China Classic 8 Days – Beijing, Xi’an, Shanghai

Tour Overview

Discover the essence of China on this classic 8-day journey through three of the country’s most iconic cities. Walk along the Great Wall in Beijing, stand before the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an, and marvel at the futuristic skyline of Shanghai. This tour combines ancient wonders with modern marvels for an unforgettable Chinese experience.

Itinerary Highlights

Day 1: Arrival in Beijing

Arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport where your English-speaking guide and driver will greet you for a private transfer to your centrally located hotel. The remainder of the day is free to rest and acclimatize. In the evening, enjoy a welcome Peking duck dinner, a Beijing culinary tradition dating back to the imperial era. Overnight in Beijing.

Day 2: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City & Temple of Heaven

Begin your day at Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest public square, surrounded by monumental Soviet-style buildings including the Great Hall of the People and the National Museum. Walk through the Gate of Heavenly Peace to enter the Forbidden City, a vast palace complex that was home to 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties for over 500 years. Explore the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Imperial Garden, and the Palace Museum’s priceless collections. After lunch, visit the Temple of Heaven, where emperors prayed for good harvests. Walk through the Circular Mound Altar and the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests with its distinctive triple-eaved blue roof. In the evening, stroll through Qianmen Street, a restored traditional shopping boulevard. Overnight in Beijing.

Day 3: Great Wall at Mutianyu & Summer Palace

Morning drive approximately 1.5 hours to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, one of the best-preserved and most scenic stretches, surrounded by lush mountains and fewer crowds than Badaling. Walk along the ancient fortifications, climb the watchtowers, and take in breathtaking views of the wall snaking across the ridges. You may choose to ride the cable car up and the toboggan slide down for an exhilarating experience. After a farm-to-table lunch at a local restaurant, return to the city to visit the Summer Palace, the largest and best-preserved imperial garden in China. Wander along the Long Corridor with its 14,000 painted scenes, cruise on Kunming Lake, and explore the Marble Boat. Overnight in Beijing.

Day 4: Beijing to Xi’an (High-Speed Train)

After breakfast, visit the Lama Temple (Yonghe Gong), one of the largest and most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries outside Tibet, featuring a 26-meter-tall Maitreya Buddha carved from a single piece of white sandalwood. Then explore the hutongs of Nanluoguxiang, a well-preserved traditional alleyway lined with courtyard homes, boutique shops, and cafes. Transfer to Beijing West Railway Station for the high-speed bullet train to Xi’an (approximately 4.5-6 hours depending on the train). Arrive in Xi’an, the ancient capital of China for 13 dynasties, and check into your hotel. Overnight in Xi’an.

Day 5: Terracotta Warriors & City Wall

Morning visit the Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang and its world-famous Terracotta Army, discovered in 1974 by farmers digging a well. Explore the three excavation pits containing over 8,000 life-sized clay soldiers, horses, and chariots, each with unique facial expressions. Visit the on-site museum to learn about the construction and restoration of this 2,200-year-old wonder. After lunch, return to the city to walk or cycle along the Xi’an City Wall, the most complete ancient city wall in China, stretching 14 kilometers around the old city. At sunset, visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and the spectacular North Square musical fountain show. Overnight in Xi’an.

Day 6: Xi’an to Shanghai (Flight)

Morning visit the Shaanxi History Museum, housing over 370,000 artifacts spanning 1 million years of history, including exquisite Tang dynasty gold and silverware, murals, and pottery. Then explore the Muslim Quarter, a vibrant neighborhood of narrow alleys filled with food stalls selling roujiamo (Chinese hamburgers), yangrou paomo (lamb soup with bread), and persimmon cakes. Visit the Great Mosque, one of the oldest and largest mosques in China, blending traditional Chinese architecture with Islamic design. Transfer to Xi’an Xianyang International Airport for a flight to Shanghai (approximately 2.5 hours). Arrive and check into your hotel in the bustling metropolis. Overnight in Shanghai.

Day 7: Shanghai Old & New

Morning visit the Bund, Shanghai’s iconic waterfront promenade lined with 52 colonial-era buildings representing various architectural styles, known as the “Museum of World Architecture.” Across the Huangpu River, marvel at the futuristic Pudong skyline dominated by the Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower (the second-tallest building in the world), and the Shanghai World Financial Center. Then explore Yu Garden, a classical Chinese garden dating back to the Ming dynasty, featuring pavilions, rockeries, ponds, and the famous Huxinting Teahouse. Wander through the surrounding bazaar for traditional snacks and souvenirs. After lunch, visit the Shanghai Museum, one of China’s finest, with collections of ancient bronze, ceramics, calligraphy, and jade. In the evening, take a Huangpu River cruise to see both the Bund and Pudong illuminated in a dazzling light show. Overnight in Shanghai.

Day 8: Departure from Shanghai

After breakfast, enjoy some free time for last-minute shopping on Nanjing Road, China’s premier shopping street, or explore the former French Concession with its tree-lined avenues, art deco buildings, and trendy cafes. Transfer to Shanghai Pudong International Airport for your departure flight, concluding your classic 8-day China journey.

What’s Included

• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Driver
• Fuel Cost, Parking Fee, Toll Fee
• Accommodation in selected hotels
• Daily breakfast

What’s Not Included

• Entrance fees to attractions
• Tour Guide
• Meal (lunch and dinner)
• International flights
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses