Budget, active adventure tour of China visiting Beijing, Hangzhou province and Shanghai.
This captivating journey spans from the historic capital of Beijing to the bustling metropolis of Shanghai, showcasing the best of this magical country.
The adventure commences in Beijing, China's sprawling capital, where travelers have ample time to explore a city steeped in history and culture. With its iconic landmarks like the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven, Beijing provides a captivating introduction to China's rich heritage. The tour also takes a mesmerizing detour to one of the world's most iconic wonders, the Great Wall of China, where guests have the extraordinary opportunity to camp on a secluded section of the wall and witness a breathtaking sunset.
Leaving the city's bustling streets behind, the journey leads to rural China, specifically Hangzhou in the Zhejiang region. Here, adventurers can choose to embark on a trek to Moganshan Peak, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. A highlight of this leg of the journey is a visit to a stunning lagoon, inviting travelers to swim in its crystal-clear waters, providing a serene and rejuvenating experience.
The tour's grand finale unfolds in Shanghai, the world's most populous city and a vibrant hub of culture, commerce, and nightlife. Shanghai offers a dynamic contrast to the tranquility of rural China, allowing travelers to savor the energetic atmosphere and explore the city's myriad attractions. From sampling mouth-watering cuisine to indulging in shopping sprees, Shanghai is a sensory delight.
Throughout the journey, the tour maintains a budget-friendly approach, ensuring that travelers can experience the wonders of China without breaking the bank. Accommodations are chosen to provide comfortable lodging, allowing guests to rest and rejuvenate for each day's adventures
Highlights
Hike & Camp on the Great Wall, Mandarin Lesson, Visit West Lake & Take a Boat Tour, Hike Jiuyao Mountain for Sunset, Hike the 9 Creeks in Misty Woods, Jinmao Tower Platform View
Why you'll love this adventure
- Admire the sunrise on the Great Wall of China
- Enjoy the beautiful rural landscapes of Hangzhou
- Spend the night out in lively Shanghai
Dates
This trip can be tailor made for your perfect travel dates. Please make a booking enquiry for more information.
Itinerary
This trip includes an action packed itinerary! Please make an enquiry and we'll send you the full itinerary for each day including meals, activities, travel and accommodation.
What's included
- All accommodation as stated in the itinerary in basic hostels
- All transport and transfers in trains, buses & public transport
- Sightseeing tours as detailed in the itinerary
- Visa invitation letter
- Entry fees to included activities and attractions
- Bilingual western and local adventure leaders
- Hike & Camp on the Great Wall
- Mandarin Lesson (Beijing)
- Visit West Lake & Take a Boat Tour
- Hike Jiuyao Mountain for Sunset
- Hike the 9 Creeks in Misty Woods
Trip notes
Price
Who is this trip for?
- Suitable For Solo
- Suitable For Couples
- Suitable For Children
- Suitable For Groups
- Suitable For Students
- Suitable For Business
- Suitable For Wheelchairs
Additional notes
Itinerary
DAY 1: Meet in Beijing, Great Wall of China Camping
Kick off your journey by meeting your Adventure Leader and fellow travellers in the hostel lobby for a comprehensive pre-trip briefing. You’ll discover all the highlights of your upcoming 10-day itinerary.
Next, you’ll drop off your luggage and transfer via the train station to a private bus, heading straight for the iconic Great Wall of China. Prepare for an unforgettable hike along an unrestored section before making camp on a secluded part of the Wall. Once night falls, settle in for stunning stargazing and a fun, introductory Mandarin lesson.
(Important: Camping is replaced by an overnight stay in a local guest house when temperatures are cold, specifically before 1 May and after 30 September.)
OVERNIGHT:
Great Wall camping
MEALS:
None
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 2: Great Wall Sunrise & explore Beijing
Start your day with the magnificent sight of the sunrise over the Great Wall—a truly unforgettable experience (pending weather conditions). Once you return to Beijing, enjoy free time to explore as you please.
Perhaps immerse yourself in contemporary culture at the 798 Art District, find serenity at the historic Summer Palace, or coordinate with your fellow travellers to see more of the city’s key sights.
OVERNIGHT:
Beijing hostel
MEALS:
None
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 3: Beijing, free day (optional excursions available)
Begin your day with an optional visit to Tiananmen Square, followed by an exploration of the mighty Forbidden City. Walk through the world’s largest palace complex, a maze of 980 buildings that tells the tale of 24 emperors.
To get the ultimate photograph, hike up Jingshan Park for a panoramic view over the palace roofs. The evening offers a choice of optional extras: be amazed by a thrilling Chinese acrobatics show, or settle down to savour Peking Roast Duck, the legendary dish of Beijing.
OVERNIGHT:
Beijing hostel
MEALS:
None
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 4: Beijing, free day (optional excursions available), then overnight train to Hangzhou
Your final day in Beijing is entirely yours! Spend it bartering for souvenirs at a popular fake goods market, relax amid the history of the Temple of Heaven, or explore the energetic Nanluo district. Here you’ll discover traditional hutongs and courtyards alongside modern cafes and bars.
In the evening, it’s time to collect your luggage and catch the overnight train to Hangzhou to begin the next leg of your journey.
OVERNIGHT:
On board overnight train
MEALS:
None
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 5: Arrive Hangzhou, West Lake visit & Sunset Hike
After arriving in Hangzhou this morning, transfer to your hostel for a late breakfast. We hope you slept on the train! Next, we’re off to the famous West Lake, ready to take a stunning boat tour to one of the Lake’s beautiful islands.
Once you’ve checked in this afternoon,you’ll have some free time. If you’re keen to stay vertical, why not check out China’s National Tea Museum, or the Lingyin Temple?
This evening, it’s an unmissable hike up Jiuyao Mountain to see the stunning sunset from there. Before you head back down to street level for dinner and a free evening to explore. Make sure you check out Hefang Road – the most famous ancient street in town!
OVERNIGHT:
Hangzhou hostel
MEALS:
None
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 6: Nine Creeks Hike, transfer to Shanghai
This morning you have time to take a hike through misty woods to the Nine Creeks. Returning to the hostel for lunch we then catch the bullet train to Shanghai where we transfer via metro to your hostel.
OVERNIGHT:
Shanghai hostel
MEALS:
None
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 7: Shanghai, optional Mandarin Lesson (optional excursions available)
After a lazy morining, you have the option to join a Mandarin Lesson. This extra special class will be held by professional teachers, all the way from the Mandarin Garden Chinese Language School.
Later in the day, there is an option to join a visit to the Yu Gardens , a busy historical site, formerly the site of a lavish family home. You could also visit People’s Square before heading to the worlds busiest shopping street ‘Nanjing Road’
In the evenings, you can enjoy Shanghai’s lively bar scene, and perhaps try out the largest bar crawl in China “the Drunken Dragon Pub Crawl”. If you’re looking for something a little more sophisticated try sipping champagne in a hot tub on the rooftop of a skyscraper, taking in Shanghai’s spectacular skyline.
OVERNIGHT:
Shanghai hostel
MEALS:
None
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 8: Shanghai, free day (optional excursions available)
Today is another free day in Shanghai. There’s lots to do to keep yourself busy, with plenty of sightseeing and shopping on offer. Alternatively you can let us do it for you and choose to take one of the many optional sightseeing tour available (see the Options tab for all available local options).
OVERNIGHT:
Shanghai hostel
MEALS:
None
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 9: Shanghai, free day.
This morning you have the option of joining a stroll through the former French Concession to learn about Shanghai’s international history. You can visit the Propoganda Museum and take in the famous city scapes of the ultra modern Financial District. You could also make a visit to TianZiFang, a local artists lane blending chic and traditional styles.
For any daredevils in the group, you could head to the top of Jinmao Tower and brave the sky walk!
OVERNIGHT:
Shanghai hostel
MEALS:
None
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 10: Tour ends
Today your tour ends and it’s time to say goodbye to the group and new friends made.
OVERNIGHT:
N/A
MEALS:
None
EXTRAS:
None
Tour operator
Unforgettable encounters are at the heart of the adventurous cultural tours from this UK-based operator. Their experiences range from small group tours to epic overland journeys, family, private and tailor-made holidays.
Travellers rave about their experiences and we love their great value approach without making compromises to save time or money and their efforts to leave a positive impression and impact on the countries through which they travel.
Enquire today
Beijing to Shanghai Express tour
"*" indicates required fields
Please complete the enquiry form above with as much detail as you can and we will send you all the trip information and connect you with the operator so you can make a booking directly.
If you have queries and questions about the trip include those in your form and we’ll personally reply to you within 24 hours.
Why Book with Another World Adventures?
Book direct with the tour operator. No mark-ups, no fees.
Save time by browsing our handpicked collection of the best adventure travel experiences.
Claim free travel gifts when you use our site to find your next trip.
A most helpful, friendly and knowledgeable travel company!
Very helpful and provided lots of research material and excellent personal perspectives on the tall ship sailing trip I was interested in taking.— Martin
Excellent thoughtful service.
They were prompt and friendly, and so thorough and helpful in connecting me with my adventure.— Tina
One of a Kind Service!
From the very beginning of reaching out to AWA, they were super helpful, enthusiastic and informative.— Matt