Beijing in One Day: Day Trip from Shanghai by Air - Great Wall & Forbidden City
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 144 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
3.9/5
Based on 25 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Beijing in One Day: Day Trip from Shanghai by Air - Great Wall & Forbidden City worth booking?
Beijing in One Day: Day Trip from Shanghai by Air - Great Wall & Forbidden City is a 14-hour experience in Shanghai, China, from $810 per person. It scores 49 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.9/5 rating across 25 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 144 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 49 / 100
- Rating
- 3.9/5 (25)
- Duration
- 14 hours
- From
- $810 per person
If you’re spending time in Shanghai, take a day trip to Beijing by air to make your visit to China complete. While you’re in China’s ancient capital, visit the Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China, two of Beijing’s
What you get
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Round-trip airfare and airport taxes
- Lunch
- Round way airport transfer services
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Admission tickets
About this experience
If you’re spending time in Shanghai, take a day trip to Beijing by air to make your visit to China complete. While you’re in China’s ancient capital, visit the Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China, two of Beijing’s most famous landmarks, as well as the shopping souvenirs chance. Note: Forbidden City is closed on every Monday, and if your travel day is on Monday, you will be offered an alternative Beijing attraction option like Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, etc.
What's included
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Round-trip airfare and airport taxes
- Lunch
- Round way airport transfer services
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Admission tickets
Not included
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks, unless specified
What you'll see and do
Pudong International Airport
You will be picked up from your hotels or local address in Shanghai, and transferred to Pudong Airport or Hongqiao Airport, then take the airplane for Beijing.
60 minutes here
You will be picked up from your hotels or local address in Shanghai, and transferred to Pudong Airport or Hongqiao Airport, then take the airplane for Beijing.
60 minutes here
The Palace Museum
The Forbidden City was built in 1406, which use to be Chinese Imperial Palace in Ming and Qing Dynasty. With over 180 acres and collection of great halls, you will see antiques and treasures representing all of China's history.
120 minutes here · Admission included
The Great Wall at Badaling
Great Wall, the image of China throughout the world, lives up to its reputation, as one of the Eight Wonders of the World. The Badaling section is a prime, preserved example of this colossal structure.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 5 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
- Languages
- cmn, en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Hantang International Travel Service
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please provide the full names shown on the passport and passport number in order to issue the air tickets
- Forbidden City is closed on every Monday, and if your travel day is on Monday, you will be offered an alternative Beijing attraction option
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 25 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Value for money
5 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Pace and timing
5 mentionsSeveral reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
3 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
25 verified traveler reviews for Beijing in One Day: Day Trip from Shanghai by Air - Great Wall & Forbidden City. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Loved being able to see...
Loved being able to see The Great Wall in one day! Would have been better if I could have spent more time at the wall. They added in a tea ceremony and Jade viewing where they want you to buy things and it wasted time.
via Viator
Great trip to see the Great Wall of China
The trip was fantastic seeing the forbidden city and the most amazing part was the Great Wall of China. It was a long day but worth the travel. The trip was organised well as the flights and travel arrangements ran smoothly.
Response from the operator: Great to know you enjoyed our services. Hope to have more chance to serve you and your friends in the near future.
via Viator
Worth the trip!
We had one free day on a group trip to Shanghai. Everyone said it wasn't possible, looking at us dubiously when we shared our plans going back and forth to Beijing. But it was, and a very long day, but very worth it. Picked up at 6:00a, returning after midnight (return flight was delayed). Saw a lot and it was very organized. Favorite part was seeing/walking The Great Wall. Drivers picking us up from Shanghai hotel and Beijing airport were very nice and helpful. Could have used a map/notes outlining airport procedure & terminal location, but we got there just fine. Our guide was a very cheerful, sweet young woman who wanted us to have a good time, but she hustled us right by Tianaman Square without noting it, redirecting our attention toward The Forbidden City (seemed on purpose). If we hadn't individually noticed what we were walking by, we would have missed it (even though it was promised on the itinerary & we wanted to see that part of history). We also spent a lot of time at The Forbidden City, which started looking the same--how many thrones did the Emperor really need! She offered a virtual reality upsell, which we took, that we didn't feel was worth it. It took time and the graphics were pretty unsophisticated. She also talked very quickly with a very strong accent and I had to ask her to slow down/repeat herself several times until I just surrendered, smiling and nodding, missing much of the information. Lunch was tasty and a nice, quick break from all the swift walking, followed by jade store. Beautiful offerings, but prices didn't seem favorable. Then to The Great Wall, which we were most looking forward to but were running out of time. I would have definitely swapped way more time from the Forbidden City to the Great Wall, for sure! It's beautiful and remarkable and worthy of admiration. Note, the bricks are very uneven--some 1-brick height, most 2-brick height & some 3-brick height, where I had to hoist myself up with hand on knee (we're both 5'8"). Also, guide was constantly trying to pose us in "sweetheart" photos, initially appreciated, ultimately distracting from what we were there to experience. Reminder: most restrooms did NOT have toilet paper, so bring your own & toilets are holes in the ground so for those with balance issues, bring your cane. I wondered how older people coped. All in all, we saw a lot, tour front-to-back was very organized and we felt as safe as one can feel in a foreign country without knowing the language.
via Viator
Tian'an men Square
The magnificent Tian'an men Square is giganticly big and yet one could hardly set a foot in front of the other without bumping into someone. The history is rich and tragic, military and police are presents is everywhere. We were told not to look them in the eye nor to take pictures of them.
via Tripadvisor
Amazing! A VIP tour.</p> <p>Huge...
<p>Amazing! A VIP tour.</p> <p>Huge day but worth it if you are limited for time and want to see 3 key parts in and around Beijing. Very fast paced but there is some rest time when you are driving.</p> <p>Everything is taken care of for you. You are collected from your Shanghai hotel and taken to the airport and checked in and then greeted in Beijing.</p> <p>Just be prepared for a long day. Our day started at 6am and we were returned to the hotel in Shanghai at 1.30am the next morning.</p> <p>Our guide, Gale was awesome!!! Made the experience! Her knowledge, attention and care, not to mention her fun and friendly attitude will not be forgotten. Thanks for making our day fabulous Gale!.</p>
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 14 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 144h before
- Minimum age to book
- 12+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $810 to $1100
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 9
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 49
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Beijing in One Day: Day Trip from Shanghai by Air - Great Wall & Forbidden City: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Shanghai.
How much does Beijing in One Day: Day Trip from Shanghai by Air - Great Wall & Forbidden City cost?
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Prices start at $810 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Shanghai usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Beijing in One Day: Day Trip from Shanghai by Air - Great Wall & Forbidden City take?
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Plan for about 14 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Shanghai is not rushed.
Is Beijing in One Day: Day Trip from Shanghai by Air - Great Wall & Forbidden City worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 49 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.9/5 across 25 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable culture & history in Shanghai, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Beijing in One Day: Day Trip from Shanghai by Air - Great Wall & Forbidden City?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 144 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Beijing in One Day: Day Trip from Shanghai by Air - Great Wall & Forbidden City suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 12. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 14-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Beijing in One Day: Day Trip from Shanghai by Air - Great Wall & Forbidden City?
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Around 9 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Shanghai can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Shanghai and add a light layer if any part of the 14-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Beijing in One Day: Day Trip from Shanghai by Air - Great Wall & Forbidden City start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Shanghai within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Shanghai?
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On Outty we rank every Shanghai experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Private Shanghai Full Day City Tour with Old and New Highlights, Suzhou Private Day Trip from Shanghai with Bullet Train Option, 4-Hour Flexible Private Shanghai City Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Shanghai?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Shanghai?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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