Classic China Highlights - Private - 6 Days



Trip Snapshot
Age range
0 - 100Start / End
- Beijing
- Shanghai
Physical rating
Guide style
Self GuidedMeals included
9Highlights
- Beijing - Wander through Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven before browsing Panjiayuan Antique Market
- Mutianyu Great Wall - Hike along restored ramparts and enjoy sweeping mountain views before visiting Beijing's Olympic Park landmarks
- Beijing Hutongs - Ride a rickshaw through traditional alleyways and glimpse local life near the historic Drum Tower
- Summer Palace - Cruise across Kunming Lake and explore China's largest imperial garden on the outskirts of Beijing
- Shanghai - Stroll the Bund, visit Yuyuan Garden and admire the skyline from the Riverside Promenade near the Oriental Pearl Tower

Everything you need to picture the adventure and pack with confidence — in one free PDF.
What's inside the PDF
Day-by-day itinerary
Every day mapped out, covering activities, travel times, meals and where you'll stay.Packing & kit list
Exactly what to bring, from clothing and essentials to luggage guidelines and what's available to hire locally.What's included
Accommodation, transport, guides and meals, so you can see exactly what your price covers.
Summary
Embark on an unforgettable journey through China, beginning in the bustling heart of Beijing where you’ll explore the vast Tiananmen Square, the iconic Forbidden City, and the serene Temple of Heaven. Your adventure continues with an exhilarating visit to the Great Wall at Mutianyu, offering breathtaking vistas by hike or cable car, and a glimpse into traditional craftsmanship at a jade carving factory. Travel onwards to the vibrant metropolis of Shanghai via high-speed train, where you'll wander the picturesque Yuyuan Garden, stroll along the historic Bund, and marvel at the captivating Jade Buddha Temple. With leisure time to discover local treasures and a thrilling Maglev train ride option to finish your trip, this tour masterfully blends cultural exploration with modern marvels for a truly enriching experience.
Itinerary
Day 1
Welcome to Beijing
Upon arrival in Beijing, the vibrant capital of China, meet our tour guide at the airport who will assist with your transfer to the hotel, no matter your flight arrival time. After checking in, the rest of the day is yours to explore at leisure.
Day 2
Beijing City Tour
Your guide will meet you in your hotel lobby as we start our day exploring Beijing. Our first stop is Tiananmen Square, a site rich in modern Chinese history. We'll then visit the Forbidden City, once the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Enjoy a walk through this vast complex before we hike up Coal Hill in Jingshan Park, where panoramic views of the Forbidden City await.
After a traditional Chinese lunch, we will head to the Temple of Heaven, an architectural masterpiece with deep historical significance. Following this, you will have time to shop at the Panjiayuan Antique Market and visit a local tea store.
We'll return to your hotel afterwards. On the way back, feel free to discuss evening plans with your guide, whether you'd like to take in a night show or try a Peking duck dinner.
Day 3
Explore More of Beijing
Today, we visit the iconic Great Wall at Mutianyu. You have the option to hike this magnificent structure or take a cable car for a panoramic view and a leisurely exploration. A traditional Chinese lunch awaits us at a local restaurant following our visit.
On our return to the city centre, we will pause at a jade carving factory, offering insight into this traditional Chinese craft. Finally, we’ll make a brief photo stop at the Olympic Park to admire the architectural marvels of the Bird's Nest and Water Cube before heading back to your hotel.
Day 4
Journey to Shanghai
Begin our day by packing up at a leisurely pace and checking out from the hotel. Our first destination is the Drum Tower area for a relaxing Hutong tour by rickshaw, offering insights into the traditional Beijing way of life.
Next, we visit the Summer Palace, renowned as China's largest and best-preserved imperial garden. Here, we enjoy a serene boat ride on Kunming Lake, a highlight not to be missed.
Following a nearby Chinese lunch, we board a high-speed train bound for Shanghai. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel with the assistance of a local guide.
Day 5
Discover Shanghai
We begin our day with a visit to Yuyuan Garden, a splendid example of a traditional Chinese garden nestled in the heart of the city. Following this, you'll have some shopping time at Shanghai Old Street and Nanjing Road, Shanghai's oldest commercial street, where unique souvenirs and silk products await.
After a leisurely walk along the iconic Bund, we’ll savour lunch at a local Chinese restaurant en route. Our exploration continues at Jade Buddha Temple, where we admire its exquisite architecture and serene atmosphere. We then take a stroll along the Riverside Promenade, offering breathtaking views of the Oriental Pearl TV Tower.
We drive back to our hotel, concluding our day's adventures.
Day 6
Farewell Shanghai
Enjoy a free day at leisure before your departure. For a unique experience, we can arrange for you to travel on the Maglev train to Pudong Airport—it's amongst the fastest of its kind, providing a thrilling journey at speeds of up to 431 km/h. Alternatively, we will drive you directly to the airport.
What's Included
Meals
Breakfasts: 5, Lunches: 4, Dinners: 0
Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.
Vegetarian options availableLocal Guide
Self GuidedWifi
Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.
Dates & Prices
Sep 2026
from £1,940Oct 2026
from £1,940Nov 2026
from £1,940Dec 2026
from £1,940Jan 2027
from £2,267Feb 2027
from £2,267Mar 2027
from £2,267Apr 2027
from £2,267May 2027
from £2,267Jun 2027
from £2,267Jul 2027
from £2,267Aug 2027
from £2,267Sep 2027
from £2,267Oct 2027
from £2,267Nov 2027
from £2,267Dec 2027
from £2,267
- Monday 21 Sep 2026to Saturday 26 Sep 2026£1,940Best offer
- Tuesday 22 Sep 2026to Sunday 27 Sep 2026£1,940Best offer
- Wednesday 23 Sep 2026to Monday 28 Sep 2026£1,940Best offer
- Thursday 24 Sep 2026to Tuesday 29 Sep 2026£1,940Best offer
- Friday 25 Sep 2026to Wednesday 30 Sep 2026£1,940Best offer
- Saturday 26 Sep 2026to Thursday 1 Oct 2026£1,940Best offer
- Sunday 27 Sep 2026to Friday 2 Oct 2026£1,940Best offer
- Monday 28 Sep 2026to Saturday 3 Oct 2026£1,940Best offer
- Tuesday 29 Sep 2026to Sunday 4 Oct 2026£1,940Best offer
- Wednesday 30 Sep 2026to Monday 5 Oct 2026£1,940Best offer

Make this tour private
Every departure on this trip can be booked just for your own group — your dates, your people, the same expert local guides.
What changes when you go private
Travel with just your own group
No other travellers on the trip — just the people you choose to bringTravel on your schedule
Pick your exact start date—no fixed group departures or rigid timetables.Exclusively for your party
Enjoy this handcrafted itinerary with a dedicated private guide just for you.
Essential trip information
Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.
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