10-day Beijing to Shanghai Tour

Day 1: The Great Wall of China
Your Beijing to Shanghai tour starts today! You’ll meet your Adventure Leader in the late morning, ready to transfer straight to one of the most incredible experiences you can have – an overnight stay on the Great Wall! Before we lace up our hiking boots, we’ll stop for lunch at a local farm to fuel up for our hike. Then, in the mid-afternoon, we’ll take to the Wall to hike on totally secluded, unrestored parts of the Wall. It’s here that we’ll set up camp to watch the sunset from atop one of the Wonders of the World.

[Please note: Due to cold weather before the end of April and after the end of September, we stay in a guesthouse near the Wall, instead of camping.]

Day 2: Beijing
Wake up early to watch the magnificent sunrise across the Great Wall of China. Once you’ve picked your jaw off the floor, we’ll pack up and head back into Beijing, ready to explore this mammoth city. If you’d like, you can join us with a walk through Tiananmen Square, a visit to the Forbidden City, and a look around Jingshan Park.

This evening, why not get an entertainment fill with an acrobatics show? These amazing circus-like performances feature young talents recruited from all over China.

If you’ve worked up an appetite, now is your chance to make like ancient royalty and try Beijing’s signature dish – Peking duck!

Day 3: Beijing
Today is a free day! You’ll have the option to visit the fake good markets for a spot of shopping, as well as the nearby Temple of Heaven.

In the afternoon, you can visit the Nanluo district. Nanluo is one of the best-preserved historical areas in Beijing that’s famous for its hutongs and siheyuan courtyards, as well as the bars, cafes and handicraft shops.

Day 4: Beijing to Hangzhou
Enjoy another free morning and afternoon to pack in the last few of Beijing’s sights, before heading to your next destination. You can visit the 798 art district, the Summer Palace, or any other highlights of Beijing. Be sure to ask your Adventure Leader for recommendations!

In the late afternoon/early evening, we’ll transfer to Beijing station, where we’ll board a night train bound for Hangzhou.

Day 5: Hangzhou
After arriving in Hangzhou this morning, transfer to your hostel for a late breakfast. We hope you slept on the train! Next, we’re off to the famous West Lake, ready to take a stunning boat tour to one of the Lake’s beautiful islands.

Once you’ve checked in this afternoon, you’ve got time for an optional activity if you’d like – or you can take a couple of hours respite! If you’re keen to stay vertical, why not check out China’s National Tea Museum, or the Lingyin Temple?

This evening, it’s an unmissable hike up Jiuyao Mountain to see the stunning sunset from there. Before you head back down to street level for dinner and a free evening to explore. Make sure you check out Hefang Road – the most famous ancient street in town!

Day 6: Hangzhou to Shanghai
This morning, kick your day off with a beautiful hike to the Nine Creeks. On your way, meander through the Misty Woods – a truly magical place. Once you’re back at the hostel, you’ve got time to freshen up and grab some lunch before your check out, ready to travel onwards!

This afternoon, we’re off to our next stop on the China backpacking tour: Shanghai! You’ll arrive early evening – just in time to check in and explore the local area!

Day 7: Shanghai
After a lazy-ish morning, you’ll get another Mandarin lesson – this time, with a twist! This extra special class will be held by professional teachers, all the way from the Mandarin Garden Chinese Language School!

Later, you’ll have the option to walk to the Yu Gardens, a bustling historical site of a former dignitary’s lavish family quarters. You can also see People’s Square, before heading on to the world’s busiest shopping street, Nanjing Road.

Afterwards, you can go for a walk along the Bund, a hub of global architecture. To finish off, head to the top floor of a skyscraper to admire Shanghai’s skyline from a rooftop bar. Enjoy your free evening!

Day 8: Shanghai
Shanghai is a bustling, melting-pot of history, culture, and modernity – so it’s only fair we give you a day off to explore it! Your Adventure Leader will be the best person to ask for tips, but here’s a taste of what you might get up to today:

Disneyland Shanghai!
The Shanghai Museum
Moganshan Art Street
Zhujiajiao Watertown
This evening, why not venture out for a night on the town with your fellow Dragons?

Day 9: Shanghai
In the morning, you have the option to stroll through the former French Concession to learn about Shanghai’s international history, visit the Propaganda History Museum, and take in the sights of the ultra-modern Shanghai financial district. You can also visit TianZiFang – a local artisan’s lane that blends the chic and the traditional.

For the daredevils, you can head up to the top of Jinmao Tower and brave the Skywalk! Or, you can just go up and take in the stunning panoramic views.

In the evening, you’ll take in the bright city lights from the water with a night cruise down the Huangpu River

Day 10: Farewell
Sadly, today marks the end of your amazing Beijing to Shanghai tour – so you’re free to make your way home or travel onwards. We hope you’ve enjoyed your time with us!

Wake up early to witness the breathtaking sunrise over the Great Wall of China – a moment that will leave you in awe. After savoring this magical scene, we'll pack up and return to Beijing, ready to explore this colossal city. You have the option to join us for a walk through Tiananmen Square, a visit to the Forbidden City, and a stroll in Jingshan Park.

In the evening, treat yourself to a mesmerizing acrobatics show, featuring talented performers recruited from across China. If you're in the mood for a culinary adventure, be sure to indulge in Beijing's iconic dish – Peking duck!

Today is your day to roam as you please! You can choose to explore the bustling fake goods markets and visit the nearby Temple of Heaven. In the afternoon, venture into the historic Nanluo district, renowned for its well-preserved hutongs, siheyuan courtyards, charming bars, cafes, and handicraft shops.

Make the most of your morning and afternoon in Beijing to soak up the city's sights before embarking on the next leg of your journey. You can explore the 798 art district, the Summer Palace, or any other Beijing highlights. Don't hesitate to ask your Adventure Leader for recommendations.

In the late afternoon/early evening, we'll journey to Beijing station, where we'll board a night train bound for Hangzhou.

Upon your arrival in Hangzhou, make your way to your hostel for a relaxed breakfast. We hope you had a restful journey on the train. Next, we'll head to the renowned West Lake, where we'll embark on a captivating boat tour to one of the lake's picturesque islands.

In the afternoon, you have the option for an additional activity or some well-deserved downtime. Consider visiting China's National Tea Museum or the tranquil Lingyin Temple. In the evening, ascend Jiuyao Mountain for a breathtaking sunset view before descending to enjoy dinner and explore the vibrant street life. Be sure to explore Hefang Road – the most famous ancient street in town!

Kickstart your day with a delightful hike to the Nine Creeks in the morning, passing through the enchanting Misty Woods along the way. After returning to the hostel for some refreshment and lunch, it's time to check out and get ready for the next destination.

In the afternoon, we'll set our sights on our next stop of the China backpacking tour – Shanghai! You'll arrive early in the evening, just in time to check in and explore the local surroundings.

After a leisurely morning, prepare for an intriguing Mandarin lesson with a twist! This special class is led by professional teachers from the Mandarin Garden Chinese Language School.

Later, you can opt for a walk to the Yu Gardens, a bustling historical site that once served as a dignitary's opulent family residence. Explore People's Square and then wander along Nanjing Road, one of the world's busiest shopping streets.

Afterward, take a scenic walk along the Bund, a captivating showcase of global architecture. Conclude your day by ascending a skyscraper's rooftop bar to admire Shanghai's skyline. Enjoy your free evening!

Shanghai, a bustling blend of history, culture, and modernity, invites you to have a day of unrestricted exploration. Your Adventure Leader is your go-to source for recommendations, but here's a glimpse of what you can do:

Experience the magic of Disneyland Shanghai.
Explore the Shanghai Museum.
Stroll along Moganshan Art Street.
Visit Zhujiajiao Watertown.
In the evening, why not step out for a night on the town with your fellow adventurers?

In the morning, take a walk through the former French Concession to delve into Shanghai's international history. Visit the Propaganda History Museum and take in the sights of the ultra-modern Shanghai financial district. For a taste of the chic and the traditional, explore TianZiFang, a local artisan's lane.

For the brave, ascend Jinmao Tower and conquer the Skywalk, or simply enjoy the stunning panoramic views. In the evening, take in the city's luminous charm with a night cruise down the Huangpu River.

Regrettably, today marks the conclusion of your unforgettable Beijing to Shanghai tour. You're now free to make your way back home or continue your travels. We trust you've relished your time with us!