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Beijing to Shanghai Express

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10 days

SEMI INDEPENDENT: See the best of Eastern China on this 10-day group tour. Admire the Great Wall at sunrise and walk along a less-visited section of this legendary wonder. Enjoy a mix of guided sightseeing and free time in Beijing and Shanghai, and enjoy a boat cruise on West Lake in Hangzhou. Hike to the summit of Jiuyao Mountain, learn to speak Mandarin and join optional activities including a Chinese acrobatic show and a visit to the iconic Forbidden City.

For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes

Tour Overview

Duration

10 days

Starts

Beijing

Ends

Range

Essentials

Tour Guide

Local guides, unescorted between cities

Group Size

Min 4 / Max 20

Minimum age

18 (maximum age 55)

Departs

Saturdays

Hotel Rating

Simple accommodation and Camping

Countries

China

Arrival Transfer

No

Departure Transfer

No

Meals included

None Provided
Per person from
CAD$1,661.75
Save 15% today
Total From
$3,910.00
CAD$3,323.50
Deposit From
Final payment
CAD$1,000.00
$2,823.50

Tour Highlights

Great Wall of China - Walk along a lesser-visited section of the wall, camp nearby and wake early to watch the sunrise
Beijing - Opt to visit historic Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City and enjoy free time to explore the city independently
Hangzhou - Enjoy the scenery and islands of West Lake with a boat cruise and time to explore on foot
Jiuyao Mountain - Hike to the summit of this peak near Hangzhou and enjoy a romantic sunset over West Lake
Shanghai - Explore the city independently with four days to visit Disneyland, browse the Shanghai Museum or climb one of the city's skyscrapers

Included

7 nights hostel accommodation, 1-night camping and 1-night sleeper train (6-berth sleeper cabin)
All relevant transfers and transportation using public transport
Train tickets: Beijing – Hangzhou & Hangzhou - Shanghai
Local guides for scheduled sightseeing in Beijing, Hangzhou and Shanghai. Unescorted travel between cities.
A hike along along unrestored parts of The Great Wall of China
West Lake boat tour of one of the islands
Hike up to Jiuyao mountain to see the sunset
Hike to the 9 creeks meandering through Misty Woods

Not Included

International flights and visa.
Tipping - an entirely personal gesture
Airport transfers

Itinerary

Day 1 - The Great Wall

Beijing - The Great Wall. Meet your Adventure Leader in the late morning, ready to transfer straight to the legendary Great Wall, stopping at a local farm for lunch (at your own expense). Late this afternoon we hike along a totally unrestored section of the Great Wall before setting up camp on a deserted section of the wall to watch the sunset over one of the Wonders of the World. While camping this evening enjoy a Mandarin Lesson with your tour leader.

(Due to cold weather, we will stay at a local guesthouse near the Wall on departures before the end of April and after September and we stop for lunch at lunch at Leo hostel.)

Please note: As we depart Beijing in the morning, please ensure you arrive in Beijing the night before the trip starts. We can arrange pre-tour accommodation for you.

Overnight: Camping on Great Wall

Days 2-3 - Exploring Beijing

The Great Wall - Beijing. We wake early on day 2 in order to watch the sunrise over the Great Wall. There is a strong possibility this will be the highlight of your trip! Take in your surroundings and appreciate the early morning silence.

At around 9am we transfer back to Beijing. In the afternoon there's an optional walk-through Tiananmen Square, with a visit to the magnificent Forbidden city and a look around Jingshan Park. In the evening there's an optional Chinese acrobatics show and an optional group dinner for those who would like to sample traditional Peking duck, a meal fit for an emperor!

Day 3 is free. There's the option to visit the fake goods markets and the Temple of Heaven. The afternoon offers an optional visit to Nanluo district, one of the best-preserved historical areas in Beijing, famous for its hutongs and siheyan courtyards as well as an array of bars and cafes.

Please note: Sunrise at the Great Wall on day 3 is only possible when camping.

Overnight: Beijing (2)

Day 4 - Beijing to Hangzhou

Beijing - Hangzhou. Our final day in Beijing is free for you to independently explore. You can visit the 798 art district, the Summer Palace, or any other highlights of Beijing. This evening at around 19:00 we head to the train station and board an overnight train to Hangzhou (approx. 14.5 hours).

Overnight: Sleeper Train

Day 5 - West Lake & Jiuyao Mountain hike

Arrive early into scenic Hangzhou, the southern terminus of the Grand Canal and an important centre for silk, tea and paper-making. We transfer by metro to our hostel where you can have a late breakfast (at own expense). Then we embark on a scenic boat trip on the famous West Lake which is dotted with various islands and causeways. This afternoon there's time for an optional activity such as a visit to China's National Tea Museum, Hangzhou Silk Museum or Lingyin Temple.

Late afternoon we hike up Jiuyao Mountain to watch sunset over the lake – a truly breath-taking sight. Returning to the city for an optional group dinner and evening stroll down ancient Hefang Road.

Overnight: Hangzhou

Day 6 - Hangzhou to Shanghai

Hangzhou - Shanghai. This morning we venture out of the city and head to the luscious Misty Forest to hike along the Nine Creeks trail, passing verdant valleys and undulating hills. We return to the hostel for some time to freshen up before making our way to the station for our onward train to Shanghai (approx 1 hr 45 mins). On arrival we jump on the metro to our accommodation and have the rest of the evening free to explore this futuristic city.

Overnight: Shanghai

Days 7-8 - Shanghai sightseeing

Spend your days in Shanghai at leisure or choose from a selection of optional activities. On day 7 there's an optional free Mandarin lesson, this time with professional teachers from the Mandarin Garden Chinese Language School. The rest of the day is at leisure. A highlight for many travellers is a trip to the iconic Disneyland theme park. You may also wish to visit the Shanghai Museum, Moganshan Art Street or the ZhuJiaJiao Water Town.

Day 8 is also free for you to explore Shanghai indepedently. Opt to visit the Yu Gardens, the lavish former home of a Chinese dignitary. Take in People's Square and perhaps head to the top of a skyscraper to enjoy panoramic views over the city with a drink.

Overnight: Shanghai (2)

Day 9 - Shanghai

Today there's the option to stroll through the former French Concession to learn about Shanghai’s international history, visit a secretive propaganda history museum, or take in the sights of the ultra-modern Shanghai financial district. For the daredevils, you can head up to the top of Jinmao Tower and brave the Skywalk! Or, go up just for the stunning panoramic views.

This evening take in the city lights from the water on an optional cruise down the Huangpu River.

Overnight: Shanghai

Day 10 - Shanghai

Today marks the end of our amazing tour of China. Make your own way to the airport.

Extras and add-ons

If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.

Pre and Post Tour Accommodation

Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.

Shanghai Post-Tour Accommodation (From price)

Dorm

$55per passenger

Double

$95per passenger

Twin

$95per passenger

Single

$175per passenger

Beijing Pre-Tour Accommodation (From price)

Dorm

$105per passenger

Double

$115per passenger

Twin

$115per passenger

Single

$215per passenger

Prices & Dates

All departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 4 persons. 'Dorm' prices shown are based on mixed dormitory rooms. There is also a 'Twin/Double' room upgrade and a 'Single' room upgrade for solo travellers. 'Twin/Double' room upgrades are based on two people travelling together and are subject to availability.

2025
Twin/Double
Single
5 Apr - 14 Apr
Save 15%
$2,045$1,739
$2,595$2,206
12 Apr - 21 Apr
Save 15%
$2,045$1,739
$2,595$2,206
19 Apr - 28 Apr
Save 15%
$2,045$1,739
$2,595$2,206
10 May - 19 May
Save 15%
$2,045$1,739
$2,595$2,206
24 May - 2 Jun
Save 15%
$1,955$1,662
$2,505$2,130
14 Jun - 23 Jun
Save 15%
$1,955$1,662
$2,505$2,130
21 Jun - 30 Jun
Save 15%
$1,955$1,662
$2,505$2,130
28 Jun - 7 Jul
Save 15%
$1,955$1,662
$2,505$2,130
2026
Twin/Double
Single
4 Apr - 13 Apr
Save 5%
$2,255$2,143
$2,795$2,656
11 Apr - 20 Apr
Save 5%
$2,255$2,143
$2,795$2,656
18 Apr - 27 Apr
Save 5%
$2,255$2,143
$2,795$2,656
23 May - 1 Jun
Save 5%
$2,135$2,029
$2,685$2,551
6 Jun - 15 Jun
Save 5%
$2,135$2,029
$2,685$2,551
20 Jun - 29 Jun
Save 5%
$2,135$2,029
$2,685$2,551
4 Jul - 13 Jul
Save 5%
$2,135$2,029
$2,685$2,551
18 Jul - 27 Jul
Save 5%
$2,135$2,029
$2,685$2,551

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