Beijing, Shanghai & Guangzhou Grand City Journey

Upon arrival in Beijing, your private guide will meet you outside the baggage claim area. During the transfer, your guide will introduce some of Beijing’s most famous landmarks and their historical background.

After settling in, visit the Forbidden City, including the Treasure Gallery and Clock and Watch Gallery. Follow the historic central axis through important imperial halls such as the Hall of Supreme Harmony and the Palace of Heavenly Purity while discovering the ceremonial traditions and treasures of the Ming and Qing dynasties.

In the afternoon, climb to Wanchun Pavilion in Jingshan Park for panoramic views across the red walls and golden rooftops of the Forbidden City.

As evening approaches, stroll through the Shichahai hutongs, enjoy the lakeside scenery and experience the everyday atmosphere of old Beijing.

Travel to the Mutianyu Great Wall for a full-day exploration.

Take the cable car up to the mountain ridge, reducing the amount of climbing required, and walk along the historic fortifications and watchtowers. Enjoy plenty of time for photography and panoramic views across the surrounding mountains while experiencing the scale of one of the world’s most famous landmarks.

Return to central Beijing in the evening and visit Olympic Park to see the illuminated Bird’s Nest and Water Cube.

Later, explore Guijie Street, one of Beijing’s best-known dining areas, and experience the lively atmosphere of the capital after dark.

Explore the Summer Palace, one of China’s finest imperial gardens.

Cruise across Kunming Lake, visit the Tower of Buddhist Incense and admire the combination of architecture, gardens, water and mountains that represents the sophistication of traditional Chinese landscape design.

In the afternoon, discover two quieter historic temples away from the largest tourist crowds.

Visit Zhihua Temple, a Ming dynasty Buddhist complex known for its historic architecture and traditional Jing Music performances, followed by Fayuan Temple, one of Beijing’s oldest Buddhist temples, known for its peaceful atmosphere.

In the evening, attend The Legend of Kung Fu, a theatrical production combining Chinese martial arts, acrobatics and cultural storytelling.

Travel from Beijing to Shanghai by high-speed train or flight.

After arrival and some time to settle in, cross the Huangpu River and ascend to the observation deck on the 118th floor of Shanghai Tower.

From above, enjoy sweeping views over Lujiazui’s famous skyscrapers and the wider Shanghai skyline.

In the evening, walk along Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street and experience one of the city’s busiest commercial districts.

Finish the day with a Huangpu River cruise, enjoying illuminated views of the Bund and Pudong skyline from the water.

Begin with a leisurely walk along Wukang Road and Anfu Road.

See the iconic Wukang Mansion and explore streets lined with historic villas, boutique stores, cafés and tree-shaded architecture that reflect Shanghai’s distinctive cosmopolitan heritage.

In the afternoon, visit 1933 Old Millfun, a striking former industrial building now known for its unusual architecture and creative atmosphere.

Continue to Fuxing Island Park, a quieter riverside destination featuring landscaped gardens and a more relaxed side of Shanghai away from the major tourist areas.

In the evening, explore the Julu Road or Huaihai Road area and experience Shanghai’s refined dining and contemporary urban lifestyle.

Visit the Shanghai Museum and explore its renowned collection of Chinese bronzes, ceramics, paintings, calligraphy and other cultural treasures.

In the afternoon, walk through the historic Sinan Mansions, a neighbourhood known for its century-old residences, before continuing to Tianzifang, where traditional Shikumen lanes have been transformed into a lively collection of studios, boutiques and cafés.

In the evening, watch ERA – Intersection of Time, a performance combining Chinese acrobatics, multimedia technology and contemporary stage production, reflecting Shanghai’s innovative character.

Travel from Shanghai to Guangzhou by high-speed train or flight.

After arrival, begin exploring Guangzhou at the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, celebrated for its elaborate wood, stone and brick carvings as well as traditional Lingnan craftsmanship.

Continue to Yongqing Fang, a revitalised historic Xiguan neighbourhood that includes Bruce Lee’s ancestral home, before visiting Shamian Island, known for its European-style architecture and century-old banyan trees.

As evening approaches, explore Shangxiajiu or Xihua Road and sample classic Cantonese specialities such as rice noodle rolls, beef brisket noodles and traditional desserts.

Finish the day with a Pearl River night cruise, enjoying illuminated views of the Guangzhou skyline and Canton Tower.

Begin at Pantang Wuyue, a historic village area with more than 900 years of history, where traditional brick lanes offer a quieter glimpse of old Guangzhou.

Continue to Liwan Lake Park, where you may experience local Cantonese opera and the everyday atmosphere of the old city.

In the afternoon, explore the historic villas of Xinhepu, known for its peaceful streets and Republican-era red-brick architecture.

Continue to Beijing Road, where archaeological remains of ancient streets reveal more than a thousand years of Guangzhou’s urban history.

Around sunset, visit Dafo Temple and admire its impressive illumination after dark.

Finish the evening by experiencing traditional Cantonese dining and discovering why Guangzhou has long been celebrated as one of China’s great culinary capitals.

Visit the Sacred Heart Cathedral, one of Guangzhou’s most distinctive Gothic buildings and an important example of European religious architecture in southern China.

In the afternoon, continue to Ersha Island, where riverside lawns provide panoramic views towards Canton Tower.

Later, take a ferry to Dajisha Island, a quieter destination in the Pearl River featuring farmland, open riverside landscapes and peaceful sunset scenery.

The contrast offers an opportunity to escape the dense urban environment and experience a more rural side of Guangzhou.

In the evening, attend The Romantic Show of Lingnan, an immersive performance combining ethnic dance, intangible cultural heritage traditions and stories from Cantonese culture.

Enjoy free time in Guangzhou according to your departure schedule.

Your private transfer will take you to Guangzhou Airport or the high-speed railway station for your onward journey.

This concludes the 10-day journey through Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, bringing together imperial heritage, contemporary city life and the distinctive culture of southern China.