6 Days Shanghai-Beijing Group Tour

After breakfast, begin your exploration of Shanghai, where modern skyscrapers, colonial architecture, and traditional Chinese culture blend together perfectly.

First, head to the Lujiazui Financial District and visit the iconic Shanghai Tower (上海中心大厦), China’s tallest skyscraper. Ride the high-speed elevator to the observation deck and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views over Shanghai’s skyline and the Huangpu River.

Next, visit the renowned Shanghai Museum (上海博物馆), one of China’s finest museums of ancient art. Explore its remarkable collections of bronzes, ceramics, jade, paintings, calligraphy, sculptures, and other priceless cultural relics.

Continue to the elegant Yu Garden (豫园), Shanghai’s most famous classical Chinese garden. Wander through beautiful pavilions, rockeries, koi ponds, zigzag bridges, and peaceful courtyards that reflect traditional Jiangnan garden design. Outside the garden, enjoy the lively atmosphere of Yuyuan Bazaar (豫园商城), known for local snacks, tea houses, and traditional architecture.

In the afternoon, stroll along Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street (南京路步行街), China’s most famous shopping street, before visiting The Bund (外滩). The Bund is Shanghai’s iconic waterfront promenade lined with magnificent European-style buildings overlooking the futuristic skyline of Pudong across the Huangpu River.

After breakfast, visit the famous Jade Buddha Temple (玉佛寺), one of Shanghai’s most important Buddhist temples. The temple is renowned for its precious white jade Buddha statues brought from Myanmar and offers a peaceful atmosphere amid the bustling modern city. Admire the traditional architecture, Buddhist sculptures, and tranquil courtyards while learning about local religious culture.

After the visit, transfer to the railway station and board the high-speed train to Beijing (北京). China’s advanced high-speed rail system provides a smooth and comfortable journey between the country’s two greatest cities, taking approximately 4.5–5.5 hours.

Upon arrival in Beijing, your local driver will meet you at the railway station and escort you to your downtown hotel for check-in. The rest of the evening is free at leisure.

After breakfast, begin your exploration of China’s historic capital with a visit to Tian’anmen Square (天安门广场), one of the world’s largest public squares and an important national symbol of China. From here, enjoy views of Tian’anmen Gate and other monumental buildings surrounding the square.

Next, enter the magnificent Forbidden City (故宫), the former imperial palace of 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties. As the world’s largest and best-preserved ancient palace complex, the Forbidden City showcases China’s imperial grandeur through its magnificent halls, ancient courtyards, golden rooftops, and priceless cultural treasures. Follow the central axis to explore the most important palaces while learning about the fascinating stories of emperors and royal life.

After visiting the Forbidden City, walk up to Jingshan Park (景山公园), where you can enjoy panoramic views overlooking the vast palace complex and the modern skyline of Beijing.

In the afternoon, continue to the beautiful Summer Palace (颐和园), China’s best-preserved imperial garden. Stroll along Kunming Lake, admire elegant pavilions, covered corridors, marble bridges, and traditional Chinese landscape design once enjoyed by the royal family during the Qing Dynasty.

Travel Note

The Forbidden City is closed on Mondays. On those days, alternative visits such as the Temple of Heaven or Prince Gong’s Mansion will be arranged.

After breakfast, drive to the famous Mutianyu Great Wall (慕田峪长城), one of the most scenic and best-preserved sections of the Great Wall of China, located about 73 kilometers from downtown Beijing.

Surrounded by lush mountains and forests, Mutianyu is known for its impressive Ming Dynasty watchtowers, magnificent scenery, and fewer crowds compared with other sections. Take the cable car up to the wall and enjoy unforgettable hiking along this legendary ancient military defense system. As the wall winds dramatically across the mountain ridges, you will have plenty of opportunities to capture stunning photographs and fully appreciate one of the world’s greatest architectural wonders.

After returning to downtown Beijing, stop for exterior photo opportunities at the iconic Bird’s Nest (鸟巢) and Water Cube (水立方), the famous venues of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and the 2022 Winter Olympics.

After the tour, transfer back to your hotel for a relaxing evening.

After breakfast, enjoy some free time before your driver escorts you to Beijing airport or railway station for your onward flight or high-speed train to your next destination.

Your memorable 6-day Shanghai to Beijing group tour comes to an end today. Thank you for traveling with Asia Odyssey Travel. We hope to welcome you again on your future journeys across China and Asia. Safe travels!

Trip Extension Ideas

If you would like to continue exploring China, we can help arrange extension tours to destinations such as Xian, Chengdu, Guilin, Zhangjiajie, Tibet, the Silk Road, or the Yangtze River.