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.
Famous in China and beyond, the Yangtze River is the longest river in Asia and the third longest in the world. Much like the other Chinese icon – The Great Wall – the Yangtze not only traverses a great distance but also attracts countless visitors each year. As one of the highlights of China’s vast and diverse natural landscape, the Yangtze offers a gentle pace much at odds with the often frenetic flow of modern Chinese cities such as Beijing and Shanghai. Experience this contrast and come to appreciate just some of the many facets of the Chinese nation with nights in modern Shanghai, the mix of old and new in Beijing and the ancient and enchanting Xi’an. From world class nightlife to ancient history, the appeal of modern day China grows by the day.
Art and architecture
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Guest House
Age Range
6-99 yrs
Operated in
english, german
Destinations
Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Yangtze River
Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Yangtze River
24% OFF TODAY
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Capture the spirit of China on this 12-day trip from Shanghai to Beijing. From fast-paced modern cities to the well-preserved remnants of a long and storied history, this adventure reveals the many sides of one of the world’s great cradles of civilisation. It’s important to contrast the big and the bold with quiet moments and real connections. That’s why the tour of the Terracotta Warriors finishes with lunch at a local family home and why time at Shaolin temple, the birthplace of kung fu, is contrasted with boisterous Beijing. Whether you’re scaling the Great Wall or sharing crispy Peking duck with your fellow travellers, this trip is packed with unforgettable moments.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
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, Luoyang, Xian
Beijing, Shanghai, Luoyang, Xian, Xiahe, Lanzhou
19% OFF TODAY
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Embark on an exhilarating 10-day budget China tour that immerses you in the contrasts of urban marvels and serene rural landscapes, offering a taste of China's diverse allure. This captivating journey spans from the historic capital of Beijing to the bustling metropolis of Shanghai, showcasing the best of this magical country.
The adventure commences in Beijing, China's sprawling capital, where travelers have ample time to explore a city steeped in history and culture. With its iconic landmarks like the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven, Beijing provides a captivating introduction to China's rich heritage. The tour also takes a mesmerizing detour to one of the world's most iconic wonders, the Great Wall of China, where guests have the extraordinary opportunity to camp on a secluded section of the wall and witness a breathtaking sunset.
Leaving the city's bustling streets behind, the journey leads to rural China, specifically Hangzhou in the Zhejiang region. Here, adventurers can choose to embark on a trek to Moganshan Peak, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. A highlight of this leg of the journey is a visit to a stunning lagoon, inviting travelers to swim in its crystal-clear waters, providing a serene and rejuvenating experience.
The tour's grand finale unfolds in Shanghai, the world's most populous city and a vibrant hub of culture, commerce, and nightlife. Shanghai offers a dynamic contrast to the tranquility of rural China, allowing travelers to savor the energetic atmosphere and explore the city's myriad attractions. From sampling mouth-watering cuisine to indulging in shopping sprees, Shanghai is a sensory delight.
Throughout the journey, the tour maintains a budget-friendly approach, ensuring that travelers can experience the wonders of China without breaking the bank. Accommodations are chosen to provide comfortable lodging, allowing guests to rest and rejuvenate for each day's adventures
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hostel, Camping, Guest House
Age Range
18-60 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Beijing, Shanghai, Moganshan
Beijing, Shanghai, Moganshan
28% OFF TODAY
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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
5% 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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Join this twelve-day tour to discover western China! Visit the Forbidden City, home to emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasty for over 500 years, and the Terracotta Warriors Museum, the eighth wonder of the world Explore the Muslim quarter, Xi’an city’s glamour and gourmet and Western Xia Imperial Tombs, the best-preserved historic cultural heritage representing the Tangut civilization at the largest scale and in the highest rank. Discover Shapotou Tourism Area, it lies southeast rim of the desert and regarded as the Capital of Sand. Visit The Bund, the symbol of Shanghai and Former French Concession, the charm of old Shanghai.
Art and architecture
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
6-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Yinchu
Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Yinchuan, Zhongwei
24% 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.
Join this awe-inspiring twelve-day private tour to discover the highlights of China! Explore the Forbidden City, home to emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasty for over 500 years. Visit the Terracotta Warriors Museum, the eighth wonder of the world and the Muslim quarter, Xi’an city’s glamour and gourmet. Stop at the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base, an up-close look at China’s universally adored mascot. Cruise along the Li River, to see one of China's natural masterpieces. Visit the Bund, the symbol of Shanghai and the Former French Concession, the charm of old Shanghai.
Art and architecture
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Guest House, Hotel
Age Range
6-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Chengd
Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Chengdu, Guilin
24% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
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
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
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
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
