Exclusive Customization: Beijing-Shanghai Dual-City Private Journey of History & Art

Day 1: Arrival in Beijing · First Glimpse of Imperial Charm & Daily Vibe

Itinerary Overview

• Depart from your location and arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport or Daxing International Airport.
• Guide greets you with a name sign at the customs exit, offering 24-hour airport pick-up service.
• Private transfer to downtown partner hotel with assistance for check-in.
• Free time to immerse in the charm of old Beijing hutongs and local lifestyle.

Recommended Self-Exploration

• Shichahai: Boat on the lake, cycle along the lakeside greenway, and admire reflections of ancient architectures.
• Wander Yandai Xiejie: Explore traditional craft shops and cultural & creative spaces.

Highlight Experience

• Rickshaw Ride Through Hutongs: Take a tricycle rickshaw through narrow, secluded old Beijing hutongs to relive the urban life of the last century.
• Historical Background: Rickshaws were the main means of transportation during the Republic of China era, now serving as a cultural experience.
• Vehicle Evolution: From two-wheeled pulled carts to three-wheeled pedal rickshaws, offering better comfort and safety with less physical effort.
• Visit a Local Courtyard House
• Observe China’s traditional multi-generational living pattern.
• Learn about family etiquette: Elders reside in the main house, while younger generations live in side rooms.
• Engage with the host family on cultural topics such as daily customs and festival traditions.

Meals

• Breakfast: Not included
• Lunch: At your own expense
• Dinner: Recommended [Haiwan Ju (Wangfujing Branch)]
  • Must-try dish: Zhajiangmian (Noodles with Soybean Paste) served with 8 side dishes (shredded cucumber, carrot, bean sprouts, chives, etc.).
  • Featured Atmosphere: Waitstaff in cheongsams and tableware with blue-and-white porcelain bowls, full of old Beijing flavor.
  • Average Cost: Around 70 RMB / 10 USD

Day 2: Beijing · Forbidden City’s Grandeur & Royal Zen

Itinerary Overview

• Morning: Visit Tiananmen Square — the world’s largest urban central square.
• Noon: Walk into The Palace Museum (Forbidden City) — the imperial palace complex of the Ming and Qing dynasties.
• Afternoon: Climb Wanchun Pavilion in Jingshan Park for a panoramic view of the Forbidden City.
• Evening: Visit Yonghe Temple (Lama Temple) — a sacred site of Tibetan Buddhism for prayer and blessings.

Meals

• Breakfast: Included in the hotel (Western buffet)
• Lunch: At your own expense (guide can recommend nearby restaurants)
• Dinner: Recommended [Baoyuan Dumplings (Maizidian Street Branch)]
  • Michelin Guide recommended restaurant, specializing in creative handmade dumplings.
  • Dumpling wrappers dyed with natural vegetable juices (spinach green, carrot orange) without artificial colors.
  • Diverse fillings: Classic pork & cabbage, innovative cheese & pineapple, etc.
  • Interior decorated with lanterns and Spring Festival couplets, featuring a strong Chinese-style atmosphere.
  • Average Cost: Around 70 RMB / 9 USD

Day 3: Beijing · Great Wall’s Majesty & Royal Gardens

Itinerary Overview

• Morning: Travel to Mutianyu Great Wall — a well-preserved section with high vegetation coverage.
  • Round-trip cable car tickets included for easy ascent and energy saving.
  • Hike along the city wall to feel the majestic momentum of the “Great Wall of 10,000 Li”.
• Noon: Lunch on the way (at your own expense, guide provides recommendations)
• Afternoon: Return to downtown, with a photo stop at the exterior of Bird’s Nest (National Stadium).
  • Continue to visit Summer Palace — China’s largest royal garden.
  • Boat on Kunming Lake, wander along the Long Corridor, and visit Tower of Buddhist Incense and Seventeen-Arch Bridge.

Meals

• Breakfast: Included in the hotel (Western buffet)
• Lunch: At your own expense
• Dinner: At your own expense

Day 4: Beijing → Shanghai · High-Speed Rail Across North & South

Itinerary Overview

• Morning: Visit Temple of Heaven Park — a place where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties worshipped heaven.
  • Main architectures: Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, Echo Wall, Circular Mound Altar.
  • Optional morning exercise interaction: Learn Tai Chi or use fitness equipment to integrate into local life.
• Noon: Check out and head to the railway station.
• ★ Take high-speed rail to Shanghai (approximately 4.5–6 hours)
  • Why we choose high-speed rail over flights:
    • China’s high-speed rail is among the fastest in the world, hailed as a “national business card”.
    • Beijing-Shanghai G-series trains offer a smooth and efficient travel experience.
    • Moderate travel time, ideal for resting or reading during the journey.
  • Seat Class: Second Class (please inform us in advance if you wish to upgrade)

Arrival in Shanghai

• Local guide and driver greet you at the platform exit.
• Private transfer to downtown partner hotel with assistance for check-in.
• Free time to adapt to the city’s rhythm.

Meals

• Breakfast: Included in the hotel (Western buffet)
• Lunch: At your own expense (in the railway station or on the train)
• Dinner: At your own expense

Day 5: Shanghai · Art Capital & Urban Pulse

Itinerary Overview

• Morning: Visit Shanghai Museum — one of China’s top four museums.
  • Collection highlights: Bronze ware, ceramics, calligraphy and painting, jade artifacts.
  • Free admission (reservation required) with professional commentary to enhance the visiting experience.
• Noon: Explore Yuyuan Garden + City God Temple Business District
  • Garden features: A representative of Jiangnan classical gardens with exquisite layout and scattered pavilions.
  • Eaves sculptures: Depicting myths, legends and auspicious meanings (e.g., dragon and phoenix bringing prosperity, Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea).
  • ► Lunch Recommendation [Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant (Yuyuan Main Branch)]
    • Century-old brand listed in the national intangible cultural heritage list.
    • Must-try: Crab Roe Xiaolongbao (juicy filling, recommended to suck the soup first with a straw before eating).
    • Average Cost: Around 100 RMB / 14 USD

Afternoon Itinerary

• Head to Tianzifang — an artistic and creative district transformed from Shikumen residences.
  • Integrates art galleries, handicraft workshops, cafes, and independent designer brands.
  • Crisscrossing alleys, perfect for photography and free exploration.
• Visit Duoyun Bookstore · Flagship Store (located on the 52nd floor of Shanghai Tower)
  • One of China’s highest bookstores, offering a bird’s-eye view of the Huangpu River.
  • Recommended experience: A cup of coffee + reading time by the window.
• Cruise on the Huangpu River
  • Route: From the east bank to the west bank, passing through Waibaidu Bridge.
  • Contrast between two banks: Western-style building complex (the Bund) on the west vs. Lujiazui skyscrapers on the east.
• Wander along the Bund night promenade to enjoy the light show and city skyline.

Meals

• Breakfast: Included in the hotel (Western buffet)
• Lunch: At your own expense (Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant recommended)
• Dinner: Recommended [Fengyu Shengjian (Bund Branch)]
  • Shengjianbao (pan-fried buns) is a iconic Shanghai snack with crispy bottom and juicy filling.
  • Generous portions and affordable prices, popular among locals.
  • 20-minute walk from the Bund, 10-minute taxi ride back to the hotel.
  • Average Cost: Around 20 RMB / 3 USD

Day 6: Shanghai Departure · Return Journey

Itinerary Overview

• Morning: Free time after hotel breakfast.
• Optional Activities:
  • Go shopping at Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street.
  • Or wander the Bund again to capture the morning light.
• Private transfer to Pudong International Airport or Hongqiao International Airport according to your flight schedule.
• Tour ends officially with a complimentary travel souvenir card.

Warm Tips

• If you have extra time, we highly recommend extending your trip to:
  • Suzhou: The “City of Gardens”, 30 minutes by high-speed rail.
  • Hangzhou: “Paradise on Earth” with West Lake scenery, 1 hour by high-speed rail.
  • Huangshan: Famous for peculiar pines, strange rocks and sea of clouds, 2.5 hours by high-speed rail.
  • Wuzhen/Zhouzhuang: Poetic water towns in Jiangnan.

Meals

• Breakfast: Included in the hotel (Western buffet)
• Lunch: At your own expense
• Dinner: At your own expense