How to Plan a Beijing and Shanghai Trip: Step-by-Step Guide

If this is your first-time trip to China, both Beijing and Shanghai are important windows for you to understand the country. Specifically, Beijing is the capital of China, and it boasts an impressive historical culture and stunning natural landscapes. Shanghai, as China's financial hub, attracts countless tourists with its modern urban landscape and unique Shanghai-style culture. Here is a detailed guide on how to plan a Beijing and Shanghai tour.

Which Is Your Entry City: Beijing or Shanghai

Both Beijing and Shanghai are implementing a 240-hour visa-free transit policy for nationals of 55 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and many other countries in Europe, which means that tourists from those 55 countries can stay in Beijing and Shanghai for at most 10 days. 

Tourists from Southeast Asia, such as Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, can enter and tour Beijing and Shanghai visa-free with a maximum stay of up to 30 days per entry. Additionally, travelers from certain European countries like France, Germany, and Italy are also eligible for the 30-day visa-free transit.

Therefore, you can select either of these two as your entry city. If you choose Beijing as your entry city, then you can start your China tours from Beijing with its rich history and ancient architecture. Otherwise, go on your China tours from Shanghai, and you’ll marvel at the high-rise skyscrapers and beautiful skyline.

Plan a Shanghai to Beijing Great Wall tour

Transportation: Beijing and Shanghai

How to Travel to Beijing/Shanghai

Whether you are traveling from Beijing to Shanghai or from Shanghai to Beijing, you have the option to take the high-speed train for your Beijing-Shanghai tour, which provides a journey time of between 4.5 and 6.5 hours. Additionally, direct flights are available between Beijing and Shanghai, with a journey duration of less than 2.5 hours in either direction.

When it comes to ticket pricing, airfares are generally on par with high-speed train tickets. For instance, if you happen to be in proximity to a Beijing airport, opting for a flight to Shanghai would be a practical choice. Conversely, if you are nearer to a Beijing high-speed rail station, choosing the high-speed train would undoubtedly be a more convenient option for your Beijing to Shanghai tour.

How to Travel around Beijing and Shanghai

Taking the subway is undoubtedly the best way to travel in Beijing and Shanghai. In these two cities, the subway system is extensive, and most attractions are directly accessible by subway. Additionally, some attractions, such as the Great Wall in Beijing and Zhujiajiao Ancient Town in Shanghai, may require taking a bus to reach. By the way, if you prefer a private tour, you can also take a taxi to explore Beijing and Shanghai. Just note that there might be a traffic jam.

How Many Days to Spend in Beijing and Shanghai

A well-thought-out trip to Beijing and Shanghai usually takes around a week to complete. To be more specific‌, you can spend 4-5 days exploring the Great Wall and the places of interest in Beijing, and another 2-3 days discovering the landmark attractions and water towns in Shanghai.

Shanghai the Bund

How Long to Spend in Beijing

It usually takes 4 to 5 days to explore Beijing's main attractions. You can allocate 2 days to discover Beijing's emblematic sites, including Tiananmen Square, the Temple of Heaven, hutong, and the Summer Palace. The Forbidden City tour is also a must. Then, you can spend another day exploring the Great Wall of China from Beijing, and cap off your evening with a tour of the Bird's Nest (National Stadium) and the Water Cube. Remember to take 1-2 days to immerse yourself further into Beijing's culture by attending a Peking Opera show, meandering through the old hutongs, and tasting local delicacies on your Beijing trip.

How Long to Spend in Shanghai

A trip to Shanghai requires at least 2-3 days. On the first day, you can visit the city's landmarks, such as Yu Garden, the Oriental Pearl Tower, and the Bund. On the second day, you have the option to take a historical tour at the Shanghai Museum or enjoy yourself at Shanghai Disneyland. If you have an additional day, embark on day tours from Shanghai to Suzhou or Zhujiajiao Ancient Town to experience the charm of the water towns in the region south of the Yangtze River.

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    You can start your Beijing tour with the Forbidden City, a majestic royal palace, where you can witness the peak of ancient Chinese architectural prowess. Taking a boat ride on Kunming Lake in the serene Summer Palace is also a great way to uncover the beauty of this imperial garden. The Great Wall of China, undoubtedly, stands as a can't-miss attraction. Yonghegong Lama Temple, the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Beijing, is renowned for the efficacy of granting wishes, so it's worth a visit to make one.

    >> Check out the top 15 things to do in Beijing

    Visit the Forbidden City in Beijing

    To begin your Shanghai trip, you can visit the Yu Garden and immerse yourself in traditional Chinese gardening art and architecture. Also, Shanghai's skyline is breathtakingly beautiful, so don't hesitate to ascend the Oriental Pearl TV Tower to appreciate it. Besides, taking a stroll along the Bund, you can admire the historic buildings and stunning riverfront scenery. The charming Zhujiajiao Ancient Town is also worth a visit. For a glimpse into Shanghai's artistic scene, visit Tianzifang, a creative district filled with art galleries. 

    >> Check out the 20 best things to do in Shanghai 2025

    Where to Stay in Beijing and Shanghai

    Regarding Beijing accommodation, for seamless transportation and budget-friendliness, you are recommended to select a hotel situated near a subway station during your Beijing tours. Popular lodging areas include Qianmen Street, Xidan, and Wangfujing Street. Besides, if you desire to immerse yourself in the cultural ambiance of old Beijing, consider staying in a courtyard guesthouse within the Dongcheng District. For those eager to embrace Beijing's nightlife, Sanlitun is a great lodging option.

    When visiting Shanghai, the downtown area stands out as the prime location for accommodation due to its proximity to numerous attractions. For those who favor a city walk tour in Shanghai, a hotel near Nanjing Road is an ideal choice, as it is also in close vicinity to the Bund, perfect for leisurely walks. People's Square is also a highly favored lodging spot among tourists. It's close to subway stations and there are many attractions nearby. For those who wish to take in the breathtaking night view of Shanghai, a river-view room on the Bund area presents an excellent option.

    >> Recommended 8-Day Golden Triangle Tour to Beijing, Xi'an & Shanghai

    Costs for a Trip to Beijing and Shanghai

    Beijing and Shanghai have a very high consumption level, so the costs for travel tend to be higher than in other cities. Typically, a 6 to 8-day tour of Beijing and Shanghai would cost roughly US$1,080-1,440 per person, encompassing expenses such as transportation, accommodation, meals, attraction entry fees, and the services of a tour guide. Nevertheless, it's important to note that during peak seasons, costs may escalate due to the tendency for airfares, hotel prices, and other associated expenses to surge.

    If you prefer a customized tour of Beijing and Shanghai, you can contact us for more details about the costs.\

    Beijing Shanghai tour with Easy Tour China

    The Best Time to Visit Beijing and Shanghai

    Beijing and Shanghai present different charms in four seasons, but the best time to travel is in spring and autumn. During these times, the surroundings are at their most beautiful and the climate is pleasant for outdoor activities.In spring, Beijing is adorned with cherry blossoms, peach blossoms, and peonies that bloom across the city, which turn places such as the Summer Palace and Xiangshan Park into vast seas of flowers. When autumn arrives, the capital dons a splendid golden hue, with Xiangshan's crimson leaves and the Summer Palace's autumn foliage presenting a breathtaking visual spectacle. Additionally, outdoor adventures become particularly enjoyable, and you can embark on a private tour of the Great Wall in Beijing and immerse yourself in the profound history of this city.>> Read more about Beijing’s weather & climateShanghai's spring is characterized by magnificent cherry blossoms and pleasant temperatures that make people feel refreshed. Particularly, in the middle to late April, parks are blanketed with clusters of flowers. As autumn approaches, it is perfect for photographing the breathtaking night views of the Bund and Lujiazui with high visibility. Additionally, Yu Garden and City God Temple host lantern festivals in spring and temple fairs in autumn. You can visit these places at the right time to experience the harmonious blend of tradition and modernity during your Shanghai travel.>> Check out Shanghai weather & best time to visit

    Explore Beijing and Shanghai with ETC

    When planning a trip to Beijing and Shanghai, you may encounter various problems and find yourself having to arrange everything on your own, which can be quite overwhelming. Therefore, we sincerely recommend exploring Beijing and Shanghai with us Easy Tour China.

     As a seasoned travel agency specializing in China tours for many years, we pride ourselves on tailoring everything to your specific needs and preferences, encompassing transportation, accommodation, and itineraries. Traveling with us, your sole responsibility is to sit back and enjoy the journey.

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