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Private, on your own dates · China

Imperial Wonders: Shanghai, Qingdao & Beijing Explorer (7D6N)

Discover Shanghai, Qingdao and Beijing on a 7-day China tour with high-speed rail, classical gardens, seaside landmarks and the Great Wall.

The route3 cities, 2 nights in each, joined by rail.
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7 days, 6 nightsDuration
3 cities, 15 hotelsWhere you sleep
Daily breakfast at hotel, Daily dinnerMeals

Why this journey

Begin in Shanghai, where the pace shifts quickly from temple courtyards and classical garden design to the polished energy of the Bund and Nanjing Road. The city gives this journey its first contrast: spiritual calm at Jade Buddha Temple, elegant old-world detail in Yuyuan Garden, and a skyline finish across the Huangpu River that frames modern China at its most recognisable.

From Shanghai, the itinerary moves north by high-speed train to Qingdao, a coastal city known for its sea views, colonial-era architecture and relaxed waterfront rhythm. Here the route takes in Zhanqiao Pier, Xiaoyushan Park, the Catholic Church exterior and the city’s modern seaside spaces, while Badaguan and the Beer Museum add local character beyond the standard city circuit. It is an easy place to slow the pace without losing sightseeing value.

Beijing brings the imperial heart of the trip. Tian’anmen Square and the Forbidden City set the historical tone, followed by time at the Great Wall at Juyong Pass, one of the most accessible and rewarding sections for visitors wanting a genuine wall experience without a long overland transfer. The jade and pearl factory visits, tea house stop and Olympic Park photo stop round out the capital with a mix of craftsmanship, culture and contemporary landmarks.

This 7-day, 6-night China tour combines guided sightseeing, rail travel and hotel stays with daily breakfast and dinner, making it a strong choice for travellers who want three distinct Chinese destinations linked into one clear route. With English-speaking guidance in each city and private transfers throughout, the journey keeps logistics simple while covering some of the country’s best-known highlights.

Trip highlights

  • 01Three distinct Chinese cities in one route: Shanghai, Qingdao and Beijing
  • 02High-speed train connections between cities for efficient intercity travel
  • 03Shanghai highlights include Jade Buddha Temple, Yuyuan Garden and The Bund
  • 04Qingdao combines coastal views, historic architecture and beer heritage
  • 05Beijing covers Tian’anmen Square, the Forbidden City and the Great Wall at Juyong Pass
  • 06Daily breakfast and dinner are included for simpler trip planning
  • 07English-speaking guides are arranged in each destination
  • 08Private transfers are included between airports, railway stations, hotels and sightseeing points

Day-by-day itinerary

What's included

Included in your trip7 items covered in this fare
Hotels1
  • Hotel accommodation on twin-sharing basis
Transfers1
  • Private transfers between airports, railway stations, hotels and sightseeing spots as mentioned
Sightseeing1
  • Mineral water
Entrances1
  • Entrance fees to scenic spots listed in the itinerary
Guides1
  • One driver and one English-speaking guide for normal sightseeing in each destination
Meals2
  • Daily breakfast at hotel
  • Daily dinner
Plan and pay separately10 items not covered by this fare
Flights2
  • International airfare
  • Domestic airfare and train ticket
Visa1
  • Visa fee and passport application or renewal fee
Insurance1
  • Travel insurance
Meals1
  • Meals not mentioned in the inclusions
Tips1
  • Tips for guides, escort, drivers and bellmen
Personal Expenses1
  • Personal expenses such as excess luggage, laundry, postage, communications and beverages
Taxes3
  • City tax
  • Hotel/resort tax
  • Tourism fee

Your hotels

ShanghaiShanghai Huajing Hotel★★★
ShanghaiShanghai Huajing Hotel★★★
QingdaoQingdao Jinjiang Inn★★★
BeijingBeijing Jinfeng Hotel★★★
BeijingBeijing Jinfeng Hotel★★★
ShanghaiShanghai Park Inn by Radisson Hotel★★★★
ShanghaiShanghai Park Inn by Radisson Hotel★★★★
QingdaoQingdao Sanford Hotel★★★★
BeijingBeijing Superhouse International Hotel★★★★
BeijingBeijing Superhouse International Hotel★★★★
ShanghaiShanghai Delta by Marriott Hotel★★★★★
ShanghaiShanghai Delta by Marriott Hotel★★★★★
QingdaoQingdao Gloria Plaza Hotel★★★★★
BeijingBeijing Ritan Hotel★★★★★
BeijingBeijing Ritan Hotel★★★★★
Meeting & drop-off
You're met atShanghai International AirportShanghai International Airport, Shanghai, ChinaReport by On arrival
You're dropped atBeijing International AirportBy about After breakfast on day 7

You leave from a different place than you arrive — book an open-jaw flight, not a return.

Meet your local guide on arrival for transfer to the hotel.

15 go inside2 walk through3 exterior only
Shanghai6 places
Jade Buddha TempleEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Yuyuan GardenEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Silk FactoryEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Nanjing RoadEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
The BundEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Oriental Pearl TowerSeen from outside — no entry
Exterior view
Qingdao7 places
Zhanqiao PierEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Xiaoyushan ParkEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Olympic Sailing CenterEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Qingdao Beer MuseumEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Badaguan Scenic AreaEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
May Fourth SquarePassed through on the guided tour
Walk through
Catholic Church (St. Michael's)Seen from outside — no entry
Exterior view
Beijing7 places
Forbidden CityEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Pearl FactoryEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Great Wall at Juyong PassEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Jade FactoryEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Traditional Tea HouseEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Tian'anmen SquarePassed through on the guided tour
Walk through
Beijing Olympic ParkSeen from outside — no entry
Exterior view

China

IdealGoodFairAvoid
OctIdeal

Spring (Mar–May) and autumn (Sep–Nov) are ideal. Avoid Golden Week (Oct 1–7) peak crowds.

Beijing
Average High
18°C
Rainfall
16mm
Shanghai
Average High
23°C
Rainfall
62mm
Guilin
Average High
25°C
Rainfall
52mm
Xi'an
Average High
18°C
Rainfall
52mm
Essential

Passport and visa responsibility

  • Guests must hold valid passports and secure the required China visa before travel.
  • Any passport renewal or application costs are not included in the package.
Essential

Insurance and personal preparedness

  • Travel insurance is mandatory and must be arranged before departure.
  • Travellers should review their own health requirements and carry any personal medication needed for the trip.

Rail and transfer arrangements

  • The journey uses high-speed train connections between Shanghai, Qingdao and Beijing.
  • Private transfers are included between stations, hotels and listed sightseeing points.
  • Separate transfers may attract additional charges.

Hotel basis

  • Accommodation is based on two adults sharing one standard twin room.
  • Hotel substitutes of similar standard may be used if operationally necessary.

Included meals

  • Daily breakfast and daily dinner are included.
  • Any meals not specifically listed remain at the traveller’s expense.

Extra costs to budget for

  • International airfare, domestic airfare and train tickets are excluded.
  • Guests should budget for tips, personal expenses, taxes and any optional purchases.

What to pack

  • Pack comfortable walking shoes for city sightseeing and the Great Wall.
  • Bring layers for changing weather between coastal Qingdao and inland Beijing.
  • A small day bag is useful for rail travel and sightseeing days.

Respectful travel

  • Travellers should follow local laws, site rules and cultural etiquette at temples, heritage sites and public places.
  • Photography restrictions may apply at some venues.
  • The guide will advise on site-specific expectations where needed.

Common questions

Is this tour suitable for first-time visitors to China?

Yes. It covers three of China’s best-known destinations and includes guided sightseeing, rail transfers and hotel stays, which makes it suitable for first-time visitors.

Are the train tickets included?

No. The package mentions high-speed train travel between cities, but domestic train tickets are excluded unless otherwise specified.

What style of travel is this package best for?

It suits travellers who want a city-focused China itinerary with a mix of heritage, coastal scenery and efficient rail connections.

Are entrance fees included for all attractions?

Entrance fees are included for the scenic spots listed in the itinerary, while any optional or separately arranged items remain at the traveller’s expense.

Will the itinerary change between departures?

The operator may adjust the final arrangement to suit local operating conditions, while keeping the original itinerary as close as possible.

Policies & booking terms
Booking terms
  1. Full payment must be completed 30 days prior to departure, unless otherwise specified.
  2. All bookings are subject to availability at the time of confirmation.
  3. Travel insurance is mandatory and must be purchased prior to departure.
  4. Prices are subject to change due to fluctuations in currency exchange rates, taxes, or supplier costs.
  5. Guests are responsible for obtaining valid passports, visas, and any required vaccinations.
  6. Cancellations or amendments are subject to the applicable cancellation policy outlined in the package.
  7. The company is not liable for delays, cancellations, or changes due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather, strikes, or other force majeure events.
  8. All travelers must adhere to the local laws and customs of the destinations visited.
  9. No refunds will be issued for unused services, including but not limited to meals, accommodations, or activities.
  10. The company reserves the right to modify the itinerary or substitute hotels of similar standards if necessary.
  11. All special requests (e.g., room preferences, dietary requirements) are subject to availability and not guaranteed.
  12. Guests are responsible for any additional costs incurred due to personal expenses, such as phone calls, laundry, or minibar charges.
  13. Check-in and check-out times are subject to hotel policies and may vary by property.
✦AI trip designer

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