Classic China Highlights
Beijing · Xi'an · Shanghai — The Essential Journey
Tour Overview
Experience the soul of China on this expertly crafted 12-day journey through three of its most iconic cities. Walk the legendary Great Wall, stand in awe at the Terracotta Army, glide along Shanghai's dazzling Bund — all while your private English-speaking guide handles every detail.
Tour Highlights
Day-by-Day Itinerary
1Arrive in BeijingAirport pickup · Hotel check-in · Wangfujing Street↓
Welcome to China! Your guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in central Beijing. Evening orientation walk around Wangfujing Street.
2Tiananmen & Forbidden CityTiananmen Square · Forbidden City · Temple of Heaven↓
Immerse yourself in 600 years of imperial history. Morning visit to Tiananmen Square, then a guided tour of the magnificent Forbidden City — the world's largest palace complex.
3Great Wall at MutianyuGreat Wall (Mutianyu) · Cable car ride · Summer Palace↓
A bucket-list day. Take the cable car up to the beautifully restored Mutianyu section of the Great Wall — less crowded and more scenic. Afternoon: Summer Palace.
4Beijing → Xi'an by Bullet Train798 Art District · Bullet train · Muslim Quarter↓
Morning: visit the 798 Art District or optional dumpling class. Afternoon: high-speed train to Xi'an (4.5 hrs). Evening: stroll the illuminated Muslim Quarter.
5Terracotta WarriorsTerracotta Army Pits 1, 2 & 3 · Huaqing Hot Springs · Li Mountain↓
The highlight of Xi'an — three vast pits of China's most extraordinary archaeological treasure. Over 8,000 life-size warriors, horses, and chariots. Afternoon: Huaqing Hot Springs and Li Mountain.
6Xi'an City & Ancient WallAncient City Wall cycling · Big Wild Goose Pagoda · Tang Dynasty Show↓
Cycle atop the complete 14km city wall — one of the best-preserved in China. Visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and the Shaanxi History Museum. Evening: Tang Dynasty cultural show.
7Xi'an → Shanghai by FlightFlight to Shanghai · French Concession · Nanjing Road↓
Morning flight to Shanghai, China's most cosmopolitan city. Afternoon: explore the French Concession's tree-lined streets and art deco architecture. Evening: Nanjing Road walk.
8Old & New ShanghaiYu Garden · Shanghai Museum · Shanghai Tower↓
Morning: Yu Garden and the Old Town bazaar. Afternoon: visit the Shanghai Museum, then ascend the Shanghai Tower observation deck (632m) for panoramic views.
9The Bund & Modern PudongThe Bund · Pudong skyline · Xintiandi↓
Iconic morning walk along the Bund with colonial-era architecture facing the futuristic Pudong skyline. Cross to Pudong: Oriental Pearl Tower, Xintiandi district in the afternoon.
10Day Trip: Water TownZhujiajiao Water Town · Canal boat ride · Old streets↓
Escape the city on a day trip to Zhujiajiao — a 1,700-year-old water town of stone bridges, canal boats, and Ming-dynasty architecture, just 45 minutes from Shanghai.
11Free Day in ShanghaiFree exploration · Optional cooking class↓
Your day to explore freely. Options: cooking class, Tianzifang art lanes, luxury shopping on Huaihai Road, or a half-day trip to Suzhou (add-on available).
12Farewell ShanghaiAirport transfer · Departure↓
Breakfast and checkout. Private transfer to the airport for your departure flight. Until next time, China!
✅ What's Included
- 11 nights 4-star hotel accommodation
- Daily breakfast + meals as listed
- All domestic transportation (bullet trains + flights)
- Private English-speaking guide throughout
- All entrance tickets
- Airport & station transfers
- 24/7 on-trip support
❌ Not Included
- International flights to/from China
- Chinese visa fees (~$185 USD)
- Travel insurance
- Personal spending & tips
- Optional activities
Tour Pricing (USD)
* Prices based on double-occupancy hotels. Solo supplement applies. Contact us for custom group pricing.
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