7 Days Beijing and Shanghai Tour in China

Upon your arrival at Beijing Airport, you will be greeted by your tour guide and driver, who will take you to your hotel. After checking in, you can either unwind and rest or take the opportunity to explore the city at your leisure for the remainder of the day. Overnight in hotel in Beijing.

On your first day of sightseeing in Beijing, begin at Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world, which serves as a venue for traditional Chinese festivals and important events. From there, take a short walk to the northern end to enter the grand Forbidden City, where you can explore this ancient architectural complex and envision life as one of the 24 emperors who once governed and held court there. Next, visit Jingshan Park, which was part of the Forbidden City until the early 1900s when road construction led to the removal of some gates and structures. In the afternoon, head to the Summer Palace, a royal garden that encompasses Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill (known as Wanshou Shan), built by Qing dynasty emperors as a summer retreat, featuring beautiful gardens, palaces, and temples. In the evening, you have the option to enjoy a Kung Fu Show or Peking Opera. Overnight in hotel in Beijing.

Start your fresh morning with a visit to Mutianyu, a quieter section of the Great Wall that is about a 2.5-hour drive from Beijing. You can take advantage of the available cable cars to ascend and descend the wall, allowing you to explore freely along the structure and its watchtowers while taking in the breathtaking views of the Great Wall as it meanders over the hills and mountains. In the afternoon, enjoy a leisurely visit to the chief tomb among the Ming Tombs, where you can walk along the Sacred Way, a path thought to guide the emperor, the son of Heaven, to his ascent to the afterlife, providing a glimpse into the rich history of the Ming Dynasty. On your way back to downtown Beijing, you will also have the opportunity to visit the 2008 Olympic Green to view the iconic structures of the Olympic Games, including the Bird's Nest and the Water Cube; if you wish to enter the stadiums, entrance fees will be at your own expense. Overnight in hotel in Beijing.

After breakfast, kick off your day with a visit to the Temple of Heaven, a sacred imperial site where emperors once prayed for good harvests and paid homage to the God of Heaven during the winter solstice. Take time to explore this architectural marvel and appreciate its historical and aesthetic value. Next, venture into the historic part of Beijing to see a 300-year-old courtyard, known as a Siheyuan, where your English-speaking guide will provide insights into its history, layout, Feng Shui principles, and aspects of traditional Chinese culture. Following this, embark on a rickshaw tour through the narrow alleys known as Hutongs to experience the everyday life of local residents; two people share one rickshaw. You'll disembark at Silver Ingot Bridge (Yinding Bridge) and stroll along the eight-century-old Yandai Xiejie (Tobacco Pipe Lean Street) leading to the Drum Tower, where you can visit the large drum and take in panoramic views of the surrounding Hutongs and courtyards. You'll have plenty of time to explore the local bars and shop for souvenirs, as well as savor delicious local snacks. In the afternoon, board a bullet train from Beijing to Shanghai, which takes about 4.5 hours; upon arrival, your guide and driver will meet you at the train station to transfer you to your hotel. Overnight in hotel in Shanghai

In the morning, your guide will escort you to Yu Garden, one of the most exquisite Suzhou-style gardens, where you can appreciate its breathtaking views and intricate architecture dating back to the Ming Dynasty. After exploring the garden, meander through Shanghai's Old Street to observe the local lifestyle. Next, visit the French Concession—specifically Xin Tian Di—renowned for its distinctive blend of historical and contemporary architecture, as well as its vibrant atmosphere filled with boutique shops, art galleries, upscale restaurants, and bars. After lunch, head to the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower to take in panoramic views of the city, especially the stunning sights along the Bund. Finally, enjoy a leisurely stroll through the lively Shanghai Bund and the bustling Nanjing Road shopping area. Overnight in hotel in Shanghai

After breakfast, your guide will meet you at the hotel and drive you to Zhouzhuang, one of China's most renowned water towns. Nestled between Shanghai and Suzhou, Zhouzhuang boasts a history of over 900 years, featuring numerous homes from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Surrounded by water on all sides, the town's picturesque beauty can be seen in its winding rivers and charming stone bridges. You have the freedom to explore its ancient lanes and streets or relax in a local bar while admiring the distinctive houses with their courtyard gardens, some of which showcase beautifully carved brick archways at their entrances. In the afternoon, you'll visit the Shen's Residence, a sprawling courtyard house built in 1742 during the Qing Dynasty by Shen Benren, a descendant of a wealthy family from the late Yuan to early Ming Dynasties. With seven courtyards, five archways, and over a hundred rooms, the expansive compound invites exploration, and you might even find yourself lost amidst its beauty. Before your return to downtown Shanghai, you'll also have the chance to visit the Milou Tower, a historic site believed to have inspired many ancient scholars who created noteworthy literary works celebrating this enchanting water town. Overnight in hotel in Shanghai

Today is yours to freely explore and shop at your leisure. Afterward, you will be transferred to Shanghai Airport, marking the conclusion of your trip.