The Dragon’s Trail: From Imperial Beijing to Modern Shanghai

Duration 7 days
Destination China

Begin your journey in the imperial capital, Beijing, where you will walk upon the majestic Great Wall , explore the vast Forbidden City , and wander through the serene Summer Palace. Travel south via high-speed train to experience the poetic beauty of Hangzhou’s West Lake and the timeless charm of Wuzhen, China’s most beautiful ancient water town. Conclude your adventure in the bustling metropolis of Shanghai, admiring the iconic skyline from The Bund , visiting the historic Jade Buddha Temple , and shopping along the famous Nanjing Road.

DAY 1: Hanoi – Beijing

06:20 – The bus and tour guide pick up the group at the designated meeting point and transfer to Noi Bai International Airport to Beijing.
Upon arrival at Beijing Airport, the group is welcomed by the local guide and transferred to the hotel for check-in and rest.
Dinner at a local restaurant featuring the famous traditional Peking Roast Duck.
Overnight in Beijing.

DAY 2: Beijing– The great wall of China

Morning: After breakfast, the group will visit the Great Wall of China – the only man-made wonder visible from the moon. Guests will enjoy the unique experience of walking along this magnificent architectural marvel.
Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Continue the journey to visit the Ming Tombs – Changling Tomb, the burial site of Ming emperors, where you can admire exquisite Chinese sculptural art. Then, stop by the Bird’s Nest Stadium (Olympic Stadium) for photo opportunities – the iconic venue for the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Free time for shopping at Qianmen Pedestrian Street, a famous commercial area in Beijing.
Dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight in Beijing.

DAY 3: Beijing– The forbidden city

Morning: After breakfast, the bus takes the group to visit Tiananmen Square – the political center of China. Explore landmarks such as the Great Hall of the People, the Monument to the People’s Heroes, and the Mausoleum of Chairman Mao (outside only).
Then, visit the Forbidden City (Imperial Palace) – the political symbol of China, featuring 9,999 splendid rooms. It is the largest ancient palace complex in the world and was the residence of emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Continue to visit Summer Palace (Yiheyuan) – the summer retreat of the Ming and Qing emperors, including highlights such as Cixi Palace, Incense Tower, Kunming Lake, and Longevity Hill.
Free time for shopping at Qianmen Street, one of Beijing’s most famous commercial streets.
Dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight in Beijing.

DAY 4: Beijing- Hangzhou

Morning: After breakfast, the group takes a high-speed train to Hangzhou.
Afternoon: Enjoy a boat tour on West Lake, one of the most famous scenic spots in Hangzhou, featuring Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, Su Causeway, and Bai Causeway. Along the way, experience the art of tea making and taste the famous Hangzhou Chrysanthemum White Tea.
Dinner at a local restaurant.
Optional: You may attend the “Romance of the Song Dynasty” performance (self-paid), an impressive show by renowned director Zhang Yimou, featuring light effects, 3D visuals, and laser technology that bring to life legendary tales and historical stories of Hangzhou.
Overnight in Hangzhou.

DAY 5: Hangzhou- Wuzhen

Morning: After breakfast, the group visits Hangzhou Square, enjoying views of both banks of the Qiantang River. Then continue to explore the Qinghefang Ancient Street, a historical street that reflects the charm of old Hangzhou.
Afterward, depart for Wuzhen (West Area) – the largest and most well-preserved ancient water town in China, with over 1,300 years of history. It features ancient stone bridges, stone-paved alleys, and intricately carved wooden structures. Wuzhen has retained much of its traditional architecture and lifestyle, making it a must-visit destination for travelers.
You will have free time to explore local cuisine, architecture, and take photos in Wuzhen.
Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight in Wuzhen.

DAY 6: Wuzhen- Shanghai

Morning: After breakfast and hotel check-out, the bus will transfer you to Shanghai – the largest city in China, renowned for its modern Western-style architecture. The group will have lunch at a local restaurant.
After lunch, visit:
● Nanpu Bridge – one of the main bridges in Shanghai.

● Oriental Pearl TV Tower (view from outside only) – the tallest tower in Asia and the third tallest in the world.

● Enjoy the view of Lujiazui – Pudong New Area, with its cluster of modern skyscrapers.

Afternoon: Continue to visit:
● The Bund (Waitan) – a famous waterfront promenade.

● Chenghuangmiao (City God Temple) – a traditional Chinese marketplace and temple in the old town area.

● Free time for shopping along Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, known as “China’s No. 1 Shopping Street.”

● Check-in and photo opportunities at Wukang Road, a well-known street featuring charming European-style architecture.

Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant.
After dinner, you can choose to:
● Join a Huangpu River Night Cruise to admire the stunning night views of both the east and west banks of the city lit by colorful lights, or

● Explore Shanghai by metro at night (optional and self-funded).

Overnight at a 5-star hotel in Shanghai.

DAY 7: Shanghai- Hanoi

Morning: After breakfast, the group visits Jade Buddha Temple – home to the largest jade Buddha statue in the world.
Lunch at a local restaurant.
After lunch, the bus will transfer the group to the airport for the flight back to Hanoi.
18:20: Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, the bus will take the group back to the original meeting point in the city.
End of the program.

 


 

Why choose this tour?

● Complimentary visit to West Wuzhen – the most beautiful ancient water town in China.

● Explore some of the most dreamy and iconic destinations in China: Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, and more.

● Direct flight with 4-star Vietnam Airlines – convenient flight schedule.

● High-quality tour with 4-star local standard hotels, including 2 complimentary nights at 5-star hotels.

● Complimentary hotpot meal included in the itinerary.

● Enjoy the famous and delicious Peking Roast Duck.

● A uniquely designed itinerary offering rich and diverse experiences of Chinese culture, history, people, and landscapes.

● Accompanied by a professional tour leader throughout and experienced, enthusiastic local guides.

● All-inclusive package: includes visa and travel insurance.

 


 

Inclusions:

● Airfare as per itinerary: Hanoi – Beijing // Shanghai – Hanoi

● High-speed train ticket: Soft seat from Beijing to Hangzhou

● Accommodation: 4–5-star standard hotels (2 persons per room)

● Meals as per the itinerary (40 CNY/main meal, includes 8 dishes + 1 soup)

● Transportation by air-conditioned coach as per itinerary

● Entrance fees to sightseeing spots mentioned in the program (single entry)

● China visa for Vietnamese passport holders

● Tour leader and local tour guides as per the program

● 1 bottle of water per person per day on the coach

● Travel insurance with coverage up to 10,000 USD

● Tour gift: Hat from the travel company

 

Exclusions:

● Passport issuance fee

● Tips for driver and tour guide: USD 5/person/day

● Personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, etc.

● Beverages during meals

● Any expenses not mentioned in the inclusions

● VAT invoice (if required)

● Single room supplement

● Overweight luggage charges