Beijing to Shanghai Express

Beijing - The Great Wall. Meet your Tour 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 partially unrestored section of the Great Wall before setting up camp on a quiet section of the wall to watch the sunset over one of the Wonders of the World.

(Outside the camping season of 1 May to 30 September, or if the weather doesn’t allow camping, we stay at local accommodation near the Wall instead and stop for lunch at a local 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.

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 9 am we transfer back to Beijing. The rest of the day is free - your Tour Leader will suggest optional activities for you, such as a visit to the 798 Art District or the Summer Palace.

On the morning of day 3, 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 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!

Please note: Sunrise at the Great Wall on day 2 is only possible when camping.

Beijing - Hangzhou. Our final day in Beijing is free for you to independently explore. You can visit the fake goods markets, the Temple of Heaven or the historic Nanluo district. This evening at around 19:00 we ride the subway to the train station and board an overnight train to Hangzhou (approx. 14.5 hours).

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 accommodation, where there’s time for a late breakfast (at own expense). Then we set off on a scenic boat trip on the famous West Lake, which is dotted with various islands and causeways. This afternoon you can choose between a visit to the China National Tea Museum or the National Silk Museum.

Late afternoon we hike up Jiuyao Mountain to watch the sunset over the city, before returning for an optional group dinner and evening stroll down ancient Hefang Road.

Hangzhou - Shanghai. This morning we venture out of the city and head to the luscious Misty Woods to hike along the Nine Creeks trail through Longjing’s Dragon Well tea country, passing verdant valleys and undulating hills. We return for some time to freshen up and have lunch 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.

This evening, you have the option of joining a cruise along the Huangpu River to see this futuristic city lit up from the water.

Spend your days in Shanghai exploring independently or choose from a selection of optional activities. On day 7 there’s an optional Mandarin lesson, or you can opt to visit the Yu Gardens, the lavish former home of a Chinese dignitary, and the historic streets nearby. Take in People’s Square, Nanjing Road and the Bund, and perhaps head to the top of a skyscraper to enjoy panoramic views over the city with a drink. This evening, you can join the optional Shanghai Pub Crawl.

Day 8 is free for you to explore Shanghai independently. A highlight for many 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, or simply spend the day eating and shopping your way around the city.

Today we stroll through the former French Concession to learn about Shanghai’s international history, visit the secretive Propaganda History Museum and wander the artisan lanes of Tianzifang, before taking in the sights of the ultra-modern Shanghai financial district. We then head up to the indoor viewing platform at Jinmao Tower for panoramic views over the city. For the daredevils, you can pre-book the optional Skywalk.

This evening is free for you to find somewhere to eat and enjoy a final drink in Shanghai.

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