Shanghai: Southern Great Wall Day Trip by Bullet Train

Exploring the Southern Great Wall Day Trip from Shanghai

If you’re seeking a way to experience the Great Wall beyond Beijing without the crowds, this Southern Great Wall day trip offers a perfect alternative. Travelling by bullet train from Shanghai, this tour combines history, local flavor, and scenic views into a manageable day. It’s especially appealing for those who want to avoid the busy tourist spots and enjoy a more intimate, authentic encounter with China’s ancient defenses.

What makes this trip unique? First, it’s a fast train journey that makes the entire day feel streamlined and comfortable. Second, it features the Linhai Great Wall, a less-visited but equally impressive stretch built during the Jin Dynasty. Lastly, the tour includes a walk through Ziyang Old Street, where you’ll find local food, artisan shops, and a taste of historic Zhejiang life.

However, one thing to keep in mind is that this is a long day of travel and walking—around 13 hours in total—so it’s best suited for travelers comfortable with early mornings and physical activity. If you’re craving a cultural adventure that combines history with authentic local life, this trip is a fantastic choice. It’s especially great for those who want a more relaxed alternative to the typical Great Wall tour, with the added bonus of exploring Zhejiang’s charming towns.

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Good To Know

• Unique Location: Visit the Southern Great Wall of China near Shanghai, a lesser-known but historically significant site.
• Convenient Transport: Enjoy a round-trip bullet train journey, providing rapid and comfortable travel.
• Authentic Experience: Explore Ziyang Old Street for local food, shopping, and authentic architecture.
• Expert Guides: Guides like Summer, Jenny, and Andrew are praised for their knowledge and friendliness, enriching the experience.
• Flexible Schedule: Customize the tour to suit your pace, with options to rest, explore, or skip certain parts.
• Good Value: At $399 per person, the tour includes transport, an entry ticket to the Great Wall, lunch, and a private guide—offering a comprehensive package.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Starting the Day: Easy Pickup and Fast Travel

Your trip begins with a hotel pickup in Shanghai, with options for different locations, making it easy to meet your guide. From there, you’ll board a high-speed bullet train—an experience in itself. The journey takes about 2 hours, giving you ample time to relax and chat with your guide about what’s ahead. Reviewers have appreciated how smoothly this part of the day runs, with one commenting that the logistics were “superb” and “very well coordinated.”

During the ride, your guide will share insights about the day’s itinerary and answer any questions, making the transition from urban Shanghai to Zhejiang seamless. The train experience is often highlighted as a highlight, providing a glimpse of China’s modern infrastructure and a comfortable start to your adventure.

Exploring the Southern Great Wall

Upon arrival in Linhai, your first stop is the Linhai Great Wall, also known as the Jiangnan Great Wall. This site, initially built during the Jin Dynasty (317-420 AD), is a less crowded but equally impressive alternative to Beijing’s famous sections. Originally stretching over 6,000 meters, today visitors can walk along about 5,000 meters of preserved wall and pathways.

Visitors like Jose found walking along the ancient stones surrounded by nature “transported us back in time,” and the views were “breathtaking.” The wall’s location offers scenic vistas and a quieter atmosphere, allowing for a more personal connection with the history. The design of the Linhai Great Wall is credited to the same creator as the Badaling Great Wall, which speaks to its historical significance.

Most visitors spend about 2-3 hours here, comfortably strolling the walkable paths. Reviewers mention that guides share fascinating stories that bring the wall’s history to life, making it more than just a scenic walk.

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Ziyang Old Street and Local Flavor

Next, the tour takes you into Ziyang Old Street, which is often praised for its authentic charm. The street showcases restored buildings and shops that reflect the original architectural style of the ancient city. Here, you can browse local gourmet foods, souvenirs, and gifts.

Multiple reviewers, such as Tadeusz and Carolina, describe this stop as a highlight. Carolina, for instance, appreciated how her guide, Summer, shared cultural insights and took plenty of photos—even in rainy weather! The street isn’t just about shopping; it’s an immersion into the local community, with options to indulge in regional delicacies and witness traditional performances.

If you’re looking for a relaxed experience, you can spend more time browsing, or if you prefer, ask your guide to suggest other nearby attractions like Linghu Park or East Lake. The flexibility of this portion is a big plus for travelers wanting a personalized trip.

Customization and Flexibility

What many reviews appreciate is the ability to tailor the day. Whether you’re eager to explore more or prefer to rest, your guide can accommodate your wishes. For instance, some guests have opted to replace Ziyang Old Street with visits to parks or lakes, depending on their interests.

This flexibility ensures you’re not just on a set schedule but truly experiencing what appeals most to you, whether that’s history, nature, or local life.

Return Journey and Reflection

After a full day of exploration, you’ll board the bullet train back to Shanghai, which takes around 2-3 hours. The comfort of the train and the professionalism of your guide or driver mean you can unwind and reflect on the day’s highlights. Many reviewers, like Louise and Samuel, mention how smooth the logistics were, with excellent guides making the entire trip relaxing and enjoyable.

Once back in Shanghai, your driver will drop you at your hotel, leaving you with plenty of memories and photos. The entire experience, including transportation, guided commentary, admission, and lunch, is designed to maximize value for your $399 ticket.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Pickup and Transfer:
Your day begins with a hotel pickup, choosing between multiple options. This convenience is praised in reviews, eliminating the hassle of navigating public transport early in the morning.

High-Speed Bullet Train:
A 2-hour ride transports you swiftly from Shanghai to Linhai, offering views of the countryside and cities. The train is air-conditioned and modern, making the journey comfortable.

Linhai Great Wall Exploration:
Spend around 2-3 hours walking and learning about this ancient structure. The site is well-preserved, with walkable paths that allow for leisurely exploration. Guides like Summer and Jenny are commended for their storytelling and local knowledge, adding depth to the visit.

Ziyang Old Street:
A 1-2 hour visit to this historic street offers opportunities for shopping, tasting local foods, and witnessing traditional architecture. Reviewers note that the guide’s tips and photos make this part especially memorable.

Lunch and Optional Activities:
The tour includes lunch, featuring local flavors. Guests have described it as delicious and satisfying. If time permits, you can choose to explore nearby parks or lakes, ensuring the tour suits your pace.

Return to Shanghai:
Boarding the bullet train for the return trip, you’ll arrive back in Shanghai in about 2-3 hours, relaxed and enriched from your day.

The Value of This Tour

At $399 per person, this trip covers round-trip train tickets, entrance fees, lunch, private guide, and transportation within Linhai. When you consider the cost of individual train tickets and entry fees, plus the value of a private guide who personalizes your experience, it becomes clear this is a well-priced way to explore a significant yet less-frequented section of China’s Great Wall.

Several reviewers highlighted the excellent organization and professional guides as key reasons why the experience felt worth every penny. One even mentioned how their guide, Summer, made all the difference, sharing stories and tips that enhanced their understanding and comfort.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour is best suited for history buffs eager to explore a different part of China’s monumental walls, and for travelers seeking a more relaxed, less crowded alternative to the Beijing experience. It’s also ideal for those who appreciate local culture, scenic walks, and authentic food. If you’re comfortable with early mornings and a full day of activity, you’ll find this trip both enriching and enjoyable.

Travelers who love personalized experiences and appreciate knowledgeable guides will especially benefit from the flexibility offered. It’s a great way to combine modern transportation with ancient sights and local life, all in one day.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour starts with pickup from your Shanghai hotel. There are options for multiple locations, but note that pickup does not include hotels in outlying areas like Jiading or Qingpu.

How long is the train journey?
The train ride from Shanghai to Linhai takes approximately 2 hours one way, making it a quick and comfortable trip.

What does the tour include?
The price covers private guiding, all transportation (including round-trip bullet train tickets), entrance to the Southern Great Wall, and lunch.

Can I customize the tour?
Absolutely. You can rest, explore other attractions, or adjust activities based on your preferences. Guides are flexible and experienced in tailoring the day.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are recommended since there’s walking on the Great Wall and exploring streets.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the full-day nature suggests it’s best suited for older children or teenagers comfortable with walking and long days.

How do I book?
You can reserve your spot through the booking platform. You can also cancel for a full refund if done 24 hours in advance, adding flexibility to your plans.

Is there a guide who speaks English?
Yes, the tour is led by an English-speaking guide, ensuring you’ll have clear explanations and cultural insights throughout the day.

Final Thoughts

This Southern Great Wall day trip from Shanghai offers travelers a rare opportunity to see a less-crowded, historically significant section of the Great Wall, paired with a taste of Zhejiang’s local life. The combination of fast train travel, expert guides, scenic walks, and local cuisine provides excellent value for the price.

It’s perfect for history enthusiasts, curious explorers, or anyone wanting a more relaxed, authentic Chinese experience outside the tourist-heavy spots. With thoughtfully organized logistics and flexible options, this tour stands out as a memorable day that balances comfort, culture, and adventure.

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or new to China, this trip provides a meaningful, enjoyable way to discover a different side of the country’s vast heritage. If you’re looking for a blend of history, scenery, and local flavor packed into one day, this tour is definitely worth considering.

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