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Journeys: Wonders of China

8 days, Beijing to Shanghai

!

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.

8 days - Beijing to Shanghai

From$2499USD
Valid on Oct 24 2026
Trip Code: ACXNG

Need a flight? We can help.

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

Is this tour for me?

Travel Style: National Geographic Journeys

Greater exploration, insider access, and the freedom to roam – all without sacrificing comfort.

Service Level: Upgraded

Quality accommodations and more inclusions than on other G Adventures tours, like meals, private transport, and activities.

Physical Rating: 2 - Light

Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.

Trip Type: Small Group

Small group experience; 16

Age requirement: 12+

All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

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

8 days - Beijing to Shanghai

From$2499USD
Valid on Oct 24 2026
Trip Code: ACXNG

Need a flight? We can help.

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

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: 8

Map of the route for Journeys: Wonders of China

Places visited

Itinerary

Day 1BEIJING

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Welcome Moment Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group

Day 2BEIJING

This morning, head out to the UNESCO World Heritage Site–Temple of Heaven. This peaceful place is where we meet your Tai Chi master for a private lesson of this ancient martial art, followed by time to explore the Temple. Lunch features Beijing’s specialty with a delicious serving of peking duck. Continue the exploration of Beijing with an afternoon tour of Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public spaces in the world with an infamous political history followed by the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once literally forbidden to those not part of the imperial power structure. Wander through the royal halls and beautiful courtyards-once home to emperors that shaped China’s imperial past.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Journeys Highlight Moment Temple of Heaven Tai Chi| Your Foodie Moment Pecking Duck Lunch

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 3BEIJING/ GREAT WALL OF CHINA

Venture out of the city to one of the best-preserved sections of the Great Wall of China, as featured in the National Geographic article “Discover China's History Along the Great Wall”. A local expert who brings the history of this world wonder to life will meet us upon arrival for an easy hike along the wall surrounded by incredible mountain views and original, unrestored sections of this masterpiece. Then, have a seat at the Beacon Tower for a special drink and local snack and take it all in, a timeless China. Throughout the hike, the expert guide will bring stories of the Great Wall to life, sharing knowledge of emperors and wars as you sip your drink seated upon the ancient stone.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Journeys Highlight Moment Enjoy a Drink on the Great Wall

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 4GREAT WALL OF CHINA/ XI’AN

Head back to Beijing and catch the bullet train to the ancient capital city of Xi’an, once the gateway to the Silk Road. This dynamic city has towering skyscrapers but also boasts a century-old centre known as the Muslim Quarter. Upon arrival, take an orientation walk around the lively neighbourhood to get your footing in this spectacular city.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 5XI’AN

After breakfast, visit the impressive, life-sized soldiers that stand in silent formation at the Terracotta Warrior Museum. With over 8000 warriors, almost 1000 horses and chariots, this 2000-year-old tomb tells one of China’s greatest stories of historic military power. After a tour, lunch will be served just outside of the museum at a local family’s restaurant-a morning of cultural exploration paired perfectly with traditional Chinese noodles. Return to Xi’an city centre for an afternoon exploration through the famed Muslim Quarter. Walk through centuries-old alleyways lined with fragrant food stalls, neon signs and historic mosques–you’ll quickly see how incredible Xi’an’s confluence of imperial history blends perfectly with modern-day culture.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 6XI’AN/ SHANGHAI

Catch the bullet train to Shanghai–a city where charming colonial architecture meets world class futurism. Arrive in the afternoon and take an orientation walk to get acquainted with the city, and stroll along the lively streets. Tonight, board an evening cruise along the Huangpu River for a different view of Shanghai’s iconic landmarks between the colonial-era Bund, Pearl Tower and Shanghai Tower-a spectacular introduction to the city.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 7SHANGHAI

Immerse yourself in the allure of Shanghai this morning on a walking tour. From quiet tree-lined streets to bustling nong alleys, traditional Shikumen buildings to French colonial architecture, and from tea shops to modern boutiques we will experience all sides of Shanghai. Then, sit down to a lunch of Shanghainese dumplings. Try the local favorite xiao long bao (soup dumplings) and other buns that are handmade and bursting with flavor. The rest of the afternoon is free to see Shanghai on your terms–head out for a cup of tea in a beautiful garden or browse a contemporary art gallery. Tonight, we wander the famous Bund, an iconic waterfront promenade listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 8SHANGHAI

Depart at any time.

Meals included:

Breakfast
View full itinerary

What's Included

  • Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Temple of Heaven Tai Chi, Beijing
  • Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Enjoy a Drink on the Great Wall, Jinshanling
  • Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
  • Your Foodie Moment: Pecking Duck Lunch, Beijing
  • Arrival Transfer
  • Orientation walk of Beijing
  • Tai Chi lesson in the Temple of Heaven
  • Explore the Temple of Heaven
  • Pecking Duck Lunch
  • Tiananmen Square Visit
  • Forbidden City Visit
  • Great Wall of China Jinshanling Hike and Conversation with Local Expert
  • Special Drink and snack on the Great Wall
  • Orientation walk of Xi'An
  • Terracotta Warriors Museum Visit
  • Explore the Xi'An Muslim Quarter
  • Shanghai Orientation Walk
  • Huangpu Night Cruise
  • Shanghai Walking Tour
  • Free time in Shanghai
  • Shanghainese Xiao Long Bao lunch
  • Visit the Bund
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodations

Hotel (7 nts)

Meals

7 breakfasts, 3 lunches
Allow USD260-340 for meals not included.

Transportation

Private Vehicle, Walking, Bullet Train, Boat, Metro.

Staff & experts

English-speaking Chinese CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.

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

My Own Room - From $779.00

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.

Journeys: Wonders of China

| 8 days - Beijing to Shanghai - from $2499 USD