8-Day Beijing–Xi'an–Shanghai Tour

China Golden Triangle

With this 8-day journey, discover the diversity of China's unique landscapes, history, and culture.

This is a classic tour and you may alter any of its elements to suit you.

Days

8

Price

from US$1,679 p/p

Best For

First-time visitors

Best Time

Apr.May.Sep.Oct.

Tour Highlights

Get an exclusive view of the Forbidden City.
Get an exclusive view of the Forbidden City.
Ascend the section of the Great Wall that's recommended by the Lonely Planet.
Ascend the section of the Great Wall that's recommended by the Lonely Planet.
Savor the supreme duck dish in Beijing.
Savor the supreme duck dish in Beijing.
Trace clues beyond the Terracotta Army.
Trace clues beyond the Terracotta Army.
Avoid the crowds on the Bund.
Avoid the crowds on the Bund.

Itinerary Details

Day 1
Arrive in Beijing

Welcome to China! Your private guide and driver will be waiting for you at the airport upon your arrival to transfer you to your hotel where you can relax.

Day 2
The Forbidden City and the Hutongs

After breakfast, your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby. Warm up with a short visit to Tian'anmen Square. Within walking distance, you will reach the largest imperial palace in the world — the Forbidden City. Compared with other groups, your guide will lead you to the less touristy halls and enrich your experience with interesting background stories.

Sit down for a break at noon and enjoy the best-known dish in Beijing – roast duck – for lunch.

In the afternoon, wander past traditional hutong courtyard houses to get a glimpse of the locals' lives.

Day 3
The Temple of Heaven and the Great Wall

In the morning, you will visit the Temple of Heaven, where emperors would go to pray for a better harvest. Nowadays, it's famous for its incredible architecture and is a gathering place for locals to do exercises, such as tai chi and square dancing.

"Complete your trip to China with an unforgettable visit to the Great Wall at Mutianyu" — recommended by the Lonely Planet, the Great Wall at Mutianyu offers a magnificent landscape of well-preserved walls and towers as well as splendid surroundings. It's about 1½ to 2 hours' drive from central Beijing and is suitable for hiking.

Day 4
The Summer Palace and a High-Speed Train to Xi'an

For the last stop in Beijing, you will stroll through the Summer Palace, a serene space where you can see the imperial garden and all its glory, enjoy the natural beauty coupled with some great cultural relics of the past, and get away from the busy center of Beijing life. It's worth every step!

Travel to Xi'an on a bullet train after lunch.

Day 5
The Terracotta Army and a Traditional Cave Dwelling

Freshen up in the morning and start your day at the site of the Terracotta Warriors and Horses — the burial place of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. You also have the opportunity to visit a traditional cave dwelling nearby to find out how clay warriors are made.

Enjoy an authentic lunch and witness the most undamaged ancient Chinese city wall in existence.

Day 6
Xi'an City Highlights and a Flight to Shanghai

Head to Shaanxi History Museum and Big Wild Goose Pagoda followed by the Muslim Quarter where you can try local snacks.

In the late afternoon, your guide and driver will transfer you to the airport so you can catch a flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by your local tour guide.

Day 7
Shanghai Highlights and Bund Discovery

Discover Shanghai starting from the Bund, where foreigners first landed in Shanghai hundreds of years ago. During the In-Depth Bund Culture Discovery Tour, you will see features hidden in the architectural complex, with each building telling a story about its golden age.

Then visit "the crown of beauty in Southeast China" – Yu Garden – and the "little eastern gate" — Shanghai Old Street.

Sit down for a break and have lunch. Feel excited as you ascend to the highest observation deck in Shanghai Tower to get a bird's-eye view of the whole city.

Day 8
Shanghai Departure

Your guide and driver will escort you to the airport. Have a nice journey home!

Price Includes

Price from: $1,679 (Tour code: gh-cht-1)

One-to-one consultancy
One-to-one consultancy
Knowledgeable local guides
Knowledgeable local guides
Private drivers/driver guides and vehicles as listed
Private drivers/driver guides and vehicles as listed
Hand-picked hotels
Hand-picked hotels
Breakfasts and meals as listed
Breakfasts and meals as listed
Entry to all attractions on the itinerary
Entry to all attractions on the itinerary
Transportation as listed
Transportation as listed
A 24/7 helpline while traveling
A 24/7 helpline while traveling

Your 1:1 travel consultant will reply within 1 working day.

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