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China: Big Cities & Iconic Culture

15 days, Beijing to Shanghai

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Peak season notice: Golden Week falls between October 1st and 7th each year. Please note that Golden Week is a semi-annual 7-day or 8-day national holiday for the people of China. This is a very busy time of the year for domestic tourists, so expect some crowding at major attractions. We recommend booking these dates well in advance as accommodations and transportation availability is extremely limited.

15 days

Beijing to Shanghai

From$1274USD
was $1499
Valid on Jan 9 2026
Trip Code: ACBA

Need a flight? We can help.

Call us to book your flights! We'll find you the best option!

Special Offers

Expires on Oct 01, 2025 03:59 UTC
Promo Code G26SDQ015ASI02

Is this tour for me?

Travel Style: 18-to-Thirtysomethings

Fast, fresh, and fun adventures that never slow down, made for young, budget-minded travellers.

Service Level: Basic

Simple and clean hotels and hostels; affordable public and private transport; lots of optional activities.

Physical Rating: 3 - Average

Some tours may include light hiking, biking, rafting, or kayaking in addition to walking.

Trip Type: Small Group

Small group experience; Max 18, avg 15

Age requirement: 18-39

Check Your Visa Requirements

Before booking, use our handy entry requirements tool so you know which documents you need to enter and travel through the countries on your trip.

View our Entry Requirements tool

15 days

Beijing to Shanghai

From$1274USD
was $1499
Valid on Jan 9 2026
Trip Code: ACBA

Need a flight? We can help.

Call us to book your flights! We'll find you the best option!

Special Offers

Expires on Oct 01, 2025 03:59 UTC
Promo Code G26SDQ015ASI02

See how your trip uplifts communities

In a number of impactful ways, your adventure directly benefits the local people and places we visit.

Trees for Days

Help us spread love around the world with Trees for Days. Together with Planeterra, we'll plant one tree in your name for every travel day.

Trees planted for this trip: 15

Ripple Score

Create ripples that change lives. The higher the Ripple Score percentage, the more money stays in the local communities you visit.

Ripple Score for this trip: 100

Map of the route for China: Big Cities & Iconic Culture

Places visited

Itinerary

Day 1Beijing

Welcome to China! Arrive at anytime. Then join your CEO and group in the evening for a Welcome Meeting and an Orientation Walk of Beijing. Tonight's your First Night Out so get to know your group under the bright Beijing lights.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your First Night Out Moment Connect With New Friends| Your Welcome Moment Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group

Day 2Beijing

Hop on local transportation and visit some of Beijing's top tourist spots. Take a CEO led tour of the symbolic centre of Chinese power, Tiananmen Square. See the Forbidden City from a birds eye view at Jingshan Park and wander through the picturesque Hutong alleyways.

Day 3Beijing/Xi’an

This morning, travel to the legendary Great Wall of China. Together we'll hike about 5 kilometers of this 6000 km masterpiece. Opt to ride the cable car, chairlift or even ride the toboggan down. After a full day at the Wall, we'll return to Beijing where we'll board an overnight train to Xi'an.

Day 4Xi’an

Wake up this morning as you pull into the historical city of Xi'An, the entrance to the Silk Road. After an orientation walk, hop on a public bus with your CEO to take a tour of the mysterious Terracotta Warriors. In the evening, return to the city for an evening stroll through the Muslim Quarter.

Day 5Xi’an/Chengdu

This morning, enjoy some free time in the city of Xi'an before heading to our next destination. Opt to visit the ancient City Wall or take a cycling tour on top of it. Then head to train station to take the bullet train to Chengdu. Join your CEO for an orientation walk of the city before heading out for your Big Night Out! Grab a beer or plum juice for yourself and enjoy it under the bright lights of Chengdu alongside your crew.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Big Night Out Moment

Day 6Chengdu

After your Big Night Out, choose to take this morning slow or get ready to see all that Chengdu has to offer. Opt to visit the Giant Panda Breeding Center and learn about this amazing, but endangered, species. In the afternoon, with your group and CEO, visit Chengdu's more popular spots, like Tianfu Square, People's Park and Kuanzhaixiang.

Day 7Chengdu/Yangshuo

We'll ditch the big city this morning and head to the mountains today. A late morning bullet train brings us to the city of Yangshuo. After we arrive, we'll take an orientation walk of this picturesque, riverside city.

Day 8Yangshuo

Today we'll hop on a bike and explore the countryside of Yangshuo. Ride along the river, travel through a local village and stop for lunch at a local restaurant, all while taking in the incredible mountains surrounding the area. In the afternoon, head back to the city and enjoy a free evening.

Meals included:

Lunch

Day 9Yangshuo

Enjoy a free day in Yangshuo! While this city may not be as big as some of China's other top destinations, there is no shortage of things to do here. Opt to visit the Xianggongshan & Tea Farm or go to the Impression Liu Sanjie light show. How about a Tai Chi or Kung Fu class? Even a cooking class!

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Discover Moment

Day 10Yangshuo/Guangzhou

We'll arrive to the train station this morning to take a bullet train to one of the most important cities in China, Guangzhou. After arriving and a short rest, we'll hit the town and take a tour to see what Guangzhou has to offer. Visit Yuexiu Park, Chen Clan Academy and the Shamian Island. Then in the evening, opt to take the Pearl River boat cruise under the Guangzhou city lights.

Day 11Guangzhou/Yongding

The next two nights are a special opportunity to stay in the extremely unique homes of the Hakka People. We'll stay in Hakka Tulou, ancient fortified buildings. Some can be 5 stories tall and some can be dated back to the 12th century. Travel back to the past as we explore this super off the beaten path part of China.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Local Living Moment Hakka Tulou

Day 12Yongding

Wake up in one of the most unique places you'll ever stay. Then join your group and take an orientation walk of the Hakka Cultural Village. This afternoon, you'll have the opportunity to explore this impressive fortress how you'd like. Learn from the locals and hear their stories about how their families have been living in these homes for hundreds of years.

Day 13Yongding/Shanghai

Say goodbye to the community at the Hakka Houses before we head off on our journey to Shanghai. This is a long travel day, but the big city beckons! Shanghai is known to be distinct from the rest of China as one of the most internationally influenced cities in the country. It's an awesome spot to end our trip!

Day 14Shanghai

Start today with an orientation walk in Shanghai. Then join your CEO to head to some of the cities most popular spots. Start in the historical, waterfront district of the Bund Area and then pay a visit to Shanghai Old Town. This afternoon, tick off whatever is left on your Shanghai to do list with some free time. Opt to visit the Yuyuan Garden, shop and stroll through Nanjing Road or ask your CEO from some local restaurant recs. The options are endless in Shanghai! In the evening, join your crew for a Big Night Out!

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Big Night Out Moment

Day 15Shanghai

Depart at any time.

View full itinerary

What's Included

  • Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
  • Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
  • Your Big Night Out Moment: Chengdu
  • Your Discover Moment: Yangshuo
  • Your Local Living Moment: Hakka Tulou, Hongkeng Village
  • Your Big Night Out Moment: Shanghai
  • Tour of Tiananmen Square
  • Jingshan Park visit
  • Orientation walk in Beijing
  • Included visit to the Great Wall of China
  • Visit the Terracotta Warriors
  • Tour the Xi'An Muslim Quarter tour
  • Orientation walk in Xi'an
  • Tianfu Square visit
  • Orientation walk in Chengdu
  • Overnight stay in a traditional Hakka Village
  • Cycle tour through Yangshuo city and countryside
  • Orientation walk in Yangshuo
  • Chinese lunch in a local Yangshuo community
  • Guangzhou city tour
  • CEO-led walk through old town Shanghai
  • Free time in Shanghai

Accommodations

Hotels (11 nights), overnight sleeper train (1 night), Hakka guesthouse (2 nights).

Meals

1 lunch
Allow USD385-500 for meals not included.

Transportation

Bullet train, overnight train, metro, public bus, private vehicle, bicycle, walking.

Staff & experts

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.

Available extras (Add these to your tour when you book)

My Own Room - From $549.00

If you're travelling solo and would prefer to have your own private room throughout your trip, select this option during the online booking process.

Make it a private tour

Book this tour as a private departure, with your own CEO and all the benefits of a G Adventures group tour.

China: Big Cities & Iconic Culture

| 15 days - Beijing to Shanghai - from $1274 USD