15-Day Beijing to Shanghai Itineraries & Cost (2026)
Routes available at this exact length: 1.
Beijing → Shanghai transport
Mode
Duration
Fare
HSR
5h 58m
$98
Flight
2h 15m
$62
Itineraries
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 $1,684.
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. $1,684BUDGETOCTOBER1 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.