9-Day Ancient and Modern China: Beijing-Xi'an-Shanghai

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival in Beijing
1 stop
1
Beijing
Arrive in Beijing at any time, as there are no planned activities. Your experienced English-speaking guide will pick you up at the airport then take you to the hotel by private vehicle. There's an optional welcome dinner in a local restaurant. Meanwhile you will get some instructions about the trip travelling in China.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
Day 2
Beijing
1 stop
2
Mutianyu Great Wall
Go to visit the Great Wall at Mutianyu, one of the 7 wonders of the world. Climb the rolling hills of Huairou County at Mutianyu, one of the best-preserved sections of the Great Wall. Enjoy scenic views as the wall winds along mountain ridges, and take brag-worthy photos of the wall from any of the 22 towers. The Great wall is an incredible piece of engineering stretching 6000 km west from the mountain ridges north of Beijing. It was originally constructed to protect Chinese empires from nomadic northern tribes, and even though it failed in this purpose, it's still one of the country's most remarkable achievements and an iconic destination. The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall is located about 80km away from the Veijing City Center. The walk is approximately 5 kilometres and will take 2 to 3 hours depending on your level of fitness.
7 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 3
Beijing-Fast train-Xi'an
4 stops
3
Tiananmen Square (Tiananmen Guangchang)
Take the Beijing metro to visit the Tiananmen Square. Explore one of the world's largest public squares and the symbolic centre of Chinese power. Framed by the Gate of Heavenly Peace with its Mao portrait, Mao's Mausoleum, the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum, and with elaborate flag raising and lowering ceremonies at dawn and dusk, it's a place of pilgrimage for the Chinese tourists who consider it the heart of their nation.
1 hour • Admission ticket not included
4
Forbidden City-The Palace Museum
Option 1: Due to restrictions in China after the pandemic, the maximum daily capacity in the Forbidden City has been reduced from 80,000 to 30,000. This significant decrease in daily tickets has had a great impact on availability for both individuals and group tours to secure tickets, especially during he summer season. Our local team works very hard to secure tickets for each group. However, on the off chance we are unable to secure tickets to the Forbidden City, we will visit the Summer Palace and the Temple of Heaven, places of similar architecture and importance.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
5
Temple of Heaven
Option 2: The Temple of Heaven in Beijing is a remarkable ancient religious complex. It was where emperors prayed for good harvests. With its unique circular and square designs symbolizing heaven and earth, it features stunning architecture like the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests. The serene environment and profound cultural connotations make it a captivating destination for visitors.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
6
Summer Palace (Yiheyuan)
Option 3: The Summer Palace, a jewel of Beijing, is a magnificent imperial garden. It combines beautiful landscapes, elegant pavilions, and peaceful lakes. Built as a retreat for royalty, it witnessed centuries of history. Wandering through its grounds, you'll encounter the Longevity Hill, Kunming Lake, and exquisite architecture, all reflecting the grandeur of China's past imperial life, offering a truly enchanting experience.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 4
Xi'an
3 stops
7
Xi'an City Wall (Chengqiang)
In the morning, we will visit the ancient City Wall. It is an outstanding ancient fortification in China. Standing tall for centuries, it encircles the city center. Built with solid bricks, it has gates and watchtowers. You can walk or cycle along its broad top, enjoying panoramic views of Xi'an. It's not just a wall but a living history book, telling tales of dynasties past.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
8
Big Wild Goose Pagoda (Dayanta)
We will visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, which is a great Buddhist pagoda in Xi'an dating back about 1300 years to the Tang Dynasty. It was built to store and translate Sanskrit Buddhist Scriptures brought back from India by a monk. Moreover, it is the only tall pagoda of the historic Tang era that is still standing. You can opt to climb up the pagoda.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
9
Muslim Quarter
The Muslim Quarter in Xi'an is a vibrant and culturally rich area. It bustles with life day and night. Here, you can sample a variety of delicious halal cuisines, from savory kebabs to sweet pastries. The narrow lanes are lined with unique shops selling handicrafts and traditional wares. With its distinct Islamic architecture and warm atmosphere, it's a good place to experience the city's diversity and charm.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Day 5
Xi'an
2 stops
10
The Museum of Qin Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses
The Terracotta Army Museum in Xi'an is truly a wonder. It houses thousands of life-sized terracotta warriors and horses, each with unique facial expressions and postures. Discovered by accident, these sculptures were created over 2,000 years ago to guard Emperor Qin Shi Huang's tomb. Stepping inside, you'll be awestruck by the scale and artistry, as if traveling back in time to witness the might of ancient China.
3 minutes • Admission ticket included
11
Lintong District
Local Family Visit: In the villages near the Terracotta Army Museum, we'll have the opportunity to have a family visit and experience the local life. Meanwhile, we can learn how to make Chinese dumplings here. Don't worry if you're a vegetarian, as there are both meat-filled and vegetarian dumplings. You can chat with the locals to understand their lives and take a look at the houses they live in.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 6
Xi'an-Fast train-Shanghai
2 stops
12
In the morning, we will take the fast train from Xi'an to Suzhou. Suzhou is a captivating city in China's Jiangsu Province, celebrated as the "Venice of the East". It's renowned for its exquisite classical gardens, like the Master of the Nets Garden, showing a harmonious blend of nature and art. The charming Shantang Street offers a taste of ancient charm. Suzhou also dazzles with its silk products and delicious cuisine, making it a must-visit cultural and tourist gem.
Admission ticket free
13
Shantang Street
After arriving in Suzhou and having a brief rest, our tour guide will take you to visit the Shantang Street. With a history spanning centuries, it features ancient architecture and cobblestone paths. Here, you can taste local delicacies, buy unique handicrafts, and opt to take a relaxing boat ride, soaking up the rich cultural charm.
2 minutes • Admission ticket free
Day 7
Suzhou-Fast train-Shanghai
2 stops
14
Shanghai
Ride the bullet train to Shanghai. Shanghai, a dazzling metropolis, is a global financial hub. Towering skyscrapers like the Oriental Pearl Tower dominate the skyline. The Bund showcases a blend of architectural styles from around the world. Nanjing Road bustles with shoppers. It's also rich in culture, with art galleries and theaters. Huangpu River cruises offer stunning views, making Shanghai an alluring destination full of energy and opportunity.
Admission ticket free
15
The Bund (Wai Tan)
After arriving at the hotel and checking in, we will take an orientation walk down one of Shanghai’s most famous streets—Nanjing E Road, and then on to the Bund. There you will see all the landmarks of Shanghai: European - style 1920s architecture, the Shanghai World Financial Centre, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. Opt to take a cruise along the Huangpu River.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Day 8
Shanghai
4 stops
16
Yu Garden (Yuyuan)
Yu Garden in Shanghai is a remarkable classical Chinese garden. Built in the Ming Dynasty, it features exquisite pavilions, ornate rockeries, and peaceful ponds. Winding paths lead visitors through a world of beauty and tranquility. The garden is rich in cultural heritage, with delicate wood carvings and unique plant arrangements. It offers a captivating glimpse into traditional Chinese aesthetics.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
17
Yuyuan Old Street
Yuyuan Old Street in Shanghai is a vibrant destination. Lined with traditional architecture, it's a haven for shoppers and foodies. Here, you can find unique handicrafts, trendy souvenirs, and an array of local snacks. The bustling street buzzes with energy, and as you stroll along, you'll soak up the rich history and culture that has thrived here for centuries.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
18
Shanghai Tower
Shanghai Tower is an iconic skyscraper in Shanghai, China. Rising majestically to a height of 632 meters, it is one of the tallest buildings globally. With a distinctive spiral shape, it not only offers a stunning visual effect but also houses various functions like offices, hotels and observation decks. The tower represents the pinnacle of modern architecture and engineering in Shanghai, attracting visitors from all over the world.
1 minute • Admission ticket included
19
“The acrobatic performance ERA - Spirit of Shanghai in Shanghai Time Travel Theater is a spectacular show. Blending acrobatics, dance, music and multimedia effects, it presents a visual and auditory feast. With amazing stunts like high-altitude wire walking and bicycle stunts, performers showcase superb skills. It combines Shanghai's culture and history, taking the audience on a magical journey through time and space.”
1 hour • Admission ticket included
Day 9
Depart from Shanghai
1 stop
20
Shanghai
Depart at any time. Depart at any time. We are offer optional private transfer taking you to the train station or airport for your next destination.
Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

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