Tour Code: cht-da-7
Departure Date: Daily
Features: Private Tour Guide Private Car & Driver Authentic Local Restaurants
Experience ancient cultures and see modern miracles on your visit to the 2 must-see cities in China: Beijing and Shanghai.
On arrival in Beijing, your guide will meet and greet you at the airport. From there, your guide and driver will take you to your comfortable hotel where you may rest, wait for the rest of your travel group to arrive in the country, and explore the areas nearby.
Today is a full day city visit and Tiananmen Square is the first stop. This infamous public area has long been a place of congregation for the citizens of Beijing and China, and it has served as the host of many historic events. It has great cultural and historical significance and is a continuing symbol of the nation's pride. Continue your visit to the Forbidden City. Between the Ming and Qing Dynasties, this "city within a city" was home to 24 emperors. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the best preserved ancient imperial architecture complex in the world. Your guide will point our various important features of the squares, halls, gate, corridors, halls, courtyards, quarters, and more. After a fine lunch at a local restaurant, visit hutongs for which Beijing is known on the social side. These are traditional style residential areas characterized by the tight and winding alleyways stretched among single story homes. Many of these areas are rapidly disappearing due to modernization and gentrification. On your tour, you will tour a hutong in Xicheng District via rickshaw accompanied by your guide.
In addition to Tiananmen Square, another iconic site in Beijing is the Great Wall. In fact the wall stretches across China, but Beijing serves as one of the best jump off points to visit. You will be taken today to the Mutianyu Great Wall section which is less visited than some other parts which means your experience will not be as crowded. You can ascend and descend the wall via cable car with us, or do so by foot as you wish. At the top, you can see the famous watchtowers that were instrumental for the Great Wall to serve as a defense system. Also, the views of countryside all around are spectacular. Lunch will be taken at a local restaurant near the Great Wall and sfterwards visit the Temple of Heaven, a group of Taoist buildings where emperors of Ming and Qing dynasties once prayed for good harvests. Today you will still see worshippers paying their respects.
In the morning you will go on a visit to the Summer Palace. The Summer Palace is known as the best preserved and largest royal garden in the country. It is an area with a lake, various gardens, and temples over a beautiful natural area. Lunch will be had afterwards. In the afternoon, we will take you to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. Once arriving in China's second city, you will be taken to your hotel and have the rest of the day to do as you wish.
Shanghai is a city of many treasures, one of which is Yuyuan Garden. Found in Old Shanghai, the garden dates back almost half a century and exemplifies classic Chinese architecture and style. It is a premier example of classical Chinese gardens with its gorgeous pavilions, ponds, rockeries, corridors, and much more. A neighboring market is a fun place to grab some snacks and souvenirs before proceeding with your tour. More than anything, Shanghai is contrasted with Beijing as the contemporary example of China. The Oriental Pearl TV Tower is one feature of the modern city. It is one of the tallest TV towers on earth and its unique aesthetics distinguishes it amid the Shanghai skyline. Continue across the Huangpu River to reach the Bund. This is a 1.5 kilometer pavilion along the water that now serves as a popular place for citizens and visitors to enjoy fine views and entertainment venues. There are top restaurants, shops, bars, and cafes throughout the stretch. Most beloved, however, are the 52 European style buildings that comprise the romantic atmosphere, even more attractive in the evenings when lit up and reflected on the river. Lunch today will be at a local restaurant which serves great Shanghai dishes.
Thank you for experiencing Beijing and Shanghai with us! Today we will take you to the airport for your outbound journey and your tour ends.
We use different hotels for different tour classes while the itinerary is the same. Deluxe Class is usually staying at a 5-star hotel, Superior Class at a 4-star hotel and Tourist Class at a 3-star level hotel. The prices for one person are based on sharing twin hotel rooms with another guest. A supplement is necessary if you want to book single rooms. And the prices may rise during national holidays, such as the National Day (September 30th to October 6th) and Chinese New Year (late January or early February)
Sally Guo
Travel Advisor