5-Day Classic Shanghai Xi’an Tour: Past Meets Present

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Shanghai Arrival

   Welcome to Shanghai! Your tour guide will pick you up at the airport upon your arrival. Based on the arrival airport and flight schedule, you can choose to experience the Shanghai maglev train or not. Then head to the hotel and check in.

   It will be a very special way to get a first glimpse of Shanghai if you take the maglev train from Pudong Airport to the city center. As the train speeds forward, the scenery passes by quickly. You can already see the modern side of Shanghai before the official tour begins.

   The rest of the day is free. You can rest to recover from jet lag or walk around the hotel area on your own.

   Optional activity: You can watch an acrobatic performance in the evening if interested.

   Vehicle

   4-star hotel in Shanghai
2. Day 2: Classic Exploration of Shanghai
   Experience Shanghai's Contrast: Skyscrapers, Gardens, and Historic Bund

   The most classic Shanghai sightseeing starts from Lujiazui, where many high-rise buildings cluster. A high-speed elevator will take you to the observation deck on the 118^th floor of Shanghai Tower in seconds. From the panoramic window, the city seems to shrink beneath your feet. The Huangpu River winds through the city. The Oriental Pearl Tower and surrounding skyscrapers look so close. Across the river, a series of historical buildings stretch along the Bund.

   

   The next stop is Shanghai Museum East. The rich cultural relics — from ancient bronze ware and ceramics to jade artifacts, calligraphy and painting — showcase the art and life of different periods in China. It's like a history preparatory lesson for your later visit to the ancient capital Xi'an.

   In the afternoon, visit the Yu Garden tucked away in the old town of Shanghai. The garden itself is not large, yet is ingeniously arranged with ponds, pavilions and rockeries. The Grand Rockery and Exquisite Jade Rock stand out in particular.

   

   Later, take a stroll along the bustling Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street. Walk all the way towards the Huangpu River and finally reach the Bund.

   Do not rush to take photos, but pause to take in the view on both sides of the Huangpu River. On one side is the century-old architectural complex, and on the other side stand the modern skyscrapers forming part of the skyline. They record the city's past and present, making a perfect end to your one day tour in Shanghai.

   Optional evening activity: You can join the Huangpu River Night Cruise at your own expense to admire the night view of Shanghai.

   

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   Breakfast, Lunch

   4-star hotel in Shanghai
3. Day 3: Zhujiajiao Water Town, Shanghai to Xi'an by Flight
   Cruise Water Town Canals, Then Fly to Xi'an's Ancient Capital

   In the morning, take a one-hour drive to Zhujiajiao Ancient Town. As the high-rise buildings gradually fade behind you, the pace of travel seems to slow down. Upon entering the town, you no longer see modern buildings, but narrow rivers, stone bridges, and old streets along the rivers.

   Stroll along North Street and admire the traditional shops and folk houses built along the river. Then check in at the iconic Fangsheng Bridge to overlook the town.

   Subsequently, explore Kezhi Garden, a private garden blending Chinese and Western elements. Learn about the owner's family tradition of “studying and farming”. At Hexin Garden, savor the refinement and elegance of the local ancient scholars' life through the garden design and furnishings.

   

   Optional activity: It's recommended to take a traditional small boat at your own expense to see Zhujiajiao from a different angle. Gliding under the stone bridge and watching the houses on both banks recede slowly, you'll feel the charm of water town more easily than standing on the shore.

   After the tour, head to the airport and take a 2.5-hour flight to Xi'an.

   This marks an interesting turning point of our 5-day Shanghai Xi'an tour — fly from one the most modern cities in China to the ancient capital with thousands of years of history.

   At the airport in Xi'an, the local driver will pick you up and escort you to the hotel for check-in.

   

   Flight, Vehicle

   Breakfast, Lunch

   4-star hotel in Xi'an
4. Day 4: Xi’an History Discovery
   Discover Qin Terracotta Army, Tang Pagoda, and Dazzling Night Market

   This morning begins with a one-hour drive to the world-famous Terracotta Warriors.

   Stepping into No. 1 Pit, you'll be amazed by the massive underground army formation. Rows of life-sized terracotta figurines, war horses, and chariots extend into the distance, demonstrating the mighty military power of the Qin Empire over two thousand years ago.

   During the visit, pass the archaeological excavation and restoration area; from the scattered pottery pieces to standing warriors, you will understand how the Terracotta Warriors were excavated and gradually restored to their original appearances.

   

   After lunch, return to the downtown area of Xi'an to visit the Da Ci'en Temple and the nearby Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. This Tang Dynasty pagoda was once used to preserve the Buddhist scriptures brought back from the Western Regions by Monk Xuanzang. A stroll around will help you to know more about the cultural exchanges between Chang'an (today's Xi'an) and the regions along the Silk Road.

   If you wish to climb the tower, buy a ticket at your own expense, depending on whether the tower is open.

   

   This evening is reserved for a free visit around Datang Everbright City. After the lights are turned on, the Tang-style buildings, colorful lanterns, and street performances fill the entire street with a lively nightlife atmosphere.

   Optional activity: Wear traditional Chinese costumes and makeup as you like. Capture special travel memories in this ancient-style street setting.

   

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   Breakfast, Lunch

   4-star hotel in Xi'an
5. Day 5: Food Tour, Xi'an Departure
   Cycle Xi'an's Wall, Explore Museum, Feast in Muslim Quarter

   Today, first visit the Small Wild Goose Pagoda. This Tang Dynasty pagoda has withstood more than a thousand years of wind and rain and several earthquakes, but still stands firm.

   Continue to walk to the Xi'an Museum, where the cultural relics show the achievements of Xi'an in different historical periods. It offers a good window to further understand how this ancient capital has evolved step by step into today's Xi'an.

   

   Go up the Ancient City Wall of Xi'an. The wide wall circling the old town area was once an important military defense structure. Now, it's a popular attraction for a city walk. If interested, rent a bicycle and ride along the city wall. As you pass the towers and red lanterns, it feels like you are traveling back to ancient times.

   

   Let's embark on a food tour in the Muslim Quarter around noon. Follow the guide through the busy streets and alleys, and sample local specialties like Chinese hamburgers, mutton & beef soup with crumbled flatbread, cold noodles, grilled meat skewers and persimmon cakes. Experience the rich food culture and daily life of the Muslims in Xi'an.

   After the tour, your guide will escort you to the airport or railway station according to your schedule. By then, the 5-day Shanghai Xi'an tour officially ends.

   

   Good to know: The itinerary of the day may be subject to adjustment based on your flight/train schedule. If you have an early flight or train, the duration of some visits may be shortened accordingly.

   Vehicle

   Breakfast, Lunch