10 Days China Tour of Beijing-Xian-Chengdu-Shanghai

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Beijing Arrival

   Your incredible 10-day China private tour now starts! Our local driver and guide will welcome you with the warmest heart upon your arrival at Beijing airport/train station. Then they’ll transfer you to your downtown hotel and they won’t be leaving until helping you finish every procedures that you may encounter when checking in at your stay.

   And for the rest of the day, feel free to unwind in the city at your leisure. The nearby areas can be extremely worth an exploration and don't hesitate to seek practical recommendations from your tour guide.

   Meal: N/A

   Accommodation: in Beijing

   Vehicle

   4-star hotel in Beijing
2. Day 2: Beijing History Exploration
   Travel Through Time to Explore Royal Lifestyle Hundreds of Years Ago

   Today, our main destination would be the Forbidden City (Palace Museum) in Beijing, and this journey will last approximately 3 hours for you to fully explore the site’s deep and profound historical grandeur. At 08:00, our tour guide will be seeing you in your hotel, and our first stop would be the largest city square in the world - Tian'anmen Square, which plays a very important role in China's history. Take a walk around the square and feel the history unfolding in front of your eyes.

   Then, follow your tour guide into the incredible Forbidden City, once the royal palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties. And you’ll probably be shocked by its enormous size: there are more than 70 palaces and over 9,000 rooms. It is one of the largest and most well-preserved ancient wooden structures in the world. Every bit of this grand and majestic complex can tell you a story that consist of what we call “history”.

   

   After lunch, we’ll move on to Summer Palace, a summer escape that once solely belonged to the emperors of the Qing Dynasty spent their summers. It has a stunning natural view while the human-made architectures have perfectly integrated themselves in the grand beauty.

   In addition, you can take a boat ride to enjoy the tranquility of Kunming Lake (optional).

   Beijing Hutongs are places where you can see histories of normal people’s life, and these incredible small alleys have attracted countless visitors from all over the world. Taking a rickshaw to ride along the ancient Hutongs, you will learn more about the authentic old Beijing life, and through their voices, you’ll see how tradition and modernity get blended together year after year.

   

   Vehicle

   B,L

   4-star hotel in Beijing
3. Day 3: Beijing Great Wall Day Tour
   World Heritage Sites and the Great Wall Hiking

   On day 3, we will get up a bit early to dive into Beijing’s local life by spending a nice morning in the Temple of Heaven. Many people would come here every morning to do exercises or just take a short walk to welcome their brand new day. Its unique meticulous layout and architecture are also something that would draw people’s attention.

   Next, we’ll go to meet today's highlights - the famous world heritage Mutianyu Great Wall, which is also known as the most scenic part of the Chinese Great Wall. Built during the early Ming Dynasty (1368 AD), the Mutianyu section has been celebrated by the world for its dense placement of watchtowers and double-sided battlements, and what makes it even more atmospheric is the lush forest scenery that covers nearly 90 percent of the area. However, if long hiking is too much for you, don’t worry, there are also options for cable car and toboggan which allow you to enjoy the scenery in a more relaxing way (optional).

   Tips: People over 60 years old are not recommended to take the toboggan; Children under the age of 10 must be accompanied by an adult to experience the toboggan.

   After the Great Wall hiking tour, end today's itinerary with an exterior visit to the marvelous Bird's Nest and Water Cube which were built for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Walking around the outside of the building to appreciate the unique design and take some pictures would be perfect.

   

   Vehicle

   B,L

   4-star hotel in Beijing
4. Day 4: Beijing to Xi'an by High-Speed Train
   Xi'an Highlights & Authentic Local Snacks

   After breakfast, we’ll got say goodbye to Beijing! We’ll then head to the train station for your high-speed train to Xi'an. Upon arrival, your Xi’an tour guide and driver will also be waiting to show the city to you.

   After lunch, we’ll be going to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, which was originally built to hold Buddhist sutra and figurines of the Buddha that Xuanzang brought back from India in the Tang Dynasty, 652 A.D.

   Except for appreciating its Buddhist charm, visitors may also want to climb to the top of the pagoda to embrace a panoramic view of Xi’an. However, this activity requires an additional on-site ticket (optional).

   After that, our next stop is Bell and Drum Tower Square, which is located in the very center of the city and it has been serving as the proudest symbol of this old capital. Walking forward, you will find yourself suddenly bumping into the Muslim Quarter’s unique and unparalleled charm. It’s a plce where you will can find all sorts of local products and authentic local snacks. You can enjoy a satisfactory meal here and purchase some Terracotta Warriors imitations as souvenirs.

   

   High Speed Train, Vehicle

   B,L

   4-star hotel in Xi'an
5. Day 5: Xian Terracotta Warriors Tour
   Dig into Profound Historic Heritages of the Ancient City

   In the morning, visit the world's heritage Terracotta Warriors and Horses, which was found by local farmers while drilling a well in 1974. The museum includes Pit 1 (the largest pit), Pit 2, Pit 3, and the exhibition hall of the chariots and horses. The recommended visiting time inside the museum is about 2 to 2.5 hours, allowing you to appreciate the details of the warriors and hear stories about their restoration and discovery. Listening to the expert tour guide, you will learn the hidden story of those live-sized sculptures and the history of their owner: the First Emperor of Qin who was also the first emperor of China.

   

   After that, continue your Xian tour to the Ancient City Wall. It is the most completely preserved and the largest city wall in China, which was built for military defense in ancient times. Since it is cycling the city, visitors can ride a bike around the city wall (optional).

   Next, take a nice stroll down Shuyuanmen Ancient Culture Street. This quaint street lined with many shops selling the four basic items for Chinese calligraphy (writing brush, ink stick, ink slab, and paper) is different from any other streets in Xian. Then, explore the Yongxingfang Food Street, an amazing place to sample some delicious local food and see how the local people relax.

   

   Vehicle

   B,L

   4-star hotel in Xi'an
6. Day 6: Xi'an to Chengdu by High-Speed Train
   Explore the Mysterious Jinsha Culture Dating Back to 3,000 Years Ago

   Taking the morning high-speed train to Chengdu, the hometown of the giant panda. Upon arrival at Chengdu East Train Station, our local English-speaking tour guide and driver will pick you up at the exit gate and transfer you to the hotel.

   After lunch, your China tour in Chengdu takes you to the Jinsha Site Museum, an excellent place to learn about Chengdu's history. There are thousands of cultural relics that date back to 3000 years ago. You will appreciate the precious artifacts such as the golden sun bird disc, golden mask, bronze standing figure, and stone tiger, and get to know the stories behind them.

   Later, transfer to explore the local food and culture in Kuanzhai Alley, which has a long history and dates back to the Qing Dynasty. Strolling along the streets, you still can see many well-preserved Qing Dynasty buildings. In addition to appreciating the traditional architecture, you can savor some local delicacies. As a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, Chengdu will surprise you with its delicious food.

   

   Vehicle

   B,L

   4-star hotel in Chengdu
7. Day 7: Chengdu Panda Tour
   Call on Giant Pandas & Experience Local Relaxing Lifestyle

   Start today with the exciting Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base, well-known for the protection and breeding of the endangered giant pandas. Founded in 1987, the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is home to over 100 pandas and recognized as one of the world’s premier conservation and education centers. Here you can observe panda cubs in the nursery, watch adults climb trees or rest under bamboo groves, and learn about their breeding and rescue programs. Here, you can watch them eating bamboo, playing with each other, and of course, sleeping. Your tour guide will navigate you through the huge area, share some information about the pandas, and help you take amazing photos.

   

   In the afternoon, continue your visit to Wenshu Temple which was built in the Sui Dynasty (581-618) with a long history. It is a good place to learn Buddhism. You can have a nice stroll around the pleasant garden and take photos of the wonderful ancient architecture.

   Later, enjoy some relaxing time in Renmin Park. Here you can enjoy a cup of tea in a nice tea house and watch local people while away the time with various activities such as playing cards, practicing Tai Chi, playing mahjong, and napping.

   Last, explore the bustling Jinli Pedestrian Street, a must-see place in Chengdu. Meandering through the street gives people the feeling of traveling back in time. Enjoy shopping, people-watching, and tasting some yummy food that you never saw before.

   

   Vehicle

   B,L

   4-star hotel in Chengdu
8. Day 8: Chengdu to Shanghai by Flight
   Admire China's Largest Stone Buddha Carved on Cliff

   Today, drive about 2 hours to the amazing Giant Buddha in Leshan. Regarded as the tallest stone Buddha in the world, the Leshan Giant Buddha was carved out of a cliff face 1,300 years ago. When you look up at it from its toes, it's hard to imagine how ancient Chinese people built this massive statue. You can climb up the stairs to the top of the mountain to enjoy the wonderful scenery.

   

   Friendly Tips: There are 2 ways to visit the Leshan Giant Buddha, one is climbing up the mountain, and one is taking a cruise along the river to take far view of it. Climbing up the mountain was included in the package as most tourists said this way is better. Taking a cruise is optional. If you would like to take a cruise instead of climbing up the mountain, or if you want to try both these 2 ways, just ask your tour guide for assistance.

   After that, drive back to Chengdu for an evening flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, the local driver will be waiting for you at the exit gate holding a welcome board with your name, and drive to the downtown hotel for check-in.

   Flight, Vehicle

   B,L

   4-star hotel in Shanghai
9. Day 9: Shanghai Day Tour
   City Highlights with A Blend of Ancient and Modern Wonders

   Today is full of the must-see sights in Shanghai city! The first site will be the famous Yuyuan Garden, a representative of classical Chinese gardens with elegant pavilions, old bridges, artistic rockeries, small ponds, etc. It was originally built by Pan Yunduan in 1559 during the Ming Dynasty for his parents to enjoy their old age in peace.

   Nearby is the lively Yuyuan Market, where you can get everything from traditional Chinese crafts like chopsticks, fans, and pottery to local delicacies such as steamed buns, crab shell cake, and pork chops with rice cakes.

   After that, move to visit the Shanghai Museum (closed every Monday). The museum houses millions of collections and especially features bronze wares, porcelain works, paintings, and calligraphy works. Finish the exploration of history, and stroll on People Square to have a glimpse of the daily life of the locals. The square now is most famous for its match-making corner where parents try to seek partners for their children.

   

   Your China private tour in Shanghai continues to the Former French Concession, the largest and most prosperous concession among all the four French concessions in old China. Here you will see many old beautiful European-style buildings that look very charming hidden in the shade of French parasol trees.

   The next stop will be the Shanghai World Financial Center. You will go up to the 100th floor to have a marvelous panoramic view of the Huangpu River. Walking on the 55-meter-long transparent sightseeing corridor will be an exciting experience.

   Last, enjoy your sightseeing in one of the landmarks of Shanghai - the Bund. You may not know that the area used to be a desolate tidal flat, but turned into a British settlement and Shanghai's financial center in the late Qing Dynasty. It is the perfect place to take great photos of the amazing skyline.

   

   Vehicle

   B,L

   4-star hotel in Shanghai
10. Day 10: Shanghai Departure
    Take A Full Relaxation in An Ancient Water Town

    Today you will enjoy and relax in one of the most famous Water Towns in China - Zhujiajiao Water Town.

    Dubbed "the Venice of Shanghai", Zhuajiajiao Water Town has a history of more than 1,700 years. Walking around the ancient water town, you will feel like traveling back to the Ming and Qing dynasties with elegant stone bridges across the rivers and plenty of old buildings around you. Stroll around the streets to see as many things as possible. You can optionally have a relaxing gondola ride to truly experience the charm of the water town.

    Friendly Tips: Taking a boat cruise along the river is available and excluded. If you would like to take a cruise, please feel free to ask your tour guide for assistance (optional).

    After lunch, transfer you to Shanghai airport/train station for your departure. Your 10-day Beijing Xian Chengdu Shanghai tour ends here. Thank you for choosing China Xian Tour. Have a smooth journey.

    

    Vehicle

    B