Comprehensive 13-Day Tour of Beijing and Shanghai: Historic Wonders & Modern Marvels

Day 1: Historic Beijing Arrival

Beijing, China on May 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Mei Shi Fang

Start your day with traditional Beijing breakfast delights such as jianbing (Chinese crepes) and soy milk in this popular local eatery open from 7am to 10am.
CNY30, 1h0m

9:30am

Forbidden City

Explore this vast imperial palace complex, showcasing the heart of Chinese imperial power and architecture, open from 8:30am to 5pm.
CNY60, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Da Dong Roast Duck Restaurant

Savour famed Peking duck in a refined setting; this restaurant is highly recommended and open between 11:30am and 10pm.
CNY180, 1h0m

2:30pm

Tiananmen Square

Visit one of the world's largest city squares, rich with political history, open 24 hours.
Free, 1h0m

4:00pm

Temple of Heaven

Stroll through this beautiful complex where emperors prayed for good harvests; the park is open 6am to 10pm, temple buildings open 8am to 5pm.
CNY35, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Jing Yaa Tang

Enjoy exquisite Chinese cuisine specialising in Peking duck and dim sum, open from 11:30am to 10pm.
CNY150, 1h30m
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Day 2: Great Wall Excursion

Beijing, China on May 22, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your accommodation to prepare for the day’s activities.
Included, 0h30m

8:00am

Great Wall at Mutianyu

Travel to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, famed for its stunning scenery and less crowded paths, open 7am to 6pm.
CNY45 plus CNY100 for cable car, 5h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at The Schoolhouse at Mutianyu

Enjoy western-Chinese fusion cuisine in a cosy setting near the Wall, open 11am to 4pm.
CNY120, 1h0m

3:00pm

Return to Beijing and rest

Transfer back to city centre for some rest and relaxation.
Transport included, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Lost Heaven Silk Road

Taste dishes inspired by Yunnan cuisine in an atmospheric setting, open 11:30am to 10pm.
CNY130, 1h30m
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Day 3: Cultural Exploration

Beijing, China on May 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Yonghe Lama Temple Vegetarian Restaurant

Enjoy a vegetarian breakfast near the Lama Temple, open from 7am to 11am.
CNY40, 1h0m

9:00am

Lama Temple and Confucius Temple

Visit these adjacent historical religious sites, offering serene architecture and cultural insights, open 9am to 5pm.
CNY25 combined ticket, 2h30m

11:30am

Nanluoguxiang Hutong

Walk through this vibrant ancient neighbourhood filled with shops, cafes and traditional alleys.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Hutong Snacks

Sample popular street food items such as dumplings and fried buns in this bustling area.
CNY50, 1h0m

2:00pm

Summer Palace

Explore imperial gardens and lake scenery, open 6:30am to 6:30pm.
CNY60, 3h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Bai Jia Da Yuan Restaurant

Dine in a Qing Dynasty style courtyard with authentic Beijing cuisine, open 11am to 10pm.
CNY140, 1h30m
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Day 4: Travel to Shanghai & City Introduction

Shanghai, China on May 24, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have your morning meal before checking out.
Included, 0h30m

9:00am

Travel Beijing to Shanghai by High-Speed Train

Take the bullet train from Beijing South Railway Station to Shanghai Hongqiao, approx. 5 hours.
CNY550, 5h0m

2:30pm

Check-in and Rest

Settle into your Shanghai accommodation and refresh.
Included, 1h0m

4:00pm

The Bund Walk

Walk along the waterfront promenade offering iconic views of Shanghai skyline and river, open 24 hours.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Lost Heaven on the Bund

Taste exotic Yunnan-style dishes in a beautifully renovated colonial-era building, open from 11:30am to 10pm.
CNY150, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Explore Historic & Modern Shanghai

Shanghai, China on May 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Baker & Spice

Enjoy fresh pastries and coffee in this popular bakery café, open 7:30am to 10pm.
CNY60, 1h0m

9:00am

Shanghai Museum

Discover rich collections of ancient Chinese art, porcelain and calligraphy, open 9am to 5pm, closed Mondays.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

People’s Square Park

Relax amidst greenery in Shanghai's central park, adjacent to the museum.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Din Tai Fung

Sample famous xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) and other Taiwanese dishes, open 10am to 10pm.
CNY100, 1h0m

2:00pm

Jade Buddha Temple

Visit this active Buddhist temple known for its two jade Buddha statues, open 8:00am to 5:30pm.
CNY20, 1h30m

4:00pm

Tianzifang

Explore this creative arts district with boutique shops and cafés in renovated traditional shikumen houses, open from 9am to late evening.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Lost Heaven

Dine on Yunnan flavours with views of the lively neighbourhood, open 11:30am–10pm.
CNY140, 1h30m
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Day 6: Modern Marvels & Shopping

Shanghai, China on May 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café del Volcán

Start with speciality coffee and light breakfast in this trendy spot open from 7:30am.
CNY50, 1h0m

9:00am

Shanghai Tower Observation Deck

Experience panoramic views from China’s tallest building, observation deck open 8:30am to 9pm.
CNY180, 2h0m

11:30am

Lunch at Mercato

Enjoy upscale Italian fare in a stylish setting, open 11:30am to 2:30pm and 5:30pm to 10pm.
CNY160, 1h0m

1:00pm

Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street

Explore one of the world’s busiest shopping streets with vibrant shops and street performances.
Free, 2h0m

3:30pm

Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center

Learn about the city’s rapid development through interactive models and exhibitions, open 9am to 5pm closed Mondays.
CNY30, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Hakkasan Shanghai

Delight in modern Cantonese cuisine in elegant surroundings, open 5:30pm to 10:30pm.
CNY200, 1h30m
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Day 7: Water Town Visit

Shanghai, China on May 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up before the day trip.
Included, 0h30m

8:30am

Zhujiajiao Water Town

Day trip to this picturesque ancient water town with canals, bridges and traditional market open from 8am to 5pm.
CNY40 entrance plus transport approx. CNY150, 6h0m

3:30pm

Return to Shanghai

Head back to the city for rest and evening activities.
Transport included, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Lost Heaven Silk Road

Wrap up your day with a sumptuous meal featuring Yunnan flavours, open 11:30am to 10pm.
CNY140, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Art & History

Shanghai, China on May 28, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Wagas

Enjoy fresh healthy breakfast options in this popular café, opens 7:30am.
CNY60, 1h0m

9:30am

Power Station of Art

Visit China’s first state-run contemporary art museum, housed in a converted power station, open 10am to 6pm, closed Mondays.
CNY30, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Commune Social

Enjoy inventive tapas-style dishes in a lively modern venue, open 11:30am to 2:30pm.
CNY180, 1h15m

1:30pm

Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Centre

Explore a unique museum showcasing propaganda artwork from Communist China, open 10am to 5pm, closed Sundays.
CNY50, 1h0m

3:00pm

Xintiandi Shopping and Leisure

Stroll through this stylish pedestrian entertainment district with boutiques and cafés.
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet

Experience an avant-garde multi-sensory dining extravaganza (advance booking needed), open 7pm to 9pm.
CNY4000, 3h0m
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Day 9: Relax & Leisure

Shanghai, China on May 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a relaxing start with hotel breakfast.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Century Park

Relax in Shanghai’s largest park with gardens, lakes and walking trails, open 6am to 9pm.
CNY10, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Din Tai Fung

Return for more delicious dumplings and noodles, open 10am to 10pm.
CNY100, 1h0m

2:00pm

Shanghai Ocean Aquarium

Explore one of Asia’s largest aquariums with diverse aquatic life, open 9am to 6pm.
CNY160, 2h30m

5:00pm

Relax at your hotel or explore local markets

Unwind at the hotel or explore a nearby market to soak up local life.
Free, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Fu 1088

Indulge in classic Shanghainese cuisine in a beautiful traditional villa, open 6pm to 10pm.
CNY200, 1h30m
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Day 10: Day Trip Suzhou

Suzhou, China on May 30, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Early meal before travelling.
Included, 0h30m

8:00am

Travel Shanghai to Suzhou

Take a high-speed train to Suzhou, known for exquisite classical gardens, approx. 30 mins travel.
CNY40, 0h30m

9:00am

Humble Administrator’s Garden

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage classical garden, open 7:30am to 5:30pm.
CNY70, 2h0m

11:30am

Suzhou Museum

Visit a modern museum designed by architect I.M. Pei, filled with art and cultural artefacts, open 9am to 5pm.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Song He Lou

Enjoy refined Suzhou cuisine in this historic restaurant, open 11am to 2pm.
CNY150, 1h0m

2:30pm

Lingering Garden

Visit another stunning garden nearby with typical Suzhou landscaping, open 7:30am to 5:30pm.
CNY55, 2h0m

5:00pm

Travel back to Shanghai

Return by train to Shanghai.
CNY40, 0h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Jia Jia Tang Bao

Try local soup dumplings in a casual setting, open 10am to 9pm.
CNY40, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 11: Last Day in Shanghai

Shanghai, China on May 31, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Baker & Spice

A relaxing bakery breakfast, open 7:30am.
CNY60, 1h0m

9:00am

Longhua Temple

Visit one of Shanghai’s oldest and largest Buddhist temples, open 7am to 5pm.
CNY20, 1h30m

10:30am

Fuxing Park

Stroll this French-concession park with European-style gardens and locals practicing tai chi, open 7am to 9pm.
Free, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Yongfoo Elite

Experience Chinese and European fusion cuisine in a beautiful colonial mansion, open 11:30am to 2pm.
CNY160, 1h0m

1:30pm

Shopping and Souvenirs at AP Plaza

Browse a huge indoor market for souvenirs, gifts and clothes, open 9am to 7pm.
Free, 2h0m

4:00pm

Relax and pack for departure

Return to your hotel to rest and prepare for return to Beijing.
Free, 3h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Lost Heaven

One last dinner of memorable Yunnan cuisine in Shanghai, open 11:30am to 10pm.
CNY140, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 12: Return to Beijing

Beijing, China on June 1, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy breakfast before checkout at Shanghai hotel.
Included, 0h30m

9:00am

Travel Shanghai to Beijing by High-Speed Train

Journey back to Beijing South Railway Station, approx. 5 hours.
CNY550, 5h0m

2:30pm

Check-in and Rest

Settle into your Beijing accommodation and relax.
Included, 1h0m

4:00pm

Visit 798 Art District

Explore this contemporary art zone featuring galleries, cafes and boutiques, open daily 10am to 6pm.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at TRB Hutong

Enjoy upscale European cuisine in an elegant Hutong setting, open 6pm to 10pm.
CNY300, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 13: Final Beijing Day

Beijing, China on June 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Morning meal included with hotel stay.
Included, 0h45m

9:00am

Summer Palace revisit or Olympic Park

Choose a morning of leisure visiting either the scenic Summer Palace or the nearby Olympic Park with its futuristic architecture, open 6:30am to 6:30pm and 6am to 10pm respectively.
CNY60 or Free, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Siji Minfu Restaurant

Enjoy one last superb Peking duck lunch, open 11am to 10pm.
CNY160, 1h0m

2:00pm

Shopping at Wangfujing Street

Explore famous shopping street with souvenir shops and street food stalls.
Free, 2h0m

4:30pm

Leisure or hotel return

Return to your hotel to prepare for departure.
Free, Rest of day
View Hotel Availability