Morning: Arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport and transfer to your hotel in the city centre. After settling in, enjoy a leisurely stroll around Tiananmen Square, absorbing its vastness and historic monuments.
Afternoon: Visit the magnificent Forbidden City, exploring the imperial palaces and the vast collection of artifacts. Take a short walk to Jingshan Hill for a panoramic view of the rooftop skyline.
Evening: Dine on authentic Peking duck at a renowned local restaurant and then wander the lively Wangfujing Street night market, sampling street snacks and shopping for souvenirs.
Find HotelsMorning: Depart early for the Mutianyu Great Wall, enjoying a scenic drive through countryside hills. Ride the cable car up and begin your walk along the restored wall sections.
Afternoon: Continue exploring the wall, taking the toboggan slide down for a fun descent. Return to Beijing and relax at your hotel before the evening activities.
Evening: Experience a traditional Chinese acrobatics show at the Chaoyang Theatre, followed by a nightcap at a rooftop bar overlooking the city lights.
Find HotelsMorning: Take a high‑speed train from Beijing to Shanghai (≈4.5 hours). Check in to your hotel in the Pudong district and freshen up.
Afternoon: Stroll along The Bund, admiring the historic colonial architecture on one side and the futuristic skyline of Lujiazui on the other. Snap photos of the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower.
Evening: Enjoy a river cruise on the Huangpu River, watching the city lights reflect on the water, then dine at a restaurant serving Shanghai’s famous soup dumplings (xiaolongbao).
Find HotelsMorning: Explore the tranquil Yu Garden, wandering its classic pavilions, rockeries, and ponds. Adjacent is the historic City God Temple market, perfect for picking up tea and silk.
Afternoon: Visit the world‑class Shanghai Museum in People’s Square to view ancient Chinese art and bronzes. Afterwards, shop along the bustling Nanjing Road pedestrian street.
Evening: Head to the observation deck of Shanghai Tower for a breathtaking sunset view from the world’s second‑tallest building. Conclude with a cocktail at the tower’s sky lounge.
Find HotelsMorning: Take a short trip to the ancient water town of Zhujiajiao, cruising its canals and admiring stone bridges and historic houses.
Afternoon: Return to Shanghai for a quick lunch, then visit the modern art hub of M50 Creative Park for contemporary galleries and street art.
Evening: Collect your luggage and transfer to Shanghai Pudong International Airport for your departure flight.
Find HotelsIf you have extra time, add a day in Xi’an to see the Terracotta Army or extend your stay in Shanghai to explore the trendy French Concession. To shorten the trip, skip the water town and replace the high‑speed train with a short domestic flight, which can reduce travel time but may increase cost.