Beijing and Shanghai

Welcome to China! Upon arrival, we’ll transfer you to your hotel. In the early evening, we’ll take a transfer to Wangfujing Street, a vibrant pedestrian avenue known for its lively atmosphere, numerous shops, and diverse restaurants. This will be a great opportunity to get acquainted with the city. Dinner will be included, followed by a return to the hotel.

Today’s journey will take us to one of the most iconic landmarks in the world—the Great Wall of China, at the Mutianyu section. This awe-inspiring architectural masterpiece spans over 2,000 years of history, winding through breathtaking mountain landscapes. We’ll take a cable car up and down to one of the most scenic sections, offering spectacular views of this legendary structure. On our way back to Beijing, we’ll visit the vibrant 798 Art District, a former military factory that has been transformed into a dynamic hub of contemporary art, filled with galleries, studios, and creative spaces. Our next stop will be the Temple of Heaven, one of China’s largest and most significant sacred complexes, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This stunning architectural masterpiece was where emperors once prayed for good harvests. Before returning to the hotel, we’ll take a moment to unwind after this eventful day with a soothing foot massage, followed by a Tai Chi class—a perfect way to experience the balance and harmony of traditional Chinese culture. To bid farewell to Beijing, we’ll enjoy a lacquered duck dinner, a local culinary tradition that will leave a lasting impression.

An exciting day awaits us as we explore the highlights of Beijing, the vibrant capital of China. We’ll embark on a full-day tour, discovering some of the city´s most iconic avenues. Our journey will take us to the Great Chinese Imperial Palace, better known as the Forbidden City, the most majestic architectural complex in China, where 24 emperors ruled for nearly 500 years.We’ll also visit Jingshan Park, home to Coal Hill, one of the best-preserved imperial gardens in Beijing. From its summit, we’ll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Forbidden City—weather permitting. Next, we’ll stroll through Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world, from where we can admire the Great National Theater, also known as the Beijing Opera House.

Lunch will be included. Our journey will continue with a visit to the Summer Palace, the imperial retreat of the Qing Dynasty, renowned for its picturesque gardens and serene lakes. In the afternoon, we’ll immerse ourselves in traditional Beijing life with a tricycle ride through the historic Hutong neighborhoods. Here, we’ll experience the city´s rich cultural heritage, explore traditional shops, and visit a Siheyuan, a classic courtyard house that reflects the city´s architectural charm. We’ll then return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Note: Due to heritage protection measures and visitor safety regulations, the governing body of the Forbidden City has temporarily reduced daily visitor capacity. As a result, we cannot guarantee this visit. If access is unavailable, we’ll instead explore the Confucius Temple and the Lama Temple, both of which are emblematic sites in Chinese history and culture.

After breakfast, we’ll head to the train station to board one of China’s state-of-the-art high-speed trains. Traveling at 300 km/h, we’ll cover nearly 1,000 km in less than four hours, arriving in Nanjing, a vibrant city of eight million people, often regarded as one of the most pleasant in China. We’ll be captivated by the energy of this modern metropolis, known for its dynamic commercial life and rich history. Our visit will take us to Purple Mountain, where we’ll explore the impressive Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, a grand tribute to the founding father of modern China. We’ll also visit the picturesque Linggu Temple, a serene and historically significant Buddhist site surrounded by lush greenery. Afterward, you’ll have free time to explore the city at your own pace. Overnight stay in Nanjing.

We’ll depart for Suzhou, a city renowned for its exquisite classical gardens, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Historically, Suzhou was the world’s leading silk producer and has long been associated with beauty and elegance. Our visit includes entrance to the Garden of the Humble Administrator, the largest and most famous garden in the city, where winding pathways, tranquil ponds, and lush greenery create a masterpiece of traditional Chinese landscaping. You’ll then have free time to explore the charming Pingjiang Road, a picturesque historic street lined with canals, traditional teahouses, and artisan shops. Lunch will be included. In the afternoon, we’ll continue to Tongli, a delightful water town where narrow canals, stone bridges, and traditional houses evoke the charm of ancient China. We’ll enjoy a scenic boat ride through its tranquil waterways, offering a glimpse into the town’s timeless beauty. Our journey will then take us to Shanghai, where we’ll check in for the night.

Our tour of Shanghai will take us through its most iconic sights. We´ll begin in Pudong, Shanghai’s modern financial district, located across the Huangpu River. This area is home to towering skyscrapers, including the iconic Pearl Tower. We’ll then take a scenic ferry ride across the Shanghai River, offering spectacular views of both the historic and contemporary sides of the city. Next, we’ll stroll through the Old City and visit the serene Yuyuan Garden, a beautifully preserved private garden built during the Ming Dynasty. Here, we’ll also experience a traditional tea ceremony, an integral part of China’s rich cultural heritage. Our tour will continue through Xintiandi, one of the city’s trendiest neighborhoods, known for its stylish boutiques, cafés, and vibrant atmosphere. Lunch will be included. In the afternoon, we’ll explore Tianzifang, a former residential district now famous for its maze-like alleys, charming craft shops, and contemporary art galleries. We’ll conclude our day with a walk along The Bund, where grand colonial-era buildings reflect the influence of European trade in Shanghai. Free afternoon. If you wish, you can enjoy a boat trip to see Shanghai at night, it will be an unforgettable experience.