I still remember my first step in Beijing, lost among the sea of people at Tiananmen Square. But then I realized: China is not only about famous landmarks but also street experiences, sidewalk meals, and getting lost. After three weeks traveling from Beijing to Shanghai, here are the places truly worth your stop.
Quick facts
- Best time: Spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October), avoid Chinese New Year due to crowds and high prices.
- Suggested days: Minimum 7-10 days for both cities.
- Budget: Around 500-800 CNY/day (including hotel, food, entrance fees). Beijing-Shanghai high-speed train about 550 CNY.
- Transport: Metro is king – fast, cheap (3-7 CNY per ride). In Beijing, get a Yikatong card; in Shanghai, use the Shanghai Public Transportation Card or Alipay.
- Connectivity: Don’t forget to buy a SimNha eSIM before your trip – I used the 7-day 10GB package, stable even at the Great Wall.
Beijing: Imperial City and Hutongs
Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square
This is where you’ll spend the whole morning. The Forbidden City is vast; go straight to the center then turn to the eastern buildings – fewer tourists. Ticket 60 CNY in low season, 80 CNY in high season. Book online at least 1 week in advance, otherwise you’ll face long queues.
💡 Tip: Rent an audio guide (40 CNY) or download the ‘Palace Museum’ app – more detailed than many guides.
Great Wall: Mutianyu or Badaling?
I chose Mutianyu because it’s less crowded than Badaling. Bus 916 from Dongzhimen takes you to the foot of the wall, 2 hours, 12 CNY. Entrance 45 CNY. Climb to the far watchtowers for great photos without the crowds.
⚠️ Note: Wear sneakers and bring water – the climb is tougher than you think. Avoid buying souvenirs here as they cost twice as much as in Beijing markets.
Hutong Alleys and Street Food
Wander around Nanluoguxiang area (alleys 1-8). Pop into a small tea house, order a bowl of wonton noodles (15 CNY) or grilled lamb skewers (10 CNY). Don’t miss Xiaolongbao at ‘Jia Jia’ on Baozi Street – 8 CNY for 6, with fragrant broth inside.
Shanghai: Future and Nostalgia
The Bund and Lujiazui
Stroll along the west bank of the Bund in the evening – the lights from the classic French and British buildings are magical. Then cross via the Huangpu River tunnel (50 CNY) to Lujiazui, admire the sparkling Oriental Pearl Tower. Walking is free, but going up to the observation deck of Oriental Pearl costs 180 CNY – for a panoramic view, I recommend the 118th floor of Shanghai Tower (180 CNY) instead of Jin Mao.
💡 Tip: Take metro line 2 to Lujiazui station, exit and you’re in the financial center. Don’t take a taxi because of terrible traffic jams.
Yu Yuan Garden and Antique Market
Yu Yuan Garden (30 CNY) is beautiful but packed. I prefer the Dongtai Road antique market (closed in 2017, but instead head to Tianzifang – a maze of alleys with cafes and art studios). Enter a tea house, order a jasmine tea (25 CNY) and sit for the whole afternoon.
⚠️ Note: In Tianzifang, avoid buying cheap ‘antiques’ – most are fakes. Only buy if you truly like it, not just because it’s cheap.
Nanjing Road and Shanghai Cuisine
Walk from People’s Square to East Nanjing Road – a shopping paradise. But I prefer West Nanjing Road, with more local shops and street food stalls. Try ‘Sheng Jian Bao’ (pan-fried buns) at ‘Yang’s Dumpling’ – 6 CNY for 4, crispy skin, sweet pork filling. ‘Xiaolongbao’ at ‘Din Tai Fung’ is delicious but a bit pricey (60 CNY for 6).
From Beijing to Shanghai: High-Speed Train Journey
The G-series high-speed train takes about 4.5 hours, running from Beijing South Station to Shanghai Hongqiao Station. Second-class seats are spacious, with wifi and power outlets. Book tickets on Trip.com or 12306.cn (requires a Chinese account, but Trip.com is easier for foreigners). Ticket price around 550 CNY.
💡 Tip: Buy first-class tickets (around 900 CNY) if you’re over 1.80m – second-class seats can be a bit tight. Bring snacks as onboard food is expensive and not tasty.
Conclusion
The trip from Beijing to Shanghai is a stroll between past and future. I loved the quiet mornings wandering the Forbidden City and the evenings at rooftop bars on the Bund. The only thing I regret is not buying a SimNha eSIM earlier – I wasted a whole morning looking for a physical SIM card at the airport. With eSIM, you just scan a QR code before you go, and you have 4G/5G all over China, even on high-speed trains. Prepare well and enjoy every moment.
