Tailormade Journeys

Across China's Ancient and Modern Worlds

8Days 7Nights  •  From Beijing to Shanghai
4.9Experienced by 278 travelers
Frominfo
$1697per person
invoicePrice varies according to customization
energyBook by 1 day in advance
checkFree cancellation up to 7 days before the tours starts
checkFree customization - adjust your trip as you wish, with no fees from us
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Overview

This classic China journey is designed for first-time visitors who want a clear and well-balanced introduction to the country. Beijing introduces imperial China through the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, hutongs, and the Great Wall. Xi'an brings travelers into the world of ancient capitals and the Terracotta Warriors, while Shanghai closes the journey with the Bund, modern skyline, gardens, and cosmopolitan city life. It is the essential China route for travelers who want the most representative highlights without overcomplicating the journey.

HIGHLIGHTS

starSee China's past and present through imperial Beijing, ancient Xi'an, and modern Shanghai.
starVisit the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Terracotta Warriors, and the Bund in one classic route.
starBalance major landmarks with old neighborhoods, local food, and city atmosphere.

TRAVEL STYLE & SERVICE

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Tailor-Made Itinerary
Adjusted based on your dates, interests, pace, and preferred destinations.
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Flexible Daily Schedule
Sightseeing order, free time, and activity balance can be modified.
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Hotel Options Available
Hotels can be selected or upgraded by location, style, room type, and budget.
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Flexible Transportation Options
You may choose private car service, high-speed rail, or a combination of both depending on your travel style and itinerary design.
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Guide Service on Request
Guides can be arranged for selected days or throughout the full journey.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Accommodation
Selected 4-star hotels or similar category based on itinerary standards.
Transportation Arrangements
Private vehicle service, transfers, and selected high-speed rail journeys as outlined in the itinerary.
Guide Service (Selected Days)
English-speaking guide service on selected days where specified.
Entrance Tickets & Experiences
Tickets and activities included in the itinerary are pre-arranged.
Travel Planning & Support
Itinerary planning, booking coordination, and local travel support.

OPTIONAL ADD-ONS

Hotel Upgrades & Special Requests
Room upgrades, special room types, or premium hotel selections based on your preferences.
Additional Private Guide Service
Extra English-speaking guide service for full-day or extended support during your trip.
Extra Transportation Services
Additional private car service, long-distance transfers, or customized travel arrangements beyond the itinerary.
Dining & Restaurant Reservations
Restaurant bookings including local specialties, fine dining, or curated culinary experiences.
Cultural & Local Experiences
Tea ceremonies, cooking classes, calligraphy workshops, and other immersive cultural activities.

Your Itinerary

This carefully designed route balances cultural exploration with comfortable travel, combining China's most significant historical sites with time to experience local neighborhoods, cuisine, and contemporary city life.

DAY 1BEIJING

Beijing, China

Arrival in China's capital

Arrive in Beijing and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is kept flexible for rest, a gentle neighborhood walk, or dinner in a nearby hutong area.

AccommodationAccommodation
  • Hotel 4* in Beijing
LandmarksLandmarks
  • Beijing Capital Airport or Daxing Airport
  • Wangfujing or nearby neighborhood
DAY 2BEIJING

Beijing, China

Imperial halls, courtyards, and old city lanes

Spend the day exploring the heart of imperial Beijing. Visit Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, then continue into the hutong neighborhoods for a softer look at traditional residential life and local streets.

AccommodationAccommodation
  • Hotel 4* in Beijing
LandmarksLandmarks
  • Tiananmen Square
  • Forbidden City
  • Jingshan Park
  • Hutongs
DAY 3BEIJING

Beijing, China

The Great Wall and northern landscapes

Travel outside the city to visit the Great Wall at Mutianyu or another suitable section. The day focuses on scenery, history, and time on the wall without rushing. Return to Beijing in the late afternoon.

AccommodationAccommodation
  • Hotel 4* in Beijing
LandmarksLandmarks
  • Great Wall at Mutianyu
  • Ming Tombs optional
  • Beijing countryside
DAY 4BEIJING · XI'AN

Xi'an, China

From imperial rituals to the ancient capital

Visit the Temple of Heaven or Summer Palace in the morning, then take a high-speed train or flight to Xi'an. Arrive and settle into the city that once marked the eastern end of the Silk Road.

AccommodationAccommodation
  • Hotel 4* in Xi'an
LandmarksLandmarks
  • Temple of Heaven or Summer Palace
  • High-speed Train
  • Xi'an City Wall area
DAY 5XI'AN

Xi'an, China

Warriors, city walls, and Tang dynasty echoes

Spend the day exploring Xi'an's essential landmarks. Visit the Terracotta Warriors, return to the city for the ancient City Wall, and enjoy time in the Muslim Quarter or around the Bell and Drum Towers.

AccommodationAccommodation
  • Hotel 4* in Xi'an
LandmarksLandmarks
  • Terracotta Warriors
  • Xi'an City Wall
  • Muslim Quarter
  • Bell Tower
DAY 6XI'AN · SHANGHAI

Shanghai, China

From ancient China to the modern coast

Fly or take the high-speed train to Shanghai. After arrival, transfer to the hotel and enjoy an introduction to the Bund or nearby city neighborhoods depending on timing.

AccommodationAccommodation
  • Hotel 4* in Shanghai
LandmarksLandmarks
  • Shanghai
  • The Bund
  • Nanjing Road
DAY 7SHANGHAI

Shanghai, China

Gardens, skyline, and cosmopolitan city life

Explore the contrast of old and new Shanghai. Visit Yu Garden and the Old City area, continue to the Bund, and view the modern skyline of Pudong. The afternoon can include the Former French Concession or a museum depending on interests.

AccommodationAccommodation
  • Hotel 4* in Shanghai
LandmarksLandmarks
  • Yu Garden
  • The Bund
  • Pudong Skyline
  • Former French Concession
DAY 8SHANGHAI

Shanghai, China

Departure or a flexible final day

Enjoy a relaxed final morning for shopping, cafés, or a short neighborhood walk before transferring to the airport. Longer versions can add Suzhou or a water town before departure.

AccommodationAccommodation
  • Not included unless late departure requires day-use room
LandmarksLandmarks
  • Shanghai Pudong Airport
  • Shanghai Hongqiao Airport
  • Xintiandi optional

Where you'll Stay

All accommodations can be adjusted to your preferences and budget. The following are provided for your reference.

Recommendations

OPARTMENT The Far Eastern Hotel

Shanghai,China

Recommendations

ANYU Hotel - Dali Ancient Town

Dali,Yunnan,China

Recommendations

Sofitel Legend People's Grand Hotel Xian

Xi'an, Shaanxi, China

Optional experiences.

These experiences could make your trip even more rewarding.

Experiences

Morning exercise in an imperial courtyard

Beijing, China

Experiences

Join local residents for evening square dancing

Shanghai, China

Experiences

Gyantse Nyangchu Manor House

Dali,China

Ask Our Journey advisor

Jason

Jason

Journey Advisor
We'll respond within 1 hour

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