China's Golden Triangle: From Ancient Times to Today

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.

Begin at Tiananmen Square before entering the Forbidden City, where courtyards and palace halls reveal the scale of imperial Beijing. Continue to Jingshan Park for a sweeping view across the palace rooftops. Enjoy a Peking duck lunch, then discover a different side of the capital around Shichahai. Follow the lakeside and wander through the nearby hutongs, where narrow lanes and everyday neighborhood scenes bring the city's history down to a more personal scale.

Travel to the Mutianyu Great Wall, where stone ramparts follow the mountain ridges into the distance. Explore this celebrated stretch of wall and take in the changing views from its pathways and watchtowers. Back in Beijing, see the Bird's Nest and Water Cube, whose striking shapes recall the city's Olympic chapter. Round off the day with a walk along the Liangma River, enjoying a gentler pace beside the water.

Explore the Summer Palace, where landscaped grounds, lakeside views and imperial architecture create a graceful retreat from the busy city. Continue to the Temple of Heaven to discover another side of Beijing's imperial heritage. Later, travel by high-speed train from Beijing to Xi'an. As the capital gives way to a new landscape, look ahead to Xi'an's ancient monuments and lively streets. On arrival, settle into your hotel in Xi'an.

Discover the Terracotta Warriors at Qin Shi Huang's Mausoleum Museum, where ranks of life-sized figures offer a memorable encounter with China's early imperial history. Continue to the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, a landmark associated with Xi'an's Tang Dynasty heritage. In the evening, explore the Great Tang All Day Mall. Its illuminated streets and lively atmosphere provide a colorful contrast to the day's ancient sites and an inviting introduction to the city after dark.

In the morning, walk on the Ancient City Wall and visit Han Yang Ling Museum. In the afternoon, fly from Xi'an to Shanghai. After arrival, meet your guide and take the Maglev Train into the city. Visit the Bund, Shanghai Tower and Nanjing Road. Round-trip Maglev Train tickets are included. Stay overnight in Shanghai.

Visit Yu Garden, where pavilions, ponds and carefully arranged rockeries create a peaceful setting within the city. Follow its winding paths and discover the details that make a classical Chinese garden feel like a series of small landscapes. (Please note that Yuyuan Garden closes on Mondays, except for public holidays. Should the scheduled visit fall on its closing day, it will be replaced by the City God Temple. No extra refund or compensation will be provided for this itinerary adjustment.) Continue to Shanghai Museum to explore collections of Chinese art and cultural treasures. From garden design to museum displays, the day offers a thoughtful look at traditions that still shape China's cultural identity. Return to your Shanghai hotel.

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.