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.
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.
Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai are the three cities that between them hold most of what people come to China to see. We connect them by high-speed rail rather than flights where possible: city centre to city centre, no airport transfers, and a view of the countryside on the way.
Trip highlights
- Forbidden City and the Great Wall at Mutianyu
- Terracotta Warriors with an archaeology-trained guide
- Cycle the 14km Ming city wall in Xi’an
- Evening food walk through the Muslim Quarter
- High-speed train between all three cities
Day by day
- 1
Arrive in Beijing
Airport pickup and private transfer. Settle in; we will suggest somewhere to eat close to the hotel.
- 2
Tiananmen, Forbidden City & Jingshan
The full imperial axis on foot, finishing on Jingshan Hill for the view back over the palace roofs.
- 3
Great Wall at Mutianyu
Morning on the wall, lunch in a village, and the afternoon free — or add the Summer Palace if you have the energy.
- 4
Temple of Heaven, train to Xi’an
Morning park life, then the high-speed train to Xi’an (about 4.5 hours). Evening in the Muslim Quarter.
- 5
Terracotta Warriors & city wall
The army pits in the morning with a guide who explains the excavation, then cycle the city wall in the late afternoon.
- 6
Big Wild Goose Pagoda, fly to Shanghai
A slower morning at the pagoda and Shaanxi History Museum, then an afternoon flight east.
- 7
Shanghai in a day
The Bund, Yu Garden, the French Concession and the Shanghai Tower — or swap the tower for the Propaganda Poster Art Centre.
- 8
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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