As someone obsessed with Chinese culture, this 3-day “Cultural Gems” tour from Shanghai to Beijing was a dream come true. The company’s communication was seamless from booking: they shared a detailed itinerary highlighting both iconic sites and local spots, and quickly adjusted my pickup time when my high-speed train arrived a bit early.

Our guide was a walking cultural encyclopedia—fluent in English, with a passion for history that shone through. At the Forbidden City, he didn’t just point out halls; he explained the symbolism of the roof tiles (yellow for imperial power, green for harmony) and how the layout reflected Confucian values. But the real highlight was the hutong tour: he led us to a local family’s courtyard, where we sipped jasmine tea and listened to stories about hutong life—something no guidebook could offer. He also helped me chat with a street food vendor, translating as I learned how to make jianbing.

The driver and car were impeccable: the vehicle was spotless, with no odors, and he navigated Beijing’s traffic smoothly. He always arrived early for transfers and even waited patiently when I lingered to take photos of a hutong alley at golden hour.

The itinerary struck the perfect balance between landmarks and local life: Day 1 was Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City; Day 2 included the Temple of Heaven (where we watched locals practice tai chi) and a hutong bike ride; Day 3 ended with the Summer Palace and a visit to a traditional teahouse. No time was wasted, but we never felt rushed.

This tour didn’t just show me Beijing’s sights—it let me feel its soul. I left with a deeper understanding of Chinese culture and memories of genuine local connections. Highly recommend for culture lovers!

Reviewed to: Explore Cultural Treasures in 3-Day: Shanghai to Beijing Tour of Landmarks and Local Life