a Yangtze cruise through the Three Gorges, and Shanghai. Two and a half weeks that covers the country’s range.
This is the itinerary we build for travellers who have already decided China deserves a proper trip. It includes the Golden Triangle, the roof of the world in Lhasa, pandas in Chengdu and a three-night Yangtze cruise — the only comfortable way to see the Three Gorges.
Trip highlights
- Potala Palace and Barkhor Street in Lhasa
- Three-night Yangtze River cruise through the Three Gorges
- Giant pandas in Chengdu
- Terracotta Warriors and the Great Wall
- The Bund and Shanghai Tower to finish
Day by day
- 1
Arrive in Beijing
Private transfer. Rest, or take an evening walk near the hotel.
- 2
Imperial Beijing
Tiananmen, Forbidden City, Jingshan Hill and a hutong lunch.
- 3
Great Wall & Summer Palace
Mutianyu in the morning, the Summer Palace in the afternoon.
- 4
Temple of Heaven, train to Xi’an
Morning park life, then the high-speed train to Xi’an.
- 5
Terracotta Warriors
The army in the morning, city wall by bicycle in the late afternoon.
- 6
Fly to Lhasa
Morning flight to Tibet. The rest of the day is deliberately empty — acclimatisation is not optional.
- 7
Lhasa: Potala Palace
The Potala in the morning (timed tickets), Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street in the afternoon.
- 8
Lhasa: Sera Monastery & Norbulingka
Monk debates at Sera, the summer palace of the Dalai Lamas, and butter tea in a local nunnery.
- 9
Fly to Chengdu
Morning flight, afternoon in the People’s Park teahouse.
- 10
Pandas & Sichuan
Panda Base at opening, then a half-day at Leshan or a free afternoon in the city.
- 11
Board the Yangtze cruise
High-speed train to Chongqing, evening embarkation. The next three nights are on the river.
- 12
Yangtze: Three Gorges
Shore excursion to Fengdu or Shibaozhai, then through the Qutang and Wu gorges.
- 13
Yangtze: Three Gorges Dam
Shennong Stream by sampan in the morning, the dam itself in the afternoon.
- 14
Disembark in Yichang, fly to Shanghai
Morning disembarkation and transfer to the airport. Evening on the Bund.
- 15
Shanghai
Yu Garden, the French Concession and the Shanghai Tower — or a day trip to Suzhou.
- 16
Shanghai, free day
Museums, shopping or a water town. We will plan it around what you like.
- 17
Depart Shanghai
Private transfer to the airport.
What is included
- ✓Hand-picked 4-star hotels (upgrade to 5-star on request)
- ✓Private air-conditioned vehicle and driver throughout
- ✓English-speaking local guide in every city
- ✓All entrance tickets listed in the itinerary
- ✓Meals as listed (B = breakfast, L = lunch)
- ✓High-speed train and internal flights as specified
- ✓24/7 English-speaking support line while you travel
Not included
- —International flights to and from China
- —China visa fees
- —Travel insurance
- —Meals and drinks not listed
- —Personal expenses and tips
- —Tibet permit fee (we arrange it; the fee is billed at cost)
Photos
Enquire
Plan this trip with a local expert
We will come back with a day-by-day draft, a hotel shortlist and a clear price. No deposit until you are happy with the plan.
Other journeys travellers combine with this
6 days
8 daysBeijing · Xi’an · Shanghai
China’s Golden Triangle: Beijing, Xi’an & Shanghai
The classic first-timer route and our best-selling itinerary: the imperial north, the ancient capital of the Terracotta Army, and the most modern city in the country — all by high-speed train.
10 daysBeijing · Xi’an · Guilin & Yangshuo · Shanghai
Classic China in 10 Days: Beijing, Xi’an, Guilin & Shanghai
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