China:
Emperors, Dynasties & Skyscrapers
April 3 - 9, 2027
Booking Deadline: January 3, 2027
Reserve Your Spot with Flexible Payment Plans
Welcome to China, a country where 3,000-year-old imperial dynasties share space with sky-piercing skylines and the pace of daily life stretches from centuries-old alleyways to the world's busiest shopping streets. This seven-day journey through Beijing and Shanghai invites you to walk the Great Wall, stand in the world's largest city square, wander through hidden hutongs, watch the sunset over the Bund, and taste your way through one of the world's most storied cuisines. Designed with intention for Black queer travelers, this experience blends deep cultural immersion, guided history, and just enough free time to let China speak to you on your own terms.
This experience is designed for a small group of up to 12 travelers, allowing for meaningful connection, flexibility, and shared moments throughout the trip.
✨ Pair It with South Korea and Vietnam ✨
China is also available as part of our Asia 2027 Series. South Korea, Vietnam, and China sit close together on the calendar and were designed to give travelers the option to move through Asia in one unforgettable spring. If you choose to combine trips, we will help arrange your flight between Vietnam and China, though airfare is at cost and not included in either trip price. Book China on its own, pair it with Vietnam, or combine all three for the full experience.
When booking, please select the "Combined Trip Add-On" to let us know you are combining both trips.
This is for interest tracking purposes only.
Photos are examples; actual room may vary slightly based on availability and accommodation alignment.
The Accommodations
Your home throughout this journey features thoughtfully selected boutique stays that place you at the heart of each city. In Beijing, you will stay at a well-located hotel in the central business district, moments from Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and Wangfujing shopping street. The property connects directly to a major shopping center and features easy access to metro lines 2 and 5.
In Shanghai, you will settle into a beautiful property just opposite the North Bund Green Land, featuring an indoor pool, spa and wellness center, and eight dining options. Both stays include daily breakfast and put you within easy reach of the sights, food, and neighborhoods you came to see.
NOTE: ITINERARY IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
Day One (Sunday, April 3rd)
BEM-VINDO A BEIJING
Your journey begins in Beijing, the political, cultural, and historical heart of China. Upon arrival at Beijing Capital Airport (PEK), your private guide will warmly welcome you and escort you to your hotel to check in and settle in. The afternoon is yours to rest, catch up on jet lag, or take a slow walk through the surrounding neighborhood.
In the evening, we come together for our welcome dinner featuring Peking Duck, one of the most beloved dishes to come out of Beijing since the Imperial era. Thin, crispy skin, delicately sliced tableside, and the perfect introduction to what awaits us.
Dinner included.
Day Two (Monday, April 4th)
THE CROWN JEWELS OF BEIJING
Today, we experience Beijing in its full imperial glory. Begin with a guided tour of the Summer Palace, the largest imperial garden in China, sprawling across nearly three square kilometers of lakes, pavilions, and ornate corridors. From there, we head into the heart of Beijing to Tiananmen Square, the world's largest city square, surrounded by iconic government buildings, the Great Hall of the People, and the National Museum of China.
Next, we enter the Forbidden City through Tiananmen Gate, walking beneath the portrait of Chairman Mao. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was the Chinese imperial palace from 1420 to 1912 and remains one of the most magnificent architectural achievements in the world, spanning 180 acres and 980 buildings.
In the afternoon, we give our legs a rest with a 30-minute pedicab tour through Beijing's historic hutongs, the narrow alleyways that have preserved traditional Chinese neighborhood life for centuries. The evening is yours, and we recommend heading to Wangfujing Street, one of Beijing's most famous commercial promenades, often called the Champs-Élysées of China.
Breakfast and lunch included.
Day Three (Tuesday, April 5th)
THE GREAT WALL AWAITS
No trip to China is complete without walking the Great Wall, and today we do it right. We travel to the Mutianyu section, chosen intentionally to avoid the crowds you find at the more popular Badaling section. Mutianyu offers dense vegetation, dramatic mountain views, and beautifully restored watchtowers stretching across ancient terrain. Depending on your pace, our guided hike lasts anywhere from two to six hours through some of the most iconic scenery in the world.
In the afternoon, we visit Changling Tomb, the largest of the 13 Ming mausoleums and the final resting place of Emperor Zhudi (Yongle) and his Empress Xushi. The Ling'en Hall, made from rare Phoebe nanmu hardwood, is a masterpiece of preservation and one of the most significant historical structures still standing today.
Breakfast and lunch are included.
Day Four (Wednesday, April 6th)
HUTONGS + THE JOURNEY TO SHANGHAI
Start the morning with a self-guided walking tour through Beijing's historic hutongs, uncovering the hidden gems nestled within these ancient alleyways. Step into a traditional siheyuan, a centuries-old style of residence with buildings surrounding an open central courtyard, and see how families still preserve a way of life passed down for generations.
In the afternoon, we take the 5-hour high-speed train from Beijing to Shanghai, a smooth and scenic ride through China's stunning countryside. Upon arrival, your private driver will meet you at the station and escort you to your Shanghai hotel to settle in for the next chapter of your journey.
Breakfast included.
Day Six (Friday, April 8th)
A FREE DAY IN SHANGHAI
Today is completely yours. Kick off your morning at Nanjing Road, the heartbeat of Shanghai shopping. Continue to People's Park, a peaceful green oasis where you can watch locals practice tai chi, play chess, or even stumble into the Shanghai Marriage Market, a fascinating cultural experience in itself. In the afternoon, wander through Xintiandi, a charming neighborhood of restored Shikumen houses filled with hidden alleys, cozy cafés, and boutique shops.
And of course, no day in Shanghai is complete without eating. Try xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), shengjianbao (crispy-bottomed buns), hong shao rou (braised pork belly), or street food classics like scallion pancakes and fried dumplings. Follow what calls you.
Breakfast included.
Day Five (Thursday, April 7th)
SHANGHAI, IN ALL ITS GLORY
Today, we experience Shanghai from every angle. Begin at The Bund, Shanghai's most iconic promenade, offering stunning views of colonial architecture on one side and futuristic skyline on the other. From there, we visit Yu Garden, a serene classical Ming Dynasty garden filled with rockeries, ponds, pavilions, and winding paths, plus the buzzing Yuyuan Market where you can taste local delicacies like xiaolongbao (steamed dumplings) and tangyuan (sweet glutinous rice balls).
Continue to the beautiful Former French Concession, a leafy, bohemian neighborhood filled with boutiques, wine bars, and trendy cafés, where your guide will share the fascinating history of this once-French-controlled district. End the day with a ride up Shanghai Tower, China's tallest skyscraper at 632 meters, for a 360-degree view of one of the world's most dazzling cities from the observation deck.
Breakfast included.
Day Seven (Saturday, April 9th)
TIME TO PART WAYS
Your China journey wraps today. Enjoy a slow breakfast and one final walk through Shanghai before your private transfer to Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) for your flight home or on to your next destination. You will leave China carrying imperial history, sky-high views, unforgettable meals, and the kind of memory only a country this vast and layered can give you.
Breakfast included.
What’s Included✨
Airport Pickup & Drop Off
7 Days, 6 Nights in boutique hotels (3 nights Beijing, 3 nights Shanghai)
Daily Breakfast, 2 Lunches, 1 Dinner
High-Speed Train from Beijing to Shanghai (1st Class Tickets)
Private Transportation to all Activities on the Itinerary
Welcome Peking Duck Dinner in Beijing
Beijing City Tour with Summer Palace, Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, and Pedicab Hutong Tour
Full-Day Hike Along the Great Wall of China (Mutianyu Section)
Changling Tomb Visit
Highlights of Shanghai Tour with Yu Garden, The Bund, Former French Concession, and Shanghai Tower Observation Deck
Sightseeing
English-Speaking Private Guides
Travel Guide
On-ground team to ensure you have an amazing time.
What’s Not Included
International Flight
Your Flight from your Home country to China and your flight back Home is not included - but we can help you figure both out.
Flight Between Vietnam + China (if combining trips) If you are combining this trip with our Vietnam 2027 trip, the flight between the two destinations is not included. We will arrange this on your behalf at cost.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory for all Lesbifriends Travel trips and a great way to protect your investment. When you book, WeTravel offers a free, no-obligation quote for basic coverage. You can easily select this option when registering. You’re also welcome to purchase your own policy from any provider. Some credit cards include built-in travel insurance if you pay for the entire trip with that card but be sure to check their terms to confirm your full trip cost is covered.
Any Applicable Vaccines
Meals not Mentioned
You are responsible for most lunches and dinners.
Personal extras
Additional tours and excursions not included in the itinerary.
Tips and gratuities
You are responsible for all tips and gratuities, including those for accommodation staff, meal service (even for included meals), drivers, tour guides, and other service providers. We recommend budgeting $100–$200 for gratuities to ensure you can tip appropriately throughout your trip.
⭐ Lock in Founding Member rate before Dec 31.
Receive $100 Annual Trip Credit (stackable if unused)
Grab your spot in the Passport Club. → Join Now
Pricing
Booking Deadline: January 3, 2027
Payment Plans Available - All Listed Prices Are Per Person
Please review the booking terms and conditions and frequently asked questions section before booking a package.
A Quick Note on Booking Together
If you are traveling with a friend or partner and plan to share a room, we recommend that each of you book individually so payments and registration can be managed separately. Just include your roommate's name during registration and we will be sure to place you in the same room. If you book under one registration, all payments will be tied to the original booker and cannot be split later.
Combined Trip Add-On (Vietnam + China)
$0 Add-On
Select this option at checkout to let us know you are interested in combining trips.
Double Occupancy
$2,700
Deposit: $100
1 OR 2 BEDS AND 2 PEOPLE IN THE ROOM. (PRICE PER PERSON)
Single Occupancy
$3,400
Deposit: $100
1 BED AND 1 PERSON IN THE ROOM.
Disclaimer
THIS TRIP ISN'T FOR EVERYONE
China is a fast-paced Asian country with its own customs and standards that differ significantly from standards in the USA.
IT IS FOR YOU IF:
You are open-minded
You enjoy walking, exploring, and immersive cultural experiences
You love history, dramatic landscapes, and dynamic city energy
You are physically able to handle full-day walking tours and moderate hiking (the Great Wall in particular requires stamina)
You love to have a great time and are open to meeting others and accept the different personalities you will encounter
THIS TRIP IS NOT FOR YOU IF:
You have a tendency to bring first world expectations with you everywhere
You have a tendency to be negative or create a challenging atmosphere for those around you
You're not into trying new things or stepping outside of your comfort zone
You don’t like Chinese cuisine; that is what we’ll be eating every day
You have very specific and particular travel preferences and tend to criticize everything around you
You have difficulty walking uphill, on uneven terrain, or hiking for extended periods
You are looking for a slow, low-energy trip; China moves at its own pace and rewards travelers who move with it
You are looking for luxury; Chinese standards are not the same as it is in the USA, however, if you keep an open mind, you will have a great time!
Important Information
Flights
Airport transfers are included in this trip on both arrival and departure days within the designated time windows listed below.
You must schedule your flight to arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) on Sunday, April 3rd between 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM local time in order for airport transfers to be included.
You must schedule your departure flight from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) on Saturday, April 9th, after 3:00 PM local time in order for airport transfers to be included. There is one group transfer provided, departing around 11:00 AM.
If you arrive earlier on the arrival day, you are welcome to wait at the airport until your group’s scheduled pickup time so that you can join the included transfer. Otherwise, you are welcome to arrange your own transfer to the accommodations or request a private transfer at an additional cost.
The same applies for departure day. If your flight departs outside the included transfer window, you may coordinate your own transfer or request a private transfer at an additional cost.
Please forward your flight itinerary to hello@lesbifriendstravel.com as soon as you purchase your tickets so that ground transportation can be coordinated.
Entry Requirements
Passport: Six months of remaining validity required. Two blank pages required for entry stamp.
Visa Requirements: U.S. citizens require a visa to enter China. We recommend applying at least two months before your departure. We will share detailed guidance closer to the trip.
Health and Safety: There are currently no COVID-19-related entry restrictions. No vaccination certificates are required to enter China, though we recommend consulting your physician before traveling.
Prior to Your Departure
Check if you need to update your passport. Your expiration date needs to be six months from the date of the trip.
Apply for your China tourist visa well in advance of your departure.
Do your own research on China. Being well informed adds to your overall experience. Also be sure to sign up for State Department/Embassy alerts and the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
Trip Terms & Conditions
We believe in transparency and informed travel. The document below outlines the Trip Terms & Conditions you will agree to once you book, so we invite you to review it ahead of time.
Money/Currency
The official currency of China is the Chinese Yuan (CNY), also called the Renminbi (RMB). China is a largely cashless society, with mobile payment apps like Alipay and WeChat Pay dominating everyday transactions. Foreign visitors can now link international credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) to Alipay for use throughout the country. Some hotels, restaurants, and major retailers also accept international credit and debit cards, though smaller shops, local markets, taxis, and family-owned businesses may prefer cash or mobile payment. We recommend downloading Alipay before your trip, carrying some cash for small purchases, and checking with your bank about international transaction fees.
Travel Insurance
Missing a vacation is bad enough. Losing the money you paid for your vacation is even worse. Lesbifriends Travel requires you to have travel insurance for any trip you take with us. Your premium is related to your trip cost, so you don’t have to worry about being over-insured. We want to make your travel experience seamless, so sign up and we will get a travel insurance policy for you or we can provide you with a no obligation quote. If you opt not to go with our preferred travel insurance provider, you are required to get your own and proof of insurance may be requested before the trip.
Payments and Payment Plans
All payments to Lesbifriends Travel are non-refundable and non-transferable. This is because Lesbifriends Travel has contractual agreements with hotels, airlines, and other vendors that will not allow us to obtain any refunds. This way we can keep our package prices low and allow you to make monthly payments on your vacation.
When you sign up for a trip, you are automatically signed up for monthly payments, and your confirmation email will clearly note your due dates and amount. We suggest you put this payment plan on your personal calendar.
A $75 late fee will be applied to all payments made after the 3-day grace period. Your trip is subject to cancellation after two missed payments.
-
If you are traveling alone and do not want to spend the extra money for a single occupancy room, we are happy to match you with a like-minded traveler to be your roommate on this trip. We understand that the extra money spent in getting your own room takes away from the money available for you to splurge while on vacation.
For that reason, we extend each traveler the option of having us pair you with a suitable roommate for no additional cost. Roommates are paired based on room selection and a potential roommate questionnaire if there are several solo travelers. Before the trip, you will be introduced to your roommate, with plenty of time for you to get to know each other before we reach our destination.