Shanghai and Beijing: 8-day sightseeing tour

Day-by-day itinerary

1. Day 1

   The first day begins with a meeting at the airport and a transfer to the hotel — one can leave the things and immediately go for a walk. The main impression of the day is Shanghai from above: from the observation deck of the TV tower the city opens up entirely, with the river and the districts. Before that — a garden with ponds and picturesque buildings and a museum where the history of the city is collected. Lunch takes place in a Chinese cuisine restaurant, then return to the hotel.

2. Day 2

   This is the calmest day of the first half of the trip: the city temporarily gives way to water. The ancient village stands right on the canals, it is customary to move here by boats, and the residents still engage in agriculture and grow rice. The walk passes without haste, and lunch is included in the excursion. Return to the hotel.

3. Day 3

   In the morning — breakfast and check-out, then another walk around Shanghai before the journey. In the temple two jade statues of Buddha are kept, one of them is adorned with precious stones. After lunch — a water walk along the river, and then a transfer to the railway station: a train in a compartment takes one to Beijing. The day turns out transitional — from water and parks to the road.

4. Day 4

   Arrival in Beijing and a meeting at the railway station set the tone for the day: the scale here is different. The main impression is the huge square and the former imperial residence with rich interiors, where one can imagine the life of the court. The picture is completed by a Buddhist temple that united Chinese and Tibetan traditions. Lunch is included, things can be left at the hotel.

5. Day 5

   The strongest day of the trip: the road leads out of the city, to the section of the wall closest to Beijing — one of the most grandiose structures in history. Here it is important not only to see, but also to walk along it, feeling the scale. Nearby — the Dingling Mounds, another stop of the same excursion. Lunch takes place in a countryside Chinese cuisine restaurant, then return to the hotel.

6. Day 6

   The day is dedicated to a temple built in the 15th century: emperors prayed here for a good harvest, and the very arrangement of the ensemble speaks of this. After the temple — a walk along a pedestrian street with shops and a crowd. For an additional payment on the spot one can order a visit to a circus with an acrobatic show or Beijing opera. Lunch is included, return to the hotel.

7. Day 7

   A free day without excursions is a rarity in a busy route, and here it is given entirely to the traveler's disposal. One can walk along the shopping street, turn into the hutongs, visit museums or devote time to shopping. Optionally and for an additional payment one can agree with the guide on other excursion options. Breakfast — at the hotel.

8. Day 8

   The last day passes without excursions: breakfast at the hotel, check-out and transfer to the airport. The tour ends — there remains time to sort through the impressions before the flight home.