Beijing to Shanghai Express tour
10 Days Starting in Beijing, China and ending in Shanghai, China
Visiting: Great Wall of China, Beijing, Hangzhou, Shanghai
Tour operator:
Tour code:
237
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 20
Age range:
18-60
Special diets catered:
Request dietary needs
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey with the Beijing to Shanghai Express tour, a thrilling adventure through China's most iconic cities and breathtaking landscapes. Begin in the bustling capital of Beijing, where you'll witness the sunrise over the Great Wall of China and explore the city's rich history. Venture into the serene rural beauty of Hangzhou, with its crystal-clear lagoons and lush bamboo forests of Mogan Mountain. Experience the vibrant nightlife and culinary delights of Shanghai, the world's most populous city. This small group tour is perfect for singles and adventure seekers, offering a unique blend of urban exploration and natural wonders. Travel comfortably via trains, buses, and public transport, and stay in hostels and on an overnight train. Immerse yourself in the culture and beauty of China on this exhilarating express tour.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Meet In Beijing, Great Wall Of China Camping
Location: Great Wall of China
Accommodation Name: Great Wall camping
Our tour starts at the Beijing Spring Time Hostel at 10 am, where you'll meet your tour leader and the rest of the group. Late Morning we visit one of the wonder of the world, the Great Wall of China. To obtain permission to access the locals only sections of the unrestored Great Wall, we enjoy a mandatory meal at a local farm. We'll then hike on totally unrestored sections of the Wall where we set up camp on a deserted section of the wall. In the evening we take in sunset in this ancient and dramatic setting (Please note, due to cold weather before the end of April and after September, we stay in a guest house near the Wall instead of camping, but still return to the Wall to watch sunrise in the morning. Between April and September monsoon rain may also mean we are unable to camp on the wall.).
Day 2 : Beijing, Free Day (Optional Excursions Available)
Location: Beijing
Accommodation Name: Beijing hostel
After sunrise on the Wall we return back to Beijing. Back in Beijing the rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own leisure or try one of the many optional tour available (see the Options tab for all available local options). Perhaps you could visit the Olympic Bird's Nest Stadium, or enjoy the incredible Beijing Acrobatics Show. For dinner tonight there is a chance to taste Beijing's signature dish Peking Roast Duck, enjoyed exclusively by royalty in ancient times.
Day 3 : Beijing, Free Day (Optional Excursions Available)
Location: Beijing
Accommodation Name: Beijing hostel
Today is a full free day to see more of Beijing like Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven. In the evening you could explore the WangFuJing night market where you can push your taste buds to the limit and sample many foods you'll have never tried before, like scorpion, bugs and more.
Day 4 : Beijing, Free Day (Optional Excursions Available), Then Overnight Train To Hangzhou
Location: Beijing
Accommodation Name: On board overnight train
Our last day in Beijing is free to do some more sightseeing or perhaps test your bargaining skills with a visit to the Fake Goods Market or visit the Summer Palace. Finally we board the overnight train to Hangzhou.
Day 5 : Arrive Hangzhou, West Lake Visit & Sunset Hike
Location: Hangzhou
Accommodation Name: Hangzhou hostel
After arriving in Hangzhou this morning, transfer to your hostel for a late breakfast. We hope you slept on the train! Next, we’re off to the famous West Lake, ready to take a stunning boat tour to one of the Lake’s beautiful islands. Once you’ve checked in this afternoon, you'll have some free time. If you’re keen to stay vertical, why not check out China’s National Tea Museum, or the Lingyin Temple? This evening, it’s an unmissable hike up Jiuyao Mountain to see the stunning sunset from there. Before you head back down to street level for dinner and a free evening to explore. Make sure you check out Hefang Road – the most famous ancient street in town!
Day 6 : Nine Creeks Hike, Transfer To Shanghai
Location: Shanghai
Accommodation Name: Shanghai hostel
This morning you have time to take a hike through misty woods to the Nine Creeks. Returning to the hostel for lunch we then catch the bullet train to Shanghai where we transfer via metro to your hostel.
Day 7 : Shanghai, Mandarin Lesson (Optional Excursions Available)
Location: Shanghai
Accommodation Name: Shanghai hostel
After a lazy morining, you'll have a Mandarin Lesson. This extra special class will be held by professional teachers, all the way from the Mandarin Garden Chinese Language School.
Later in the day, there is an option to join a visit to the Yu Gardens , a busy historical site, formerly the site of a lavish family home. You could also visit People's Square before heading to the worlds busiest shopping street 'Nanjing Road'
In the evenings, you can enjoy Shanghai's lively bar scene, and perhaps try out the largest bar crawl in China "the Drunken Dragon Pub Crawl". If you're looking for something a little more sophisticated try sipping champagne in a hot tub on the rooftop of a skyscraper, taking in Shanghai's spectacular skyline.
Day 8 : Shanghai, Free Day (Optional Excursions Available)
Location: Shanghai
Accommodation Name: Shanghai hostel
Today is another free day in Shanghai. There's lots to do to keep yourself busy, with plenty of sightseeing and shopping on offer. Alternatively you can let us do it for you and choose to take one of the many optional sightseeing tour available (see the Options tab for all available local options).
Day 9 : Shanghai, Free Day. Evening Huangpu River Cruise.
Location: Shanghai
Accommodation Name: Shanghai hostel
This morning you have the option of joining a stroll through the former French Concession to learn about Shanghai's international history. You can visit the Propoganda Museum and take in the famous city scapes of the ultra modern Financial District. You could also make a visit to TianZiFang, a local artists lane blending chic and traditional styles.
For any daredevils in the group, you could head to the top of Jinmao Tower and brave the sky walk!
In the evening, you’ll take in the bright city lights from the water with a night cruise down the Huangpu River
Day 10 : Tour Ends
Today your tour ends and it's time to say goodbye to the group and new friends made.
What's Included
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Accommodation
All accommodation as stated in the itinerary in basic hostels.
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Transport
All transport and transfers in trains, buses, and public transport.
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Sightseeing Tours
Sightseeing tours as detailed in the itinerary.
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Entry Fees
Entry fees to included activities.
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Bilingual Adventure Leaders
Bilingual adventure leaders are included.
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Meals
Meals as indicated in the itinerary.
What's Not Included
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International Flights
International flights are not included but are available on request.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory and available on request but not included.
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Single Room Supplements
Single room supplements are chargeable if a same-sex room share is not available.
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Airport Transfers
Airport arrival and departure transfer service is optional and available on request.
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Meals Not Indicated
Meals not indicated in the itinerary are not included.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Drinks, snacks, and other personal expenses (e.
g.
, laundry) are not included. -
Tour Guide Tips
Tour guide tips are not included.
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Other Items
Any other items not mentioned above are not included.
More Info
This 9-day budget China tour takes you from the capital Beijing to Shanghai, the most populated city in the world. Experience the best of China's urban sprawl and beautiful rural landscapes on an adventure through this magical country. Starting in the sprawling capital of Beijing this short tour of China gives you plenty of time to explore on of the most historic and culturally rich cities in the world. We also head out to marvel at one of the true wonders of the world, the Great Wall of China, and camp on a deserted section of the wall to watch the sunset. Leaving the city crowds behind we next head out into rural China to the Hangzhou region and an option to trek to Moganshan Peak and to Chairman Mao's old summer residence. We'll also visit a stunning lagoon to swim in the crystal clear waters. Our final destination is Shanghai, the biggest city in the world, and time to sample the vibrant nightlife on offer. There is plenty of opportunity to explore the sights, sounds and mouth-watering cuisine of this amazing city, and no doubt enjoy a little shopping spree as well.
Mode of Transport
Travel conveniently using a combination of trains, buses, and public transport, ensuring a seamless journey from Beijing to Shanghai while exploring the highlights of China.
Accommodation
Experience a mix of hostels, camping, and an overnight train journey, providing a unique and adventurous accommodation experience throughout your tour from Beijing to Shanghai.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides accommodation in basic hostels, camping, and an overnight train.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Meals are not included in the tour package unless indicated in the itinerary.
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What kind of transport is used during the tour?
The tour uses trains, buses, and public transport for transfers and travel between locations.
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Is there an opportunity to learn Mandarin during the tour?
Yes, there is an optional Mandarin lesson available in Shanghai, taught by professional teachers from the Mandarin Garden Chinese Language School.
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What activities are included at the Great Wall of China?
The tour includes a visit to the Great Wall of China, where you can hike on unrestored sections and camp on a deserted section of the wall, weather permitting.
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What is the highlight of the visit to Hangzhou?
In Hangzhou, the tour includes a visit to West Lake with a boat tour to one of its islands, and a sunset hike up Jiuyao Mountain.
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What can I expect during the free days in Beijing?
During the free days in Beijing, you can explore attractions like Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven, or visit the WangFuJing night market.
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What optional activities are available in Shanghai?
In Shanghai, optional activities include visiting the Yu Gardens, People's Square, and participating in the Drunken Dragon Pub Crawl or enjoying a rooftop champagne experience.
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Is travel insurance compulsory?
Yes! Travel insurance is compulsory on all of our tours and needs to cover personal accident & liability, medical expenses and repatriation, travel delay & abandonment. We also strongly recommend that you take out cover against cancellation and lost/stolen baggage. Personal medical insurance does not normally provide sufficient cover and is generally not suitable for travel on our tours. You will not be able to join your tour if you have not provided us with details of your insurance or if you arrive without cover in place (no refunds will be due in this event).
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You are always able to change your travel date. However, some charges may apply depending on how long before your departure you make the change. Our flexible booking conditions and reduced charges will apply if you are changing date because of a Covid-19 reason or because your government is advising against travel to your destination. Please check our detailed booking conditions for full details.
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When is my balance payment due?
60 days prior to departure
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
On most of our group tours, solo travellers may choose to form a temporary 'tour bubble' and share a room with another traveller of the same sex in the group. If a room share is not available then a single room supplement may be payable, with the costs for these kept as low as possible. We have also removed compulsory single supplements from many of our tours, and are reducing the cost by 50% on s
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Can I transfer my booking to someone else?
Customers may transfer their booking or any Credit on File to another person who satisfies all the relevant conditions to the tour, provided that we are notified not less than 7 days before departure, and the transferee agrees to these booking conditions and all other terms of the contract between us. The Client and new booker are jointly and severally responsible for any outstanding payments and a transfer administration fee of GBP50 / USD75 / CAD100 / AUD100 / NZD100 / EUR75 / ZAR1000 / INR5000 or GBP100 / USD150 / CAD200 / AUD200 / NZD200 / EUR150 / ZAR2000 / INR10,000 if the transfer is made less than 60 days before departure. Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended or transferred after they have been confirmed (for example flight tickets, Gorilla Permits) and any alteration could incur a cancellation and rebooking charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Encounters Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform encounters travel, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Encounters Travel requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP 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 encounters travel charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 35% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.