7 Days Beijing Shanghai Hong Kong Tour - From China’s Capital City to Financial Cities

Nihao! Welcome to Beijing, the capital city of China! Upon your arrival at the airport/train station in Beijing, the tour guide and driver will meet and greet you at the exit, and then escort you to the well-selected hotel in downtown Beijing. The rest of the day is free on your own so you can have a good rest for the jet lag or explore by yourself around your hotel.

Arrival Ideas:
Beijing is well connected by air and high speed rail. There are two airports - Beijing Daxing International Airport and Beijing Capital International Airport operating many international and domestic airlines. Travelers can go to Beijing by air from most cities of China, like Hong Kong, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Xian, Guilin, Hangzhou, Kunming, Wuhan, Xiamen, Guiyang, Chongqing, and Lanzhou. In addition, travelers can take the high speed train to Beijing from Xian (4-5 hours), Shanghai (4.5-6 hours), Zhengzhou (2.5-3 hours), Wuhan (4-5 hours), Harbin (5-5.5 hours), etc.

Free Time Ideas:
You are welcome to ask your tour guide for some useful tips to spend your free time based on your time and interest.

Toady, your tour guide and driver will meet you at your hotel in downtown Beijing. Then, you will spend the whole day exploring the ancient citadel Beijing through China’s famous landmarks, epic imperial grandeur and royal gardens.

You will head to Tian’anmen Square first, which is the world’s largest public square and also the symbol of China. It has witnessed many big events in China over the past decades and from here you can take good pictures of Tiananmen Gate showing on CCTV News every day.

Walk across the square and you will visit the might and splendor of the awe-inspiring Forbidden City (World Heritage), the world’s largest palace complex and one-time home to 24 emperors of China. With about 500 years’ history, Forbidden City served as the political and ritual center of China during the Ming (1368 - 1644) and the Qing (1644 - 1911) dynasties. With over 8,728 rooms, the Forbidden City is not only China’s largest and best-preserved collection of ancient buildings, but also a city within the city, like the Vatican in Rome. Enter through Meridian Gate and visit along the central axis to ensure you won’t miss any highlighted palaces. You can admire its brilliant architecture and numerous ancient art treasures while listening to your guide and learning more about the emperors’ stories hidden inside the Imperial Palace. Later, take another 15-minute walk up to Jingshan Park, where you can have a magnificent panorama of modern Beijing and princely views over the russet roofs of the Forbidden City.

In this afternoon, drive to the “Museum of Royal Garden” - Summer Palace (World Heritage), which used to be the resort for royal families to flee summer heat. The grounds, temples, gardens, pavilions, lakes, bridges, gate-towers, and corridors are a marvel of landscaping. Enjoy the leisure walk and take your time to appreciate the imperial architectures, hilltop views, and beautiful lakes, which offer a pastoral escape into the landscapes of traditional Chinese painting.

Recommended Optional Activity: You can try the famous Peking Roasted Duck at Quanjude this evening.

This morning, you will head northwest of Beijing (about 1.5-2 hours’ drive, 73km) to the Great Wall at Mutianyu. 

The Mutianyu Great Wall (World Heritage) boasts a history of over 2,000 years and stretches more than 3,000 miles across several provinces of northern China, making it one of the most impressive ancient masterpieces on the planet. The Great Wall at Mutianyu is connected with the Jiankou Great Wall in the west and the Gubeikou Great Wall in the east. Mutianyu is the longest and best fully-restored Great Wall with fewer tourists and is also famed for its 23 Ming-era watchtowers and stunning views. Take the cable car up to the 14th watchtower and then enjoy the memorable hiking time on the wall while visiting its western route. With the green pines and cypresses covering the surrounding area, and the winding wall standing majestically on the vast land, you will capture the most stunning natural scenery in this section. Challenge yourselves while climbing up to the 20th watchtower where you can fulfill your Great Wall dream. Cherish the chance and take photos as many as you like!

After the once-in-lifetime experience, head back to downtown Beijing and have the chance to take photos with the exterior of the Bird's Nest (Beijing National Stadium) and Water Cube (Beijing National Aquatics Center). They were both designed for the 2008 Beijing Olympics and used for the 2022 Winter Olympic Games. After that, transfer back to your hotel and have a good rest tonight.

This morning you will head to Temple of Heaven (World Heritage). The Temple of Heaven is much bigger than the Forbidden City and smaller than the Summer Palace. As a Taoist temple, it is also known for its rigorous symbolic layout, peculiar structure, and magnificent decoration. It used to be a place to offer sacrifices to Heaven by 22 Chinese emperors twice a year for good harvests. You can learn more about the grand praying ceremony there, as well as observe the amazing designs such as the Echo Wall and the Triple Sound Stones. Nowadays, it is also a park for local people to do morning exercise and you are welcome to join them.

If there is more time, you can also enjoy a relaxing time exploring the ordinary local life through the old Hutongs. Take a rickshaw tour to travel through the narrow alleys with many featured shops standing on both sides.

After the tour, you will be escorted to the High Speed Train Station for a bullet train to Shanghai (4.5 - 6 hours). Welcome to Shanghai, China’s most internationalized and vibrant city! Upon your arrival at the airport, the tour guide and driver will greet you at the exit, and then escort you to the hotel in Shanghai.

Today you will spend the whole day feeling the perfect blend of the West and East in this “Paris of the East” by visiting brilliant museums, traditional Chinese-style gardens, modern skyscrapers, and exotic architecture.

First, head to Yu Garden, the most celebrated classical Chinese garden hidden in the bustling downtown area of Shanghai, where you can appreciate the beauty of a Jiangnan water town! Yu Garden was a private garden of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) with a history of over 460 years, was built in 1559 by Pan Yunduan (潘允端) for his father to enjoy his retired life. You will see the winding paths and changing scenery, the plants and ponds, the brick carvings, stone carvings, clay sculptures, and wood carvings in the garden, all designed with great craftsmanship. On the way to Yu Garden, you will pass by the iconic Jiuqu Bridge (九曲桥Nine-Bend Bridge/Zigzag Causeway) and the Huxin Pavilion (湖心亭Mid-lake Pavilion, built in the Qing Dynasty, 1616-1912). According to Chinese Fengshui, the zigzag causeway is designed to thwart spirits, who can only journey in straight lines. As you enter Yu Garden, you can explore various beautifully crafted dragons hidden in the buildings, count them, and learn more about the Chinese dragon totem from your guide.

Or, you can either visit Shanghai City God Temple (城隍庙) located near Yu Garden. Chenghuangmiao (City God Temple) is a Taoist temple dedicated to the City God (Cheng Huang God). "Cheng城" refers to the city walls, while "Huang隍" refers to the dried-up moats. The City God is the protective deity of the city and is often a renowned hero or figure from local history. Strolling inside Chenghuangmiao, you will see a large abacus (算盘) that is quite intriguing. It bears the Chinese characters "not calculated by humans" (不由人算). Remember to ask your tour guide to explain the profound Chinese philosophy behind it. If you wish to meet your Mr. Right, make sure to visit the Temple of the Matchmaker (Yuelao Temple月老殿) and pay respects to the God of Love and Marriage (Chinese Cupid月老). If you desire wealth, visit the Temple of Wealth (财神殿) and pay homage to the God of Wealth (财神), Marshal Zhao Gongming (赵公明), who oversees fair trade and the distribution of wealth in the mortal realm. As a coastal city, Shanghai City God Temple also enshrines the Goddess Mazu (天后妈祖), who protects seafaring vessels.

However the phrase "go to Chenghuangmiao" used by Shanghai locals does not solely refer to the Taoist temple itself but rather encompasses the entire area of Yuyuan Bazaar. Yuyuan Bazaar (Chenghuangmiao Market) outside Yu Garden is a vibrant Shanghai Old Street where you can try Shanghai’s local snacks such as Xiaolongbao (Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant小笼包), Pan-Fried Pork Buns (Fried Dumplings生煎包), Soup Dumplings (灌汤包), and Won-ton Soup (上海馄饨). You can also buy some traditional Chinese handicrafts and artworks for souvenirs here.

Notes:
Please note that Yuyuan Garden is closed on Mondays. A visit to the Daoist City God Temple (located near Yuyuan Garden) is also wonderful. We are always flexible and want to ensure you with the best experience.

After lunch, you can take a walk from Nanjing Road to the Bund, which is less than a 2 km walk. Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street is one of the iconic attractions of Shanghai, known as the "Number One Commercial Street in China". It serves as a window to Shanghai's openness to the world and a paradise for shoppers from both domestic and international locations. Nanjing Road is the perfect place to experience century-old Chinese time-honored shops. Walking from Nanjing Road East to the Bund, you will have the feeling of traveling back to the 1930s and 1940s. As the Top 1 Place to Visit on the Shanghai Bucket List, the Bund is the best spot to view the Oriental Pearl TV Tower (a symbol of Shanghai) and the three skyscrapers of Lujiazui. Located on the bank of the Huangpu River and renowned as “An Exhibition of International Buildings”, the Bund is a collection of 52 buildings representing various international architectural styles. Since 1844 (Qing Dynasty), foreign banks, trading companies, clubs, and newspapers have gathered here, showcasing the former glory of the "Wall Street of the Far East" (远东华尔街).

After the Bund tour, you will reach Jinling East Road to board a public ferry to cross the Huangpu River, transferring you from Old Shanghai Town to Lujiazui Financial District in Shanghai Pudong New Area. Then, you will take a walk to the highest building in Shanghai - the Shanghai Tower. It features a dramatic 120-degree twist from its base to its peak. Take the world's fastest lifts (traveling at 64km/h) to the "Top of Shanghai Observatory" located on the 118th floor, 546 meters above ground level. Here, you'll have the unparalleled opportunity to enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of modern Shanghai and also look down upon the Oriental Pearl TV Tower (a cultural landmark of Shanghai), Jin Mao Tower (a traditional Chinese pagoda-like structure with a modern style) and the Shanghai World Financial Center (the third tallest building in China and the fifth tallest in the world). From Shanghai Tower, you can also get a bird's eye view of the Bund and the Nanjing Road you had just visited before from another side of the Huangpu River.

Options for the Shanghai Evening Tour:

Shanghai Acrobat Evening Show (19:30- 21:00, 1.5 hours)

The Shanghai Acrobatic Show is a beloved and enchanting evening delight for tourists visiting Shanghai. This captivating spectacle is brought to life by the renowned Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe. Prepare to be amazed as the show unfolds with a breathtaking blend of acrobatics, graceful dance, rib-tickling comedy, mystifying magic, and awe-inspiring displays of aerial strength. Through this extraordinary showcase, the essence of Shanghai's rich cultural heritage is beautifully honored, transporting you to a world of wonder and marvel.

After breakfast, your guide will greet you in the hotel lobby and accompany you on a tranquil stroll through the French Concession, which is well known as the "Paris of the Orient" with refined and graceful allure. This historic district is renowned as the earliest, largest, and most prosperous concession in modern China, representing the epitome of Shanghai's trendiest, most stylish, and sophisticated aspects. French plane tree-lined pathways, European ambiance, literary figures' former residences, popular restaurants, and cafes combine to create a truly delightful exploration.

You will first have the pleasure of meandering along the captivating Wukang Road, which boasts 14 excellent historical buildings, exemplifying the quintessential garden-style residential complexes that characterize the French Concession. As you revel in the surroundings, be sure to marvel at the architectural masterpiece that is Wukang Mansion, a creation of the acclaimed architect Ladislaus HUDEC from Curry & Co. This exquisite edifice, built in 1924, introduced the concept of exterior corridors to Shanghai, showcasing both innovation and timeless beauty. Along the way, you will also have the opportunity to visit notable attractions such as the romantic Romeo's Balcony and the Former Residence of Ba Jin, a famous Chinese modern writer who lived here and wrote representative works such as "Family" "Spring" and "Autumn".

Later, transfer to Xintiandi, a bustling place that seamlessly blends Shikumen architecture with modern urban fashion style. It offers a comprehensive introduction to the local Shikumen (stone-gate house) architecture, along with enticing dining and shopping options. This upscale entertainment and shopping complex is modeled on traditional “Long Tang” (弄堂, alleyway) homes and stands as the pioneering development in the city, demonstrating the commercial viability of preserving historical architecture. 

If time permits, take a leisurely stroll along Tianzifang, the most authentic Shanghai-style lane with a bourgeois atmosphere. Here, you'll find old alleyways, cozy bars, cafes, rooftop restaurants, artist studios, and various creative boutiques. It is filled with the essence of old Shanghai, featuring a variety of traditional shops selling vintage pocket watches, qipao dresses, paper fans, snowflake cream, and more. It is the perfect place to truly experience the unique charm of life in the alleyways of old Shanghai.

In the afternoon, your guide and driver take you to the airport for a flight to Hong Kong (about 3 hours). Welcome to Hong Kong, the Pearl of the Orient and Shoppers’ Paradise. Upon arrival at Hong Kong West Kowloon Railway Station, your local tour guide and driver will meet you there and escort you to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to have fun on your own.

After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel. It is time to enjoy your half-day Hong Kong trip. The first stop is to pay a visit to the highest point of Hong Kong - Victoria Peak (about 552 meters). You will take the famous Peak Tram, which was operated for more than 110 years, and travel through the verdant woods to explore some hidden old buildings left by the old Hong Kong. Get atop the observation deck to overlook the amazing Hong Kong skyline and beautiful harbor views. Seize the rare time to take some photos from atop. The second stop is to go to the Aberdeen Fishing Village, a peaceful traditional fishing village with rows of old junks and sampans where you will get a very interesting contract and change of pace to the Hong Kong business district and Kowloon. The third stop is Stanley Market. Walk through the bustling market selling fancy petty commodities and enjoy browsing the stalls with clothing and souvenirs that can’t be found elsewhere. To relax a little bit, you can order a cup of coffee or beer at the seaside café or pub to spend time getting away from the crowds. After the tour, you will be escorted back you your hotel.

After the tour, it is time to end your 7-day Beijing Shanghai Hong Kong Tour. You will have some free time in Hong Kong and explore more on your own till your guide escorts you to the airport/train station for your flight or high speed train to your next destination.

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your China tour, we are always here working for you and hope to see you again for your next trip to China/Asia!