6-Day Beijing Shanghai Small Group Tour

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Duration 6 Days
Route Beijing → Shanghai
Entry City Beijing
Exit City Shanghai

Overview

This 6-day journey connects Beijing, Shanghai in a sociable small-group format. It is designed for international travellers who want a well-paced China small group tour with clear transfers, essential landmarks and time for local culture.

Your Route Map

English illustrated route map for the 6-Day Beijing Shanghai Small Group Tour
Beijing city and Great Wall → Shanghai by high-speed train → Shanghai departure. Tickets and sightseeing sequence follow confirmed arrangements. Select the map to view the full-size image. Illustrated route; not to scale.

Route at a glance

Beijing → Shanghai

Who this tour suits

First-time visitors, couples, families and friends who prefer a practical itinerary with guided sightseeing and balanced daily pacing.

This China tour combines Beijing and Shanghai in six days, using a shared itinerary and high-speed rail to reduce airport time.

Daily Itinerary

Beijing Drum Tower and hutong rooftops at sunset; Arrival in Beijing, Day 1 of 6-Day Beijing Shanghai Small Group Tour
Beijing Drum Tower and hutong rooftops at sunset; Arrival in Beijing, Day 1 of 6-Day Beijing Shanghai Small Group Tour.

Nihao! Welcome to Beijing, the capital city of China! Upon your arrival at the airport/train station in Beijing, the driver will meet and greet you at the exit, and then escort you to the well-selected hotel in downtown Beijing. The rest of the day is free on your own so you can have a good rest for the jet lag or explore by yourself around your hotel. Arrival Ideas: Beijing is well connected by air and high speed rail. There are two airports - Beijing Daxing International Airport and Beijing Capital International Airport operating many international and domestic airlines. Travelers can go to Beijing by air from most cities of China, like Hong Kong, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Xian, Guilin, Hangzhou, Kunming, Wuhan, Xiamen, Guiyang, Chongqing, and Lanzhou.

Hall of Supreme Harmony in the Forbidden City; Beijing City Tour, Day 2 of 6-Day Beijing Shanghai Small Group Tour
Hall of Supreme Harmony in the Forbidden City; Beijing City Tour, Day 2 of 6-Day Beijing Shanghai Small Group Tour.

Today you will spend the whole day exploring the ancient citadel of Beijing through China's famous landmarks, imperial grandeur, and royal gardens. After breakfast, your guide will pick you up at your hotel and head to Tiananmen Square, the world's largest public square and symbol of China. It has witnessed many major events in China's history over the past decades, and from here you can take great photos of Tiananmen Gate, seen daily on CCTV News. Walking across the square, you will visit the mighty and splendid Forbidden City, the world's largest palace complex and former home of 24 Chinese emperors. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Forbidden City has about 500 years of history, serving as the political and ritual center of China during the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties.

Great Wall in autumn near Beijing; Beijing Great Wall Tour, Day 3 of 6-Day Beijing Shanghai Small Group Tour
Great Wall in autumn near Beijing; Beijing Great Wall Tour, Day 3 of 6-Day Beijing Shanghai Small Group Tour.

In this morning, you will head northwest of Beijing (about 1.5-2 hours’ drive, 73km) to the Great Wall at Mutianyu. The Great Wall boasts a history over 2,000 years and stretches more than 3,000 miles across several provinces of northern China, making it one of the most impressive ancient masterpieces on the planet. Mutianyu Great Wall is connected with the Jiankou Great Wall in the west and the Gubeikou Great Wall in the east. Mutianyu is the longest and best fully-restored Great Wall with fewer tourists and is also famed for its 23 Ming-era watchtowers and dramatic views. Take the cable car up to the 14th watchtower and then enjoy the memorable hiking time on the wall while visiting its western route.

China high-speed train from Beijing to Shanghai; Beijing to Shanghai by High Speed Train, Day 4 of 6-Day Beijing Shanghai Small Group Tour
China high-speed train from Beijing to Shanghai; Beijing to Shanghai by High Speed Train, Day 4 of 6-Day Beijing Shanghai Small Group Tour.

After breakfast, you will have some time in Beijing and explore more on your own till be escorted to the train station for high-speed train to Shanghai (about 4.5-5.5 hours). Upon your arrival at the train station in Shanghai, the driver will meet you at the exit, and then escort you to the hotel in downtown Shanghai. You will have some time after check-in. After that, transfer back to your hotel and have a good rest tonight

Shanghai City Tour, Day 5 of 6-Day Beijing Shanghai Small Group Tour
Shanghai City Tour, Day 5 of 6-Day Beijing Shanghai Small Group Tour. Photo by King of Hearts, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Today, your group will have full day to experience the well suited blend of East and West in the "Paris of the East." Explore brilliant museums, classical gardens, futuristic skyscrapers, and dramatic architecture - all in one lively city. First, head to Pudong and the Lujiazui financial district, home to a trio of well-known skyscrapers. The Shanghai Tower, China’s tallest and the world’s second-tallest building at 632 meters (2,073 ft), soars with a dramatic 120-degree twist from base to peak. Ride the world’s fastest elevators (64 km/h) to the "Top of Shanghai Observatory" on the 118th floor, 546 meters above ground. Enjoy sweeping 360-degree views of the city, with the Jin Mao Tower and Shanghai World Financial Center below. Later, visit the Shanghai Museum (East), one of the world’s finest museums of ancient Chinese art.

Shanghai Departure, Day 6 of 6-Day Beijing Shanghai Small Group Tour
Shanghai Departure, Day 6 of 6-Day Beijing Shanghai Small Group Tour. Photo by David Zhang from Canada, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

It is time to end your 6-day Beijing Shanghai group trip. You will have some time in Shanghai and explore more on your own till be escorted you to the airport/train station for your flight or high speed train to your next destination. Trip Extension Ideas: If you want to explore other Asia destinations rather than return home right away, we would be glad to assist you with an extension trip. Feel free to tell us your ideas! Price: What’s Included & What’s Excluded The above price is based on a group tour for 2 people sharing one standard double-bed room in 3-star hotels. Price varies depending on travel date, group size, hotel class, program in your itinerary and possible fluctuation of currency exchange rate.

What's Included & Excluded

What is included in this tour

Private or group transport

Air-conditioned vehicle and transfers listed in the confirmed itinerary.

English-speaking service

Professional English-speaking guide service as specified in the quotation.

Accommodation

Selected hotels with breakfast when included in the confirmed proposal.

Sightseeing

Entrance tickets and activities specifically marked as included.
What is Not Included in this tour

International transport

International flights and transport to the tour starting point unless stated otherwise.

Personal expenses

Laundry, minibar, optional activities and other personal purchases.

Insurance and visas

Travel insurance, China visa fees and permit costs unless explicitly included.

Unlisted meals

Meals, drinks and gratuities not shown in the confirmed inclusion list.

Frequently Asked Questions

The format shown in the tour title applies. Private departures can be adjusted, while small-group departures follow the confirmed group schedule.

Private tours can usually be adjusted for pace, hotel level and special interests. Transport and attraction availability are reconfirmed before booking.

Bring a valid passport, comfortable walking shoes and season-appropriate clothing. We will advise on any permits or weather-specific equipment.

Final hotel and meal inclusions depend on the confirmed quotation. Your written proposal will list every included service before payment.

The daily plan includes Beijing City Tour; Beijing Great Wall Tour. Tell us if you need shorter walks, step-free access or more rest breaks. Before booking, we will check vehicle access, steps and standing time for the visits you choose.