Beijing
3 nights · Dongsi / Dengshikou
A central base for the palace day and hutong walks, with a simple return after the Wall.
Beijing · 3 nights
Shanghai · 3 nightsBeijing and Shanghai in a week
Imperial Beijing for three nights, a fast train south, then three nights of Shanghai’s old garden and skyline.
Why this itinerary works
Three nights in each city instead of four and two: Shanghai is no afterthought on a two-city trip.
The Temple of Heaven sits near Beijing South station, so the last Beijing morning flows straight into the train.
Fly in to Beijing and out of Shanghai, so the train is the only move.
The itinerary
Beijing South (北京南) → Shanghai Hongqiao (上海虹桥)
About 4.5–6 hours aboard, depending on the train.
Planning estimate; choose a dated service before booking.Shanghai
3 nights · People’s Square / Nanjing West Road
Central rail connections and a useful base between the Bund, old city and tree-lined western streets.
The moments you’ll remember
Your first evening by Houhai, lights trembling on the water.
Shichahai (Houhai Lakes) ›From Jingshan, the whole palace lies gold and grey below.
Jingshan Park ›Mutianyu’s watchtowers climb the ridge in the morning light.
Mutianyu Great Wall ›
Early exercisers in the cypress grove before the blue roof appears.
Temple of Heaven ›Pudong lights come on across the river, one tower at a time.
The Bund (Viewing Platform) ›
Afternoon coffee under Wukang Road’s plane trees.
Wukang Road ›6 moments · swipe →
Before you go
- Mutianyu Great Wall — Official English booking calendar: 30 calendar dates including today (up to 29 days ahead). Check that channel for your visit date.
- The Palace Museum — Official international website and 故宫博物院 mini-program: book before the visit day; same-day tickets are not sold. Sales open at 20:00 Beijing time seven days before the visit.
Choose a dated rail or flight service before booking.
Day by day
MorningAfternoonEvening
Beijing · 3 nights
Day 1
Arrive in Beijing
Only a short lake-and-lanes walk after check-in; drop it after a late arrival.
Arrive in Beijing
Free
Day 2
The palace and its rooftop panorama
Enter through the Meridian Gate, walk north and leave by the back gate straight into Jingshan.
Day 3
Mutianyu gets the day
The afternoon is reserved for the outing and return. Leave the evening empty.
Reserved for the outing or journey
Free
Shanghai · 3 nights
Day 4
Temple of Heaven, then the fast train south
The temple is close to Beijing South station: walk it early, then give the afternoon to the train. The evening is for checking in.
Free
Free
Day 5
Old garden, tall city, river lights
Day 6
Museum treasures and plane-tree streets
Leave a generous lunch break between Pudong and the western streets. The evening is free.
Free
Day 7
Leave Shanghai
Keep the day for packing and the airport transfer.
Leave Shanghai
Free
Free
Comes with the plan
Before you go
- Mutianyu Great Wall — Official English booking calendar: 30 calendar dates including today (up to 29 days ahead). Check that channel for your visit date.
- The Palace Museum — Official international website and 故宫博物院 mini-program: book before the visit day; same-day tickets are not sold. Sales open at 20:00 Beijing time seven days before the visit.
Rail or flight legs need a dated service before booking.
Perks on this itinerary
A small extra at selected Shanghai shops →Turn a long layover into a look at Beijing →Check the senior entry benefit before buying →Browse perks and check eligibility →Your dates, checked
Use the calendar to check holidays and typical weather. Published sessions and opening days depend on your exact dates.
Check dates →Not quite your case? Ask it.
Make it yours
Pick your dates and review how the itinerary fits your trip.