8 Days Beijing – Xian – Shanghai Highlights Tour

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Beijing Arrival

   Welcome to our 8-day private Beijing Xi'an Shanghai tour! Upon your arrival in the capital of China - Beijing, our local driver will pick you up at the exit, holding a recognizable welcome sign “China Xian Tour”. After meeting, enjoy a comfortable private transfer to the downtown hotel for check-in.

   In the remaining time, you can glimpse Beijing's nightlife at your own pace. If you are a more mature tourist, perhaps you will enjoy the traditional performances in the teahouse, such as theatrical performances and acrobatic shows. The younger generation seems to prefer bars and cafes. The night markets popular among the locals include Panjiayuan Antique Market, Wangfujing Food Market, Houhai Food Street and Niujie Muslim Food Market. Here is a guide for you: Top 10 Markets in Beijing

   Meal: N/A

   Accommodation: in Beijing

2. Day 2: Beijing City Sightseeing
   View both Royal Palaces and Traditional Courtyards

   As a famous historical and cultural city in China, Beijing exudes the unique charm of a millennium old capital. After breakfast, the guide will wait for you in the hotel lobby. If you want to understand China, Tian'anmen Square is a must see. Many significant events occurred here, among which the most important one was the solemn declaration of the founding of the People's Republic of China by Chairman Mao on the Tiananmen Gate Tower on October 1, 1949.

   Afterwards, walk north along Chang'an Avenue for about 10 minutes to reach the Forbidden City, also known as the Palace Museum. This royal palace complex from the Ming and Qing dynasties has nearly 9,000 rooms and was built based on the Nanjing Ming Palace. Your guide is quite knowledgeable and tells you stories about emperors, generals, and ministers that take place in the halls and palaces you visit. 2.5 hours is enough for you to visit the most essence scenic spots in the Forbidden City.

   

   In the afternoon, take a rickshaw to shuttle through the hutongs. You can experience the most authentic Beijing style life in the courtyard with grey walls and tiles. If you want to have an in-depth experience, your guide can take you to a hutong family to try traditional Chinese skills such as tying Chinese knots and paper cuttings (extra fees are required).

   After that, return to your hotel and spend the evening at leisure. You are suggested to sample some local cuisine like Zhajiangmian (Beijing Fried Sauce Noodles) or explore the busy night markets.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Beijing

3. Day 3: Beijing’s Great Wall Hike
   The Great Wall Hiking, An Opportunity to Taste Beijing Roast Duck

   Today, you will be taken to experience two world cultural heritage sites in Beijing. The Temple of Heaven, first built in 1420, is a Ming dynasty royal sacrificial building complex renowned for its exquisite design concept of "Round Heaven and Square Earth". Walking on the White Marble steps of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest, you may "hear" the solemn bell ringing of the emperor in those days. There are many people doing morning exercises here in the nearby park. You can take a look at the daily life of Beijing people.

   Afterward, drive north for about 2 hours to reach the Mutianyu Great Wall. This well preserved Ming Dynasty Great Wall winds through the Yanshan Mountains, with different scenery throughout the year. You can choose to take a cable car (to save energy and time) or hike to the summit, overlooking from the enemy buildings and experiencing the heroic sentiment of 'one who fails to reach the Great Wall is not a hero'. Your private guide will explain to you the story of the construction of this section of the Great Wall.

   If you don’t have the stamina for a completely hike, you can also pay on your own to take the cable car or a toboggan (recommended for visitors under 60 years old. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult). Please be aware that long queues are expected, especially during peak seasons such as Chinese national holidays.

   In the evening, why not go to the century old restaurant Quanjude restaurant to taste the imperial cuisine - Beijing Roast Duck. You can watch a chef slicing duck live. Wrap crispy duck skin and fresh tender duck meat in transparent thin pancake, accompanied by sweet bean sauce and shredded scallions. Enjoy your dinner! (optional, at an extra fee).

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Beijing

   

4. Day 4: Beijing to Xi’an by High-speed Train
   Take a Stroll Around an Imperial Garden

   After breakfast, we head to the Summer Palace, known as the "Royal Garden Museum". This 290 hectare Qing Dynasty royal garden is beautiful all year round: magnolias bloom in spring, lotus ponds are fragrant in summer, forests are dyed in autumn, and the park is covered in snow in winter. Stroll along the elegant corridors, stop on the Seventeen Arch Bridge, where you can see the sparkling waves of Kunming Lake and the pavilions and towers of Wanshou Mountain. If you are interested, you can experience a Kunming Lake boat ride (with an additional fee on site).

   

   After lunch, the guide will send you to the train station to take the high-speed train to Xi'an, the ancient capital of thirteen dynasties. It takes about 4.5 hours to arrive. The local driver will be waiting at the station to pick you up and transfer you to the hotel in the city center for check-in. In the evening, you can visit the Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City on your own (no reservation or ticket fees required).

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Xi’an

5. Day 5: Xian History Exploration
   Delve into China's Profound History & Learn to Make Dumplings

   Today is a day of cultural discovery, from the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty to the locals daily life. After breakfast, your Xi'an guide will first take you to visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, which was built in 652 AD. This seven-storey square pavilion-style brick pagoda was the holy place where monk Xuanzang translated the scriptures. Stroll through the Daci'en Temple Park and enjoy the Zen atmosphere of the ancient temple.

   Then go to the Xi'an Museum, where a collection of 370,000 artifacts will take you on a journey through the glorious history of the ancient capital. From Western Zhou bronzes to Tang Dynasty tri-colored glazed potteries, each exhibit tells the story of Chang'an (as Xi'an was called in ancient times). The Small Wild Goose Pagoda in the courtyard is known as the landmark of Xi'an along with the Big Wild Goose Pagoda.

   In the afternoon, we will head to a local's home to learn how to make dumplings. Roll up your sleeves and follow your hosts as they make the dough, roll out the wrapper, mix the filling and wraps the dumplings. In the evening, we have arranged a Tang Dynasty Dance Show for you. Through traditional music, dance, and costumes, you will be transported back to the Tang Dynasty.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Xian

   

6. Day 6: Xi’an’s Terracotta Warriors
   Admire "Grand Army" Coming from 2,000 Years Ago, Muslim Culture and Cuisine

   After breakfast, drive 1 hour to the Terracotta Warriors and Horses, known as the "eighth wonder of the world". This underground legion, which has been dormant for over 2200 years, consists of more than 8000 pottery figurines of various shapes. From generals to soldiers, each warrior shows unique facial features. Through professional explanations, you will visit and learn about three pits arranged in a “品” shape (with Pit 1 being the largest).

   

   In the afternoon, return to the city center and climb the Xian City Wall built during the Ming Dynasty. This military defense system with a circumference of 13.74 kilometers is the largest and most well preserved ancient city wall in China. Stroll on the 12 meter wide city wall, or choose to rent a bicycle (costing about CNY 45) to ride. Overlook the blending of ancient and modern urban landscapes from the battlements.

   At dusk, walk into Muslim Quarter. This thousand year old Muslim community is filled with the attractive aroma of Shaanxi snacks, such as Pita bread soaked in Lamb Soup, Roujiamo, etc. Finally, visit the Grand Mosque and seamlessly integrate Islamic teachings with traditional Chinese architecture.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Xian

   

7. Day 7: Xian to Shanghai by Flight
   Make an Acquaintance with the Magic City

   After breakfast in the morning, the driver will send you to the airport to take the morning flight to Shanghai, an international metropolis. After the plane landing at Pudong or Hongqiao Airport, the local guide had already been waiting in the arrival hall. Escort you to the hotel in the city center for check-in.

   In the afternoon, experience the fusion of Shanghai's tradition and modernity. First, we visit the Yu Garden built in 1559. This classical Jiangnan-style garden features rockeries, winding paths leading to secluded surroundings, Nine Curve Bridge spanning the lake, and other Ming and Qing architecture.

   Then head to the Lujiazui Financial District and climb up to the observation hall on the 88th floor of the 420 meter high Jinmao Tower. Through the 360 degree panoramic glass curtain wall, you can see the Bund International Architecture Exhibition Group and the skyscrapers on both sides of the Huangpu River. After the tour, a private car will take you back to the hotel to rest.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Shanghai

   

8. Day 8: Departure from Shanghai
   Enjoy both Modern Skyscrapers and Historic Complex along Huangpu River

   On the last day of your 8-day China golden triangle tour to Beijing Xian Shanghai, you will deeply experience the artistic heritage and diverse charm of this city. The Shanghai Museum is a "treasure trove of ancient Chinese art", collecting over 120000 precious cultural relics. From Shang and Zhou bronze ware to Ming and Qing calligraphy and painting, each exhibit tells the brilliant history of Chinese civilization. The professional guide will take you to appreciate the treasures of the hall, such as the Da Ke Ding, the Bian Zhong of Su, Marquis of Jin and the Zi Zhong Jiang Pan.

   Then stroll along the "No.1 Commercial Street in China" - Nanjing Road. This 1.5-kilometer-long shopping street is lined with both century old brands and modern fashion stores. You can taste authentic Shanghai snacks such as fresh meat moon cakes and Xiaolongbao.

   

   In the afternoon, head to the Bund, where 52 buildings of different styles face the Lujiazui skyscraper complex across the river. Experience a Huangpu River cruise and gain a unique perspective to understand the past and present of this city.

   At the end of the journey, you are specially arranged to visit the former French Concession, where there are French Plane trees, Baroque style apartments and Spanish style houses. If time permits, art enthusiasts can go to the Tianzifang Art District and search for creative items in the gallery and handicraft workshop renovated in Shikumen Lane. Please ensure that your departure flight is after 20:00.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: N/A