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.
Beijing
Imperial palaces, hutong lanes and the Wall — China’s capital does not do small.
Beijing is where most China trips begin, and for good reason: no other city puts six centuries of imperial history, a living hutong culture and one of the world’s great wonders inside a single metro map. Give it three days at minimum, four if you want time to sit still.
What to see
The Great Wall at Mutianyu
Restored, quiet and surrounded by forest — our default choice over the busier Badaling section.
Forbidden City at opening time
Enter through the Meridian Gate as the doors open and you get the courtyards almost to yourself.
Hutong breakfast
Soy milk, fried dough sticks and a walk through the lanes behind the Drum Tower with a local guide.
Temple of Heaven park
Retirees dancing, tai chi under the cypresses, and the most beautiful roof in China.
Tours that include Beijing
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
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.