About this trip
Nine days from Beijing to Shanghai, taking in the big-name sites of northern China at a pace that leaves room to explore on your own terms. You'll have a local leader and a small group alongside you, but plenty of free time to peel off and do your own thing.
The route runs from the Great Wall and Beijing's hutongs to Xi'an's Terracotta Warriors and Muslim Quarter, then on to Shanghai's Bund and rooftop bars. You travel by public transport throughout, including an overnight sleeper train, which is part of the experience rather than just a means of getting between cities.
This suits travellers who want a local leader and a group to share things with, but who'd rather have the freedom to choose their own evenings and side trips than follow a packed schedule.
What you'll do
- Hike the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall
- Wander Beijing's hutongs with a local leader
- Take the sleeper train to Xi'an
- See the Terracotta Warriors and explore the Muslim Quarter
- Cycle Xi'an's ancient City Walls in your free time
- Walk the Bund and Shanghai's old laneways
- Plenty of free time throughout, with optional activities suggested by your leader — budget extra for these and for transport to them
- You'll handle your own luggage through train stations and metros, so pack light
- The overnight train is 'hard sleeper' class — open six-berth compartments, not private
Worth it if you're reasonably fit and value authentic, non-touristy experiences with strong guides. Think twice if you need consistent comfort or dislike overnight trains.
- Great Wall sections are genuinely steep and challenging; unrestored trails are far tougher than Mutianyu.
- Guides William and Jacky transform the trip; they arrange dumpling-making, handle logistics solo travellers couldn't manage alone.
- Accommodation quality varies noticeably; breakfast isn't guaranteed despite being standard for tours at this level.
- Multiple overnight trains feature heavily; airport pickups occasionally miscommunicated, so confirm transfers separately.
Distilled from real traveller reviews on TourRadar — we don't edit out the bad bits.
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Sorted by fit — never by who paid. Price moves and availability come from our own daily tracking.
Getting there
Opens Trip.com, pre-filled — one-way so you can book your return whenever. Prices & booking shown there.
Where to stay
A night before your tour in Beijing · 19 Mar – 20 Mar
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