2-Day Beijing Tour from Shanghai: Imperial Sights & Great Wall
Tour Overview
Fly from Shanghai to Beijing for a compact two-day journey through the capital’s imperial heritage, local culture and mountain scenery.
Start at the very heart of Beijing’s imperial past: Tian’anmen Square and the Forbidden City. Then experience a different side of Beijing in hutong lanes of Nanluoguxiang. Watch locals practice Tai Chi and go about their morning routines at the Temple of Heaven Park before your hike on the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall.
With private transfers and flights connecting Shanghai and Beijing, this two-day trip crams in the city’s landmarks while still giving you a real taste of local life.
Travel Destination: Beijing
Suitable for: First-time visitors to Beijing, history and architecture enthusiasts
Tour type: Private
Tour at A Glance
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Day
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Destinations
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What to See & Do
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1
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Shanghai → Beijing
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Flight from Shanghai to Beijing, Tian’anmen Square, Forbidden City, Nanluoguxiang Hutong, optional Sanlitun nightlife
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2
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Beijing → Shanghai
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Temple of Heaven, morning park activities & Tai Chi, Mutianyu Great Wall, Great Wall watchtowers & mountain views, optional toboggan ride, flight back to Shanghai
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Highlights of This Tour
Walk through the heart of Beijing’s imperial city from Tian’anmen Square into the Forbidden City to see red-walled and yellow-tiled palace halls and architectural details.
Experience Beijing’s morning park culture, watching locals exercise, sing, dance, and practice Tai Chi before exploring the grand imperial complex.
Trade city streets for mountain scenery at Mutianyu section of the Great Wall — walk among watchtowers, forested hills and get panoramic views.
Day-by-day Itinerary
- Day 1: Shanghai to Beijing by FlightDiscover Imperial Heritage and Vibrant Local Life
In the early morning, the driver will pick you up at your Shanghai hotel and take you to the airport for the flight to Beijing, a journey about 2 to 2.5 hours.
Upon arrival, meet your local guide and driver in the arrivals area and head to the downtown area for lunch first.
Begin your exploration of Beijing at Tian’anmen Square. Standing on the open square, you can see the Tiananmen Rostrum and the representative buildings around it, and get a sense of the scale of the city’s central axis.
Tian'anmen Gate Tower of Tian'anmen Square in Beijing Walk north to the Forbidden City (closed on Mondays). Visit the main halls and courtyards and learn about the royal ceremonies of the Ming and Qing dynasties and the lives of the royal family. Along the way, see the architectural details, such as the roofs, painted decorations, stone carvings, and ridge ornaments.
If time permits, make a brief visit to Nanluoguxiang Hutong. Wander along the old streets and alleys, visit the quadrangle courtyards and browse distinctive shops and cafes. You can also buy some small souvenirs or stop for a short break.
Stroll along Nanluoguxiang Hutong in Beijing After sightseeing, you will be transferred to the hotel for check-in. Spend the evening at your leisure.
Recommended Night Activity: If you are still energetic, make your own way to Sanlitun, a representative modern commercial area known for its nightlife and strong international atmosphere. There are many bars, restaurants, cafes and live music venues. Find a restaurant you like for dinner or sit down in a bar to experience the lively side of Beijing.
- Day 2: Beijing to Shanghai by FlightExperience Beijing’s Morning Culture and Scenic Great Wall Adventure
The Temple of Heaven is the first stop today. See its architecture such as the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, and notice the circular roofs, blue glazed tiles, and spacious layout. Your guide will explain the royal tradition of worshipping Heaven.
Temple of Heaven under beautiful sunlight You will also see locals walking, exercising, singing or playing chess in the park. If interested, learn a few simple Tai Chi movements from them.
Drive about 1.5–2 hours to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. Compared to the better-known Badaling, this section is more popular among foreign visitors and is relatively less crowded. Depending on your energy level, you can go uphill by hiking, cable car or chairlift. Once at the top, walk along the ramparts and see the watchtowers and mountain views.
For the descent, the cable car is also available. You can also take the toboggan if it is operating that day.
Note: The toboggan is suitable for visitors aged 3 to 60. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. Pregnant women and anyone unable to use the toboggan are advised to take the cable car back down.
Mutianyu Great Wall toboggan slide At the end of the day, your guide and driver will take you to the airport for your return flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, your local driver will meet you at the airport and take you back to your hotel, ending your 2-day Beijing tour.
Tour Price Per Person
The price varies depending on the activity, number of people, travel date, and selected hotel. Please contact us for a specific price.
Accommodation For This 2-Day Beijing Tour from Shanghai
For your China private tour, the choice is in your hands: you can select luxury 5-star hotels for unparalleled comfort, cozy 4-star accommodations, or value-for-money 3-star options.
All our partner hotels are handpicked for their prime locations, conveniently situated near bustling commercial areas. Every room is equipped with standard amenities like air conditioning, hot water, 24-hour showers, reliable Wi-Fi, and windows for natural light.
In some hotels, there are English-speaking staff who are committed to providing attentive service. Should you have any special requests, feel free to ask - they are always ready to assist.
