Beijing to Shanghai Express - 10 days
Beijing to Shanghai Express - 10 days
Beijing to Shanghai Express - 10 days
10 Days Starting in Beijing, China and ending in Shanghai, China
Visiting: Beijing, Hangzhou, Shanghai
Tour operator:
Tour code:
2076/BBTS
Guide Type:
Partially Guided
Group size:
2 - 20
Age range:
18-55
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating 10-day journey from Beijing to Shanghai, exploring the rich cultural tapestry of China. Begin your adventure with a hike along a lesser-visited section of the Great Wall, where you'll camp overnight and witness a breathtaking sunrise. In Beijing, enjoy the freedom to explore iconic sites like Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Travel by train to Hangzhou, where a scenic boat cruise on West Lake and a hike up Jiuyao Mountain await. Continue to Shanghai, where four days of independent exploration offer opportunities to visit Disneyland, the Shanghai Museum, or ascend a skyscraper for panoramic views. With hostel accommodations, a sleeper train experience, and local guides, this small group tour promises an unforgettable exploration of China's vibrant cities and stunning landscapes.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Beijing
Location: Beijing
Accommodation Name: Camping on 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.
Day 2-3: Beijing
Location: Beijing
Accommodation Name: 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.
Day 4: Beijing
Location: Beijing
Accommodation Name: Sleeper Train
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).
Day 5: Hangzhou
Location: Hangzhou
Accommodation Name: hostel
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.
Day 6: Hangzhou
Location: Hangzhou
Accommodation Name: hostel
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.
Day 7-8: Shanghai
Location: Shanghai
Accommodation Name: Shanghai
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.
Day 9: Shanghai
Location: 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.
Day 10: Shanghai
Location: Shanghai
Today marks the end of our amazing tour of China. Make your own way to the airport.
What's Included
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Accommodation
7 nights hostel accommodation, 1-night camping and 1-night sleeper train (6-berth sleeper cabin) are included.
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Transportation
All relevant transfers and transportation using public transport are included.
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Train Tickets
Train tickets from Beijing to Hangzhou and Hangzhou to Shanghai are included.
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Local Guides
Local guides for scheduled sightseeing in Beijing, Hangzhou, and Shanghai are included. Travel between cities is unescorted.
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Great Wall Hike
A hike along unrestored parts of The Great Wall of China is included.
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West Lake Boat Tour
A boat tour of one of the islands on West Lake is included.
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Jiuyao Mountain Hike
A hike up to Jiuyao Mountain to see the sunset is included.
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Nine Creeks Hike
A hike to the 9 creeks meandering through Misty Woods is included.
What's Not Included
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International Flights and Visa
International flights and visa are not included.
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Tipping
Tipping is not included and is an entirely personal gesture.
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Airport Transfers
Airport transfers are not included.
Age Policy
Age ranges from 18 – 55 years old. Please note these are backpacker type tours, please bear this in mind when quoting passengers. There is some flexibility with the maximum age on the family tours. Min age: 18 years old for group tours.Avg age: 28 years old.
Mode of Transport
Travel through China using public transport, including train journeys from Beijing to Hangzhou and Hangzhou to Shanghai, ensuring a seamless and authentic exploration of the country's vibrant cities and landscapes.
Accommodation
Experience a variety of accommodations including 7 nights in hostels, 1 night camping on the Great Wall, and 1 night on a sleeper train in a 6-berth cabin, providing a unique and immersive travel experience.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 7 nights in hostel accommodation, 1 night camping on the Great Wall, and 1 night on a sleeper train in a 6-berth sleeper cabin.
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Are there any guided tours included in the itinerary?
Yes, local guides are provided for scheduled sightseeing in Beijing, Hangzhou, and Shanghai. However, travel between cities is unescorted.
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What activities are included at the Great Wall of China?
The tour includes a hike along an unrestored section of the Great Wall and camping on a deserted section to watch the sunset. There is also a Mandarin lesson with the tour leader while camping.
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What is the transportation method between cities on this tour?
Transportation between cities is done using public transport, including train tickets from Beijing to Hangzhou and Hangzhou to Shanghai.
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What optional activities are available in Beijing?
In Beijing, optional activities include a walk-through Tiananmen Square, a visit to the Forbidden City, a Chinese acrobatics show, and a group dinner featuring traditional Peking duck. There is also an option to visit the fake goods markets, the Temple of Heaven, and the Nanluo district.
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What can I do during my free time in Shanghai?
In Shanghai, you can visit Disneyland, the Shanghai Museum, Moganshan Art Street, ZhuJiaJiao Water Town, Yu Gardens, and the former French Concession. You can also take a cruise down the Huangpu River or visit the Jinmao Tower for panoramic views.
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Is there any age restriction for this tour?
Yes, the age policy for this tour ranges from 18 to 55 years old, with an average age of 28. These are backpacker-type tours, and the minimum age for group tours is 18 years old.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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