Amara Johnson
April 19, 2026
Customized China Tours Tailored Just for You
This 7-day exclusive private tour lets you explore China’s most vibrant cosmopolitan destinations, starting in the ancient imperial capital Beijing before moving on to the cutting-edge modern metropolis Shanghai, with added stops at iconic water town Wuzhen and one other hand-picked highlight. Curated to bring you the very best of Chinese cultural and city life contrasts, this itinerary delivers unbeatable value, transparent competitive pricing, and secure, trusted payment options for total peace of mind throughout your booking and travel experience.
This 7-day private curated trip kicks off in Beijing, China’s centuries-old imperial capital, where you’ll dive deep into imperial history, traditional local life, and contemporary art before traveling south to Shanghai, China’s dynamic, futuristic global business and culture hub. The itinerary weaves together iconic landmarks, hidden local gems, and a peaceful detour to a timeless water town, creating the perfect balanced introduction to China’s most exciting cosmopolitan destinations that blends ancient heritage and modern energy seamlessly.
Today is your arrival day in Beijing! After meeting your private guide at the airport or train station, you’ll be escorted straight to your accommodation to settle in after your travels. 🏨 You’ll spend the night at Super House International Hotel, rested and ready to start exploring the capital tomorrow.
Kick off your first full day of exploration with a morning walk across the vast, historic Tiananmen Square, followed by a visit to Mao’s Mausoleum. Next, you’ll join a private guided tour of the Forbidden City, the 600-year-old former imperial palace, where you’ll learn hidden stories behind the red walls and golden rooftops that most solo travelers miss. In the afternoon, you’ll wander Beijing’s cozy, winding traditional hutong alleyways, getting an authentic peek into generations-old local life. 🍽️ A complimentary breakfast is served at your hotel, and a group lunch at a popular local tourist restaurant is included after your morning of exploring. 🏨 You’ll return to Super House International Hotel for the night.
Today brings the perfect contrast of natural scenery and contemporary art! You’ll head out of the city core in the morning to hike the Huanghuacheng section of the Great Wall, a less crowded stretch that winds through rolling green hills and past scenic mountain lakes, far from the crowds of more touristy wall sections. After working up an appetite, you’ll stop for lunch before heading to the iconic 798 Art District, a repurposed factory complex turned China’s most famous hub for contemporary art, street murals, and trendy cafes. 🍽️ Breakfast at your hotel and lunch at a local spot are included. 🏨 Spend another night at Super House International Hotel.
Start your final morning in Beijing with a peaceful visit to the stunning Temple of Heaven complex, a 15th-century imperial worship site famous for its ornate circular halls and manicured gardens, where locals still gather for tai chi at dawn. After your tour, you’ll be transferred to the train station or airport for your trip south to Shanghai. 🍽️ A complimentary breakfast is served at your Beijing hotel before departure. 🏨 Upon arrival in Shanghai, you’ll check into the stylish Shanghai SSAW Boutique Hotel for your stay.
Your first full day of exploring Shanghai takes you through layers of the city’s diverse history. Start in Old Town with a stroll through the exquisite Yu Garden, a classic Ming-dynasty garden filled with winding pavilions, koi ponds, and delicate rock formations. Next, wander through the bustling adjacent bazaar and local market, where you can browse handmade souvenirs and sample local street snacks. In the afternoon, visit the serene Jade Buddha Temple, home to two stunning giant jade Buddha statues, before ending your day with a leisurely walk through the tree-lined streets of the former French Concession, dotted with colonial-era mansions, trendy boutiques, and cute coffee shops. 🍽️ Breakfast at your hotel and lunch at a local tourist restaurant are included. 🏨 Stay overnight at Shanghai SSAW Boutique Hotel.
Today mixes a serene water town day trip with a dose of unique 20th-century history. You’ll head out to the ancient water town of Zhujiajiao in the morning, where you’ll tour a beautifully preserved old merchant courtyard that showcases traditional wealthy Chinese life from centuries ago. Next, climb into a traditional wooden gondola for a peaceful glide through the town’s network of crisscrossing canals, lined with old stone bridges and white-washed waterfront homes. After your ride, settle into a local tea house for a relaxing tea tasting accompanied by soft traditional Chinese music. Back in central Shanghai, you’ll visit the one-of-a-kind Shanghai Propaganda Poster Museum, home to a fascinating collection of vintage 20th-century Chinese propaganda art. 🍽️ Breakfast at your hotel and lunch at a local Zhujiajiao restaurant are included. 🏨 Return to Shanghai SSAW Boutique Hotel for the night.
Today is your departure day! After enjoying a complimentary breakfast at your hotel, you’ll be transferred to the airport or train station for your onward journey, with memories of ancient imperial palaces, sweeping Great Wall views, and the buzz of modern China to take home with you. 🍽️ Breakfast at your hotel is included.
Min 2 · Max 20 people per group
Traveler reviews
April 19, 2026
My 7-day tour exceeded every expectation I had going into it. In Beijing, we got to explore hidden hutong alleyways I never would have found on my own, plus see the Forbidden City with context from our guide that made centuries of history feel alive. When we moved to Shanghai, we got amazing off-the-beaten-path recommendations for street food and rooftop bars that aren't in most mainstream tourist guidebooks. The private car service meant we never had to figure out public transit in a new country, which made the whole trip feel so relaxing. I'm already planning my next trip back to China with the same company.
February 14, 2026
I would recommend this tour to anyone looking to experience the best of Beijing and Shanghai in a week.
October 2, 2025
Ethan from HelloChinaTrip customized this tour perfectly for my partner and I, who love both history and modern street food culture. We got to walk the Great Wall at Mutianyu before the big crowds hit, eat authentic Peking duck in a local Beijing spot, then bar hop along the Bund in Shanghai a few days later. All our intercity transfers and hotel bookings were sorted out for us, so we never had to stress about planning anything. This is easily the best organized international trip I’ve ever taken.
April 30, 2025
As someone who doesn't usually enjoy crowded group tours, this private experience was such a breath of fresh air. We got to skip lines at major sites and our guide tailored the itinerary to our interest in modern and historical architecture. 7 days is just the right amount of time to see both cities without feeling rushed.
March 12, 2025
This private Beijing-Shanghai tour was absolutely perfect from start to finish.
January 22, 2025
I really enjoyed every part of this tour, our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and all arrangements were seamless. We visited during Chinese New Year, which meant most popular attractions were much more wonderful than we expected, so we had to wait a little longer at a few spots. It's still an amazing trip, just plan for peak season crowds if you go at the same time.
December 30, 2024
The contrast between ancient Beijing and modern Shanghai that this tour highlights is such a great way to experience two totally different sides of China. Every detail was taken care of perfectly, and I left already wanting to come back for another visit.
December 18, 2024
I loved getting to explore both the ancient imperial side of Beijing and the futuristic skyline of Shanghai. Having a private guide meant I could go at my own pace instead of rushing with a big group. It was the ideal introduction to China for first-time visitors.
