15-Day Beijing to Shanghai Itineraries & Cost (2026)

Beijing → Shanghai transport

ModeDurationFare
HSR5h 58m$98
Flight2h 15m$62

Itineraries

BEIJING → GUANGZHOU · 15 Days
Beijing → Shanghai → Guangzhou · 15 Days

Great Wall and Forbidden City in Beijing, The Bund and Yu Garden in Shanghai, Chimelong Resort and Canton Tower in Guangzhou — 15 days for $2,759.

Stand on Badaling Wall as Beijing fades into the haze belowStroll through Yu Garden's classical architecture in ShanghaiExplore Chimelong Safari Park's animal exhibits in Guangzhou
$3,000est. $2,759STANDARDOCTOBER1 ADULT
BEIJING → SHANGHAI · 15 Days
Beijing → Xi'an → Shanghai · 15 Days

Forbidden City and Great Wall in Beijing, Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an, and The Bund in Shanghai — 15 days backpacker for $1,688.

Stand on Badaling Wall as Beijing fades into the haze belowWatch the Terracotta Warriors mid-march, 2,200 years and still goingSample Shanghai's soup dumplings at a local eatery
$1,500est. $1,688BUDGETOCTOBER1 ADULT

FAQ

How do you get from Beijing to Shanghai?

The fastest option is HSR (5h 58m, $98).

How long does it take to travel from Beijing to Shanghai?

About 5h 58m by HSR, or 2h 15m by Flight.

Is it cheaper to fly or take the train from Beijing to Shanghai?

HSR costs $98 versus $62 by Flight. For most Beijing–Shanghai trips the train wins on city-center-to-city-center time.

How many days do you need for a Beijing to Shanghai trip?

Most Beijing–Shanghai itineraries run 7–14 days depending on how many stops you add between the two cities.

What's the best time to do a Beijing to Shanghai trip?

Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are ideal across most of China. Avoid the early-October Golden Week holiday.