A Week of Imperial Grandeur and Urban Energy in China
From Beijing's Palaces to Shanghai's Skyline
Trip Overview
This trip reveals China's vast scale and sensory contrasts. You move from the quiet courtyards of imperial history to the neon towers of modern power. Walk ancient stone walls. Hear mahjong tiles clatter in an alley. Taste the smoky char of street-side lamb skewers. The pace is moderate. It mixes famous sights with local moments. You will see the Forbidden City. You will stand on the Great Wall. You will float down a canal in a water town. You will witness the futuristic glow of Pudong.
Pace
Moderate
Daily Budget
Mid-range
Best Seasons
Spring, April to May, and Autumn, September to October, provide mild temperatures and clear skies.
Ideal For
First-time visitors, History and culture enthusiasts, Urban explorers
Day-by-Day Itinerary
A complete plan for every day of your trip
1
Arrival and the Heart of Beijing
Land in Beijing. Go straight to the city's historic core. Begin with the huge Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City.
Morning
Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City
Feel the huge scale of the world's biggest public square. Step through the Meridian Gate into the Forbidden City. See a sea of red walls and gold roofs. Your footsteps will echo on old stone paths. Pass through courtyards that held emperors. Look at detailed dragon carvings and tall gates.
Book Forbidden City tickets online at least a week in advance. Entry is timed.
Lunch
Noodle and dumpling shop near Beiheyan Street
Afternoon
Jingshan Park and a hutong alley
Climb the gentle hill in Jingshan Park. Enjoy a commanding, full view over the Forbidden City's rooftops. Later, wander the narrow, gray-brick hutongs near the Drum Tower. Smell coal smoke from old homes. Hear the whir of bicycles. Watch residents play chess on simple tables.
Evening
Peking Duck dinner and Qianmen Street
Eat Peking duck. Enjoy its crisp skin and tender meat. Try a respected restaurant like Da Dong or a local favorite. Then, walk down restored Qianmen Street. See its old shopfronts lit by classic lanterns.
Where to Stay Tonight
Wangfujing or Dongcheng District (Hotel)
It is central. The subway gives easy access to major sights. Good restaurants are close by.
See all China accommodation options →For a calmer hutongs visit, explore the lanes east of the Drum Tower. They are away from the main tourist shops.
Day 1 Budget: 150
2
The Great Wall and Imperial Echoes
Beijing (Mutianyu)
Take a day trip. Walk the famous Great Wall. Then, visit the peaceful Temple of Heaven.
Morning
Great Wall at Mutianyu
Ride the cable car up to Mutianyu. See the stone dragon of the wall winding over forested hills. Feel the cool mountain breeze. Walk the restored battlements. Touch the rough, weathered stone. Hear only the wind and distant birds. The views of green peaks are huge.
Arrange a private car or join a small group tour. The drive from Beijing takes about 90 minutes.
Lunch
Rustic farmhouse restaurant at the foot of the Wall
Afternoon
Temple of Heaven Park
Go back to the city. Enter the Temple of Heaven Park. Walk the central path to the circular Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests. Its blue-tiled roof shines. In the cypress groves, hear locals dancing, singing opera, and playing cards. Feel the community energy of a Beijing afternoon.
Go in the late afternoon. The light is soft. The park is full of local activity.
Evening
Relaxed dinner and acrobatics show
Have a hot pot dinner to warm up. Then, see the astonishing feats of a Chinese acrobatics show at the Chaoyang Theatre.
Where to Stay Tonight
Wangfujing or Dongcheng District (Hotel)
Returning to the same hotel simplifies logistics after a long day trip.
See all China accommodation options →At Mutianyu, walk east from the cable car station toward Tower 23. You will find fewer people and more photogenic, winding wall sections.
Day 2 Budget: 200
3
Summer Palaces and High-Speed Travel
Beijing to Shanghai
See the lakeside beauty of the Summer Palace. Then, take a bullet train to Shanghai.
Morning
Summer Palace
Spend the morning at the Summer Palace. This imperial garden focuses on Kunming Lake. See the marble boat. Walk the Long Corridor with its painted scenes. Smell the faint scent of lotus on the water. Take a short boat ride. View the pavilions and bridges from the water. Feel the calm.
Buy a combined ticket. It gives access to the main halls and corridors.
Lunch
Quick lunch near Xidan or Beijing South Railway Station
Afternoon
Bullet train to Shanghai
Go to Beijing South Railway Station. Board a high-speed G-train to Shanghai. Watch the land change from the dry North China Plain to the wet fields of the Yangtze River Delta. The trip lasts roughly 4.5 hours. Feel the train's smooth, quiet speed as you travel south.
Book train tickets online using Trip.com or Ctrip. Do it a few days early. Pick a second-class seat.
Evening
Arrival in Shanghai and Nanjing Road
Check into your hotel. Then, go to Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street. Spend time in the neon glow of countless signs. Hear the chatter of crowds. Feel the electric energy of Shanghai's most famous shopping street. Find a local restaurant for dinner.
Where to Stay Tonight
People's Square or Jing'an District (Hotel)
It has excellent public transport links. You can walk to many central Shanghai attractions.
See all China accommodation options →For the train trip, pack a snack. Fruit or pastries from a Beijing bakery work well. Train food is basic.
Day 3 Budget: 180
4
Colonial Bund and Futuristic Pudong
Shanghai
Compare Shanghai's old riverfront with its space-age skyline. See traditional gardens and arts districts.
Morning
The Bund and Yu Garden
Walk the Bund promenade. Feel the humid river air. See grand European-style buildings across from Pudong's glass towers. Hear boat horns on the Huangpu River. Then, enter the busy Yu Garden Bazaar. Smell fried dumplings and incense. Find peace in the classical Yu Garden itself. See its koi ponds and detailed rockeries.
Visit the Bund early in the morning to avoid the largest crowds.
Lunch
Xiaolongbao at a restaurant in the Yu Garden area
Afternoon
Pudong Skyscrapers
Cross the river using the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel or metro to Pudong. Go up the Shanghai World Financial Center or Shanghai Tower. From the observation deck, see the city stretch to the horizon. The Huangpu River winds like a ribbon. The Bund's tiny buildings are below. Feel the building sway gently in the wind.
Buy tickets online to skip some queues. Check visibility before you go.
Evening
French Concession and dinner
Wander the tree-lined streets of the old French Concession. Admire the art deco architecture. Eat dinner at a restaurant serving Shanghainese red-braised pork or hairy crab, when in season.
Where to Stay Tonight
People's Square or Jing'an District (Hotel)
It is convenient for exploring both sides of the river and the city's central districts.
See all China accommodation options →For a special river crossing, take the two-yuan ferry from near the Bund to Pudong. It gives great views without a cruise price.
Day 4 Budget: 160
5
Ancient Water Town Escape
Zhujiajiao (day trip from Shanghai)
Find a slower pace in a classic canal town. People often call it the 'Venice of Shanghai'.
Morning
Travel to and explore Zhujiajiao
Take a bus or private car to Zhujiajiao water town. You will find stone bridges arching over narrow canals. Traditional whitewashed houses are draped in vines. Listen to the gentle lapping of water against wooden boats. Vendors call out, selling zongzi (sticky rice dumplings). The air carries the faint, earthy smell of the canals.
Public buses depart from Shanghai's People's Square. A taxi or ride-share is faster. It offers more flexibility.
Lunch
Riverside restaurant on North Street
Afternoon
Boat ride and Kezhi Garden
Glide through the canals on a hand-rowed wooden boat. You will pass under low bridges. See daily life develop on the water's edge. Afterwards, visit the quiet Kezhi Garden. It is a classical scholar's garden with pavilions and bamboo groves. Climb its tall rockery for a view over the tiled rooftops of the town.
Boat rides can be shared to reduce cost. Negotiate the price before boarding. Agree on the route.
Evening
Return to Shanghai and Xintiandi
Head back to Shanghai. Dine in the Xintiandi district. Restored shikumen stone-gate houses host international restaurants and cafes. The setting is stylish.
Where to Stay Tonight
People's Square or Jing'an District (Hotel)
Returning to your central Shanghai base after the day trip.
See all China accommodation options →The best photo spot is from the top of Fangsheng Bridge. Look down the main canal. It is lined with red lanterns.
Day 5 Budget: 140
6
Art, Markets, and Silk
Shanghai
See Shanghai's creative and commercial sides. Explore contemporary art. Visit historic silk and antique markets.
Morning
M50 Art District
Explore the M50 art complex. It is set in a former textile mill on the banks of Suzhou Creek. See bold graffiti on industrial brick walls. Step into galleries filled with Chinese contemporary art. The atmosphere is quiet. It is a stark contrast to the city's commercial centers.
Galleries generally open around 10am. Check for any special exhibition openings.
Lunch
Humble Administrator's Lunchbox or a cafe in M50
Afternoon
Shanghai Silk Museum and Dongtai Road Antique Market
Visit the small Shanghai Silk Museum. See silkworms. Learn about the intricate process of creating silk. Feel the smooth, cool texture of the finished fabric. Then, browse the stalls of Dongtai Road Antique Market. Hear the clink of porcelain. Vendors sell everything from Mao-era memorabilia to old jade pieces.
Bargaining is expected at the antique market. Start at about one-third of the asking price.
Evening
Final night dinner and a jazz bar
Enjoy a farewell dinner of Shanghainese cuisine. Then, experience the city's historic jazz scene. Visit the Peace Hotel's Old Jazz Bar. Or try a smaller venue in the French Concession.
Where to Stay Tonight
People's Square or Jing'an District (Hotel)
This area is central for your final night's activities. It provides easy transport to the airport tomorrow.
See all China accommodation options →For genuine, high-quality silk products, visit the Shanghai First Silk Factory outlet store. It is near the museum. Prices are better than at tourist shops.
Day 6 Budget: 130
7
Temple Serenity and Departure
Shanghai
A final morning of peaceful reflection awaits. Visit a Buddhist temple before preparing for your journey home.
Morning
Jing'an Temple and surrounding streets
Visit Jing'an Temple. This golden Buddhist complex rises among modern skyscrapers. Smell the sandalwood incense. Hear the low chanting of monks. See worshippers making offerings. Afterwards, explore the fashionable boutiques and cafes in the surrounding Jing'an district. Feel the blend of spirituality and modernity that defines Shanghai.
Arrive when the temple opens at 7:30am. Witness morning ceremonies. The atmosphere is quieter.
Lunch
Vegetarian lunch at the temple's restaurant or a local noodle shop
Afternoon
Last-minute shopping or relaxation
Use your final hours for last shopping. Try Nanjing Road or the French Concession. Or simply relax with a coffee in a courtyard cafe. Soak in the last sounds and sights of the city. Then transfer to the airport.
Allow ample time for the trip to Pudong International Airport. It can take over an hour by metro or taxi.
Evening
Departure from Shanghai
Transfer to Shanghai Pudong International Airport for your flight home.
Where to Stay Tonight
Not applicable (Departure)
Your itinerary concludes with your international flight from Shanghai.
See all China accommodation options →The Airport Maglev train runs from Longyang Road Metro Station to Pudong Airport. It reaches speeds of 430 km/h. The trip takes just 8 minutes. It is a fittingly futuristic end to your trip.
Day 7 Budget: 80
Practical Information
Everything you need to know before you go
Getting Around
Within Beijing and Shanghai, the metro systems are extensive. They are efficient and inexpensive. Purchase a rechargeable transport card. For the Beijing to Shanghai leg, the high-speed train is the best option. Use ride-hailing apps like Didi for point-to-point trips. For day trips to the Great Wall and Zhujiajiao, book a private car. Joining a small tour is also time-efficient.
Book Ahead
Essential items: Chinese visa, Forbidden City tickets, Great Wall transport or tour, Beijing-Shanghai high-speed train tickets, and accommodation. Recommended: Acrobatics show tickets and Pudong observation deck tickets.
Packing Essentials
Pack comfortable walking shoes. Bring layers for variable weather. You will need a universal power adapter. Pack face masks for pollution or dust. Bring a VPN if you need access to common Western websites and apps. Download a translation app to your phone.
Total Budget
1200-1400
Customize Your Trip
Adapt this itinerary to your travel style
Budget Version
Stay in hostel dormitories. Or choose budget hotels outside the city centers. Use public buses for the Great Wall trip instead of private tours. Eat primarily at local noodle shops and street food stalls. Skip the acrobatics show. Skip the Pudong tower ascents. Enjoy free views from the Bund instead. This could reduce the daily cost significantly.
Luxury Upgrade
Book rooms in five-star hotels. Consider The Peninsula in Beijing or the Pudong Shangri-La in Shanghai. Hire a private guide and driver for the Great Wall and Zhujiajiao trips. Dine at Michelin-starred restaurants like Xin Rong Ji or Ultraviolet. Take a private Huangpu River yacht cruise in the evening.
Family-Friendly
In Beijing, consider the Badaling section of the Great Wall. It is less strenuous with a cable car. In Shanghai, the Shanghai Natural History Museum is a big hit with children. So is the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium. Reduce walking distances by using taxis more frequently. Look for hotels with family rooms or suites.
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