9 Days Classic China Tour of Beijing – Xian – Shanghai

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrival in Beijing

   We are honored to have you join us on our 9-day Beijing Xi'an Shanghai group tour! Welcome to the capital of China - Beijing! Upon your arrival, our local driver will be waiting for you at the airport exit hall holding a welcome sign. After that you will be escorted to your downtown hotel for a good rest.

   After checking into your hotel, you can relax and recover from your trip. You can also explore by yourself at your own pace and get a glimpse of Beijing's unique charm and culture.

   Meal: N/A

   Accommodation: in Beijing

2. Day 2: Beijing City Tour
   Explore Beijing's Historic Landmarks, Panoramic Views, and Imperial Summer Retreat

   After breakfast, your China group tour in Beijing begins at the iconic landmark and heart of Beijing - Tiananmen Square. It is one of the largest public squares in the world. You will admire the magnificent buildings surrounding the square, such as the Monument to the People's Heroes and the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall and learn the stories of some historical events.

   Next, you will be guided to the Forbidden City, aka the Palace Museum. As one of the largest and best-preserved wooden palace complexes, it served as an imperial palace during the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1616-1912) dynasties. 24 emperors from both dynasties lived here. Then, you can climb up to the pavilion at the top of Jingshan Park for a breathtaking panoramic view of the Forbidden City and the Beijing skyline.

   

   After lunch, you will visit Summer Palace. With an area of 2.9 square kilometers, this palace was the best place where the emperors of the Qing Dynasty spent their summers. Here, you’ll enjoy the amazing lake view, explore the exquisite long corridor, appreciate precious cultural relics, step on the elegant stone bridge, etc. In addition, you can take the option of a boat ride to enjoy the Kunming Lake (optional, at an additional cost).

   Evening activity: if you are interested in Chinese Kungfu, you are recommended to pay extra to watch a mesmerizing Kungfu Show at the Red Theater. Your guide will help you arrange it for you.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Beijing

3. Day 3: Beijing Great Wall Tour
   Enjoy a Great Wall Hike on the Scenic Mutianyu Section

   After breakfast, your tour guide will take you to visit a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Temple of Heaven. It is a royal architectural complex. The emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties once offered sacrifices to the heavens, asked for rain and prayed for a good year here.

   Then, head to Mutianyu Great Wall, which is located in Huairou County in the northeast corner of Beijing, 73 kilometers away from the city. This section of the Great Wall is connected to Juyongguan Pass in the west and Gubeikou in the east, and has been a military stronghold guarding Beijing since ancient times. With a total length of 5,400 meters (3355.5 miles), the Mutianyu Great Wall is the longest section of the Great Wall in China and also the most beautiful section.

   

   Note: If pure hiking is too much for you, there are also options for cable car and toboggan to see the spectacular scenery from different angles (pay extra, optional).

   On the way back to Beijing downtown, you can pay a visit to the marvelous Bird's Nest and Water Cube from the outside, both of which were built for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Beijing

4. Day 4: Beijing to Xian Tour by High-speed Train
   Meet Rare Animals and Visit Hutongs via Local Rickshaw

   This morning, your guide will pick you up from the hotel lobby and take you first to visit Beijing Zoo, the oldest zoo in China. Here you will see some of China's unique and rare animals, including Giant Pandas, Red Pandas, Golden Monkeys, Crested Ibis; and some large animals such as antelopes, Asian elephants, chimpanzees, flamingos and more.

   After that, continue your visit to Yonghe Temple, the largest Lama Temple in Beijing. You will spend about 1 hour here to explore the mysterious Tibetan Buddhist temple.

   In the afternoon, we will experience the charm of Beijing's Hutongs by a rickshaw. These narrow alleyways are lined with traditional courtyard houses. You can catch a glimpse into the city's cultural heritage.

   After the visit, it's time to say goodbye to Beijing! Your driver will then escort you to the train station for a high-speed train to Xi'an. Upon arrival, your Xian local driver will be waiting for you at the exit gate and then transfer you to the hotel in downtown area.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Xi'an

   

5. Day 5: Xian Highlights Tour
   Dig into Profound Historic Heritages of the Ancient City

   Your China tour of Xian takes you to visit the Terracotta Warriors and Horses. Known as the Eighth Wonder of the World, the Terracotta Warriors slept under the ground for 2,200 years before the accidental discovery by local farmers who were digging wells. The life-size terracotta warriors differ from one another in clothing, hairstyle, posture, and facial expression. Since opening to the public in 1979, it has attracted millions of people from all over the world each year. It has become one of the things that represent China in the world.

   

   Then, drive back to city center to visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a well-preserved ancient building and a holy place for Buddhists. It was built to hold sutras and figurines of the Buddha that were brought to China from India by the Buddhist translator and traveler Xuanzang in the Tang Dynasty (618-907).

   Last, stroll around the Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City, which is next to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Enjoying the colorful lights and meeting pedestrians wearing Hanfu (Chinese ancient costumes), it is as if you are taking a time trip back to the flourishing Tang Dynasty.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Xi'an

6. Day 6: Xian to Shanghai Tour by Flight
   Explore Xi'an's Ancient City Wall, Cultural Street, and Food Paradise

   After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Ancient City Wall, a military defensive system in old times. It is one of the largest and most well-preserved city walls in China. You can take a leisure walk or rent a bike (optional) on the top of the wall and enjoy panoramic views of the city.

   Afterwards, head to Shuyuanmen, an ancient culture street built in the style of ancient architecture of the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties. You can find calligraphy, brushes, ink, paintings, jade, antiques and other items for sale. Here, you could experience the real life of Xi'an people.

   Then, take a walk on Bell Tower & Drum Tower Square, which is a landmark building in Xian. Walk around 5 minutes to the famous Muslim Street, a paradise for food lovers. Here, you can find many kinds of delicious local snacks such as Biang Biang Noodle, Roujiamo (Chinese Hamburger), and Yangrou Paomo (Mutton and Bread Pieces in Soup).

   After the trip, you will be transferred to the airport for late afternoon flight to Shanghai, China's most bustling metropolis.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Shanghai

   

7. Day 7: Shanghai City Tour
   Travel through Shanghai's Classical Garden, Historic Concession Area, Modern Pedestrian Street

   Begin your Shanghai tour to Yuyuan Garden. It is a famous classical garden which was originally built by the owner as a place for his parents to enjoy a tranquil and happy time in their old age. Next, move on to the Yuyuan Market, aka Yuyuan Bazaar. You can taste local snacks, admire traditional Chinese architecture, and purchase silk, small antiques and other products as gifts for relatives or friends.

   

   Afterwards, you will be guided to visit former French Concession. This is one of the best-preserved concessions in China. The Chinese parasol trees and buildings on both sides show the exotic flavor of Shanghai. You will learn the stories of what happened here in the past from your expert guide.

   After that, head to Xintiandi – something like Lan Kwai Fong in Hong Kong and Clarke Quay in Singapore. Xintiandi is a fashionable pedestrian street composed of Shikumen and modern architecture style.

   Last, take a leisurely walk along the Bund, where you will admire buildings of various styles, enjoy the beautiful Huangpu River, and listen to your guide explaining its history.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Shanghai

   

8. Day 8: Shanghai to Zhujiajiao Water Town Tour
   Stroll Historic Streets and Optionally Ride a Gondola

   After breakfast, meet your tour guide and driver in the hotel lobby. Then depart for Zhujiajiao Water Town, known as the Venice of Shanghai. Upon arrival, stroll along the old town while listening to your guide about its history. The history of this town even dates back to 1700 years ago. The look of the town we see today was left over from the Ming Dynasty. If you are interested, you can optionally have a relaxing gondola ride to truly experience the charm of water town.

   

   Afterwards, drive back to downtown Shanghai to visit Tianzifang, a vibrant arts and crafts neighborhood that evolved from the characteristic Shikumen. You can explore the narrow alleys lined with art galleries, quaint cafes, and boutiques. If time permits, continue to visit Fuxing Park, the oldest and largest park in Shanghai and the only well-preserved garden in the classical French style.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Shanghai

9. Day 9: Departure from Shanghai

   Enjoy a leisurely morning after breakfast. Your driver will transfer you to the airport for your departure flight (usually 4 hours in advance for international flights and 2 hours for domestic flights). Our 9-day China Golden Triangle tour of Beijing Xian Shanghai tour will end here. Wish you a pleasant journey!

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: N/A