8 Days Best of China Tour (Beijing Xian Shanghai Covered)

Day 1 Beijing Arrival

Highlights: Airport or Railway Station Pick Up

Welcome to Beijing , the iconic city as well as the capital of China!

You will be met by your local tour guide at the arrival hall of Beijing Capital Airport, or railway station, then be escorted to check in your hotel in downtown by a private comfortable vehicle. The rest of today is on your own to relax. If you want to explore nearby, feel free to get some practical suggestions from your tour guide.

Arrival Ideas: At present, there are many international and domestic flights to Beijing. Besides, you can take a high speed train to this capital city from Shanghai (5-6 hrs), Xi'an (5.5 hrs), Guangzhou (8-9.5 hrs), etc.

Day 2 Beijing (B, L)

Highlights: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Summer Palace

After breakfast, start to explore the historical face of Beijing with a brief visit to Tiananmen Square , now the largest city plaza in the world. Tiananmen Gate on the northern side of the square was the site where Chairman Mao announced the establishment of the People's Republic of China.

Stepping into the Tiananmen, you will see one of the world's five most important palaces – Forbidden City , a huge palace complex of more than 9,000 rooms where 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties lived. Pass through various doorways in this magnificent structure to admire the beautiful and well-preserved buildings decorated with yellow-glazed tile roofs, white marble bases and splendid colorful paintings. After Forbidden City exploration, take a short visit to Jingshan Park where you can get a nice shot of one watchtower of Forbidden City and take a panoramic view of Forbidden City.

After lunch, drive to the outskirts of Beijing to spend an enjoyable time in the Summer Palace , the largest and best-preserved royal garden in China. Stroll around ancient pavilions, mansions, temples, bridges and corridors while feasting your eyes on the vast lotus in Kunming Lake and the colorful paintings in the Long Corridor.

Optional activities: 1. You can watch a wonderful Kungfu Show in the Red Theater (Hong Ju Chang) which usually starts at 19:30; 2. Enjoy the classic Chinese art performance of Beijing Opera at Liyuan Theater during 19:30-21:00.

Day 3 Beijing (B, L)

Highlights: Mutianyu Great Wall, Sacred Way, Bird’s Nest and Water Cube

After breakfast, drive about 70km to witness one of the Seven Wonders of the World – the Great Wall . Visit the Mutianyu , a less crowded yet well-preserved segment of the Great Wall built in the Ming Dynasty. It will more than live up to all of your expectations! This great wall, linking Gubeikou in the east and Juyongguan in the west, was served as the vital military strategic point in the ancient time. Moreover, Mutianyu section is the longest great wall in China so far and since protection work is well done here, tourists can now see its original appearance and enjoy the real ancient culture of great wall. Also, spectacular natural scenery in Mutianyu Great Wall always impresses visitors here for its abundant vegetation. You will take a cable car to ascend the Great Wall, then hike the most beautiful and interesting part of Mutianyu. It's a wonderful experience to climb up its rising towers to enjoy scenic views and take brag-worthy photos of the wall wriggling along mountain ridges. After the exciting time, descend Mutianyu Great Wall by cable car. (Note: If energy permits, you can hike up or down which takes about 40 minutes to climb steps. Please tell your likes to your travel consultant.)

Continue your trip to Sacred Way , a 7-kilometer-long passage leading to the Imperial Tombs of 13 Emperors of Ming Dynasty. The Emperor, known as the Son of the Heaven, who came from Heaven to his country through the Sacred Way, also would return to Heaven through this road. Take a walk through the largest archway in China and Great Palace Gate and you’ll see the magnificent stone guard of 12 sets of mythical animals and 12 officials. Then drive back to Beijing city and take a short stop at the Beijing Olympic Village to view its famous Bird’s Nest and Water Cube from the outside.

Optional activity: 1. Enjoy an exciting and safe toboggan ride (about 2~3mins) down Mutianyu Great Wall; 2. After the whole day's tour, treat yourself a great dinner to taste the famous Peking Roasted Duck.

Day 4 Beijing & High Speed Train to Xian (B, L)

Highlights: Temple of Heaven, Hutongs

After breakfast, drive to the imperial site of the Temple of Heaven . Originally a site used to pay homage to Heaven and pray for good harvests, it is now a bustling place where locals take part in traditional activities such as Tai Chi, dancing, kite flying, water calligraphy, and others.

Then get back to the central city to hop on a rickshaw to experience the Beijing Hutongs – small alleys made by neighboring quadrangle dwellings. Shuttle among different Hutongs to get a feel of the old Beijing lifestyle, visit various antique shops and small boutiques, and truly feel the historical changes of Beijing, also pay a visit to a local family's home in the traditional Hutongs.

Your Beijing tour is now about to end. Your tour guide will see you off at the Beijing West Railway Station for a high speed train trip to Xian (about 5 hours) . You will be picked up by your tour guide at Xian North Railway Station and escorted to your hotel in Xian. The rest of the day is on your own to explore this ancient capital of China.

Day 5 Xian (B, L)

Highlights: Terracotta Warriors and Horses, Bell Tower, Muslim Quarter

After breakfast, drive about 40km to discover one of the greatest man-made wonders in the world – the Terracotta Warriors and Horses , built by the first emperor of China Qin Shihuang to protect him in his afterlife. Over 8,000 life-size warriors, horses and chariots, buried in 3 pits for more than 2,000 years until uncovered by a local farmer in 1974, form an ancient military army with complete battle units of infantry, cavalry, etc. Standing in front of these figures, one can’t help being amazed not only by the ambition of Emperor Qin Shihuang but also by the fabulous artistic skills of ancient Chinese artisans.

After lunch, return back to Xian take a wonderful stroll on the Ancient City Wall , the largest and best-preserved ancient city wall in China. Enjoy panoramic views of modern Xian while you leisurely examine this well-maintained city wall which is 12 meters high and 18 meters wide with a total circuit of nearly 14 kilometers. This visit is followed by a relaxing wander around bustling and lively Muslim Quarter , a place where you can try different local snacks and explore Muslim culture.

Optional activities: 1) Take a relaxing cycling on the Ancient City Wall; 2) Enjoy a wonderful Tang Palace Dance Show (usually from 8pm to 9pm) after a hearty dumpling dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 6 Xian & Flight to Shanghai(B,L)

Highlights: Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Shaanxi History Museum

After breakfast, head to Da Cien Temple , a famous Buddhist sutra translation site during the Tang Dynasty. Big Wild Goose Pagoda is the most famous building in the temple. The pagoda, rising to a height of 64.5 meters, was built by the famous Buddhist master Xuanzang to preserve classic scriptures he bought back from India during the early Tang Dynasty. Xuanzang was the prototype character for Tang Seng in the famous Chinese novel “Journey to the West”. ( Note: It costs an extra 30 RMB if you want to climb up the Big Wild Goose Pagoda)

Next is an educational visit to the Shaanxi History Museum where you can ramble in the modern exhibition halls to appreciate historic relics such as porcelains, paintings, and currencies dating from the Zhou to the Tang dynastic periods (1100BC to 907 AD). (Note: Shaanxi History Museum may be replaced with other activity or attraction because of crowding tourists during July ~ early September and China’s National Day during Oct.1-Oct.7. You may check details with your travel consultant.)

After the tour, you’ll be escorted to Xian North Railway Station for a high speed train to Chengdu (about 3.5~4 hours) . Welcome to Chengdu, the Hometown of Giant Pandas! Upon your arrival at Chengdu East Railway Station, you will be met by local guide and then transferred to your hotel in Chengdu downtown. The rest of today is free on your own to explore this laid-back city.

The rest of today is free until you get escorted to catch your flight/train to next destination.

Day 7 Shanghai City Highlights (B, L)

Highlights: Shanghai Museum, Yu Garden, Shanghai World Financial Center, Nanjing Road, The Bund

After breakfast, you will visit Shanghai Museum , one of the best museums in China. Conveniently located near the People’s Square, this large museum is designed and built with a round top and a square base which symbolize the ancient Chinese perception of the world as “round sky, square earth”, and mainly focus on Chinese ancient history and art. Over one billion cultural relics are exhibited inside, including precious bronzes, paintings, calligraphy, ceramics, jade, sculptures, traditional furniture, seals and old coins from more than 5,000 years ago to the Qing Dynasty. Da Ke Ding(bronze food vessel in over 3000 years ago), Bianzhong of Marquis Su of Jin (ancient musical instruments) are top treasures to visit. An Audio Explanation Device will help you better learn the facts and knowledge of the exhibitions.

Then, transfer to Shanghai old town to visit Yu Garden (Yuyuan), a famous Southern China classical garden which was originally built about 450 years ago. Walk around to view the ancient pavilions, halls, towers with jagged carved cornices and decorations, grotesque rockeries, glittering ponds filled with swimming kois and many old plants. These buildings, laid out in an asymmetry, fully embody impressive Chinese architectural style, art and skills, from which you can imagine an ancient living scene and find a magic harmony between human and nature. Yuyuan Bazaar outside the garden is an interesting place for shopping traditional Chinese handicrafts and artworks and tasting a variety of local snacks.

Next, visit the Shanghai World Financial Center (SWFC), “the Eye of Shanghai”, one of the most incredible skyscrapers in Lujiazui. With a height of 492 meters (1,614 ft), the tower is the second tallest building after the nearby Shanghai Tower (632 meter/2,073 ft). Ascend up to the 474 meter-high 100th floor observation deck, try a thrilling skywalk on the transparent glass walkway and enjoy a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the entire city, including the Bund, neighboring Shanghai Tower, Jinmao Tower and many surrounding attractions. Feel Shanghai lying under your feet and blue sky hanging above your head.

Later, get to Nanjing Road , Shanghai’s earliest commercial street and one of the most popular current landmarks. Lots of big name brands, restaurants, cafés, souvenir shops and towering buildings can be seen when you stroll around this busy pedestrian mall. Continue your walk to the Bund , the most iconic place of Shanghai. Stretching along the west bank of the Huangpu River, this 1.5km-long road was a simple towpath for transporting good but developed to the early “East Wall Street” in late 19th century. Most known as a perfect blend of the East meeting the West, the Bund mainly features 52 various European-style architectures praised to the Exhibition of World’s Architecture. Make a pleasant walk to see those western classical and modern style buildings and amazing skyscrapers of Lujiazui across the river.

After the tour, drive back to your hotel. (If you want to spend free time at the Bund, Nanjing Road or take a relaxing Huangpu River cruise to see the city’s most significant edifices and streets ablaze with colorful lights (about 50 minutes), or explore somewhere else, please let your tour guide know.)

Day 8 Shanghai Disney Resort & Departure(B)

Highlights: Shanghai Disney Resort

After breakfast, drive to Shanghai Disney Resort , the first Disney resort in mainland China. On this magic land, you’ll take this full day to enjoy different kinds of activities in the six themed parks – Mickey Avenue, Gardens of Imagination, Fantasyland, Adventure Isle, Treasure Cove and Tomorrowland.

Enjoy a warm welcome on Mickey Avenue and if lucky catch the precious chance to take photos with your favorite Disney characters; step into the Gardens of Imagination to meet twelve friends of Chinese Zodiac, climb aboard Dumbo’s delightful caravan for high-flying fun; lose yourselves in the dream-like landscape in Alice in Wonderland and attend the delightfully mad tea party, hop into the giant spinning jar that whisk you around while searching for Pooh’s precious nectar, and the Enchanted Storybook summons you to be part of Snow White’s adventure in the Fantasyland; if you have a thirst for adventure and a yearning for excitement, come to the Adventure Isle to experience Camp Discovery or Roaring Rapids; enjoy an exhilarating expedition when come to the pirate world and enjoy Captain Jacks’ Stunt Spectacular in Treasure Cove; try TRON Lightcycle Power Run at Tomorrowland…surprises, magic, thrill, excitement…are waiting for you here!

Lastly, be transfered to catch your flight/train to next destination.

What’s Included

• Professional licensed English-speaking guide
• Admission tickets for all attractions listed in the itinerary
• Accommodation as listed in the itinerary (4-star standard)
• Necessary vehicle transfers as listed in the itinerary
• Cable cars to ride up and down Mutianyu Great Wall
• Domestic flights (economy class) or high-speed trains (second class) as listed in the itinerary
• Airport (and train station) pick up and drop off
• Audio explanation device in Shanghai Museum
• Luggage Transfers: between airports (railway station) and hotels
• All meals as listed(“B” for Chinese and Western breakfast buffet in your hotel; “L” for Chinese Lunch in local restaurant; “D” for Chinese dinner in local restaurant.)

Not Included

• China visa
• Personal expenses
• Accommodation not listed in the itinerary
• Single Room Supplement
• Tourist sites which are not listed in the itinerary
• Recommended optional activities
• Beijing arrival flight or train on the first day
• Shanghai departure flight or train on the last day
• Excess Baggage Charges
• Optional tips to guides, drivers, etc.

Pricing Note

Final pricing is tailored to your travel dates, party size, hotel preferences and confirmed services. Your proposal will clearly list every included and excluded item.

Travel Tips

What are the main highlights covered in each city?

• Beijing: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City (with Jingshan Park viewpoint), Summer Palace, Mutianyu Great Wall (by cable car, with optional toboggan), Sacred Way to the Ming Tombs, exterior views of Bird’s Nest and Water Cube, Temple of Heaven, and a Hutong rickshaw experience with a local home visit.
• Xi’an: Terracotta Warriors and Horses, Ancient City Wall (with optional cycling), Muslim Quarter, Big Wild Goose Pagoda at Da Cien Temple, and Shaanxi History Museum (may be substituted during peak crowds).
• Shanghai: Shanghai Museum, Yu Garden and Yuyuan Bazaar, Shanghai World Financial Center observation deck, Nanjing Road, the Bund, plus a full day at Shanghai Disney Resort exploring its six themed areas.

How do we travel between cities, and is it by train or plane?

The tour travels primarily by high-speed rail. You take a high-speed train from Beijing to Xi’an (about 5 hours). Day 6’s header says “Flight to Shanghai,” but the body text mistakenly mentions a train to Chengdu; Day 7 clearly resumes in Shanghai. Please confirm with your travel consultant whether the Xi’an–Shanghai segment will be by flight or high-speed train, as the written itinerary has a typo. Arrival/departure transfers and hotel pick-ups are provided by private vehicle.

How much free time and customization does the tour allow?

This is a private tour with built-in flexibility. You have free time on arrival in Beijing (Day 1), after arriving in Xi’an (Day 4), and optional free time in Shanghai after Day 7’s city tour. Many elements can be tailored: choose cable car or hiking at the Great Wall; add optional evening shows (Kungfu Show, Beijing Opera, Tang Palace Dance Show with dumpling dinner), a Huangpu River night cruise, City Wall cycling, a toboggan ride at Mutianyu, or a Peking Duck dinner. Tell your travel consultant your preferences to adjust pace and activities.

How strenuous is the itinerary? Is it family-friendly?

Overall, it’s moderate and family-friendly. Expect daily walking at major sites. The Mutianyu Great Wall is made easier by round-trip cable cars (with an optional 40-minute hike if you prefer). Cycling on Xi’an’s City Wall is optional. The full day at Shanghai Disney Resort is geared to families and first-time visitors, as highlighted in the summary. If mobility or pace is a concern, your guide can adapt walking distances and break times.

What’s included in the price and how can I manage costs?

Meals are indicated by B (breakfast) and L (lunch) on most touring days; dinners are generally on your own unless you add an optional experience (e.g., dumpling dinner, Peking Duck). The quoted price is on request, based on two adults sharing one standard double room in 4-star hotels, traveling privately in low season. The price can change with season, group size, hotel class, activity changes, and exchange rates. To lower the per-person cost, you can add more travelers to your private group or choose economy-class hotels. Optional activities can be added on request and will affect the final price.

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