8 Days of China’s Best:Palaces, Pagodas and Skylines from Beijing

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Beijing
1 stop
1
Beijing
Touch down in Beijing, where ancient dynasties meet modern dazzle! On your first day, enjoy a complimentary airport pick-up at either Beijing Capital (PEK) or Daxing (PKX) airports—available at 13:00 and 18:00, right after you collect your bags. Our friendly staff will be waiting to whisk you away to your hotel, the elegant Wanda Realm Beijing (or a similar 5-star stay), where comfort meets culture. While meals aren’t included today, it’s the perfect excuse to dive into Beijing’s legendary food scenes, sizzling street skewers, crispy Peking duck, and dumplings that could win awards. As you settle in, take in the grandeur of a city with over 3,000 years of history and the highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world. From the Forbidden City to the Great Wall, Beijing isn’t just a destination, it’s a time machine with Wi-Fi. Let the adventure begin!
Admission ticket free
Day 2
Beijing
4 stops
2
Beijing
Rise and shine in Beijing with a hearty breakfast—two complimentary meals per room to fuel your day of imperial adventure! Today, you’ll walk through history in China’s majestic capital, starting at Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest public square and the symbolic heart of modern China. Snap a photo where Chairman Mao declared the founding of the People’s Republic in 1949, then stroll north to the awe-inspiring Palace Museum, also known as the Forbidden City. With over 9,000 rooms and centuries of royal drama, it’s basically China’s Versailles—minus the croissants. After lunch (included!), we’ll head to the Summer Palace, a lakeside retreat once reserved for emperors. Cruise across Kunming Lake (weather permitting) and admire the Seventeen-Arch Bridge, ornate temples Itinerary: Beijing → Tiananmen Square (30 mins) → Palace Museum (3 hours) → Summer Palace (1.5 hours, including cruise, if there is no boat in winter, it can be reduced ) → Hotel
Admission ticket free
3
Tiananmen Square (Tiananmen Guangchang)
Tiananmen Square Tiananmen Square is a city square in the city center of Beijing, China, named after the eponymous Tiananmen, located to its north, which separates it from the Forbidden City. The square contains the Monument to the People's Heroes, the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum of China, and the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong. Mao Zedong proclaimed the founding of the People's Republic of China in the square on October 1, 1949, the anniversary of this event is still observed here. The size of Tiananmen Square is 765 x 282 meters (215,730 m2 or 53.31 acres). It has great cultural significance as it was the site of several important events in Chinese history.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
4
The Palace Museum The palace consists of many separate halls and courtyards. The outer buildings of the palace became a museum in 1914, although the imperial family continued to live in private apartments until 1924. In 1925, after the former emperor Puyi of the Qing dynasty was moved out, the Palace Museum was formally established. Many of the halls surrounding the museum are presented as if they had appeared in dynastic times. The main buildings of the museum include the Hall of Supreme Harmony, one of the largest wooden buildings in China. The Hall of Preserving Harmony displays a fine collection of works of art, many from the imperial treasures. Among the more impressive works is a 14-metre- (47-foot-) long Yuan fresco that was taken from the Xinghua Temple. Other areas of the palace contain displays of bronze, sculptures, pottery and porcelain, jade, and silks. Some of the treasures are exhibited in the northeast corner of the palace, known as the Palace of Peace and Longevity.
3 hours • Admission ticket included
5
Summer Palace (Yiheyuan)
The Summer Palace(1.5 hours, including cruise, if there is no boat in winter, it can be reduced ) Using Kunming Lake, the former reservoir of the Yuan dynasty’s capital and Longevity Hill as the basic framework, the Summer Palace combined political and administrative, residential, spiritual, and recreational functions within a landscape of lakes and mountains, in accordance with the Chinese philosophy of balancing the works of man with nature. Kunming Lake contains three large islands, corresponding to the traditional Chinese symbolic mountain garden element, the southern of which is linked to the East Dike by the Seventeen Arch Bridge. An essential feature is the West Dike with six bridges in different styles along its length. Other important features include temples and monasteries in Han and Tibetan style located on the north side of the Hill of Longevity and the Garden of Harmonious Pleasure to the north-east.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket included
Day 3
Beijing
3 stops
6
Beijing
Start your day with a delicious breakfast—two complimentary meals per room, perfect for fueling up before tackling one of the world’s greatest wonders. Today’s highlight: the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and arguably the most scenic stretch of this ancient marvel. With 22 watchtowers dotting its 2,250-meter length, Mutianyu offers panoramic views, fewer crowds, and a chance to walk in the footsteps of emperors and warriors—without needing a sword or a scroll. After lunch, we’ll head to Beijing Olympic Park to admire two architectural icons: the Bird’s Nest Stadium, a masterpiece of steel and geometry, and the Water Cube, where Olympic legends once made waves. Itinerary: Beijing → Mutianyu Great Wall (3 hours) → Beijing → Olympic Park: National Stadium & National Aquatics Center (outside visit, 1 hour) → Hotel
Admission ticket free
7
Mutianyu Great Wall
Mutianyu Great Wall Mutianyu is a section of the Great Wall of China located in Huairou District within the city limits of Beijing 70 kilometers (43 mi) northeast of the center of the city. The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall is connected with Jiankou in the west and Lianhuachi in the east. As one of the best-preserved parts of the Great Wall, the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall used to serve as the northern barrier defending the capital and the imperial tombs. Built mainly with granite, the wall is 7 to 8.5 meters (23 to 28 ft) high, and its top is 4 to 5 meters (13 to 16 ft) wide. Compared with other sections of the Great Wall, Mutianyu Great Wall possesses unique characteristics in its construction. Watchtowers are densely placed along this section of the Great Wall - 22 watchtowers on this 2,250-meter (7,380 ft) stretch.
3 hours • Admission ticket included
8
Olympic Park
Olympic Park: National Stadium & National Aquatics Center (outside visit, 1 hour) National Stadium The National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, is an 80,000-capacity stadium in Beijing. The stadium was designed for use throughout the 2008 Summer Olympics and Paralympics. It was used again in the 2022 Winter Olympics and Paralympics. The structural form of the stadium is popularly described as a 'bird’s nest', with its pattern inspired by Chinese-style 'crazed pottery'. Seemingly random, the pattern abides by complex rules for which advanced geometry was defined. National Aquatics Center The National Aquatics Centre, and colloquially known as the Water Cube and the Ice Cube, is an aquatics center at the Olympic Green in Beijing, China. The facility was originally constructed to host the aquatics competitions at the 2008 Summer Olympics and Paralympics. During the Olympics where it hosted diving, swimming and synchronized swimming events.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Day 4
Beijing --Train-- Xi’an
2 stops
9
Beijing
Start your day with a tasty breakfast—two complimentary meals per room to fuel your morning. Then dive into Beijing’s imperial past at the Temple of Heaven, China’s largest ancient ceremonial complex and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Emperors once fasted and prayed here for good harvests—no pressure! You’ll explore the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, the Circular Mound Altar, and the Fasting Palace, each rich in symbolism and stunning architecture. After lunch (included), hop aboard a high-speed train to Xi’an, the ancient capital of 13 dynasties. No guide onboard, but it’s a great time to relax and enjoy the ride. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted with a warm welcome and a special dinner—because nothing says “you’ve arrived” like a delicious meal and a plush stay at the Wyndham Grand Xi’an South (or similar). Itinerary: Beijing → Temple of Heaven (1 hour) → Take the high-speed rail from Beijing to Xi'an (no tour guide on the high-speed rail)
Admission ticket free
10
Temple of Heaven
Temple of Heaven The Temple of Heaven is an axial arrangement of Circular Mound Altar to the south, opening to the sky with the conically roofed Imperial Vault of Heaven immediately to its north. This is linked by a raised sacred way to the circular, three-tiered, conically roofed Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests further to the north. Here at these places the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties as interlocutors between humankind and the celestial realm offered sacrifice to heaven and prayed for bumper harvests. To the west is the Hall of Abstinence where the emperor fasted after making sacrifices. The siting, planning, and architectural design of the Temple of Heaven as well as the sacrificial ceremony and associated music were based on ancient tenets relating numbers and spatial organization to beliefs about heaven and its relationship to people on earth, mediated by the emperor as the “Son of Heaven”.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Day 5
Xi'an
6 stops
11
Xi'an
Start your day with a hearty breakfast—two complimentary meals per room—before exploring Xi’an’s legendary past. First, visit the Terracotta Warriors Museum, home to 8,000 life-sized clay soldiers guarding China’s first emperor. Then soak up the romance at Huaqing Palace, a hot spring retreat with tales of emperors and forbidden love. After lunch (included), stroll through Bell and Drum Tower Square and Huimin Street, where sizzling lamb skewers and sweet persimmon cakes tempt every traveler. Next, marvel at the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a Tang Dynasty treasure that once held sacred Buddhist texts. End the day with free time at Datang Everbright City Itinerary: Xi'an → Qinshihuang Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum (3 hours) → Huaqing Palace (1 hour) → Muslim Street (1 hour) → Bell and Drum Tower Square (30 mins) → Da Ci'en Temple & Big Wild Goose Pagoda (1 hour, Big Wild Goose Pagoda does not include tower boarding tickets) → Free time at Datang Everbright City
Admission ticket free
12
Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor
Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor Located at the northern foot of Lishan Mountain, 35 kilometers northeast of Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, Qinshihuang Mausoleum is the tomb of Emperor Qinshihuang, founder of the first unified empire in Chinese history during the 3rd century BCE. As the tomb of the first emperor who unified the country, it is the largest in Chinese history, with a unique standard layout and has a large number of exquisite objects. It testifies to the founding of the first unified empire- the Qin Dynasty. The grave mound, sites of constructions, burial tombs and burial pits in Qinshihuang Mausoleum truthfully maintain their original location, material, formation, technology and structure, which authentically reflect the constricting regulation of the Mausoleum and palace life along with military systems of the Qin Dynasty.
3 hours • Admission ticket included
13
Huaqing Palace
Huaqing Palace Huaqing Palace, also known as Huaqing Hot Springs, is a well-known historic site and an AAAAA tourist attraction of China. It gets its fame for being the place where the romantic story of Emperor Tangxuanzong of Tang Dynasty (618-907) and his beloved Yang Guifei (or Concubine Yang) took place. As a matter of fact, the site had been as an imperial palace for emperors' short stays away from the capital for more than 3000 years. Emperors of Zhou, Qin, Han, Sui and Tang dynasties spent the winter at this place every year. Emperor Zhouyouwang of Western Zhou Dynasty (1046BC-771BC) is said to be the first emperor who ordered to build a palace at the site. In the following dynasties, the palace was repaired and expanded for several times, given the name of "Hot Spring Palace" and finally denominated "Huaqqing Palace" by Emperor Tangxuanzong. The palace was constructed above hot springs; hence the site is also called "Huaqing Hot Springs".
1 hour • Admission ticket included
14
Huimin Street Muslim Street of Xi'an, known as Huimin Jie as well by Chinese, is a Muslim community in the city. The district houses the architectures in the style of Ming and Qing dynasties. The Drum Tower is located in the south and memorial archway is located in the north, embracing many ancient courtyards as well as some 10 mosques in diverse sizes that built in different time. It is also where there are about 20,000 Muslims retaining their pristine religious tradition and lifestyle. Huimin Street is a famous "snack street" due to its rich delicious local Xi'an delicacies and typical Shaanxi snacks that are concentrated here. It attracts visitors home and abroad. This featured bluestone-paved old street is also the favorite haunt for locals because of the tastiest food and leisure atmosphere.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
15
Bell Tower and Drum Tower Square The Bell Tower and Drum Tower Square are located at the intersection of East, West, South and North Avenue. According to research, this was once the site of Shangshusheng (Department of State Affairs) during the Tang Dynasty. On the north side of the square, there are a number of prestigious and long-established shops; and under the square is the Century Golden Flower Mall. In addition, there is a musical fountain built on the Bell Tower.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
16
Dayan Pagoda Northern Square
Da Ci'en Temple & Big Wild Goose Pagoda (1 hour, Big Wild Goose Pagoda does not include tower boarding tickets) Dayan Pagoda Giant Wild Goose Pagoda or Big Wild Goose Pagoda is a monumental Buddhist pagoda located in southern Xi'an, Shaanxi, China. It was built during the Tang dynasty and originally had five stories. It was rebuilt in 704 during the reign of Empress Wu Zetian and its exterior brick facade was renovated during the Ming dynasty. Grand Tang Dynasty Ever-bright City Grand Tang Dynasty Ever-bright City is located between the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and Tang Paradise, full of Tang stylistic elements.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Day 6
Xi’an-- Airplane --Shanghai
2 stops
17
Xi'an
Start your day with a hearty breakfast—two complimentary meals per room—before stepping onto the mighty Xi’an City Wall via Yongning Gate, the oldest and grandest entrance to this ancient fortress. Built thicker than it is tall (because emperors didn’t skimp on defense), this wall wraps around the city like a stone embrace, offering sweeping views and centuries of stories. After lunch (included), you’ll board a flight to Shanghai—China’s glittering skyline capital. No guide onboard, but it’s the perfect time to relax, reflect, and maybe dream up your next dumpling order. Upon arrival, enjoy a special dinner and settle into the stylish Jin Jiang Hotel (or similar), where Tang Dynasty charm gives way to modern luxury. From ancient battlements to futuristic boulevards, today’s journey is a masterclass in contrast—and comfort. Itinerary: Xi’an → Yongning Gate & Xi’an City Wall (1 hour) → Fly from Xi’an to Shanghai by plane (no tour guide on the plane)
Admission ticket free
18
Yongning Gate The south gate of the Xi’an City Wall is Yongning Gate. It’s often referred to as South Gate. The gate was constructed during the early years of the Sui Dynasty. It is the city gate that has been around the oldest in Xi’an. It is the gate that is on the east side of the three gates of the imperial city for the Sui Dynasty. The Chinese people have the belief that the south is where you will find the god of fire. Thus the south gate, which is known as Yongning, is intended to be used to pray to god of fire.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Day 7
Shanghai
6 stops
19
Shanghai
Start your day in dazzling Shanghai with a delicious breakfast—two complimentary meals per room to fuel your urban adventure. First, step into the serene beauty of Yu Garden, a 400 year old oasis filled with dragon walls, koi ponds, and zigzag bridges that confuse evil spirits. Next, explore the historic Town God’s Temple, where locals once prayed for protection and prosperity in the heart of the old city. After lunch dive into China’s artistic soul at the Shanghai Museum, home to over 120,000 treasures from ancient bronze mirrors to delicate calligraphy. Then stroll through the charming French Concession, where tree-lined streets and colonial architecture whisper stories of Shanghai’s cosmopolitan past. Finally, soak in the city’s sparkle at Nanjing Road and the Bund Itinerary: Shanghai → Yu Garden (1 hour) → Town God's Temple (1 hour) → Shanghai Museum (1.5 hours) → Shanghai French Concession (1 hour) → The Bund & Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street (1.5 hours) → Hotel
Admission ticket free
20
Yu Garden (Yuyuan)
Yu Garden Yu Garden is located in the northeast of the old city of Shanghai, adjoining with the City God Temple. It is a world famous classical garden in the southern Yangtze which was built more than 400 years ago in the Ming Dynasty. It is regarded as one of the representatives of the traditional culture in Shanghai. It displays the main features of traditional Chinese architecture with many rocks, trees, ponds, dragons, and zigzag bridges.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
21
Town God‘s Temple of Shanghai Town God’s Temple of Shanghai or Temple of the City Gods, officially the City Temple of Shanghai, is a folk temple located in the old city of Shanghai. It commemorates the elevation of Shanghai to municipal status and is the site of the veneration of three Chinese figures honored as the city gods of the town.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
22
Shanghai Museum (Shanghai Bowuguan)
Shanghai Museum The Shanghai Museum is a museum of ancient Chinese art, situated on the People's Square in the Huangpu District of Shanghai, China. Rebuilt at its current location in 1996, it is considered one of China's first world-class modern museums and famous for its large collection of rare cultural pieces. The museum has a collection of over 120,000 pieces, including bronze, ceramics, calligraphy, furniture, jades, ancient coins, paintings, seals, sculptures, minority art and foreign art. The Shanghai Museum houses several items of national importance, including one of three extant specimens of a "transparent" bronze mirror from the Han Dynasty.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket included
23
Former French Concession
Shanghai French Concession The Shanghai French Concession was a foreign concession in Shanghai, China from 1849 until 1943, which progressively expanded in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The concession came to an end in 1943, when Vichy France under German pressure signed it over to the pro-Japanese Reorganized National Government of China in Nanjing. For much of the 20th century, the area covered by the former French Concession remained the premier residential and retail district of Shanghai and was also one of the centers of Catholicism in China. Despite re-development over the last few decades, the area retains a distinct character and is a popular tourist destination.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
24
The Bund
The Bund & Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street (1.5 hours) The Bund The Bund or Waitanis is a waterfront area and a protected historical district in central Shanghai. The area centers on a section of Zhongshan Road (East Zhongshan Road No.1) within the former Shanghai International Settlement, which runs along the western bank of the Huangpu River in the eastern part of Huangpu District. Nanjing Road, Shanghai Nanjing Road is a road in Shanghai, the eastern part of which is the main shopping district of Shanghai. It is one of the world's busiest shopping streets, along with Fifth Avenue, Oxford Street, Orchard Road, Takeshita Street and the Champs-Élysées. Nanjing Road is the world's longest shopping district, around 5.5 km long, and attracts over 1 million visitors daily. As a century-old shopping street in Huangpu District, Shanghai, Nanjing Road was a witness of the city's history. Over time, it has been restructured, undergoing significant changes.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket free
Day 8
Shanghai-- Airplane --Home
1 stop
25
Shanghai
Enjoy one last breakfast—two complimentary meals per room—before wrapping up your unforgettable 8-day journey through China’s dynasties, dumplings, and dazzling skylines. Today is departure day, and while we hate goodbyes, we make them smooth: one included airport drop-off is available from your hotel at 7:00 AM sharp to either Shanghai Pudong (PVG) or Hongqiao (SHA) airports. If your flight is earlier than that, no worries—your guide will assist you in arranging a taxi so you’re not left doing airport charades with your luggage. Be sure to confirm your flight details in advance and pack up those souvenirs (yes, even the panda keychain). From ancient walls to modern wonders, we hope this journey leaves you with stories worth retelling and memories that sparkle brighter than Shanghai’s skyline. Safe travels and come back hungry for more!
Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Tickets & Admission: Third-party attraction tickets or city passes are notaccepted. All admission tickets must be purchased during booking or fromyour guide on the day of the tour.
• Children under 6 may require a booster seat by law. Coachbuses usually do not need one, but winter tours using vans/minivans may. Please contact the operator in advance if needed; rental available on request.

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