Bullet Train Tour of Beijing & Shanghai - 7 Days

Stand in the heart of modern China at the world’s largest public square, a site of profound historical significance and grand architectural scale. Walk into or drive through (sedan/minivan) Tian'anmen Square to marvel at its iconic surroundings, including the Monument to the People's Heroes and the Great Hall of the People.
Step into the majestic imperial palace where 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties ruled for five centuries. Explore the ceremonial courtyards and the exquisite private quarters of the royal family. Note: Closed on Mondays. In case of closure or ticket unavailability, the itinerary adjusts to Jingshan Park for a premier panoramic view overlooking the entire Forbidden City.
Discover the Temple of Heaven, a timeless masterpiece of traditional Chinese imperial architecture. For centuries, ancient emperors held grand solemn rituals here to worship heaven and pray for favorable weather and abundant harvests. Admire its exquisite layout, profound cultural connotations and classic imperial architectural charm that embody ancient Chinese cosmology and ritual traditions

 

Dinner Suggestions: Iconic Peking Duck

Indulge in a signature feast at a renowned, time-honored restaurant. Savor the legendary roast duck, celebrated for its signature crispy skin, tender meat, and the subtle aroma of fruit-wood roasting.

Wander through the world’s largest and best-preserved imperial garden. Originally designed as a royal summer retreat, it features an exquisite collection of classical pavilions and bridges centered around the tranquil Kunming Lake.
The Great Wall at Simatai (UNESCO World Heritage Site, national 4A-level tourist attraction) is the only section of the Great Wall that retains its Ming Dynasty appearance. Built among steep mountains, the wall here offers precipitous drops and stupendous views. Climbing the Great Wall at night, you can really feel its historical atmosphere, see the beautiful lights of the whole Water town.
Located 150km from Beijing, Gubei Water Town sits at the foot of the Simatai Great Wall. This picturesque destination features traditional architecture, local-style stays, and stunning scenery—especially the vibrant red leaves in autumn. Visitors can enjoy street acrobatics, mesmerizing light shows, and the spectacular "Iron Flower" (Datiehua) performance. For a hands-on experience, try DIY Tie-dyeing, Lantern-making, or traditional liquor and kite-making.

Nestled at the foot of the Simatai Great Wall and embraced by the Yuanyang Reservoir, Gubei Water Town—also known as Beijing W Town—is a premier resort in Miyun District. This masterfully designed town blends the grandeur of Northern Chinese architecture with the romantic water-bound charm of Southern China, earning it the celebrated nickname, "Wuzhen in Beijing." It offers a unique fusion of traditional heritage, scenic mountain vistas, and modern luxury at the very edge of the Great Wall.

The Hutongs are the historic arteries of Beijing, a network of narrow alleys that have defined the city’s soul since the Yuan Dynasty (1271 AD). More than just passages, they represent the pinnacle of China’s traditional neighborhood life and vernacular architectural art. From a bird’s-eye view, the seamless integration of these winding lanes and classic Siheyuan (courtyards) resembles an intricate, orderly chessboard, hiding a world of delicate gardens, scholarly rockeries, and ancient relics that whisper stories of a bygone era.

Owing to its ingenious design in Ming and Qing dynasties, the Yu Garden becomes a real museum of Chinese ancient architecture.
The Bund,featured outstanding European colonial architectures, is full of new skyscrapers and historical buildings in the center of Shanghai.
Step back in time and experience the historical heart of the city at Shanghai Old Town, where classic Jiangnan-style architecture and bustling street markets offer a fascinating contrast to the city's futuristic skyscrapers. Anchored by the 16th-century Yu Garden and the lively bazaar surrounding the City God Temple, this vibrant district allows you to wander through labyrinthine alleys lined with traditional gray-brick buildings, cross the iconic Nine-Turn Bridge, and sample world-famous local delicacies like Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) at historic eateries.

 

Leisure Time & Optional Experiences

Huangpu River Cruise: See Shanghai’s iconic skyline from the water on a Huangpu River Cruise. Sail past the Bund’s 52 historic colonial buildings and the futuristic skyscrapers of Lujiazui, including the Shanghai Tower and Oriental Pearl Tower. Choose a day cruise for clear architectural details or a night cruise (highly recommended) to see the city illuminated in a dazzling light show.

Shanghai Tower Skywalk Experience: Soar to new heights at the Shanghai Tower, China’s tallest building at 632 meters. Ride the world’s fastest elevator (18m/s) to the 118th-floor Top of Shanghai Observatory. Enjoy 360°panoramic views of the city, including the Bund’s colonial architecture, the Oriental Pearl Tower, and the winding Huangpu River.