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.
Classic China in 10 Days: Beijing, Xi’an, Guilin & Shanghai
Beijing · Xi’an · Guilin & Yangshuo · Shanghai
History in Beijing and Xi’an, then three days among the karst peaks of Guilin and Yangshuo. The most balanced two-week-shortened itinerary we run.
Most China itineraries are heavy on cities. This one deliberately is not: after six days of palaces and museums we put you on a bamboo raft on the Yulong River with nothing but water buffalo for company. It is the trip people describe as “the one where I actually relaxed”.
Trip highlights
- Great Wall, Forbidden City and Terracotta Warriors
- Four-hour Li River cruise through the karst peaks
- Sunrise over the Longji rice terraces
- Cycling the back lanes of Yangshuo
- Two nights in Shanghai to finish
Day by day
- 1
Arrive in Beijing
Private transfer and an easy first evening.
- 2
Forbidden City & hutongs
The palace in the morning, courtyard lanes and a family lunch in the afternoon.
- 3
The Great Wall
Mutianyu section, cable car up and a quiet two-hour walk along the ridge.
- 4
Train to Xi’an
Morning high-speed train, afternoon on the city wall, evening food walk in the Muslim Quarter.
- 5
Terracotta Warriors
The pits in the morning with an expert guide, Big Wild Goose Pagoda after lunch.
- 6
Fly to Guilin, transfer to Yangshuo
Morning flight south, then an hour through the countryside to Yangshuo. Evening on West Street.
- 7
Li River cruise & Yulong River
The classic four-hour cruise from Guilin to Xingping, then a bamboo raft on the smaller Yulong River.
- 8
Longji rice terraces
Drive into the hills to the Zhuang and Yao villages, walk between the terraces, lunch with a local family.
- 9
Fly to Shanghai
Morning free in Yangshuo, afternoon flight to Shanghai. The Bund at night.
- 10
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
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.
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