Sample Itineraries
Classic China: 7 Days, Beijing + Shanghai
Imperial landmarks in Beijing give way to Shanghai's waterfront and tree-lined neighbourhoods, linked by high-speed rail.
- Duration
- 6 nights / 7 days
- Pace
- Moderate (2 of 4)
- Cities
- Beijing → Shanghai
- Best for
- First-time visitors with a week for the classic pair
Who this route is for
This route suits travellers short on time who want the essential sights without constant repacking. Beijing anchors the historical side, while Shanghai offers a softer urban contrast with an easy side trip along Suzhou's canals. Pacing stays moderate by using high-speed rail between bases and keeping evenings flexible.
Reference prices
Price checked: 26 October 2026
- Independent
- From $1,800per person
- Private Guided
- From $2,900per person
2026 reference prices · reference price for 2 travelers sharing · international flights not included
Season, hotel level and group size change the price; your consultant quotes the exact trip.
Compare what each level includesThe route
- 1. Beijing
- 2. Shanghai
High-speed rail
Day by day
01
Arrive in Beijing
Beijing
Morning
Land at Beijing Capital or Daxing airport and transfer to your hotel by road, keeping the morning open for arrival logistics.
Afternoon
Unpack and settle in, or rest to shake off jet lag before heading out into the neighbourhood.
Evening
Take an easy walk through the hutong alleys near your hotel, stopping for an early local dinner.
02
Palace courtyards and city views
Beijing
Morning
Visit the Forbidden City, timed entry booked in advance with your passport, walking along the central imperial axis.
Afternoon
Walk up Jingshan Park for an elevated view across the palace roofs, then spend a quiet hour in the surrounding lanes.
Evening
Sit down for traditional Peking duck at a local restaurant before heading back to rest.
03
The Great Wall at Mutianyu
Beijing
Morning
Drive roughly an hour and a half to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, riding the cable car up to the ridge.
Afternoon
Walk the watchtowers at your own pace, then head back into Beijing by road.
Evening
Keep the evening free for a quiet dinner near your hotel to recover from the hill walking.
04
High-speed rail to Shanghai
Shanghai
Morning
Board a high-speed train from Beijing to Shanghai, watching the landscape shift as you travel south.
Afternoon
Arrive in Shanghai and check in to your hotel, with time to unpack and rest after the rail journey.
Evening
Head to the Bund for an evening walk along the waterfront promenade as the skyline lights up.
05
Historic lanes and modern skyline
Shanghai
Morning
Explore the Yu Garden bazaar and the surrounding old town lanes at a relaxed morning pace.
Afternoon
Wander the plane-tree-shaded streets and cafés of the Former French Concession.
Evening
Cross the river to Lujiazui for skyline views, or watch the towers light up from the Bund side.
06
Suzhou canals and classical gardens
Shanghai
Morning
Take a high-speed train from Shanghai Hongqiao to Suzhou (about 30 to 40 minutes) and visit the Humble Administrator's Garden.
Afternoon
Follow the stone paths and arched bridges along Pingjiang Road, stopping at a traditional teahouse.
Evening
Return to Shanghai by rail in time for dinner near your hotel.
07
Depart Shanghai
Shanghai
Morning
Spend your final morning browsing local shops or visiting a museum, shaped around your flight schedule.
Afternoon
Head to Pudong or Hongqiao airport by road for your flight home.
Evening
Board your evening departure or connect onwards.
2026 reference prices
Two ways to take this route.
Your final price depends on hotels, car arrangements and what you ask for — usually a little above this, sometimes more.
Independent
From $1,800
per person · reference price for 2 travelers sharing · international flights not included
- Guide
- No full-time guide; add a guide for set times or sights
- Car
- On request
Private Guided
From $2,900
per person · reference price for 2 travelers sharing · international flights not included
- Guide
- English-speaking private guide throughout
- Car
- Private car throughout
Included on both
- Hotels selected by us, confirmed by you, usually with breakfast
- Transport inside China: high-speed rail, domestic flights and transfers, including 12306 handling
- Entrance tickets for the sights in your itinerary
- Restaurant bookings made ahead where China requires it
- 24h WhatsApp / WeChat support while you travel, plus the LocalKey app
Not included
- International flights — we can book them on request, quoted separately
- Visa fees — many passports can enter China visa-free. Check your passport
- Personal spending and shopping
- Travel insurance
Tipping is not customary in China. There are no tips in your price, and you do not need to tip anyone who looks after you during your trip.
Make it yours
Keep the shape. Change the details.
Every sample here can be shortened, stretched, or rebuilt around what you care about.
Related itineraries
A few more starting points.
5 days · Shanghai · Suzhou
Shanghai + Suzhou: 5 Days, Soft Landing
- Independent
- from $1,400
- Private Guided
- from $2,200
Per person · 2026 reference price for 2 sharing · excl. international flights
9 days · Beijing · Xi'an · Shanghai
First Time China: 9 Days, Beijing + Xi'an + Shanghai
- Independent
- from $2,400
- Private Guided
- from $3,800
Per person · 2026 reference price for 2 sharing · excl. international flights
7 days · Shanghai · Hangzhou · Suzhou
Modern + Poetic: 7 Days, Shanghai + Hangzhou + Suzhou
- Independent
- from $1,800
- Private Guided
- from $2,900
Per person · 2026 reference price for 2 sharing · excl. international flights
Per person · reference price for 2 travelers sharing · international flights not included. Your final price depends on hotels, car arrangements and what you ask for — usually a little above this, sometimes more. 2026 reference prices.