10 days Best China Tour: Beijing-Shanghai- Hangzhou

Nihao! Welcome to Beijing, the capital city of China! Upon your arrival at the airport in Beijing, the tour guide and driver will meet and greet you at the exit by holding a welcome board with your name. And then escort you to the well-selected hotel in downtown Beijing. The rest of the day is free on your own so you can have a good rest for the jet lag or explore by yourself around your hotel.

Temple of Heaven（天坛 tiān tán）: An Imperial Legacy & Tai Chi Experience

Kick off your day at the Temple of Heaven, a 600-year-old ceremonial site where Ming (1368-1644 AD)and Qing (1644-1912 AD) emperors held grand rituals to pray for good harvests and divine blessings.

Don’t miss the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, a 38-meter-tall circular structure built without nails. Test the Echo Wall, where whispers travel magically across 65 meters.

Join a Tai Chi session in the park, practicing this ancient martial art with locals for a calm and energizing experience.

The Forbidden City（紫禁城 zǐ jìn chéng）: The Homes of Emperors

Step into the Forbidden City, the largest and best-preserved palace complex in the world. Built in the early 1400s, it spans over 180 acres with more than 8,700 rooms, serving as home to 24 emperors for nearly 500 years. For comparison, the Forbidden City is over four times larger than Buckingham Palace (39 acres) and vastly exceeds the White House, which sits on just 18 acres.

This imperial city is a living museum of Chinese art, culture, and history. Highlights include the Hall of Supreme Harmony, where the emperor held his throne, and the Imperial Garden, a quiet and beautiful retreat.

Peking Opera Mask Painting Experience

Discover the art of Peking Opera mask painting, a tradition rich in history and symbolism. Learn the meaning behind the bold colors and intricate designs, then paint your own mask under expert guidance.

Take home a unique souvenir and gain insight into China’s vibrant opera culture in a fun, hands-on way!

Peking Duck Feast: A Must-Try Beijing Experience

A trip to Beijing isn’t complete without trying Peking Duck, the city’s signature dish. Watch as the chef expertly carves crispy, golden duck into thin slices, served with pancakes, scallions, and hoisin sauce.

Enjoy the perfect balance of rich flavors and crispy texture, a dish once reserved for royalty but now loved by all. A must-try for food lovers!

Mutianyu Great Wall（慕田峪长城 mù tián yù cháng chéng）:A Scenic and Fun-Filled Adventure

No trip to Beijing is complete without visiting the Great Wall of China, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Built over 2,000 years ago, the wall stretches over 13,000 miles and was constructed without modern machinery, making it an incredible feat of ancient engineering.

Today, explore the Mutianyu section, a scenic and less crowded part of the Great Wall, ideal for families, seniors. Easily accessible from Beijing, it offers cable cars, chairlifts, and a thrilling toboggan ride, you can choose how you explore—walk at your own pace or enjoy a fun, effortless ascent and descent.

Bird’s Nest （鸟巢 niǎo cháo）& Water Cube （水立方 shuǐ lì fāng）: Beijing’s Olympic Landmarks

Visit Beijing’s iconic Olympic venues, the Bird’s Nest (National Stadium) and the Water Cube (National Aquatics Center). These world-famous structures hosted the 2008 Beijing Olympics and remain symbols of modern architecture and athletic excellence.

Hotpot & Full-Body Spa: The Perfect Way to Unwind

Enjoy a delicious hotpot meal, where you cook fresh meats, seafood, and vegetables in a simmering broth. Customize your flavors with a variety of dipping sauces and enjoy this interactive dining experience loved by locals.

After the feast, relax with a full-body massage at a spa. Let go of fatigue as skilled therapists ease your muscles, the perfect way to refresh after a day of exploring.

798 Art Zone（798 艺术区）: Beijing’s Creative Hub of Modern Art

Once a factory complex, 798 Art Zone is now Beijing’s center for modern art and culture. Stroll through industrial-style streets filled with galleries, street art and quirky sculptures, offering a fresh, artistic side of the city.

Explore Beijing’s Hutong by Rickshaw

Step into Beijing’s historic hutongs, a maze of narrow alleys lined with traditional courtyard homes. These centuries-old streets offer a glimpse into local life and culture.

Hop on a rickshaw ride for a fun and relaxing way to explore, winding through hidden lanes while your guide shares stories of old Beijing. A must-do experience to see the city’s past come to life!

Qianmen Street（前门大街 qián mén dà jiē）: A Historic Walk Through Old Beijing

Step back in time as you stroll down Qianmen Street, a lively pedestrian street with over 600 years of history. Once the main commercial hub of imperial Beijing, it’s now lined with traditional shops, time-honored restaurants, and local snack stalls.

Ride the old-fashioned tram, browse for silk, tea, and souvenirs, or try famous eats like roast duck and sesame cakes. A perfect place to soak in Beijing’s old-world charm!

After breakfast, transfer to the train station for your high-speed train (bullet train) to Shanghai, China’s bustling financial hub. Sit back and enjoy the smooth journey as you cover over 1,300 kilometers in just about 4.5 hours (350km/h).

the Bund （外滩 wài tān）:  Shanghai’s Iconic Waterfront

Kick off the day at the Bund, a 1.5-kilometer waterfront promenade where 52 historic buildings reflect Shanghai’s colonial past. Snap photos of the futuristic skyline across the Huangpu River.

Yu Garden（豫园  yù yuán）: A Hidden Garden in the Heart of Shanghai

Step into the tranquility of Yuyuan Garden, a 400-year-old Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) masterpiece with ponds, rockeries, and intricately carved pavilions.

Handmade Wonton Experience : Make and Enjoy Wontons with a Local Family

Step into a local home for a hands-on wonton-making experience. Learn to mix the filling, fold the wrappers, and perfect your technique with guidance from your host. As you cook, hear stories about family traditions and Chinese culture. Finally, sit down and enjoy a delicious, home-cooked wonton feast—a true taste of local life!

Shanghai Tower （上海中心大厦 shàng hǎi zhōng xīn dà shà）:  China’s Tallest Building

Rise above the city as you visit Shanghai Tower,the tallest building in China and the third tallest in the world, standing at 632 meters (2,073 feet). Designed as a spiraling structure resembling a dragon rising from the earth, its twisting form reduces wind resistance while symbolizing Shanghai’s rapid growth.

Hop aboard the world’s fastest elevator, racing upwards at 65 km/h, reaching the 118th-floor observation deck at 546 meters (1,791 feet) in just seconds. From the top, take in breathtaking 360-degree views of Shanghai’s skyline, from the winding Huangpu River to the iconic Bund and beyond.

Shanghai Museum （上海博物馆 shàng hǎi  bó wù guǎn）: A Treasure Trove of Chinese History

With its sleek geometric design and bold modern structure, Shanghai Museum East Campus is an architectural masterpiece that houses China’s finest cultural treasures. Inside, explore six curated galleries featuring porcelain, jade, bronze, sculpture, painting and calligraphy.The Porcelain Gallery is a must-see, displaying exquisite  blue and white porcelain that showcase China’s artistry across dynasties.

With a professional guide leading the way, you’ll have a truly enriching experience beyond just sightseeing.

Optional Experience: Night Cruise on the Huangpu River

Enhance your Shanghai experience with a Huangpu River night cruise. See the city light up in full color as you relax on deck and take in the dazzling reflections on the river. This optional tour offers a unique perspective of Shanghai at night—join if you’d like to see the city from a whole new angle!

Zhujiajiao （朱家角 zhū jiā jiǎo）: A Hidden Jiangnan Water Town in Shanghai

Tucked away in Shanghai’s modern metropolis lies Zhujiajiao, a 1,700-year-old Jiangnan water town with stone bridges, winding alleys, and tranquil canals.The highlight of your visit? A hand-rowed boat ride through Zhujiajiao’s picturesque waterways. Sit back as a boatman skillfully navigates the canals, passing under arched bridges and alongside centuries-old homes.

Local Flower and Bird Market （花鸟市场 huā niǎo shì chǎng）: A Vibrant Escape into Nature

The joy of visiting the Flower and Bird Market is simple yet profound—a break from the city’s concrete jungle.With just a small amount of money—or even none at all—you can spend hours admiring flowers, watching fish, and playing with birds.

Lush greenery and colorful aquariums line the walkways, drawing visitors of all ages. Children, especially, are captivated by the small animals—chirping crickets, playful rabbits, turtles, frogs, hedgehogs, and even lizards.

ERA Acrobatic Show: A Thrilling Spectacle in Shanghai

Get ready for an adrenaline-pumping night at ERA – Intersection of Time 2, Shanghai’s most spectacular acrobatic show! Besides featuring jaw-dropping stunts, this performance is enhanced by high-tech lighting, sound, and visual effects, delivering a stunning immersive experience for audiences. Hold your breath as seven motorcycles race at high speed inside a massive steel globe, defying gravity with heart-pounding precision.

Departing from Shanghai, you will take a comfortable and efficient high-speed train to the beautiful city of Hangzhou for your onward journey. 

West Lake (西湖 xī hú ‌): The Poet’s Muse

Visit West Lake, a place of stunning beauty and timeless romance. With calm waters, misty mountains, and elegant bridges, it has inspired over 200 poets to create more than 1,000 poems throughout Chinese history, making it a true muse for ancient literary masterpieces.

Leifeng Pagoda (雷峰塔 léi fēng tǎ ‌): A Legendary Tower Overlooking West Lake

Explore Leifeng Pagoda, a historic landmark offering panoramic views of West Lake. This five-story tower is not just a scenic spot—it’s tied to the famous Legend of the White Snake. According to the tale, the white snake spirit was imprisoned beneath the pagoda, waiting for her reunion with her true love.

Hefang Street (河坊街 hé fāng jiē ‌): Hangzhou’s Lively Historic Marketplace

Step back in time on Hefang Street, a bustling pedestrian street lined with traditional shops, tea houses, and local snacks. Don’t miss Hu Qing Yu Tang, an elegant 150-year-old traditional Chinese pharmacy where you can watch herbal medicine being prepared in the same way it has been for centuries.

Tea Picking Experience: Fresh Morning Harvest

Start your day in a lush tea plantation, where the morning’s first leaves are at their freshest. Follow local tea farmers into the fields and learn the traditional art of tea picking.

After gathering your own leaves, enjoy a freshly brewed cup made from your harvest. Savor the authentic taste of hand-picked tea while soaking in the peaceful scenery.

Lingyin Temple (灵隐寺 líng yǐn sì ‌): The Temple of the Soul’s Retreat

Nestled in lush forests, Lingyin Temple, meaning “Temple of the Soul’s Retreat,” was founded in 326 AD, making it one of China’s oldest and most significant Buddhist temples.

Beyond its rich history, Lingyin Temple is also one of the filming locations for the hit video game-inspired series Black Myth: Wukong, with its mystical architecture bringing the legendary Monkey King’s world to life.

Nearby, Feilai Peak features over 300 stone carvings from the Song (960-1279AD)and Yuan (1271-1368AD) dynasties, depicting Buddhas and mythical creatures, making it an open-air art gallery of ancient craftsmanship.

After having a good time in Hangzhou, take the high-speed train back to Shanghai, bringing your unforgettable Jiangnan journey to a perfect close.

Your guide will transfer you to the airport, marking the end of your memorable journey. Safe travels and see you next time!