Beijing to Shanghai Express - 10 days

Beijing to Shanghai Express - 10 days

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10 Days From

$1255

$1004

Beijing to Shanghai Express - 10 days

10 Days Starting in Beijing, China and ending in Shanghai, China

Visiting: Beijing, Hangzhou, Shanghai

Tour operator:

On The Go Tours

Tour code:

2076/BBTS

Guide Type:

Partially Guided

Group size:

2 - 20

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

18-55

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Cultural, Rail Tours

From: $1255 $1004 Operator discount: -$251 -20%

NB: Prices correct on 22-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

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

  • Great Wall of China - Walk along a lesser-visited section and camp nearby to watch the sunrise.

  • Explore historic Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City in Beijing.

  • Enjoy a scenic boat cruise on West Lake in Hangzhou.

  • Hike to the summit of Jiuyao Mountain for a romantic sunset over West Lake.

  • Explore Shanghai independently with options to visit Disneyland, the Shanghai Museum, or climb a skyscraper.

  • Hike along the Nine Creeks trail in the Misty Forest near Hangzhou.

  • Visit the Yu Gardens and take in panoramic views from a skyscraper in Shanghai.

Itinerary

Expand All

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

  • Accommodation

    7 nights hostel accommodation, 1-night camping and 1-night sleeper train (6-berth sleeper cabin) are included.

  • Transportation

    All relevant transfers and transportation using public transport are included.

  • Train Tickets

    Train tickets from Beijing to Hangzhou and Hangzhou to Shanghai are included.

  • Local Guides

    Local guides for scheduled sightseeing in Beijing, Hangzhou, and Shanghai are included. Travel between cities is unescorted.

  • Great Wall Hike

    A hike along unrestored parts of The Great Wall of China is included.

  • West Lake Boat Tour

    A boat tour of one of the islands on West Lake is included.

  • Jiuyao Mountain Hike

    A hike up to Jiuyao Mountain to see the sunset is included.

  • Nine Creeks Hike

    A hike to the 9 creeks meandering through Misty Woods is included.

What's Not Included

  • International Flights and Visa

    International flights and visa are not included.

  • Tipping

    Tipping is not included and is an entirely personal gesture.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1998

  • 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+

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

Reviews of this operator

Nicola Hodgkinson (Google Reviewer)  

Recently returned from Greece, a...

07-May-2024

Recently returned from Greece, a 5 day tour with OTG. Unfortunately, I had a negative experience on day 2 where I needed local support to get me out of a tricky situation. Thank you to Alexandra Z from Hetco Tours in Athens for helping me continue on with the trip, to the Hotel Zafolia staffing team and to Danielle and team here in the UK for supporting me with the aftermath. Your kindness will not be forgotten and I will pay it forward. I've now booked 3 trips with yourselves and will continue to go back. Thank you all. Honestly, I am SO grateful. Blessings to you all. Nicola

Calvin  

Wonderful experience

05-Jan-2023

Jamal is our tour guide. Right from the start, he created a group chat in whatsapp and if any issues to make sure we contact him. He was on the ball with every issue thrown at him. Luggage being left behind, stragglers wondered off in a different path, hotel room etc. He explains the various site along our route to give us a better understanding of the local cultures. We had a great time, thanks to Jamal.

Trustpilot
Norma Sullivan  

Land of the Northern Lights 5 day tour of Iceland

10-Sep-2021

The Land of Northern Lights tour was a triumph! My tour of Southern Iceland was absolutely wonderful. The venues chosen, the timing allotted at each venue and the variety of things to experience was nearly perfect. Our guide, "Thor", was smart, amusing, full of history and anecdotal stories as well as being incredibly hospitable and helpful. This small group experience was my first, but not my last thanks to On the Go.

Trawls (Google Reviewer)  

On The Go Tours Sri...

05-Feb-2024

On The Go Tours Sri Lanka was an incredible experience that was made even better by our tour guide Akthar. He was incredibly knowledgeable about his country and he loved sharing it with us. The tour covers a wide range of activities so you can truly experience what Sri Lanka is all about. The beautiful 4-5 star hotels at the end of every day was an absolute bonus. Thanks for a great trip OTGT I’m sure this won’t be my last

Xtreme Floor Care (Google Reviewer)  

Traveled through Egypt with On...

30-Nov-2023

Traveled through Egypt with On the Go Tours, professional service, very informative and helpful tour guides. The choice of hotels was excellent... Definitely recommend this company

Gavin Harrigan  

King Tutankhamun 10 day tour of Egypt

16-Sep-2021

I have just returned from my tour with On The Go and it was an amazing trip! From arriving at the airport and meeting the OTG representative, everything was well organised and hassle free.  Our tour guide was Amir. He is awesome!! From the beginning he was so friendly and enthusiastic about showing us around Egypt, giving us loads of information at each place and time to explore ourselves. Learnt so much from him about this fascinating place, and he was always happy to answer more questions.   The trip itself was amazing. There's lots of travelling on this trip, but it's really not too bad, and the sights you see when you get to where you are going are worth it. I'm not a big fan of boats, but the Felluca ride across the Nile was pretty fun too.  On the first day I also did the optional tour of Cairo with Ahmed Helal - another excellent guide from OTG. It's worth doing this add on as you don't spend much time in Cairo, and you go to three very different places.  I'm so glad that I decided to do this trip. It was just ace.  If you're thinking about it too, you should probably just book it. And hopefully you get Amir as your guide.

Joyce Heitler (Google Reviewer)  

I would give this tour...

09-May-2024

I would give this tour group no stars if possible. The tour was not guaranteed but they did not inform me when I booked and they did not have enough people. Way after I booked they said I needed a doctors letter because I was over 70. Also way after booking I was informed I needed travel insurance. They knew my age when I booked. They would not refund my tour even though it was 4 months away.

Simla Patel (Google Reviewer)  

This company doesn’t deserve even...

26-Nov-2024

This company doesn’t deserve even 1 star. I would not recommend this company. There are hidden fees which means the cost of the holiday ends up being very expensive. We recently came back from our trip to China where it is not customary to tip in restaurants & hotel staff. Yet we had to make a payment upfront in cash to to the guide for more than £100. The hotel service was appalling. Just think £100 from each person. The trip was suppose to be a Tour yet we had to pay for all entrance fees. We complained about the poor condition of the hotels but no one responded to our emails to date. The after sales service is non existent. Do not use this company. Far far too expensive for what you get. Not competitive at all. They messed up our booking; repeatedly asked for the same information. We spent so much time correcting their errors. Very difficult to get hold of anyone because they all work in S Africa or New Zealand. Absolute nightmare

Sarah Paterson (Google Reviewer)  

Terrible tour of India. For...

27-Dec-2023

Terrible tour of India. For some reason On the Go hadn't realised that my room mate had booked her own room for the first night of tour. So the hotel in Delhi had tried to put me in her room after midnight, by wheeling in an extra bed. She went Crazy!! I then had to sit in hotel reception for hours. While the tour guide said he couldn't find me a room. Throughout the tour the guide consistently ask me and my room mate for money for my room, causing more friction between us. Don't book with this company had the worst experience ever. Go with Intrepid or G Adventure

brandy hoffman (Google Reviewer)  

I had used them once...

09-Aug-2023

I had used them once before and loved them. I decided to try them again for a Baltic tour not knowing that they put me on another Tour group- Baltic vision. Loved that tour but was not impressed they marked up the cost for me over 100%. I understand taking some for yourself because of paperwork, but over double the cost everyone else paid on the tour. Just double check before you book with them that you’re not over paying.

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Apr 05, 2025 - Apr 14, 2025
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Operator discount: -$251

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Operator discount: -$251

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Prices last published on 22-Dec-2024

Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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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