8-Day Beijing, Xi'an & Shanghai Tour: Explore China’s Cultural Gems
8-Day Beijing, Xi'an & Shanghai Tour: Explore China’s Cultural Gems
Tour Highlights
Check out the itinerary in one second:
D1: Arrive in Beijing
D2: Visit Tiananmen Square, Zijing City, Lama Temple, Beijing Temple of Heaven
D3: Visit Mutianyu Great Wall and Shichahai in Beijing
D4: Beijing Summer Palace, take the high-speed rail to Xi'an
D5: In-depth tour of Xi'an, visit Terracotta Warriors and Horses, Da Ci'en Temple
D6: Xi'an - City Wall Park - Grand Mosque
D7: Shanghai Museum - Yu Garden - Huangpu River Cruise
D8: Airport drop-off - warm home
Itinerary Day by Day
Day 1 Beijing Arrival | Airport Pick-up and Hotel Check-in
- Arrival day: Today is the departure day. You can choose your own means of transportation to Beijing and start your customized journey.
- After arriving in the capital, a dedicated driver will wait for you to take you to the hotel. You can take a short rest and move freely after relieving fatigue.
- You can leave your luggage at the hotel front desk and check in at the hotel.
- There are many local specialty restaurants around. If you haven't had lunch yet, you can go to the local specialty restaurant to check in!
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Go to the recommended attractions on your own.
[No tour itinerary is arranged on that day. Free activities all day][Dinner is at your own expense]
If you have enough time after arriving in Beijing, you can arrange it yourself according to the following recommended route
[Free activities recommended attractions]
Your flight will land in our capital, Beijing, today. Whenever you land, our local professional guides and experienced drivers will greet you at the airport arrival hall and then escort you to the booked hotel to settle down. For the rest of the day, relieve jet lag and recharge your energy for the upcoming Golden Triangle China trip.Day 2: Tiananmen Square - Forbidden City - Lama Temple - Temple of Heaven Park
- Meals: Breakfast: Western buffet | Lunch: Included | Dinner: X
- Accommodation: Beijing
Start your private tour at Tiananmen Square, exploring landmarks like Tiananmen Gate and the Great Hall of the People. Walk through the square to the Forbidden City, the world’s largest imperial palace, divided into the Outer Court (state affairs) and Inner Court (royal residence).
Guest Perks:- 2–3 hours in the Forbidden City with a knowledgeable guide.
- Skip the queues with pre-booked tickets.
Lunch: Enjoy authentic Chinese dishes, including crispy Peking duck, at Xihe Yaju, a courtyard restaurant known for its elegant atmosphere and fresh ingredients.
In the afternoon, visit the Lama Temple, a Tibetan Buddhist site, and the Temple of Heaven, where emperors worshiped. Don’t miss the iconic Altar of Prayer for Good Harvests.
End the day with a hotel drop-off.
Day 3: Mutianyu Great Wall - Shichahai
- Meals: Breakfast: Western buffet | Lunch: X | Dinner: X
- Accommodation: Beijing
Today's highlight is the Mutianyu Great Wall, one of the most impressive sections of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. We’ll arrange a round-trip cable car ride for you to explore this historic marvel. Standing on the wall, surrounded by breathtaking mountain views, you’ll understand why it continues to captivate visitors worldwide. Enjoy some leisure time to soak in the scenery.
For lunch, feel free to explore local options—our guide will gladly provide recommendations.
On the way back to the city, we’ll stop at the Bird's Nest (National Stadium) for a photo opportunity.
Next, visit Shichahai, a historic lakeside district known for its traditional hutongs and siheyuan (courtyard houses). Experience a 40-minute rickshaw ride through the narrow alleys and visit a local family living in a traditional courtyard to gain insight into Beijing’s rich culture.
We’ll drop you off at your hotel afterward, but you can also choose to explore Shichahai’s vibrant bar and pub scene. If you wish to stay longer, a taxi ride back to your hotel is convenient and affordable.
Day 4: Summer Palace - High-Speed Train to Xi’an
- Meals: Breakfast: Western buffet | Lunch: X | Dinner: X
- Accommodation: Xi'an
After breakfast and hotel check-out, visit the majestic Summer Palace, the largest and best-preserved imperial garden in China. Centered around Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill, it’s a masterpiece of Chinese landscape and architectural art. Depending on the season, enjoy the blooming lotus flowers in summer or skating on the frozen lake in winter.
In the afternoon, board a high-speed train to Xi’an. The train ride, taking about 4.5 to 5.5 hours, offers a comfortable and efficient way to travel. Upon arrival, your local guide and driver will meet you and escort you to your hotel.
Day 5: Terracotta Army - Big Wild Goose Pagoda
- Meals: Breakfast: Western buffet | Lunch: X | Dinner: X
- Accommodation: Xi'an
In the morning, visit the world-famous Terracotta Army Museum, an extraordinary underground army created to protect Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife. Explore the pits containing thousands of life-sized warriors, horses, and chariots. Learn about their history and craftsmanship, including rare archaeological finds such as painted terracotta figures and bronze artifacts.
Guest Perks:
- Visit the home of Yang Zhifa, the farmer who discovered the Terracotta Army in 1974. Learn about his remarkable find and take a photo with him.
- Enjoy a hands-on DIY Terracotta Warrior workshop, where you can craft a mini replica and personalize it with your name, guided by skilled artisans.
After lunch (self-arranged), visit the iconic Big Wild Goose Pagoda, built during the Tang Dynasty to store and translate Buddhist scriptures brought back by monk Xuanzang. Stroll through the nearby Tang Dynasty-themed Great Tang All Day Mall, a lively shopping area replicating ancient prosperity.
Finally, return to your hotel. If you’d like to explore the Great Tang All Day Mall night scene, your guide can offer helpful tips for getting back to your hotel.
Day 6: Xi’an City Wall - Muslim Quarter
- Meals: Breakfast: Western buffet | Lunch: Xi’an local snacks | Dinner: X
- Accommodation: Shanghai
Start your day at Xi’an City Wall Park, where locals gather for morning exercises, tai chi, and folk dancing. Join in if you like! Next, climb the Xi’an City Wall, offering views of both historic and modern Xi’an. You can walk, cycle, or take a sightseeing cart along the wall.
Continue to the Great Mosque, a beautiful blend of traditional Chinese and Islamic architecture, located in the heart of the lively Muslim Quarter.
Lunch Highlight:
Taste a variety of Xi’an’s famous street snacks, such as biang biang noodles, roujiamo (Chinese burgers), dumplings, lamb stew, and more, at a local restaurant.In the afternoon, fly to Shanghai, where your local guide will greet you and escort you to your hotel.
Day 7: Shanghai Museum - Yuyuan Garden - Huangpu River Cruise
- Meals: Breakfast: Included | Lunch: Included | Dinner: X
- Accommodation: Shanghai
Start your day at the Shanghai Museum, home to one of China’s finest collections of ancient art, followed by a visit to the Yuyuan Garden, a serene classical garden with picturesque landscapes. Stroll through the bustling bazaar outside the garden.
For lunch, savor authentic Shanghai and Cantonese cuisine at a renowned local restaurant (budget: 150 CNY/person, included).
In the afternoon, enjoy a Huangpu River cruise, offering stunning views of Shanghai’s skyline, blending historical architecture with modern skyscrapers. Walk along the Bund, capturing photos of its iconic European-style buildings. End the day at the artistic Tianzifang District for some free time.
Dinner Suggestion:
Visit Xiao Yang Sheng Jian (Dapuqiao Daylight Center) for their famous pan-fried soup buns, a Shanghai specialty with a 30-year history.
Day 8: Departure from Shanghai
- Meals: Breakfast: Included | Lunch: X | Dinner: X
- Accommodation: N/A
Your private guide and driver will transfer you to the airport for your departure flight. We wish you a pleasant journey home!
Optional Suggestions:
If your flight is later, explore more of Shanghai or nearby attractions such as Suzhou’s classical gardens or Hangzhou’s West Lake. Let us know if you’d like to extend your stay, and we’ll tailor an itinerary for you
What’s Included in the Tour
- Transportation: Domestic flight and train tickets for intercity travel within China.
- Accommodation: Stay at carefully selected four-star or five-star hotels for added comfort.
- Meals: 7 breakfasts and 2 included meals during the tour.
- Tour Vehicle: Use of a private driver and air-conditioned vehicle for all travel needs during the tour.
- Attraction Tickets: Entry tickets to all the main attractions listed in the itinerary.
- Local English-Speaking Guide: Dedicated private guide to provide insights and assistance throughout the trip.
- Travel Agency Liability Insurance: Coverage for incidents related to the agency’s responsibilities.
- Flexible Itinerary: Tour guide may adjust the sequence of attractions without reducing the number of visits.
What’s Not Included in the Tour
- International Flights: Airfare to and from China.
- Visa Fees: Costs associated with obtaining a Chinese entry visa.
- Tips for Staff: Gratuities for guides and drivers.
- Hotel Personal Expenses: Additional charges for items like phone calls, laundry services, and mini-bar usage in hotel rooms.
- Single Room Supplement: Extra charges for travelers who require single-room accommodation.
- Unlisted Attraction Tickets: Admission fees for attractions not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Optional Activities: Costs for any activities or internal transportation within scenic areas that are not included in the itinerary.
- Personal Travel Insurance: It is recommended but not included in the package.
- Unspecified Costs: Any expenses not explicitly stated as covered by the tour operator.
- Traveler-Incurred Costs: Personal expenses made during the trip, such as shopping or dining outside the planned meals.
- Force Majeure Expenses: Costs for food and lodging caused by unforeseen events such as natural disasters or political disruptions.
