Essence of Shanghai and Beijing

Itinerary

• Day 1: Hello, Shanghai

  Welcome to Shanghai!

  When you land in this bustling metropolis, your private guide and driver will be waiting to meet you at the airport. Head to the hotel by comfortable private car and after settling down, the rest of the day is for you to recover from jet lag or explore the city on your own.

  • Shanghai

• Day 2: Shanghai Discovery incl. Former French Concession

  Kickstart your Shanghai tour from the Bund, a waterfront promenade offering a glimpse of the city's past. Step into the Yu Garden, a four-hundred-year-old Chinese landscape garden with beautifully designed pavilions, halls, plants, rockeries, and water features. Learn about the delicate procedures of silk making at a workshop, before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant.

  Later, go on a walking tour of the Former French Concession to delve into the area's past and present. Admire the well-preserved shikumen old houses built using red brick and indulge in the peaceful vibe. You'll also visit a traditional market and taste some specialty dim sum during the walk. At the end of a wonderful day, ascend the Shanghai Tower for a gorgeous view of Shanghai's cityscape.

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  • Shanghai

• Day 3: Fengjing Water Town With Peasant Painting and Rice Wine Experience

  Leave the hustle and bustle of Shanghai today for the peaceful water town of Fengjing. Featuring ancient stone bridges flying over zigzagging waterways and traditional residences lining the riverbanks, Fengjing has retained its old-town vibe and provides a lovely setting for you to enjoy a stroll here and get to know the local lifestyle.

  Later, proceed to the Jinshan Peasant Painting Village to appreciate this unique form of colorful folk art, try your hands at crafting a piece of painting on your own, and bring back a slice of Shanghai with you as a meaningful souvenir! At a local factory, gain insight into the traditions of making huangjiu, a type of rice wine that has been enjoyed in the area for hundreds of years. Return to your hotel after a day immersing in local culture.

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  • Shanghai

• Day 4: Highspeed Train to Beijing

  Your China exploration takes you to Beijing, the country's cultural and political capital! At the appointed time, your guide and driver will meet you at the hotel lobby and take you to the train station.

  Traveling at a speed of around 300km per hour, this high-speed train takes you to Beijing within six hours. Your local guide will greet you with a smile when you arrive. After check-in, have the rest of the day at leisure or venture out for your own discoveries!

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  • Beijing

• Day 5: Forbidden City & Afternoon Tea With Views of the Temple of Heaven

  Take a deep dive into Beijing's culture and history today! Start the day from Tiananmen Square, one of the world's largest city squares. You'll then visit the Forbidden City, the power seat of the Ming and Qing dynasties for five hundred years. With your guide providing insightful commentary, you'll step into the grand palaces and halls that once witnessed numerous important events, admire the grandeur of the architecture, and gain a deeper appreciation of China's culture.

  At the Temple of Heaven, learn about the meaning behind the design and take a closer look at ancient Chinese religious rituals and beliefs. The spacious park grounds also make a great place for a relaxing stroll. Later, treat your stomach to delicious afternoon tea at a restaurant boasting excellent vistas of the Temple of Heaven.

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  • Beijing

• Day 6: The Great Wall Excursion incl. the Hutongs

  Venture outside of downtown Beijing to witness an architectural wonder, the Great Wall! Built across the northern borders by ancient Chinese dynasties to defend against the invasion of nomadic tribes, the Great Wall spans a stunning 20,000 km from the eastern coast to the inland deserts in western China.

  You'll visit the lesser-traveled Mutianyu Section of the Great Wall and by taking the cable car, you'll ascend to the top of the walls for a breathtaking panorama. Consider doing a soft hike here to see the watchtowers and take in the scenic views.

  Upon returning, pay a visit to the hutongs. The maze-like narrow alleyways here are flanked by traditional courtyard residences called siheyuan, many of which are still inhabited today. Go on a walking tour in the hutongs to observe this unique lifestyle and interact with the locals living here if lucky enough.

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  • Beijing

• Day 7: Farewell, Beijing

  Say goodbye to Beijing today.

  Meet your local guide and driver for a smooth transfer to the airport and board your home-bound flight with sweet memories.

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