10-Day China Past & Present Tour: Shanghai, Xi’an, Luoyang & Beijing

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Shanghai Arrival

   Upon arrival at Shanghai airport or train station, your guide and driver will meet you and take you by private vehicle to your downtown hotel to check in. The rest of the day is free for you. If you'd like suggestions on what to see or where to eat, your guide or travel consultant can recommend options.

   Optional Night Activity: If you're up for a fun show, consider ERA Time and Space Journey 2. It's acrobatics, 3D projection and live music all in one, and the stunts will keep you watching the whole time. It's usually performed at 19:30.

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   4-Star Hotel in Shanghai
2. Day 2: Shanghai Downtown Highlights
   Historic Heritage and Modern Skyline in One Day

   Start at Lujiazui, Shanghai’s modern financial district. Take the elevator to the 88^th-floor observation deck of Jin Mao Tower for panoramic views of the Shanghai skyline. Below, the Huangpu River winds its way through the city, while the dense cluster of skyscrapers in Lujiazui contrasts with the historic buildings of the Bund on the opposite bank.

   Then head to the Shanghai Museum East. Learn about ancient Chinese art and culture through its extensive collections including bronze wares, ceramics, jades, calligraphy and paintings, and sculptures.

   

   At Yu Garden, stroll along the winding paths through rockeries, ponds, pavilions and traditional architecture to see the distinctive designs of classical Jiangnan-style gardens. Afterward, take some time to explore the nearby Yuyuan Market at your leisure, where you can sample local snacks or browse specialist shops.

   Move to Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, one of Shanghai’s busiest commercial streets. Take a walk past large shopping malls, long-established brands and modern commercial buildings.

   Continue east along Nanjing Road to the Bund. Wandering along the Huangpu River, you can admire Shanghai's iconic urban landscape — historic buildings dating from the early 20th century on one side and the modern Pudong skyline on the other.

   

   Optional Night Activity: In the evening, take a Huangpu River cruise at your own expense to enjoy the illuminated Bund and Lujiazui from the water.

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   Breakfast, Lunch

   4-Star Hotel in Shanghai
3. Day 3: Shanghai to Xi’an by Flight
   A Classic Jiangnan Water Town

   Before setting out for Xi’an, explore Zhujiajiao Water Town at a leisurely pace. Located about an hour's drive from downtown Shanghai, it's a classic Jiangnan water town often called the "Venice of Shanghai."

   Stroll along the old streets and riverside paths, passing traditional houses, stone bridges and canal-side shops. At Fangsheng Bridge, you can get a panoramic view of the town.

   

   If you want to taste some local snacks, North Street is lined with more time-honored shops and food stalls. A'po Zongzi (Grandma's Sticky Rice Dumplings) and Zhuangyuan Cake (Top Scholar Cake) are worth trying.

   Explore Kezhi Garden, the town’s largest private garden, to admire the classic pavilions, towers, corridors, lotus ponds and zigzag bridges.

   Optional Activity: Take a traditional rowing boat to see the historic buildings, stone bridges and river scenery from the water, at an additional cost.

   After the visit, the guide and driver will take you to the airport for your 2.5-hour flight to Xi'an. Upon arrival, meet your local tour guide and driver in the arrivals hall and take the private vehicle to your downtown hotel for check-in.

   Flight, Vehicle

   Breakfast, Lunch

   4-Star Hotel in Xi'an
4. Day 4: Xi’an City Exploration
   The Terracotta Warriors & Tang Culture

   Drive about an hour to Lintong to visit the world-famous Terracotta Army Museum this morning.

   Follow your guide for a closer look at the clay warriors, horses, and chariots — more than 2,000 years old. Through their clothing, poses, and formations, learn about the Qin Dynasty army and the history of the mausoleum.

   Then visit a workshop to learn how the terracotta figures were made during the Qin Dynasty and try making your own mini warrior to take home under the guidance of a craftsman.

   

   Return to downtown Xi’an to visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Da Ci'en Temple. The pagoda is one of Xi'an’s most iconic examples of Tang Dynasty architecture, built to house Buddhist scriptures brought back from India by Monk Xuanzang.

   Explore the temple and its surroundings to learn about the Buddhist culture of Chang’an during the Tang Dynasty and the region's cultural exchanges with other parts of Asia.

   Walk to nearby Datang Everbright City. Admire the Tang Dynasty-inspired buildings, lighting and street scenes. If the musical fountain show is operating that day, you can also head to the North Square of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda to watch it.

   

   Optional Activity:

   1. Hanfu Experience: Dress in Tang-style hanfu and take photos at historic attractions such as the Great Wild Goose Pagoda and Datang Everbright City.
   2. Tang Dynasty Show with Dumpling Banquet: Enjoy a dumpling banquet while watching performances of traditional music and dance inspired by the history of the Tang Dynasty.

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   Breakfast, Lunch

   4-Star Hotel in Xi'an
5. Day 5: Xi'an to Luoyang by High-Speed Train
   The City's History, City Wall Hike and Local Flavors

   Continue exploring Xi'an's history and culture at Xi’an Museum, which houses thousands of ancient artifacts, including pottery, porcelain, Buddhist statues, calligraphy and paintings, and stone carvings.

   Then stroll through the park to see the ancient Small Wild Goose Pagoda and the surrounding historic buildings.

   

   Visit Xi’an City Wall in the afternoon. Originally built in the Ming Dynasty, it is the largest and best-preserved ancient city wall in China. After ascending the top of the wall, take a leisurely stroll and enjoy contrasting views of the old city streets on one side and modern buildings on the other. If interested, you can rent a bike and cycle atop the wall.

   End the day in the bustling Muslim Quarter, where you can browse local shops and savor local specialties and snacks, like roujiamo (Chinese meat sandwich), cold noodles and yangrou paomo (bread soaked in lamb soup).

   After sightseeing, head to Xi’an North Railway Station and take the high-speed train to Luoyang. The journey takes about 1.5 hours. Upon arrival, your local driver will pick you up and take you to the downtown hotel for check-in.

   High Speed Train, Vehicle

   Breakfast, Lunch

   4-Star Hotel in Luoyang
6. Day 6: Luoyang to Dengfeng & Back to Luoyang by Private Vehicle
   Shaolin Buddhist Heritage & a Kung Fu Performance

   After breakfast, drive about 1.5 hours to Dengfeng to visit Shaolin Temple.

   Explore the main halls, inscriptions and historic buildings to learn about the temple’s history and Buddhist heritage. Move to the Pagoda Forest, the resting place of generations of Shaolin eminent monks. You can see ancient pagodas built in different periods and styles.

   

   Also, watch a spectacular Shaolin Kung Fu performance, featuring traditional Chinese martial arts techniques — fist routines, weapon forms and other movements.

   Take a private vehicle back to Luoyang. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore Luoyang at your own pace.

   Optional Activity: If you'd like a hands-on experience, book a two-hour Shaolin Kung Fu class in advance and learn some basic moves from an instructor.

   Recommended Activity: Take a walk around Lijing Gate and Luoyang’s old town. Stroll through the old streets and taste the local snacks.

   

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   Breakfast, Lunch

   4-Star Hotel in Luoyang
7. Day 7: Luoyang to Beijing by High-Speed Train
   Ancient Buddhist Temples and Grottoes

   Begin at the White Horse Temple, honored as one of China's oldest Buddhist temples with a history of over 1,900 years. As you walk through the courtyards, you’ll see not only traditional Chinese Buddhist halls, but also Thai, Burmese and Indian-style Buddhist buildings.

   

   Move forward to the Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. Explore numerous grottoes and Buddha statues carved into the cliffs along the Yi River, ranging from tiny figures only a few centimeters tall to the Vairocana Buddha which stands over 17 meters high. The scale and detail of these ancient stone carvings are remarkable.

   At the end of the day, take the high-speed train to Beijing, a journey of about 3 to 4 hours. Upon arrival, your local guide and driver will greet you at the railway station and transfer you to your hotel for check-in.

   

   High Speed Train, Vehicle

   Breakfast, Lunch

   4-Star Hotel in Beijing
8. Day 8: Beijing Downtown Highlights
   Imperial Garden and a Panoramic View of Palace Complex

   Start your exploration of Beijing at Tian’anmen Square. Walk across the square to view important landmarks such as the Tiananmen Gate, the Great Hall of the People and the National Museum of China.

   Continue north to the Forbidden City. Follow the guide to explore the main buildings along the central axis, such as the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Palace of Heavenly Purity and the Imperial Garden. Learn how Ming and Qing emperors managed state affairs and what daily life was like for the royal family.

   

   Then, head to Jingshan Park, just across the street from the Forbidden City. Climb to the top of Jingshan Hill for a panoramic view of the Forbidden City and Beijing’s historic central axis.

   After lunch, drive to the Summer Palace. Walk along Kunming Lake and the Long Corridor, taking in the royal garden landscape — lakes, pavilions, palaces, and bridges. You can also see the decorative paintings along the Long Corridor.

   Drive to the Summer Palace after lunch. Walk along Kunming Lake and the Long Corridor, enjoying the royal garden landscape of the lake, pavilions, palaces and bridges. Also, you can see decorative paintings along the Long Corridor.

   Return to the hotel to rest.

   

   Optional Activity: Attend a Chinese acrobatic show, where professional performers showcase balancing acts, contortion, and other traditional acrobatics.

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   Breakfast, Lunch

   4-Star Hotel in Beijing
9. Day 9: Mutianyu Great Wall
   Great Wall Hiking Adventure and Ming Tombs

   In the morning, take the private car for about 1.5 to 2 hours to the Mutianyu Great Wall, one of the best-preserved Ming Dynasty sections known for its mountain scenery and wide view.

   Ascend to the wall by cable car and wander along it, passing watchtowers and taking in the breathtaking views of the wall winding along the mountain ridges from different points. You can adjust your walking distance based on your fitness level, leaving enough time for photos and sightseeing.

   

   Take the cable car back down, then continue to the Ming Tombs. Walk along the Sacred Way, passing by the stone archway, the great red gate and the stone statues lined both sides of the path, to learn about the layout of the imperial tomb complex and Ming Dynasty burial customs.

   On the way back to downtown Beijing, stop at the Olympic Park to appreciate the two iconic venues of the 2008 Beijing Olympics from the outside — the "Bird's Nest" (National Stadium) and the "Water Cube" (National Aquatics Center).

   Optional Night Activity: Enjoy a Beijing Roast Duck dinner and try one of the city’s best-known local specialties.

   Vehicle, Cable Car

   Breakfast, Lunch

   4-Star Hotel in Beijing
10. Day 10: Temple of Heaven & Beijing Departure
    Imperial Sites & Old Beijing Life

    If your flight or train schedule allows, visit the Temple of Heaven — once an important site where Ming and Qing emperors offered sacrifices to heaven and prayed for good harvests.

    Admire the unique circular architecture and blue-glazed roof of the iconic Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, then cross the Danbi Bridge to reach the Echo Wall to learn about its distinctive acoustic design.

    Afterwards, take a rickshaw ride through the old Beijing hutongs to see the quadrangle courtyards and the layout of lanes. Step into a courtyard home to discover how its architecture reflects the traditional life in old Beijing.

    

    Optional Activity: If time permits, join a paper-cutting workshop in the hutong and make simple Chinese paper-cutting pieces with guidance from a local instructor.

    At the end of the tour, your guide and driver will escort you to the airport or train station depending on your schedule, wrapping up your Shanghai Xi'an Luoyang Beijing tour.

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    Breakfast