🌟 Highlights
- Enjoy an exclusive private 7-day journey that balances millennia of ancient Chinese culture with the electric buzz of 21st-century modern China
- Check off all bucket-list Beijing landmarks, plus off-the-beaten-path gems like the less crowded Huanghuacheng Great Wall and 798 Art District
- Experience Shanghai’s layered history, from old colonial streets to futuristic skyline, plus a serene day trip to a classic Jiangnan water town
- All core itinerary costs are included upfront, for a totally stress-free travel planning experience
🗺️ Itinerary Overview
This 7-day private curated trip kicks off in Beijing, China’s centuries-old imperial capital, where you’ll dive deep into imperial history, traditional local life, and contemporary art before traveling south to Shanghai, China’s dynamic, futuristic global business and culture hub. The itinerary weaves together iconic landmarks, hidden local gems, and a peaceful detour to a timeless water town, creating the perfect balanced introduction to China’s most exciting cosmopolitan destinations that blends ancient heritage and modern energy seamlessly.
📖 Day-by-Day Itinerary
🌟 Day 1: Beijing
Today is your arrival day in Beijing! After meeting your private guide at the airport or train station, you’ll be escorted straight to your accommodation to settle in after your travels. 🏨 You’ll spend the night at Super House International Hotel, rested and ready to start exploring the capital tomorrow.
🌟 Day 2: Beijing
Kick off your first full day of exploration with a morning walk across the vast, historic Tiananmen Square, followed by a visit to Mao’s Mausoleum. Next, you’ll join a private guided tour of the Forbidden City, the 600-year-old former imperial palace, where you’ll learn hidden stories behind the red walls and golden rooftops that most solo travelers miss. In the afternoon, you’ll wander Beijing’s cozy, winding traditional hutong alleyways, getting an authentic peek into generations-old local life. 🍽️ A complimentary breakfast is served at your hotel, and a group lunch at a popular local tourist restaurant is included after your morning of exploring. 🏨 You’ll return to Super House International Hotel for the night.
🌟 Day 3: Beijing
Today brings the perfect contrast of natural scenery and contemporary art! You’ll head out of the city core in the morning to hike the Huanghuacheng section of the Great Wall, a less crowded stretch that winds through rolling green hills and past scenic mountain lakes, far from the crowds of more touristy wall sections. After working up an appetite, you’ll stop for lunch before heading to the iconic 798 Art District, a repurposed factory complex turned China’s most famous hub for contemporary art, street murals, and trendy cafes. 🍽️ Breakfast at your hotel and lunch at a local spot are included. 🏨 Spend another night at Super House International Hotel.
🌟 Day 4: Beijing to Shanghai
Start your final morning in Beijing with a peaceful visit to the stunning Temple of Heaven complex, a 15th-century imperial worship site famous for its ornate circular halls and manicured gardens, where locals still gather for tai chi at dawn. After your tour, you’ll be transferred to the train station or airport for your trip south to Shanghai. 🍽️ A complimentary breakfast is served at your Beijing hotel before departure. 🏨 Upon arrival in Shanghai, you’ll check into the stylish Shanghai SSAW Boutique Hotel for your stay.
🌟 Day 5: Shanghai
Your first full day of exploring Shanghai takes you through layers of the city’s diverse history. Start in Old Town with a stroll through the exquisite Yu Garden, a classic Ming-dynasty garden filled with winding pavilions, koi ponds, and delicate rock formations. Next, wander through the bustling adjacent bazaar and local market, where you can browse handmade souvenirs and sample local street snacks. In the afternoon, visit the serene Jade Buddha Temple, home to two stunning giant jade Buddha statues, before ending your day with a leisurely walk through the tree-lined streets of the former French Concession, dotted with colonial-era mansions, trendy boutiques, and cute coffee shops. 🍽️ Breakfast at your hotel and lunch at a local tourist restaurant are included. 🏨 Stay overnight at Shanghai SSAW Boutique Hotel.
🌟 Day 6: Shanghai
Today mixes a serene water town day trip with a dose of unique 20th-century history. You’ll head out to the ancient water town of Zhujiajiao in the morning, where you’ll tour a beautifully preserved old merchant courtyard that showcases traditional wealthy Chinese life from centuries ago. Next, climb into a traditional wooden gondola for a peaceful glide through the town’s network of crisscrossing canals, lined with old stone bridges and white-washed waterfront homes. After your ride, settle into a local tea house for a relaxing tea tasting accompanied by soft traditional Chinese music. Back in central Shanghai, you’ll visit the one-of-a-kind Shanghai Propaganda Poster Museum, home to a fascinating collection of vintage 20th-century Chinese propaganda art. 🍽️ Breakfast at your hotel and lunch at a local Zhujiajiao restaurant are included. 🏨 Return to Shanghai SSAW Boutique Hotel for the night.
🌟 Day 7: Shanghai
Today is your departure day! After enjoying a complimentary breakfast at your hotel, you’ll be transferred to the airport or train station for your onward journey, with memories of ancient imperial palaces, sweeping Great Wall views, and the buzz of modern China to take home with you. 🍽️ Breakfast at your hotel is included.
✅ What's Included
- Entrance fees for all scheduled attractions, including Tiananmen Square, Mao's Mausoleum, the guided Forbidden City tour, traditional hutongs, Miaoying Temple, Huanghuacheng Great Wall, 798 Art District, Temple of Heaven, Yu Garden, the adjacent bazaar, Jade Buddha Temple, the French Concession, the Bund, Zhujiajiao old merchant courtyard, and Shanghai Propaganda Poster Museum
- All scheduled activities, including the Great Wall hike, Zhujiajiao gondola ride, and traditional tea house experience
- 6 nights of hand-picked centrally located accommodation (3 nights in Beijing, 3 nights in Shanghai)
- All scheduled breakfasts and lunches as outlined in the itinerary
- Private ground transfers between airports, hotels, and attractions throughout the tour
❌ What's Not Included
- All core tour components are included in the price; there are no mandatory extra fees for scheduled itinerary items
- Personal expenses (such as souvenirs, extra snacks, travel insurance, and optional tips for your guide and driver) are not included
ℹ️ Important Information
