A day in China: Beijing vs Shanghai

The Great Wall of China snakes across the breadth of China for around 21,000 kilometres (13,000 miles) – it’s the longest man-made structure ever built. Parts of the wall are easily accessible from Beijing, so if you leave early in the morning you can squeeze more exploration into the afternoon. One of the most famous parts of the wall to visit is at Jinshanling, where you can see a series of impressive watchtowers crowning the shapely hills, about two-and-a-half hours from the capital.

Beijing’s local dish, Peking duck, is an iconic meal consisting of tender slices of roasted duck with crispy skin, wrapped in a thin crepe with sliced spring onions, cucumber and rich hoisin sauce. You can find it in almost all traditional restaurants and markets and it’s a great value snack.

It’s hard to believe that Shanghai began as a humble fishing village when viewed during a walk along the Bund. The wide waterside catwalk showcases the city’s mixed Asian, Russian and Jewish influences in its stylish architecture, while across the water you can view the futuristic skyscrapers of Pudong.

While Japan may be famous for its bullet trains, the fastest train in the world can actually be found in Shanghai. The Maglev train (meaning ‘magnetic levitation’) has a top speed of 431kph and travels the 19 miles from downtown Shanghai to Pudong airport in just seven minutes. It’s a great way to experience China’s knack for technology for yourself.