Save 25% off, auto-applied, ends 2026-06-20

Operated by G Adventures

China Express

From

CAD 1,929

Duration

8 days

Countries

China

Activity

moderate

The adventure

Walk backwards in time along the Great Wall and stare down an army of Terracotta Warriors before leaping into the future of Shanghai's incredible high-rise towers on this fast-paced tour of China’s highlights. With the perfect blend of guided activities and free time to explore on your own, this adventure is made for those who want to get a taste of China in a short amount of time.

At a glance

Duration

8 days

Route

Beijing → Shanghai

Countries

China

Activity level

moderate

Style

Rail Journeys

Group size

Ask

Flights

Not included

Solo travellers

Welcome

Where you'll go

Day by day

Beautiful view of traditional Chinese architecture along West Lake in Hangzhou with boats and lush greenery in the background.

Your journey through

China

Day 1Arrival dayArrivalIs Beijing top of your must-see list? Booking pre-trip accommodations will let you do Beijing your way before meeting up with the group.

Is Beijing top of your must-see list? Booking pre-trip accommodations will let you do Beijing your way before meeting up with the group.

Day 2Enjoy an included visit to the Great WallHead out of town to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. Spend time wandering around, taking photos, and picking up souvenirs. In the afternoon head to Tiananmen Squarem followed by a night walk to the local market.

Head out of town to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. Spend time wandering around, taking photos, and picking up souvenirs. In the afternoon head to Tiananmen Squarem followed by a night walk to the local market.

Day 3Take the Beijing metro to visit the Forbidden City

Cityscape featuring towering high-rise buildings against a mountainous backdrop.

Beijing

Take the Beijing metro to visit the Forbidden City. Later, board a fast train to Xi'an.

Day 4Visit one of China’s greatest archaeological treasuresTrain is our main mode of transport in China and it's a great way to travel. We aim to get the best sleeping berths available on each train journey. However, train tickets availability is limited during peak travel times, including summer vacations and Chinese national holidays. As such, it is possible that the group may be separated into different carriages or assigned top sleeping berths.

Train is our main mode of transport in China and it's a great way to travel. We aim to get the best sleeping berths available on each train journey. However, train tickets availability is limited during peak travel times, including summer vacations and Chinese national holidays. As such, it is possible that the group may be separated into different carriages or assigned top sleeping berths.

Day 5Wake this morning and grab coffee…

Wake this morning and grab coffee and a snack on the train as you prepare to pull into Suzhou. After arrival, visit Suzhou's famed Master of the Nets Garden, one of the most beautiful gardens in China and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander around Shantang Street. Enjoy a free dinner before riding the metro back to the hotel with your CEO.

Day 6This morningShanghai

Shanghai

This morning, ride the bullet train to Shanghai. Join your CEO for an orientation walk of the famed Bund and Nanjing Shopping Road before a free evening in Shanghai.

Day 7This morningShanghai

Shanghai

This morning, join your CEO for an orientation walk around the city to see the shops and historic buildings. Join your CEO at the Shanghai Museum or head out to venture through this beautiful city on your own. Maybe start with a visit to the nearby Yuyuan Gardens.

Day 8Departure dayDepartureWe highly recommend post-accommodation to fully experience all Shanghai has to offer.

We highly recommend post-accommodation to fully experience all Shanghai has to offer.

Traveller reviews

“We really had a great trip. Excellent organization and excellent local guide.”

“Fantastic blend of sight seeing and culture. I got to see many things regular tourists don't get to see. The tour guide warned us of many potential dangers and made the experience a memorable one.”

“Excellent. This was my first time using G Adventures and it was exactly what I was hoping for--a way to explore a substantial part of a country without feeling like we were just getting on and off the same bus---local experiences and flexibility of the trip were great.”