Looking for the best cities in China that capture the nation’s heart and soul? Then, you have to take a look at this 7-Day Beijing and Shanghai Tour Package from Nepal!
Though there are many metropolitan cities in China that are popular with tourists, it’s said that there’s something truly magical and enticing about Beijing and Shanghai. The vibrancy and captivating energy found here cannot be compared to other cities.
You’ll start your tour in the capital city, Beijing, famous for its historical landmarks, picturesque hutongs (alleyways) and colorful markets. Sites like the Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and Jingshan Park are all part of your trip which will help you soak in the city’s deep rooted history and flourishing cultural traditions.
After touring all these amazing places, you’ll then take a bullet train to Shanghai. Here, you’ll get to explore Zhujiajiao Water Town, which straight up looks like a fantasy movie set!
To get the best experience, you can even hop on a boat and glide through the waters and see ancient stone bridges and scenic winding alleyways guaranteed to take your breath away.
The Mutianyu Great Wall is also covered on this tour, along with other renowned attractions like the Bund Area, Nanjing Road, Shanghai Tower, Yuyuan Garden & Bazaar, Tianzifang and Xintiandi that perfectly encapsulate this city’s ageless beauty, cultural heritage and local lifestyle.
Discover China: Cities, Attractions and Optimal Travel Season
To help plan your journey, we’ve listed out Beijing and Shanghai’s top landmarks alongside their popularity and best travel seasons.
|
Cities |
Best Known For |
Attractions Covered |
Optimal Travel Season |
|
Beijing |
Imperial palaces, confucian temples, historic alleys and ancient gardens |
Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City and Jingshan Park, Summer Palace and Mutianyu Great Wall |
Spring season (March to May) Autumn season (September to October) |
|
Shanghai |
Towering skyscrapers, ancient gardens, historical temples and trendy cafes |
Bund Area, Nanjing Road, Zhujiajiao Water Town, Shanghai Tower, Yuyuan Garden and Bazaar, Tianzifang and Xintiandi |
Spring season (March to May) Autumn season (September to October) |
Explore the Ancient Wonders of the Temple of Heaven
You’ll start this tour in the capital city of Beijing, where you’ll visit the Temple of Heaven, a historical landmark that was constructed during the 15th century. Established using Chinese architecture, the temple consists of three main structures namely the Hall of Prayer, the Imperial Vault of Heaven and the Circular Mound Altar.
In the past, this landmark used to be visited by many emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties to pray for good fortune and harvest, though these days, it serves more as a tourist attraction helping visitors learn about the rich history and cultural legacy of Beijing.
Step into China’s History at Tiananmen Square
The next destination is Tiananmen Square, a public plaza that holds immense political, historical and cultural significance in China. Built during the ruling of the Ming dynasty, this destination comprises an area of around 44 hectares!
Additionally, this destination is home to many of the city's prominent landmarks like the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum of China and Chairman Mao’s Memorial Hall among many others.
Travel Back to the Past in the Forbidden City
The next destination that you’ll be exploring in Beijing is the Forbidden City that served as the royal residence for the Ming and Qing dynasties. In the past, only royal families could enter and live here and it was hence forbidden to the general public.
Enclosed by staggering high walls, this attraction features numerous historic halls, palaces, courtyards, museums and galleries that have helped preserve the rich history and thriving cultural legacy of this historical site.
Additionally, the two courtyards located here, which are the inner and outer, are the palace’s most visited sites, as in the past they were used in organizing various public ceremonies and state administrative activities.
Capture Panoramic views from Jingshan Park
To provide you with a bit of rejuvenation on your trip, you’ll also be stopping by Jingshan Park located on the Beijing Central Axis. Additionally, this destination features scenic pavilions, Buddha statues, lush green trees and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2024 (as part of the Beijing Central Axis).
Visit the Legendary Mutianyu Great Wall
Travelers interested in history and adventure will find exploring the Mutianyu Great Wall an enriching experience. Built during the Qi dynasty period, the wall stretches 5400 meters (but only a restored length of the wall can be explored, i.e., around 2250 meters).
Tracing back its history, this landmark was initially constructed during the Northern Qi dynasty and was later rebuilt during the Ming dynasty for defensive purposes.
Finally, visit Summer Palace, which is this beautiful imperial garden built during the 18th century. Consisting of many courtyards, halls and pavilions, this palace used to function as a place of relaxation and retreat for many of the royal family members of the Qing dynasty.
Wander Through The Charming Canals Of Zhujiajiao Water Town
Your tour itinerary also consists of taking you to Zhujiajia Water Town, located in the Qingpu district, Shanghai. Known for its historical architecture, picturesque water canals and ancient stone bridges, this town straight up looks like a fairytale destination!
You can also go boating at this site (at an additional cost), where you’ll glide through narrow canals and get to see many local residential homes, stone bridges and ancient temples.
Experience Shanghai’s Iconic Skyline At The Bund
The next attraction that you’ll be visiting in Shanghai is the Bund, a 1.5 kilometer long water front area situated near the Huangpu River. From here, you’ll also be able to see city views of renowned landmarks like Shanghai Tower, Oriental Pearl TV Tower and Jin Mao Tower.
Shop At The Bustling Nanjing Road
You’ll also have a chance to explore the vibrant Nanjing Road that stretches all the way from the historic Bund area in the east to the Jingan temple in the west. Here, you’ll be able to find many elegant boutiques, modern malls, trendy eateries and side street stalls, which all greatly differ in terms of atmosphere, architecture and price range.
The road is divided into two major parts, which are Nanjing East Road and Nanjing West Road. Likewise, a few local souvenirs that you can buy while shopping here include silk scarves, handmade jewellery, herbal teas and paintings.
Visit The Observation Deck In Shanghai Tower
Nestled in the Pudong new area, the Shanghai Tower has been a top sightseeing destination for many travelers when visiting this city. Opened to the public in 2017, this tower is the tallest building in all of China, as it stands at a staggering height of 632 meters and consists of 100 plus floors.
To get the best experience, you’ll be taken to the observation deck, from which you'll be able to get panoramic skyline views of the city that will definitely leave you mesmerized.
Relax And Rejuvenate At Yuyuan Garden
Next, explore the remarkable Yuyuan Garden that was built under the guidance of Pan Yunduan (a high ranking official of the Ming dynasty). In the past, this attraction used to serve as a private recreational attraction for his family members.
This garden features many ancient hallways, pavilions, bridges, uniquely designed gates and pagodas that will help you learn about the rich architecture and traditional Chinese gardens.
Following this, explore Yuyuan Bazaar, where you’ll find many traditional Chinese souvenirs like herbal teas, handmade jewellery items, silk umbrellas and qipao (traditional Chinese) dresses.
Explore Shanghai’s Artistic Side
For Nepali travelers who are into art, history, culture and shopping, Tianzifang and Xintiandi are two of Shanghai’s top rated locations!
Tianzifang, situated in the former French Concession, is this vibrant area known for its picturesque alleyways, old residential houses and colorful boutiques. Likewise, Xintiandi will feel more upscale and polished in comparison as it features international restaurants, high end boutiques and local boutiques.
India
Thank you so much, Holidays to Nepal team, for their time and effort that they have put into our tour to make it memorable. Our holiday tour to Bali wouldn’t have been completed without your perfect and cosy planning. It was such a good experience, and I will definitely choose Holidays to Nepal for our next trip as well, and I highly recommend others choose them as their travel partner as well. Keep it up, and best of luck for more achievements.