Beijing
- Forbidden City
- Jingshan Park
- Lama Temple
- Shichahai Lake
- Bird's Nest and Water Cube
- Mutianyu Great Wall (with round‑trip cable car)
- Liangma River
- Summer Palace
Small group Fixed departures 8 days · 3 stops
China's Golden Triangle: From Ancient Times to Today
An 8-day journey through Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai, connecting imperial heritage, ancient wonders and modern city life.
View departures English-speaking tour · Party size 2–12 guests
Route
Beijing → Xi'an → Shanghai
Duration
7 Nights, 8 Days
Party size
2–12 guests
Language
English
1
Journey overview
A shared journey · a fixed itinerary
An 8-day journey through Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai, connecting imperial heritage, ancient wonders and modern city life.
Through this 8-day journey, you'll explore China's most iconic cities and experience the country's rich history, vibrant culture, and dynamic modern life.
You will explore Beijing's landmark sites such as the Forbidden City and the Great Wall, and wander through traditional hutongs to discover everyday local life.
In Xi'an, you will uncover the history and cultural significance behind the Terracotta Warriors.
In Shanghai, you will experience China's contemporary style—where historic architecture is reimagined into a vibrant modern cityscape.
2
Trip Route & highlights
-
Days 1–4
-
Days 5–6
Xi’an
- Terracotta Army Museum
- Great Tang All Day Mall
- Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
- Han Yang Ling Museum
-
Days 7–8
Shanghai
- Maglev Train
- The Bund
- Yu Garden
- Huangpu River
- Nanjing Road
- Shanghai Tower
3
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Beijing Beijing
Accommodation: Beijing
Welcome to Beijing. After your journey, your China tour begins at a relaxed pace.
Your driver will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free. You may rest in your room or take a short walk nearby to get a first look at the city.
Day 2 Beijing City Tour Beijing
Meals: B/LAccommodation: Beijing
Start your day at Tiananmen Square. Then walk through the Meridian Gate into the Forbidden City, the former imperial palace of 24 emperors. Later, go up to Jingshan Park for a wide view over the palace roofs.
In the afternoon, visit the Lama Temple and take part in the simple ritual of incense offering. End the day at Shichahai Lake. Walk around the lakeside and nearby hutongs as the sun goes down.
Day 3 Visiting the Great Wall Beijing
Meals: B/LAccommodation: Beijing
Today you will visit the Mutianyu Great Wall. Take the round-trip cable car and enjoy time on the wall with wide mountain views.
After that, you will visit the Bird's Nest and Water Cube, known for representing the spirit of modern China and its grand Olympic history.
In the evening, take a walk along the Liangma River. The area is calm and lively at the same time, with bars and lights along the water.
Day 4 Beijing to Xi'an Beijing-Xi'an
Meals: B/LAccommodation: Xi'an
In the morning, visit the Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former royal retreat of the Qing Dynasty. Stroll through its elegant gardens, peaceful lakes, and historic pavilions while enjoying the harmony between architecture and nature.
After the visit, you will be transferred to train station for your trip to Xi'an. On arrival, your local driver will meet you and take you to your hotel.
Day 5 Xi'an City Tour Xi'an
Meals: B/LAccommodation: Xi'an
Explore Xi'an today. Visit the Terracotta Army Museum, where thousands of life-sized soldiers stand in formation.
Later, walk on the Ancient City Wall in the old town area. Then visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, built during the Tang Dynasty in 652 AD.
In the evening, visit the Great Tang All Day Mall. Enjoy local food and walk through the lively night streets.
Day 6 Xi'an to Shanghai Xi'an to Shanghai
Meals: B/LAccommodation: Shanghai
After breakfast, you will make a stop at the Han Yang Ling Museum to discover its unique underground vaults.
In the afternoon, your private transfer will take you to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. On arrival in Shanghai, your local driver will meet you and take you to your hotel in downtown.
Day 7 Shanghai City Tour Shanghai
Meals: B/LAccommodation: Shanghai
Start your day in Yu Garden, a classic Ming Dynasty garden in the old city.
Then try the Maglev Train, one of the fastest trains in the world. Continue to Shanghai Tower and go up to the observation deck for a city view.
In the evening, walk along Nanjing Road. End the day with a slow walk on The Bund, where old buildings face the modern skyline across the river.
Day 8 Shanghai Departure Shanghai
Meals: B
Today is your last day in Shanghai. The day is free for you to relax or take a final walk in the city.
When ready, your driver will meet you at the hotel and take you to the airport. End of your trip.
4
What’s included
✓ Included
- Hotel Accommodation: Based on twin share with western style breakfast. Properties are conveniently located close to the city centre, rated 4-star. A room with one king-size bed can also be arranged upon request.
- Guide Service: excellent English-speaking tour guide service
- Meet-and-greet service with a name sign at the airport or train station.
- Vehicle Service: Air-conditioned coach with experienced drivers, ensuring ample luggage space for your comfort. (1) Free airport & train station pick-up for arrivals from 08:00 to 22:00. (2) Free airport & train station drop-off for departures from 09:00 to 23:00.
- Domestic Transportation: Internal Air/high-speed train (Economy Class)
- Entrance fees as per itinerary
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- 24/7 On-Call Support
- Daily lunches as indicated in the itinerary
- Insurance
✕ Not included
- International Airfare
- Tips for guide and driver
- Personal expenses
- Entry Visa
- Optional Activities
- Payment and refund processing fees
- Single Room Supplement
5
Good to know
Enquiry and confirmation
This page accepts enquiries only. Our sales team checks availability, explains any displayed price and confirms the next steps personally.
Changes to attractions
If any scheduled attraction is closed or unavailable during the trip, we will arrange a suitable alternative attraction whenever possible.
Cancellation policy
Cancellation fees are calculated from the date Aria Travel receives the written cancellation request.
| If the cancellation is made between 45 and 30 days before the scheduled departure date | 10% of tour price |
|---|---|
| If the cancellation is made between 29 and 15 days before the scheduled departure date | 30% of tour price |
| If the cancellation is made between 14 and 7 days before the scheduled departure date | 50% of tour price |
| If the cancellation is made 6 days or less before the scheduled departure date, including the departure date | 100% of tour price |
Questions before you choose?
Talk to a China specialist about the right departure.
Tell us who is travelling and what matters most. Our sales team will follow up personally.