Discover 150+ Shanghai trips in May 2026 with 110+ verified reviews. Crafted by vetted tour operators, these Shanghai May 2026 tours showcase the country at its seasonal best.
Dive headfirst into the exhilarating contrasts of China on this epic, 27-day adventure, starting in the skyscraper-studded metropolis of Hong Kong. Within hours of meeting your group, you'll be whisked up Victoria Peak to witness a breathtaking sunset over one of the world's most spectacular skylines, followed by the dazzling Symphony of Light show. From this modern marvel, you’ll journey by high-speed train to the tranquil, mountain-ringed beauty of Yangshuo. Here, the pace slows down for a few days of adventure, where you can cycle through karst peaks, kayak along the Li River, and cruise on a bamboo raft for those iconic, picture-perfect views.
The journey continues inland, weaving together ancient history with vibrant local life. In Chongqing, you'll take a cruise on the magnificent Yangtze River and witness the futuristic glow of the Hongya Cave complex. The cultural deep-dive continues in Chengdu, where you'll have an unforgettable encounter with Giant Pandas at the world's leading research centre and get a taste for local life with an included Mandarin lesson. After an optional fiery hot pot experience, you'll travel to Xi’an, the ancient gateway of the Silk Road. Here, prepare to be awestruck by the sheer scale of the Terracotta Warriors and spend an evening exploring the vibrant, historic Muslim Quarter.
Your final leg is packed with once-in-a-lifetime experiences. You'll dedicate a day to the legendary martial arts, taking a Kung Fu lesson led by a master from the Shaolin Temple itself. This builds up to the undisputed highlight: an unforgettable night spent camping on the magnificent Great Wall of China (seasonal guesthouse stay applies), waking up to a breathtaking sunrise over one of the Wonders of the World. The tour culminates in the imperial capital, Beijing, where you’ll wander through the vast Forbidden City, visit the Temple of Heaven, and explore the traditional hutong alleyways. Before the tour concludes, you'll be transported to the picturesque tea hills of Fujian, where you will enjoy the unique opportunity to stay overnight inside a UNESCO-listed Hakka tulou (roundhouse), fully immersing you in this fascinating local culture before finally finishing back in Hong Kong.
This incredible adventure is designed for the budget-conscious traveller, ensuring you get the most out of your experience without sacrificing quality. Throughout the tour, you'll stay in carefully selected hostel accommodation, offering a sociable and comfortable base for exploring each new city. To keep the overall price of the trip as low as possible, we include all essential transport, guided city tours, and must-see activities, while offering many additional excursions—from thrilling kayaking trips in Yangshuo to the Leshan Buddha visit—as optional activities. This flexible approach means you can tailor the itinerary and your spending to create your perfect Chinese adventure
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hostel, Camping, Guest House, Hotel
Age Range
18-60 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Hong Kong, Xi'an, Dengfeng, Beij
Hong Kong, Xi'an, Dengfeng, Beijing, Moganshan, Shanghai, Yangshuo, Fujian, Chengdu
38% OFF TODAY
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Discover the heart of China during this 14-day tour, commencing in Shanghai. Head to Beijing, where you'll explore the Forbidden City, Great Wall and historic Hutongs. Journey on to Luoyang to witness the Longmen Caves and the Shaolin Kung Fu Temple, then marvel at Xi'an's Terracotta Warriors. After a flight to Guilin and immersive explorations of Yangshuo and Longsheng, head to Shanghai and explore at your own pace.
Delve into a thrilling adventure across China, starting in Shanghai. From here, fly to historic Beijing, and explore Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and embark on a Great Wall hiking experience. Explore Luoyang's Longmen Caves, then journey to Xi'an to meet the Terracotta Army. Get up close and personal with China's beloved pandas at the Panda Research Center in Chengdu. As the grand finale, set sail on a Yangtze River cruise, where you'll be spellbound by breathtaking landscapes and historic wonders. Your journey concludes back in the bustling streets of Shanghai.
Cruise
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Ship Cabin
Age Range
18-80 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Shanghai, Chengdu, Yangtze River
Shanghai, Chengdu, Yangtze River, Beijing, Luoyang, Xian
34% OFF TODAY
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Embark on a 12-day Premium journey that weaves together China’s layered history, famous icons, cultural heritage and celebrated cuisine. Uncover modern China in Shanghai, then step back in time to the villages of Huizhou. See the magnificent karst hills of Yangshuo and come face to face with the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an. Walk an original section of the Great Wall – one of the Seven Wonders of the World – and revel in the big show of Beijing. Of all China’s assets, its greatest is its people, so you’ll also visit traditional family homes for homecooked meals and travel with an expert local leader to uncover a lesser-known side of the country.
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Beijing, Shanghai, Huizhou, Yang
Beijing, Shanghai, Huizhou, Yangshuo, Xi'an
14% OFF TODAY
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Get up close and personal with pandas on this 11-day tour starting in bustling Shanghai! Explore the historic streets of Beijing, hike along the iconic Great Wall, and discover the celestial art of Luoyang's Longmen Caves. Stand face-to-face with the Terracotta Army's ancient warriors in Xi'an. Then, in Chengdu, taste renowned Sichuan hotpot, and learn about China's treasured pandas at the Panda Research Center. This unforgettable journey weaves together history, culture, and gastronomy, offering a deep dive into the heart of China's heritage.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-80 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Shanghai, Chengdu, Beijing, Luoy
Shanghai, Chengdu, Beijing, Luoyang, Xian
34% OFF TODAY
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Embark on an extraordinary 9-day adventure through the cultural gems of China, beginning in the vibrant city of Shanghai. In Beijing, delve into history at Tiananmen Square and explore the magnificent Forbidden City. Venture to the enchanting Great Wall for a unique hiking experience that takes you through captivating landscapes. Journey to Luoyang to discover the celestial artistry of the Longmen Caves, a testament to China's ancient wonders. Travel to Xi'an by high-speed train, enjoying the wonderful aromas of the Muslim Quarter and encounter the iconic Terracotta Army.
Sightseeing Tours
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-80 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Shanghai, Xian, Beijing, Luoyang
Shanghai, Xian, Beijing, Luoyang
34% OFF TODAY
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Experience the breadth of cultures, flavours and landscapes that make up the vast Middle Kingdom on one our most popular tours through China. Marvel at iconic attractions like the Great Wall and the Terracotta Warriors, then find a quieter side of the country with a cruise along the Yangzi River and a stay in a Buddhist monastery tucked into the mountains of Emei Shan. Discover a land of epic history, vibrant cultures and dramatic vistas on this 19-day China Experience.
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Guest House, Resort
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Em
Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Emei Shan, Chongqing, Yangzi River, Yangtze River, Liuzhou, Yangshuo, Xian, Chengdu
10% OFF TODAY
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Embark on an unforgettable journey across China, where imperial history, futuristic skylines, and vibrant culture come together in an extraordinary adventure. Begin in Beijing, the storied capital where dynasties once ruled. Walk through the legendary Forbidden City, stand atop the awe-inspiring Great Wall, and explore Tiananmen Square, all while soaking in the powerful echoes of China’s imperial past. Then, zip across the country on a high-speed train to Xi’an, where the ancient Silk Road meets timeless wonders. Marvel at the Terracotta Army, an eternal guard of thousands of warriors, and wander along the city walls and through the buzzing alleys of the Muslim Quarter. Your next stop is Shanghai, China’s cutting-edge metropolis. Stroll along The Bund, a stunning blend of colonial charm and modern ambition, and gaze at the futuristic skyline of Pudong. Explore the tranquil Yuyuan Garden, shop in the artsy lanes of Tianzifang, or take a sunset cruise on the Huangpu River for breathtaking views of the city at night. Finally, fly to Hong Kong, where East meets West in dazzling harmony. Spend three nights discovering this cosmopolitan gem—ride the Peak Tram for panoramic city views, explore bustling night markets, and savor dim sum in a city famed for its food scene. From towering skyscrapers to tranquil temples, Hong Kong offers the perfect finale to your journey through China. From the walls of ancient dynasties to the neon glow of modern marvels, this is China—timeless, dynamic, and utterly unforgettable.
Explorer
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
8-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Beijing, Hong Kong, Xian, Shanghai
Beijing, Hong Kong, Xian, Shanghai
5% OFF TODAY
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Begin in Beijing, where you'll explore Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and hike the Great Wall. In Luoyang, discover celestial art in the Longmen Caves, then journey to Xi'an to meet the Terracotta Army. Get close to China's adorable pandas at the Panda Research Center in Chengdu. Then, board a Yangtze River cruise and enjoy breathtaking landscapes and historic sites, before ending your adventure in the vibrant metropolis of Shanghai.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-80 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Beijing, Shanghai, Yangtze River
Beijing, Shanghai, Yangtze River, Yangtze River, HB, Great Wall of China, Luoyang, Xian, Xi'an, Chengdu
34% OFF TODAY
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Want an epic rail journey that takes you to some of the world’s most iconic and remote regions? This 18-day adventure might just be for you! Traverse northern China from Shanghai to Beijing on the bullet train, connecting the most iconic highlights in the country, riding a section of the Trans-Mongolian Railway as you make your way from China to Mongolia. This trip combines neon cities, ancient capitals, world wonders, Mongolian steppes and the Gobi Desert into one punchy rail journey. Watch an epic sunset up the Great Wall, spend time staying in a traditional ger campsite, join a family of camel herders for lunch and return home with truly unique travel stories to tell!
ExplorerTrain tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Camping, Guest House, Hotel
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Shanghai, Ulaanbaatar, Reshui, X
Shanghai, Ulaanbaatar, Reshui, Xilinhot, Sainshand, Khustai National Park, Xi'an, Great Wall of China, Beijing
14% OFF TODAY
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