Best of Shanghai

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Shanghai
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Map of Shanghai & Suzhou Highlights - 5 Days
Shanghai & Suzhou Highlights - 5 Days

In five days you can experience the highlights of Shanghai plus take a day trip to one of the most romantic cities in the region: Suzhou. First, you'll tour Shanghai's historic gardens and old neighborhoods, like the French Concession quarter, which is now a Bohemian enclave. Then you're off to Suzhou and adjacent Tongli, a town on a canal so beautiful it's known as the "Venice of Asia."

Take in the views from Huangshan Mountain during this six-day China tour
Map of Discover Shanghai & Huangshan Mountain - 6 Days
Discover Shanghai & Huangshan Mountain - 6 Days

Experience China's soaring peaks and skyscrapers on this six-day getaway that takes you from the bright lights of vibrant Shanghai to the otherworldly serenity of awe-inspiring Huangshan Mountain. You'll travel by train between them, stopping to explore the traditional heritage villages of Honcun and Xidi before spending the night on Huangshan Mountain for hiking and spectacular sunset views. Then, return to Shanghai to wander the grand promenades, ancient alleys, and beautiful gardens.

Three-quarters of the Summer Palace is water
Map of Family Trip to Beijing and Shanghai - 8 Days
Family Trip to Beijing and Shanghai - 8 Days

This week-long tour, designed for families with children, covers the most famous cities in China: Beijing and Shanghai. Explore the treasures of the labyrinthian Forbidden City, hike the Mutianyu section of the iconic Great Wall, visit the Summer Palace by boat, and enjoy panoramic city views from the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. Cap it off with a true family favorite: an epic day at Shanghai Disneyland.

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Map of China's Highlights - 7 Days
China's Highlights - 7 Days

This weeklong tour follows a route from Beijing to Shanghai—two great metropolises of China. You'll land in Beijing and tour ancient royal stomping grounds like the Summer Palace, Temple of  Heaven, and Forbidden City.  After visiting the Great Wall of China you'll catch a bullet train to Shanghai and tour its most famous neighborhoods plus make a day trip to the ancient water city of Suzhou, known as the "Venice of Asia."

The Great Wall
Map of China Golden Triangle Tour - 8 Days
China Golden Triangle Tour - 8 Days

This 8-day tour to Beijing, Xian, and Shanghai shows off China's highlights at a relaxed and comfortable pace. Start in Beijing to see Tiananmen Square and the Great Wall of China, then continue to Xi'an to see the Muslim Quarter and the Terracotta Warriors. End your trip in metropolitan Shanghai to see the modern Bund waterfront, ancient Yu Gardens, and historic French Concession.

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Map of Beijing, Guilin, & Shanghai - 7 Days
Beijing, Guilin, & Shanghai - 7 Days

This seven-day trip to China covers three historic and beautiful areas that couldn't be more different. You'll arrive in Beijing, and tour landmarks from its imperial past, like the Forbidden City and Great Wall. Then you're off to the south of the country for river tours amid the limestone mountains of Yangshuo followed by some relaxation in the modern metropolis of Shanghai.

Taste the best cuisine of China's Golden Triangle on this eight-day tour
Map of Foodie Tour of China's Golden Triangle: Shanghai, Xi'an & Beijing - 8 Days
Foodie Tour of China's Golden Triangle: Shanghai, Xi'an & Beijing - 8 Days

Dive into the varied and exciting cuisine of China's Golden Triangle on this eight-day trip for food lovers. Sample traditional benbang flavors in Shanghai's waterfront district, fly to Xi'an for a cooking lesson in a local home and witness the incredible Terracotta Warriors up close. Taste specialties in Xi'an's ancient Muslim Quarter, then train to the capital for a classic Peking duck dinner and explore the flavors of Beijing's hutongs before capping off your trip with a hike along the iconic Great Wall of China.

Yuyuan Garden (Garden of Happiness) in the center of Shanghai
Map of Highlights from Shanghai to Beijing - 12 Days
Highlights from Shanghai to Beijing - 12 Days

This exciting 12-day itinerary includes some of China's best cultural and natural wonders. Kick off the trip in cosmopolitan Shanghai where you'll explore its modern waterfront, peaceful gardens, and artsy neighborhoods. Next is Zhangjiajie for a dose of dramatic mountain vistas before you continue to Xi'an to see the Terra Cotta Warriors. Finish with a bullet train to Beijing to experience the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and—on your last full day—the Great Wall of China.

Visit the China Fan Museum in Hangzhou to admire the delicate fans from bygone eras
Map of China's Ultimate Art & Culture Tour: Beijing to Hangzhou - 12 Days
China's Ultimate Art & Culture Tour: Beijing to Hangzhou - 12 Days

Creative types will love this 12-day tour exploring China's art and culture scene. Start in Beijing with a mask painting class and an exploration of the 798 Art Zone, based in former military factories. Then, head to Xi'an, where you can learn Chinese calligraphy and watch a shadow puppet show. Spend a day discovering Suzhou's beautiful gardens before you head to the M50 Art District in Shanghai. Your final stop is Hangzhou, which has three art museums, including one dedicated to the craft of umbrella-making.

Great Wall of China under a hazy sunset
Map of China's Highlights - 10 Days
China's Highlights - 10 Days

This packed itinerary covers many of China's highlights, starting in Beijing with a tour of the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the Great Wall. Then take a bullet train to Xi'an to see the famous Terracotta Army before heading to Guilin for river excursions in a paradise setting. End your trip in metropolitan Shanghai and explore its Bund waterfront, peaceful Yu Garden, and bohemian Tianzifang neighborhood.

From the ancient to the modern, explore the wonders of China
Map of Discover China's Highlights: Beijing, Xian, Chengdu, Shanghai - 11 Days
Discover China's Highlights: Beijing, Xian, Chengdu, Shanghai - 11 Days

This comprehensive China trip offers something for everyone. Experience China's most famous attractions, from trekking the Great Wall to witnessing the Terracotta Warriors to enjoying a boat trip to Zhuajiajiao Water Town to admiring cute pandas at Chengdu Panda Base. Your trip starts in Beijing, the Chinese capital, and continues on to Xi'an, the ancient Tang Dynasty capital, and Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, concluding in the modern metropolis of Shanghai.

See the wonders of China on this fun-filled family tour that ends in Shanghai
Map of Family Tour of China: Ancient Cities, Cultural Excursions & Outdoor Fun - 13 Days
Family Tour of China: Ancient Cities, Cultural Excursions & Outdoor Fun - 13 Days

Full of immersive sightseeing tours and interactive experiences, this 13-day China itinerary is perfect for families with curious tweens and teens. Start in Beijing, where you'll visit the famed Tiananmen Square and take a day trip to walk along the Great Wall. Then, you're off to Xi'an to see the Terracotta Army archaeological site and learn the art of calligraphy. See giant pandas in Chengdu, then end in Shanghai, witnessing a dizzying acrobat show and cruising the Venice-like waterways of Zhujiajiao.

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Map of Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Guilin & Shanghai Tour - 14 Days
Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Guilin & Shanghai Tour - 14 Days

This two-week China getaway combines the nation's major tourist draws with cultural exchanges and even a family-friendly trip to an amusement park. It starts in Beijing, where you'll tour the Forbidden City plus take an excursion to the Great Wall. Next, you'll see the famous Terracotta Army of Xi'an, spend time with giant pandas in Chengdu, enjoy a riverboat excursion amid the limestone mountains of Guilin, and cap it all with a tour of modern Shanghai and a trip to Disneyland.

Harbin's International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival
Map of Beijing to Shanghai Winter Tour - 14 Days
Beijing to Shanghai Winter Tour - 14 Days

This two-week China adventure is the ultimate introduction to the world's oldest continuous civilization—one that's modernizing at a staggering pace. Starting in Beijing, you'll experience the best of the capital before making your way to exhilarating Shanghai while taking scenic and cultural detours along the way, including a winter festival known for towering snow and ice sculptures.

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Map of China's Ancient Capitals & Yangtze River Cruise - 14 Days
China's Ancient Capitals & Yangtze River Cruise - 14 Days

Over 14 days you'll visit the ancient capitals of China, walk the historic Great Wall, see the Terracotta Army of Xi'an, plus take a cruise up the longest river in Asia, the Yangtze. It's a luxurious ride that leads to the Three Gorges Dam, the largest hydroelectric power station in the world. All in all, this itinerary perfectly combines history, culture, and the cradles of Chinese civilization into one adventure.

Visit the numerous temples and pagodas along the West Lake in Hangzhou
Map of Cultural & Scenic Wonders of Beijing, Xi'an, Lhasa & Shanghai - 14 Days
Cultural & Scenic Wonders of Beijing, Xi'an, Lhasa & Shanghai - 14 Days

Discover China's rich culture, history, and scenery during this two-week exploration of four iconic cities. Start in Beijing for tours of Tiananmen Square, the Summer Palace, and the Great Wall of China. Then, take a bullet train to Xi'an, where the Terracotta Army and Giant Wild Goose Pagoda await. Fly to Lhasa in Tibet to visit ancient monasteries in the breathtaking Himalaya mountains, then finish in cosmopolitan Shanghai to experience the city's enticing blend of ancient and modern sights.

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Map of China's Highlights & Yangtze River Cruise - 10 Days
China's Highlights & Yangtze River Cruise - 10 Days

Over 10 days you'll experience ancient capitals of China like Beijing and Xi'an, which are regarded as the cradles of Chinese civilization. Beyond touring historic sights like Tiananmen Square and the Great Wall, you'll visit the thousands of Terracotta Warriors at Xi'an. Capping this trip is a five-star cruise down the Yangtze River followed by a couple of days in Shanghai, a modern metropolis with limitless options for fun and adventure.

Visit Yungang Grottoes in Datong and explore the rock-cut caves adorned with over 51,000 Buddhist statues
Map of Culture & History Highlights Tour of China's Cities & Shanxi Province -15 Days
Culture & History Highlights Tour of China's Cities & Shanxi Province -15 Days

Dive into China's rich culture and history with this 15-day tour that starts in the capital city, Beijing. Discover the Ming and Qing dynasties in the Forbidden City, hike along the Great Wall, and see hanging temples and ancient castles in Datong and Pingyao. In Xi'an, you'll stroll the one-time starting point of the Silk Road and sample mouth-watering street food in the Muslim Quarter. Your trip of a lifetime concludes with a highlights tour of Shanghai and a tea plantation tour in verdant Hangzhou.

Walk among the perfectly manicured Longji Rice Terraces and visit a local village home
Map of Authentic China: Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, Yangshuo & Shanghai - 11 Days
Authentic China: Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, Yangshuo & Shanghai - 11 Days

See some of China's most important cultural sites on this immersive 11-day tour. Start in the imperial capitals of Beijing and Xi'an, discovering the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, and the Terracotta Warriors. Step off the beaten path to cruise the Li River and visit the local market in Yangshuo, then end in the gleaming metropolis of Shanghai. Highlights along the way include learning to cook bamboo rice in an Indigenous village and crafting your own traditional fan under the tutelage of a local artisan.

Venture inside the once sequestered Forbidden City in Beijing
Map of China Highlights & Yangtze River Cruise: Beijing, Xi'an & Shanghai - 11 Days
China Highlights & Yangtze River Cruise: Beijing, Xi'an & Shanghai - 11 Days

From the Imperial capital of Beijing to the glittering skyline of Shanghai, you'll journey across China by plane, train, and ship on this 11-day adventure that loops in most of the country's most popular sights. Walk the halls of the Forbidden City, hike a portion of the Great Wall, and witness thousands of stone soldiers at the Terracotta Warrior Museum before settling in for a multiday cruise up the Yangtze River toward Shanghai.

Witness the ethereal rock formations that inspired "Avatar" at China's Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Map of Landscapes of China: Hong Kong, Guilin, Zhangjiajie & Shanghai - 11 Days
Landscapes of China: Hong Kong, Guilin, Zhangjiajie & Shanghai - 11 Days

This 11-day adventure connects the dots between two of China's largest metropolises, showcasing the country's rural heartland in between. Start in historic Hong Kong before shrugging off the city for the countryside as you explore the riverine landscapes of Guilin and the soaring karst mountains of Zhangjiajie. After outdoor fun like river cruises and forest hikes, you'll end the trip in Shanghai for a peek at its bustling cityscapes with a side of delicious foodie treats.

Let the little ones stretch their legs and their imaginations with a walk along the Great Wall of China
Map of Family Fun in China: World Wonders, Ancient Temples & Cultural Highlights - 11 Days
Family Fun in China: World Wonders, Ancient Temples & Cultural Highlights - 11 Days

This 11-day family tour showcases the best of China's ancient history, rich culture, and natural wonders. Start in the capital city of Beijing, where you'll sample Peking duck, see the famed Tiananmen Square, and walk the towering paths of the Great Wall. Then, you're off to Xi'an to try delicious street food in the Muslim Quarter and discover the wonders of the Terracotta Army. See the Reed Flute Cave in Guilin, cruise the scenic Li River, and end with some high-flying fun at a Shanghai acrobat show.

Bridge across the Yangtze River near Three Gorges Dam
Map of China's Ancient Capitals & Yangtze River Cruise - 13 Days
China's Ancient Capitals & Yangtze River Cruise - 13 Days

Experience the ancient capitals of China, regarded as the cradles of Chinese civilization. You'll also explore the longest river in Asia on a luxurious river cruise which takes you to one of the world's largest dams. This tour is a great balance of history, breathtaking views, and insight into Chinese culture.

Experience the dramatic karst scenery in Guilin during a boat ride down the tranquil Li River
Map of Best of China: Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin & Shanghai - 12 Days
Best of China: Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin & Shanghai - 12 Days

Spend 12 days discovering four iconic cities in China, starting in the capital, Beijing. Enjoy a traditional Peking duck dinner, trek a portion of the Great Wall, and cruise across Kunming Lake before flying to Xi'an. Here, you can walk along the ancient city walls and admire the artistry of the Terracotta Army. Then, the Reed Flute Cave, Longji Rice Terraces, and tranquil Li River await your discovery in the Guanxi region. End with a highlights tour of Shanghai, where you'll see a mix of historic and modern highlights.

Cherry blossoms in Xi'an
Map of Best of China - 13 Days
Best of China - 13 Days

This packed itinerary checks off China's top cultural and natural highlights. Visit Beijing to see the Forbidden City and hike along the Great Wall, then take the bullet train to Xi'an to see the Terracotta Warriors. Visit Guilin to see the world's tallest Buddha and enjoy Yangshuo's serene countryside. Tour Chengdu's panda research station before finishing your trip in metropolitan Shanghai.

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Map of Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai Tour - 7 days
Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai Tour - 7 days

In just a week you'll manage to cover many of the highlight cities of China, from ancient Xi'an to modern Shanghai. This "golden triangle" tour begins in the nation's capital of Beijing, where you'll visit the most incredible landmarks like the Imperial City and the Great Wall of  China. Then you're off to Xi'an to see the famous Terracotta Army before finishing the trip in the metropolitan playground of Shanghai.

Explore the region's most famous cities.
Map of Discover China, Hong Kong and Macau - 12 Days
Discover China, Hong Kong and Macau - 12 Days

Take a great trip to China and experience the country's most famous attractions. Trek the Great Wall, explore the world's largest palace, the Forbidden City, view the amazing 2,000-year-old Terracotta Warriors, and visit Hong Kong and Macau on this comprehensive trip.

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Map of Yangtze River Cruise -7 Days
Yangtze River Cruise -7 Days

Get ready for an adventure into the very heart of China as you embark on a five-star cruise down the Yangtze River. The journey begins in Beijing, where you'll not only visit the Forbidden City but you'll take a walk on the Great Wall, too. Then you're off to Chongqing where you'll board a riverboat for three days on jade waters flanked by towering cliffs before finishing the trip in Shanghai.

Spend three days exploring the tranquil Yangtze River aboard a cruise ship
Map of Ultimate China & Yangtze River Cruise: Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu & Shanghai - 13 Days
Ultimate China & Yangtze River Cruise: Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu & Shanghai - 13 Days

Explore China's rich cultural, historical, and natural landmarks on this 13-day tour. Start in the capital, Bejing, and see highlights, including the Changling Tomb, before hiking a portion of the Great Wall. Catch the bullet train to Xi'an and discover the Terracotta Army, then bond with the giant pandas at Chengdu. Settle in for a multiday cruise along the Yangtze River and finish with a highlights tour of Shanghai.

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Map of Tour of Shanghai, Chengdu, Lhasa, Xi'an, & Beijing - 14 Days
Tour of Shanghai, Chengdu, Lhasa, Xi'an, & Beijing - 14 Days

This 14-day itinerary covers the highlights of China and more, beginning in Shanghai before flying to Sichuan province to visit the largest Giant Panda breeding center in the world. After stopping in Tibet's capital of Lhasa for a cultural tour, you'll head to the ancient capital of China, Xi'an and see its historic Terracotta Army. The trip culminates in Beijing with a visit to the Forbidden City and a walk around the most iconic landmark in the country: the Great Wall of China.

Xi'an's ancient city walls are some of China's best preserved fortifications
Map of Best of East & South China's Culture & Natural Wonders: Beijing to Shanghai - 14 Days
Best of East & South China's Culture & Natural Wonders: Beijing to Shanghai - 14 Days

Immerse yourself in China's iconic natural wonders on this two-week tour, starting with a city break in Beijing. Visit iconic landmarks like the Forbidden City and Summer Palace before transferring to Xi'an to discover the Terracotta Army. Continue to Zhangjiajie's ethereal landscapes and test your courage on the infamous Glass Bridge. Then, admire the karst mountains and terraced rice fields in Guilin and Yangshuo, concluding your journey in Shanghai, where modernity meets tradition.

Cycle through Yangshuo's picturesque countryside, enjoying views of the karst mountains
Map of City Highlights & Natural Wonders in South & East China - 15 Days
City Highlights & Natural Wonders in South & East China - 15 Days

Nature lovers will thrive on this 15-day tour of China's natural wonders, starting with a city break in Beijing. Walk along the Great Wall and see ancient city sights, then fly to Xi'an to marvel at the Terracotta Army. A breathtaking six days in Zhangjiajie's limestone mountains comes next with Li River excursions, visits to Guilin's Longji Rice Terraces, and a thrilling walk across the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge. You'll conclude by trading towering peaks for city skyscrapers with two nights in cosmopolitan Shanghai.

The Great Wall zigzags more than 3,852 miles (6,200 km) through deserts, plains, hills, and oceans
Map of Discover the Best of China: Beijing to Shanghai - 14 Days
Discover the Best of China: Beijing to Shanghai - 14 Days

Experience China's most famous attractions on this two-week tour. Trek the Great Wall, explore the world's largest palace, view the 2,000-year-old Terracotta Warriors, admire pandas at Chengdu Panda Base, and visit the countryside in Guilin and Yangshuo. You'll end the trip in Shanghai, a mesmerizing modern metropolis.

Giant Pandas are a must-see Chinese icon
Map of Classic China Family Trip: Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, & More - 15 Days
Classic China Family Trip: Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, & More - 15 Days

Take your kids to China, a nation of ancient history and modern wonders. Your family will be immersed in Chinese culture and visit the country's most famous sights, including the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Terracotta Warriors. This tour also includes family-friendly activities for families to learn and experience China's treasures.