7-Day Imperial Capitals & Cultural Heritage: Beijing to Shanghai via Nanjing

Day 1 Arrive Beijing

Meals Included: Dinner at a halal restaurant
Accommodation: Feitian Hotel Beijing (Local 4-Star, Muslim-Friendly) or similar

Welcome to Beijing, a vibrant metropolis where thousands of years of imperial history seamlessly blend with striking modern innovation. As the capital of China, this dynamic city invites you to walk along ancient marvels like the Great Wall and the Forbidden City, while experiencing its sleek skyscrapers, thriving culinary scene, and warm traditional hospitality. Upon arrival at the airport or train station, your friendly expert local guide will greet you and whisk you away in a private vehicle to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.

Day 2 Beijing | Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Niujie Mosque, Wangfujing Street

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Salat Prayer: Niujie Mosque
Accommodation: Feitian Hotel Beijing (Local 4-Star, Muslim-Friendly) or similar

Begin your exploration of Beijing at Tiananmen Square, the largest city square in the world. This vast space has seen many pivotal events, including the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949. A leisurely stroll leads you to the Forbidden City, the imperial heart of China for over five centuries. This magnificent palace complex served as the residence of 24 emperors from the Ming and Qing dynasties, witnessing the rise and fall of imperial power. After Salat prayer at Niujie Mosque, soak up the lively atmosphere of Wangfujing Street, a quintessential Beijing shopping destination. Blending old-world charm with modern sophistication, this bustling thoroughfare boasts a captivating mix of luxury brands and time-honored stores.

Please note that the Forbidden City is closed on Mondays. If your visit falls on a Monday, the itineraries for Day 2 and Day 3 will be swapped.

Day 3 Beijing | Great Wall of China, Summer Palace

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Salat Prayer: Anheqiao Mosque or Shucun Mosque
Accommodation: Feitian Hotel Beijing (Local 4-Star, Muslim-Friendly) or similar

Your morning unfolds with an exploration of the iconic Great Wall of China. This colossal fortification, a continuous undertaking from the 3rd century BC to the 17th century AD, snakes across China’s northern frontier for an astounding 3,750 miles, from the shores of the Bohai Sea to the vast expanse of the Gobi Desert. In the afternoon, visit the Summer Palace, China’s largest and best-preserved imperial garden. This masterpiece seamlessly harmonizes natural hills and open water with classic pavilions, grand halls, temples, and bridges, embodying the Chinese philosophy of living in harmony with nature. Our itinerary includes a visit to a freshwater pearl store, offering an opportunity to browse and purchase these lustrous gems cultivated in local waters.

Day 4 Beijing – Nanjing | Temple of Heaven, High-Speed Train to Nanjing

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Accommodation: 4-star Mercure Nanjing Downtown or similar

Begin your morning at the majestic Temple of Heaven, an architectural masterpiece completed in 1420 by the Yongle Emperor – the same visionary ruler who created the Forbidden City. Set within a tranquil park, this sacred imperial complex was where Ming and Qing emperors conducted solemn annual ceremonies, praying to the heavens for bountiful harvests and divine blessings. In the afternoon, experience China’s state-of-the-art rail network as you board a high-speed train to Nanjing (approx. 3.5 hours), one of China’s grandest ancient capitals. Set along the banks of the majestic Yangtze River, this storied city beautifully balances its deep imperial history with gentle southern charm.

Day 5 Nanjing – Shanghai | Nanjing City Highlights, High-Speed Train to Suzhou

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Salat Prayer: Nanjing Jingjue Mosque
Accommodation: 4-star Sunrise On The Bund Hotel Shanghai or similar

Step back in time at the Presidential Palace, the former seat of the Republic of China government from 1927 to 1949. Explore the grand architecture and delve into the fascinating history of this pivotal era. Experience the tranquility of Xuanwu Lake, a scenic gem renowned for its history, temples, and surrounding parks. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the lake and soak in the peaceful atmosphere. Uncover the legacy of learning at Nanjing Confucius Temple, a vital hub for scholars and examinations for centuries. Explore the serene courtyards, admire the intricate architecture, and gain insights into the profound impact of Confucianism on Chinese society. Board a bullet train to Shanghai in the afternoon (approx. 1.5 hours).

Day 6 Shanghai | Shanghai City Highlights 

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Salat Prayer: Xiaotaoyuan Mosque
Accommodation: 4-star Sunrise On The Bund Hotel Shanghai or similar

Begin your Shanghai adventure at Yuyuan Garden, a labyrinth of Ming Dynasty pavilions, intricate rockeries, arched bridges, and goldfish ponds, all enveloped by a serpentine dragon wall. Follow this with a shopping spree at the bustling Chenghuangmiao market just outside the garden. After shopping at a silk store, ascend the Oriental Pearl Tower for a breathtaking 360-degree view of Shanghai’s skyline. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Bund, Shanghai’s famous 1.6 km waterfront on the west shore of the Huangpu River, and explore the vibrant Nanjing Road, one of the busiest shopping streets in the world. Conclude your day with a walk through the charming French Concession, where tree-lined avenues and elegant old houses evoke the spirit of the “Paris of the East.” Afterwards, savor a delightful tea break and explore the vibrant Tianzifang, a captivating blend of local culture and contemporary art.

Day 7 Depart Shanghai

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel.

A private transfer to the airport will be provided for your departure. If you would like to extend your stay, please let us know and we would be delighted to assist you in customizing your itinerary. Have a wonderful trip!