Imperial Beijing and futuristic Shanghai in one working week — Forbidden City, the Great Wall, the Bund and old Shanghai, linked by a 4.5-hour bullet train. The itinerary most first-timers actually want, with the booking traps removed.
The classic short first trip, built from real traveler itineraries; timings and prices checked July 2026.
Land, set up Alipay if you haven't, and go straight at the heart: Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City (book days ahead with your passport — it sells out), then climb Jingshan Park for the classic overhead view of the golden roofs. Evening: dinner in a Nanluoguxiang courtyard restaurant and an early night — tomorrow is the Wall.
A full day at Mutianyu — cable car up, two to three hours walking the towers, toboggan down. Go early on a weekday if you can. Back in the city, celebrate with Peking duck at a specialist house.
Temple of Heaven at dawn for the tai-chi-and-choirs park life, then the G-series high-speed train to Shanghai (~4.5h, book on Trip.com or 12306 with your passport; Beijing South → Shanghai Hongqiao). Check in, then walk the Bund at night — the skyline across the river is the best free show in China.
Morning: Yu Garden and the old-town lanes (go at opening to beat tour groups). Afternoon: the Former French Concession — plane-tree streets, Wukang Road, coffee everywhere. Evening: Nanjing Road if you want neon, or a speakeasy in the Concession if you don't.
Choose one: Shanghai Tower's observation deck for the view down at the city, the propaganda-poster museum for something unexpected, or a tailor session at the South Bund Fabric Market (allow 24–48h for fittings — order on day 3 or 4 if you want a suit made). Airport note: Pudong by metro/Maglev, Hongqiao for most domestic connections.
| Attractions & tickets (5 days) | ~¥450 |
| Beijing→Shanghai high-speed train (2nd class) | ~¥550 |
| Metro, Didi & airport transfers | ~¥250 |
| Food (street + local + two splurges) | ~¥900 |
| Total | ¥3,500 + hotels |