Upon landing in Shanghai, you'll be warmly greeted and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to unwind or take a stroll around the neighborhood to get a first taste of the city's vibrant rhythm.

Morning light casts a golden glow on the Bund's historic skyline, where Art Deco facades face futuristic towers across the river. In nearby Fuxing Park, locals stretch, sing, and play mahjong under leafy canopies, offering a glimpse into daily Shanghai life.

Colorful alleyways await in Tianzifang - an artsy enclave brimming with boutique shops and cozy teahouses. Later, weave through a bustling local market to taste freshly made local bites like shengjianbao (pan-fried buns) and sticky rice rolls.

Later, step into the elegant world of Yuyuan Garden, where delicate carvings, koi ponds, and arched bridges reflect the sophistication of traditional Chinese design.

A flavorful morning unfolds with an immersive walk through a vibrant Shanghai market. Chat with vendors, handpick fresh seasonal ingredients, and get a feel for the city's daily rhythm. Then step into the kitchen for a hands-on Chinese cooking class, where a professional chef guides you in preparing either two signature dim sum dishes or a full three-course meal. As the final touch, sit down to enjoy the fruits of your labor - freshly made, delicious, and entirely your own.

Later, admire rare treasures and modern curation at the Shanghai Museum East, where ancient jade, bronze, and calligraphy meet cutting-edge exhibition design.

Then, ride the high-speed elevator up the Shanghai Tower. From the top, the sprawling city stretches out beneath you - an unforgettable view from the second-tallest building in the world.

Today, ride the high-speed train north to Beijing, an approximately 4.5-hour journey. Upon arrival, step into the capital’s old soul with a rickshaw ride through the winding Hutongs - centuries-old alleyways where life still moves at a gentle pace.

A visit to a traditional courtyard home brings you closer to local hospitality. Share stories over a simple home-cooked meal, and roll up your sleeves to learn how to make Chinese dumplings by hand - a heartwarming and tasty tradition.

Few places match the scale and symbolism of Tiananmen Square. Cross into the Forbidden City through its iconic red gates and trace the footsteps of emperors among halls of gold, marble, and crimson.

Come lunchtime, a Beijing classic awaits - crispy-skinned Peking Duck, roasted to perfection and carved before your eyes.

Later, walk up the gentle slope of Jingshan Park for panoramic views of the Forbidden City's rooftops, glowing amber in the afternoon light.

In the quiet courtyards of the Temple of Heaven, locals gather for morning tai chi, opera practice, and card games, all set against the backdrop of solemn Ming architecture.

A drive into the countryside brings you to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. A cable car eases you up to the top, where ancient stone paths wind along green ridges. A traditional farmhouse lunch offers flavors of northern China - simple, hearty, and deeply satisfying.

After breakfast, your guide will escort you to the airport for your onward journey. As you leave, the aromas, flavors, and stories of Shanghai and Beijing remain as lasting souvenirs.