11 Days China Private Tour: Beijing-Xian-Yangtze River-Shanghai

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Beijing Arrival

   Welcome to join us on one of the best tours of China! When your flight lands at Beijing Airport, our tour guide and driver will be waiting for you at the exit of the arrival hall, holding a welcome sign with "China Xian Tour" on it. Then, you will be transferred to the hotel for check-in. For the rest of the day, take the time to relax yourself or explore the city. Be sure to have a good rest and recover for the following China tour in Beijing.

   Meal: N/A

   Accommodation: in Beijing

2. Day 2: Beijing City Exploration
   View Magnificent Royal Palaces & Feel the Charm of Chinese Kung Fu

   After breakfast, our guide will pick up you from the hotel. Begin your today's trip from Tiananmen Square, the world's largest urban center square. The Square has an area of 44 hectares (109 acres) that can accommodate as many as one million people for public gatherings, witnessing many historical events in China's modern history.

   Next, walk forward to the famous Forbidden City, the largest as well as best-preserved imperial palace complex. It is located in the center of China's capital, Beijing, displaying an extraordinarily harmonious balance between buildings and open space within a more or less symmetrical layout. As one of the most popular attractions nationwide, there is a huge tourist volume every day, so please follow your guide closely to trace back the ever history of Chinese emperors.

   

   After the included lunch, continue our tour to the Temple of Heaven, which is the largest ancient imperial worship architecture group in the world. Located in the southern part of Beijing, it served as a complex of sacrificial buildings where emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties prayed for peace and harvest.

   Finishing the day tour, you will appreciate a lively Chinese Kung Fu Show at night. Different from traditional Kung Fu shows, this show features a story of dramatic interest, which makes it more interesting and attractive. After the show, the driver will transfer you back to the hotel.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Beijing

   

3. Day 3: Beijing Great Wall Hiking

   After breakfast, board the private car to The Ming Tombs. Today we will visit the underground palace of Dingling (one of the 13 tombs). Dingling Mausoleum is the tomb of Emperor Shenzong, Zhu Yijun, who reigned for 48 years, the longest during the Ming emperors.

   After lunch, we will move to visit the Badaling Great Wall, the most famous and best-preserved section of the Great Wall. The mountain slope is very steep and the roads are tortuous, which made it an important military stronghold in ancient times. The wall is like a strong dragon winding its way along the mountain ranges. After hiking, we will return to downtown.

   If you feel physically exhausted, you can take the cable car or cableway (at your own expense). The South Cable Car adopts a panoramic skylight design, runs smoothly, and takes about 6 minutes, suitable for the elderly, children, and tourists who prefer leisure sightseeing. The entire journey of the Northern Cableway takes about 8 minutes, and the carriage is fully enclosed, suitable for tourists who quickly climb to the top. Please choose according to your preferences.

   On the way back to the city area, make a stop at Water Cube and Bird Nest where you can pay an outer visit to the gyms which were specially built for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. It would also be a great chance to take some great pictures. Finally, say goodbye to the driver and guide at your hotel.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Beijing

   

4. Day 4: Beijing to Xian by Flight
   Relax in a Royal Resort & Explore Hutongs by Traditional Rickshaw

   Today, we're visiting the Summer Palace and doing a Hutong tour. The Summer Palace is one of China's top four gardens, along with the Chengde Mountain Resort, Suzhou's Humble Administrator's Garden, and the Lingering Garden. It used to be where emperors chilled back in the Qing Dynasty. Now, it's a spot for tourists to see how pretty old Chinese gardens are. The most impressive feature there is probably the Long Corridor. It's super long, like 728 meters, and has amazing paintings all over it. Also, the Seventeen-Arch Bridge is a significant landmark. It is perfect for taking photos.

   Option: If interested, you can take a boat ride on the Kunming Lake in the palace.‌‌

   Next, we head to Beijing Hutong. Enjoying the rickshaw riding through narrow alleys will be your memorable experience. You can learn special Beijing culture and history by visiting the famous romantic Shichahai and so on. Your China private tour in Beijing ends here.

   After lunch, you will be transferred to the Beijing airport and fly to Xian. Upon arrival at Xian airport, our local driver will meet you at the exit. Board the private car to the hotel and check in.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Xi'an

   

5. Day 5: Terracotta Warriors Tour
   Historical Landmarks of the Ancient Capital & A Dumpling Banquet

   After breakfast, your China tour in Xian begins with the "Eighth Wonder" of the world, the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, the most significant archaeological excavations of the 20th century. The museum covers an area of 16,300 square meters, divided into three sections: No. 1 Pit, No. 2 Pit, and No. 3 Pit respectively. It is a sight not to be missed by any visitor to China. You will explore for 2.5 hours, during which you can get an insight into the story about it being built by the first emperor of China and why it was.

   In the afternoon, drive back to the downtown area to visit the Ancient City Wall which is known as the most complete and the best-preserved city wall in China. The city wall of Xi'an is an extension of the prior Tang dynasty structure. It was founded in 1370 and completed in 1378, presenting a rectangular structure.

   After finishing the sightseeing, you will have a Dumpling Dinner and enjoy a marvelous Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show. The show will bring you back to 1400 years ago - the dreamy and glorious Tang Dynasty. After the show, the driver will transfer you back to your hotel.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

   Accommodation: in Xi'an

   

6. Day 6: Xi’an Flight to Chongqing, Board the Cruise
   View Countless Precious Antiques Unearthed in Shaanxi

   This morning is your last time to explore Xi'an. Firstly, let's visit the Xi'an Museum Scenic Area to learn about the past and culture of this 3000-yaer-old ancient city. The Small Wild Goose Pagoda is located in the area, more than 50 years younger than its sister, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. The tower, 43.4 meters high, is a heritage of Buddhist architectural art from the Tang Dynasty. It originally had 15 floors and has experienced nearly 70 earthquakes, now it has 13 floors. Your tour guide will take photos of you and this pagoda. Afterwards, we walk for about 5 minutes to reach the Xi'an Museum. The museum houses 130,000 cultural relics from various historical periods in Xi'an, ranging from gold and silver ware, pottery, bronze ware, to calligraphy and painting, seals, porcelain, jade, and Buddhist statues.

   Then we come to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Standing in the Da Ci'en Temple complex, it attracts numerous visitors for its fame in the Buddhist religion, its simple but appealing style of construction, and its new square in front of the temple.

   After lunch, board the car to Xian airport to take a flight to Chongqing. Upon your arrival, our local guide will meet you at Chongqing airport. Then in the evening, you will embark on the luxurious cruise ship and begin your China Yangtze River cruise.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: on the Cruise

   

7. Day 7: Yangtze River Cruise
   Picturesque River Views & Abundant Activities onboard

   After breakfast, you will get a brief introduction to the cruise and the schedule. You can attend a morning Tai Chi class on the deck. Chinese Tai Chi is a kind of Chinese traditional martial art and an important part of Chinese traditional culture. Through slow and smooth movements, Tai Chi can reconcile the energy of the body and the heart, enhance the strength and flexibility of the body, and improve the fitness level of the body. Before lunch, you will be free to move around the ship and enjoy the magnificent views.

   In the afternoon, we will take a shore excursion to Shibaozhai. It is famous for its fanciful architecture and many interesting legends. Enjoying a reputation as the "Pearl on the River", Shibaozhai has attracted 220,000 visitors from home and abroad every year. Now it has become the "little Penglai" for visitors to overlook stunning river views. The Captain's Welcome Party will be held tonight.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

   Accommodation: on the Cruise

   

8. Day 8: Past the Three Gorges
   Embrace the Stunning Scenery of Three Gorges

   Today will be the highlight part of your cruise. Along the Yangtze River, you will appreciate the unique scenery of the Three Gorges. There is the famous Shennv Stream on the border between the Wu Gorge and the Xiling Gorge, where you will disembark and take an interesting sampan adventure.

   You will take a small boat to navigate deep into the gorges. Sitting on the special local wooden boat, you will travel along the zigzagging watercourses and enjoy the grotesque rocks and picturesque scenery along the banks, accompanied by folk songs from the trackers. The Shennv Stream adventure will last about 3 to 4 hours. Doubtlessly, the perfect natural beauty makes the best setting for your China holiday.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

   Accommodation: on the Cruise

   

9. Day 9: Yichang to Shanghai by Flight
   Enjoy Spectacular Views of Three Gorges Dam

   Today your Yangtze River cruise will end with an excursion to the Three Gorges Dam, the major construction of the Three Gorges Project. Lying in the middle section of the Xiling Gorge, it is also known as the largest irrigation project in the world. If you expect a bird’s-eye view of the dam, you can go to Tanziling Park, perched at about 262.48 meters above sea level. The 185 Observation Deck is aligned with the dam crest, allowing you to experience the massive scale of the dam up close. When you disembark again, it's time to say goodbye to your fantastic Yangtze cruise.

   After lunch, you will fly to Shanghai. Upon your arrival at Shanghai airport, our local driver will be waiting for you, and transfer you to the hotel.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Shanghai

   

10. Day 10: Shanghai City Sightseeing
    Feel the Historic Ambience of this Bustling Metropolis

    Meet your guide at your hotel lobby in the morning and start your China private tour of Shanghai with the Yuyuan Garden. It is a classical and famous ancient Chinese private official garden style in Shanghai boasting elegant pavilions, villas, lotus ponds, and bridges. Nearby the garden, you could stroll at the Yuyuan Market to have a look at those local snacks and crafts. The next stop is Shanghai Museum which introduces you to the history of this world-renowned metropolis, and you will get a better idea of Shanghai City.

    

    In the afternoon, you will wander around Shanghai Old Street which combines sightseeing, shopping, entertainment, and cultural exhibitions. Next, visit the Former French Concession, a perfect place to learn the history of Shanghai from 1849 to 1943.

    Afterwards, it's time to enjoy a short cruise tour along the Huangpu River, having totally different scenes about Shanghai along the banks of the river. Disembark at the Bund, listen to the guide's explanations, and admire the beautiful Huangpu River and the harmonious blend of Chinese and Western architecture. This is a special heritage from the colonial period.

    Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

    Accommodation: in Shanghai

    

11. Day 11: Departure from Shanghai

    Your 11-day China private tour of Beijing Xian Yangtze River Cruise ends today. After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, your driver will pick you up from the hotel and send you to the airport for your flight back home after this pleasant journey. Have a safe journey!

    Meal: Breakfast

    Accommodation: N/A