Arrival in Beijing

Beijing Capital Airport International Hotel - Upon arrival, the driver will warmly welcome you at the airport and accompany you to the hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free for personal plans. Relax at the hotel or explore the surroundings at your leisure. Spend the remainder of the day discovering this amazing city.

Discover the Great Wall

Mutianyu Great Wall - A visit to the Great Wall is essential on any Beijing tour. Today, explore the magnificent Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, known as the 8th Wonder of the World. Take a cable car to visit one of the best-preserved and most famous sections of the Mutianyu Great Wall. Enjoy the stunning natural scenery and the closely spaced Watchtowers. Be amazed by the incredible construction and the captivating landscape surrounding the wall.

Temple of Heaven - Afterwards, admire the Temple of Heaven, originally used by the Ming and Qing emperors to honor Heaven and pray for a bountiful harvest. It is the largest worship structure from the Ming and Qing dynasties and is now a popular spot for Beijing’s seniors to practice Tai Chi, sing, or dance. At the end of the day, you will be returned to your hotel in Beijing.

Explore Historic Sites in Beijing

Tiananmen Square (Tiananmen Guangchang) - Begin your exploration with a visit to one of the world’s largest public areas—Tiananmen Square, which houses the National Museum of China, the mausoleum of Mao Zedong, and the Monument to the People’s Heroes.

Forbidden City-The Palace Museum - Continue to the magnificent Forbidden City, the world’s largest palace complex with 9,999 rooms across 72 hectares, surrounded by a six-meter-deep moat and a ten-meter-high wall. Discover the 600-year-old Royal Palace, learn about the lives of ancient emperors and concubines, and uncover unknown stories from the Forbidden City with your professional guide.

The Bird’s Nest Ice and Snow Festival - Later, visit Beijing’s stadium and pool – the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube – built for the 2008 Summer Olympics and Paralympics, offering a modern contrast to China’s ancient history. View from outside and take some photos.

Summer Palace (Yiheyuan) - Head to The Summer Palace, the best-preserved imperial garden in China, renowned for its beautiful landscape and spectacular architecture. Visit the Summer Palace, appreciate the stunning gardens, and imagine the lifestyle of royalty who enjoyed this summer retreat during imperial times. At the end of the day, you will be returned to your hotel in Beijing.

Travel from Beijing to Xi’an by Bullet Train

Hutong Tour - Enjoy a Rickshaw Hutong ride, stroll through quaint shops, enjoy a coffee, and gain an insider’s view of a real Beijing community.

Xi’an North Railway Station Parking Lot - Then transfer to Beijing train station, where the guide will meet you at the Xi’an train station. Please note: Lunch on the train is at your own arrangement.

Muslim Quarter - Head to the Muslim Quarter, the main gathering place for the local Muslim community, featuring exotic shops, snacks, and souvenirs. Observe Muslim men with white hats leisurely conversing inside the stores. Additionally, enjoy the fascinating Chinese folk art at Gao’s Courtyard - the Puppet Show. Try local cuisine nearby for dinner, and at the end of the day, you will be returned to your hotel in Xi’an.

Visit the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an

The Museum of Qin Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses - This morning, visit the incredible Terracotta Warriors, featuring over 8,000 painted life-size warriors and horses in battle-ranked formations, replicating the significant imperial guard troops of Emperor Qin Shi Huang (259 - 210BC), the first emperor of the first unified dynasty of Imperial China.

Xi’an City Wall (Chengqiang) - Then explore the 14-kilometer-long Xi’an Ancient City Wall by foot or bike at your leisure, with the entire city view presented before you. This Wall is the most well-preserved ancient military defensive system in the world today, composed of the moat, hanging bridges, battlements, watchtowers, tunnels, and parapet.

Tang Dynasty Show - In the evening, watch the Tang Dynasty Show (the show only), which includes an entertaining combination of live music, dance, and poetry. This marvelous show vividly reflects the ancient royal singing and dancing of the Tang Dynasty about 1400 years ago. At the end of the day, you will be returned to your hotel in Xi’an.

Travel from Xi’an to Shanghai by Air

Big Wild Goose Pagoda (Dayanta) - Today, see the landmark of Xi’an - Big Wild Goose Pagoda. It is one of the city’s most distinctive and outstanding landmarks, possibly the most beautiful building left in Xi’an today. The Big Goose Pagoda was built to store the sutra and the figurines of Buddha, brought from India by the famous Buddhist translator and traveler Tang Sanzang. Feast your eyes on its architectural elegance.

Tomb of Emperor Jingdi (Hanyangling) - Afterwards, visit the Archaeological Museum of Hanyangling Mausoleum, also known as “JingDi’s Tomb.” This is a burial site for Emperor Jingdi and his wife, dating back 2,100 years. It is the only underground museum in China, where visitors can enter the grave and have a close look.

Shanghai Tourist Service Center (Pudong Airport T2) - Finally, transfer to the airport and fly to Shanghai. The driver in Shanghai will hold your nameplate and wait for you at the arrival hall, then transfer you directly to the hotel.

Outskirts of Shanghai - Zhujiajiao Water Town

Jade Buddha Temple - Visit the renowned Jade Buddha Temple, a sacred 19th-century structure built during the Qing Dynasty, and see the two elegant Jade Buddha statues. Marvel at the majestic architecture of the temple and listen as your guide explains the captivating history of its construction. Then, visit the Jade center to learn the difference between jadeite and nephrite and how jade is closely linked with Chinese culture.

Zhujiajiao Ancient Town - Continue this exotic journey on the outskirts of Shanghai in Zhujiajiao water village. Like many of its 60,000 inhabitants, you’ll have the option of exploring the village by foot or by canal boat (boat rides are optional at an additional cost), seeing some of the 36 stone bridges and ancient buildings, enjoying the local culture, and buying some souvenirs. Finally, transfer back to the hotel.

Departure from Shanghai

Yuyuan Old Street - This tour is perfect for experiencing the best of Shanghai’s most famous sites. Your private guided tour begins with a visit to Yuyuan Garden and Shanghai Old Street, where you’ll see classic statues, ornaments, and flatware from the Ming and Qing dynasties. The picturesque garden is expansive, with many halls, springs, and other small buildings. Here, you will have the chance to experience a traditional tea ceremony.

Xintiandi - Then, enter the former French Concession in Xintiandi, see the classic 1920’s Shikumen architecture, cross over the old alleyway, and soak in the classic and modern atmosphere.

The Bund (Wai Tan) - Afterwards, a short trip will bring you to The Bund, iconic and prestigious. The buildings lining the waterfront are collectively known as a “Gallery of World Architecture.” At nightfall, the beautiful artistic lights create a scene of crystal palaces with fantastic charm.

Shanghai Tower - Lastly, pass through the Lujiazui financial area, where nearly 100 skyscrapers have been built within the past decade! Take the opportunity to travel 100 floors high to see panoramic views of Shanghai city, including the Shanghai Tower, Financial Tower, Jinmao Tower, and Pearl Tower (optional cost for observation deck). Please note: Due to different flight schedules, please find your own way to the airport for your homeward flight. Wishing you a pleasant journey home.

• All entrance tickets as listed
• One way Pickup from Beijing airport
• Bullet train tickets (2nd class) from Beijing to Xi’an, seat upgrade available upon request
• Private English-speaking guide
• Flight tickets (Economic class) from Xi’an to Shanghai

• Personal Expense
• Meal
• Gratuities

This 8 days tour takes you to the ancient and modern capitals of China. Visit Beijing, Xian and Shanghai and experience incredible history, while marveling at the breathtaking pace of modern China. Be fascinated by Beijing’s balance of contemporary and past glories, including the Great Wall, Forbidden City and Summer Palace. Catch a high speed train across country, In Xian where you’ll enjoy the spirited energy and exquisite food of this city before heading to Shanghai, pearl of the orient. This major China cities experience includes all in country transfers, high speed train travel, fully guided tour with driver transport, airport transfers, and more!

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.