China-8-days: history-culture

This China itinerary is perfect for you if you’re excited to explore the rich tapestry of ancient history and modern marvels in two of the country’s most iconic cities — Beijing and Shanghai. If walking the Great Wall, standing in the vastness of Tiananmen Square, or uncovering the secrets of the Forbidden City sparks your curiosity, then this journey is made for you. From serene spots like Yu Garden to the futuristic heights of the Shanghai Tower, this trip balances cultural immersion with moments of relaxation. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to see more, this adventure offers a well-rounded experience filled with history, architecture, scenic beauty, and local charm.

- International flights

- Visa fees (If applicable)

- Tips for driver and local guide

- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary

- Any meals not mentioned in the itinerary

The tour starts in Beijing and ends in Shanghai. You should arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) at the beginning of your trip and depart from either Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) or Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) at the end.

Most travellers visiting China require a tourist visa (L visa), which should be obtained in advance through a Chinese embassy or visa centre. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates with at least one blank visa page. Bring essential documents such as your passport, visa, flight tickets, hotel bookings, travel insurance, and a printed itinerary. Always check for the most up-to-date visa and entry requirements before your trip.

Travel insurance is mandatory to protect against loss of personal valuables, illness or unforeseen late cancellations. While suppliers make every effort to ensure guests' safety, we cannot be held responsible for events beyond our control. JrnyOn does not sell travel insurance since we want you to be able to choose a policy that meets your requirements. For those looking for an insurance supplier, we can recommend Insurance Nomads. Write to them at [email protected] with your Jrny details for insurance options.

No mandatory vaccinations are required for travel to China. However, for added precaution, it’s advisable to consult your healthcare provider before your trip. Depending on your personal health, medical history, and planned activities, they may recommend routine vaccinations such as Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, or Tetanus.

Yes, airport transfers are included in this tour. These transfers will be shared with you before your travel.

There are no activities scheduled for the first day. The standard check-in time at the hotel would be 1400 hrs, and you can plan your arrival accordingly

You can depart anytime. Generally, there are no inclusions on the tour on the last day. The hotel check-out time is usually 11:00 hrs or 12 noon.

Normally, yes! In some cases if the exact hotels are unavailable for any reason, we'll make sure you're put up in hotels that are equivalent to the original in terms of location and facilities. Rest assured, your stay will be as promised.

Please review the itinerary carefully to understand the pace and activities involved. For this China tour, a moderate fitness level, rated at 3 on a scale of 1–5, is recommended. You’ll be exploring iconic landmarks such as the Great Wall of China, Tiananmen Square, and the Forbidden City, which involve walking across large areas, steps, and at times uneven terrain. The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, in particular, includes a fair amount of climbing, though cable car options are available. This itinerary suits travellers with average stamina and mobility who are comfortable walking for a few hours each day at a steady pace.

This China tour involves a few moderate-length drives, including a 1.5 to 2-hour transfer to the Great Wall. Other transfers within Beijing and Shanghai are short, and the intercity journey is comfortably covered by high-speed train.

Yes, China offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes, particularly in larger cities like Beijing and Shanghai. You can enjoy flavourful options such as stir-fried vegetables, tofu-based dishes, noodles, dumplings, and regional specialties prepared without meat. Most restaurants and hotels are happy to accommodate dietary preferences, especially with advance notice. With a bit of communication, you’ll find plenty of satisfying and tasty meals throughout your journey.

We try and cater to other diet restrictions as much as possible. But, we do focus on regional local cuisine. So there will be limitations. Please write to [email protected] with your booking number in the subject line to inform us well in advance of any such restrictions.

China’s climate varies by region, but for this Beijing and Shanghai itinerary, expect a mix of continental and subtropical weather. From April to June and September to October, conditions are ideal for travel, with temperatures ranging between 15°C to 25°C, offering pleasant days for sightseeing. Summers (July to August) can be hot and humid, especially in Shanghai, while winters (December to February) in Beijing are cold and dry, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable times to visit, perfect for exploring historical landmarks and cityscapes.

We require a 35% advance payment at the time of booking.

The remaining balance needs to be paid in full at least 75 days before the date of travel

We have the following cancellation terms for this tour:

Cancellation up to 91 days from the date of travel: 10% cancellation charges (as per the total trip cost) will be levied, the rest will be refunded to you

From 90 - 46 days from the date of travel: 30% cancellation charges will be levied

45 days or less from the date of travel: 100% cancellation charges will be levied