Day 1: Arrival in Shanghai
Upon landing at Shanghai's Pudong International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our friendly guide and escorted to your centrally located hotel. After settling in, take some time to relax and refresh from your journey. If you wish, venture out to explore the surrounding area, immersing yourself in Shanghai’s bustling streets and vibrant energy. Stroll along nearby avenues, discover local cafés, or simply enjoy the view of the city skyline. Spend the evening at leisure, preparing for the exciting sightseeing ahead.

Day 2: Shanghai City Exploration
After breakfast, embark on a full-day tour of Shanghai’s most iconic landmarks. Begin at the Bund, a historic waterfront promenade showcasing a striking mix of European and Chinese architectural styles. Walk along the Huangpu River and admire the juxtaposition of modern skyscrapers against colonial-era buildings. Continue to Yu Garden, a classical Chinese garden featuring pavilions, serene ponds, and intricate rockeries. Explore the Shanghai Museum, home to an extensive collection of ancient artifacts, including ceramics, jade sculptures, and traditional paintings. Conclude the day with a relaxing evening cruise on the Huangpu River, enjoying the dazzling illuminated skyline.

Day 3: Day Trip to Zhujiajiao Water Town
Escape the city’s hustle with a day trip to Zhujiajiao, often called the “Venice of Shanghai.” This ancient town enchants visitors with its network of canals, stone bridges, and well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty architecture. Stroll through narrow streets lined with traditional shops selling handicrafts, silk products, and local delicacies. Enjoy a peaceful boat ride along the canals, taking in the reflections of historic buildings in the water. Sample regional specialties at quaint teahouses or street vendors, immersing yourself in the town’s local culture. Return to Shanghai in the late afternoon, leaving the evening free for personal exploration or relaxation.

Day 4: High-Speed Train to Beijing and Forbidden City
After breakfast, transfer to the railway station for a high-speed train journey to Beijing. Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to your centrally located hotel. Begin sightseeing with Tiananmen Square, one of the world’s largest public squares and a historically significant landmark. Proceed to the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage site and former imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Explore its vast courtyards, intricate halls, and lush gardens, marveling at the grandeur of the architecture and the historical significance of the emperor’s former residence.

Day 5: Great Wall of China – Mutianyu Section
After an early breakfast, travel to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, approximately 70 kilometers northeast of Beijing. Take a cable car or hike to the wall, where panoramic views of mountains and valleys await. Walk along the well-preserved ramparts and learn about the wall’s historical importance as a strategic defense system. After descending, visit a local jade factory to understand the craftsmanship and cultural significance of jade in China. Return to Beijing in the late afternoon, with the evening free to explore local dining or relax at your hotel.

Day 6: Temple of Heaven, Hutong Experience, and Summer Palace
Begin the day with a visit to the Temple of Heaven, an architectural masterpiece where Ming and Qing emperors prayed for good harvests. Admire its circular design, intricate details, and expansive gardens. Next, explore Beijing’s traditional Hutong neighborhoods by rickshaw, visiting historic courtyard homes and interacting with local residents to gain insight into daily life. In the afternoon, visit the Summer Palace, wandering its landscaped gardens, ornate bridges, and beautifully painted Long Corridor. Climb to the hilltop pagoda for panoramic views of Kunming Lake and surrounding pavilions. Conclude the day with a stroll along Wangfujing Street, Beijing’s premier shopping and dining area, before returning to the hotel.

Day 7: Depart from Beijing or Optional Day Trip to Chengde
On your final day, you may depart Beijing for your onward journey or opt for an enriching day trip to Chengde. Chengde is renowned for its imperial summer resort and UNESCO-listed sites, including the Mountain Resort, Putuo Zongcheng Temple, and the Eight Outer Temples. If choosing Chengde, your guide will facilitate a comfortable transfer and provide insight into the history and architectural grandeur of the city’s highlights. Alternatively, transfer to Beijing Capital International Airport for your departure, concluding your memorable journey through Shanghai, Beijing, and Xi.

- Accommodation in well-appointed hotels

- Airport transfers upon arrival and departure

- Domestic flights and high-speed train tickets as per the itinerary

- English-speaking tour guide for sightseeing tours

- Entrance fees to attractions mentioned in the itinerary

- Breakfast at the hotel from day 2 onward

- Transportation in comfortable air-conditioned vehicles

- International flights and visa fees

- Meals other than breakfast

- Optional activities or excursions

- Personal expenses and gratuities

- Travel insurance

- Any other item not mentioned in the inclusions