China Classic Tour: A Harmony of Past and Present
A classic first China journey through Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai
Overview
Trip Highlights
Beijing Central Axis Night View · Forbidden City · Jingshan Park · Lama Temple · Shichahai Lake · Great Wall · Bird’s Nest and Water Cube · Liangma River · Temple of Heaven · Muslim Quarter · Ancient City Wall · Terracotta Army Museum · Giant Wild Goose Pagoda · Great Tang All Day Mall · Han Yang Ling Museum · Anfu Road · Yu Garden · Maglev Train · Shanghai Tower · Nanjing Road · The Bund · Shanghai City Views
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive in Beijing
Welcome to Beijing. After your journey, your China tour begins in a easy way.
Your local guide 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.
Beijing Classic City Tour
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.
Beijing Great Wall Tour
Today you will visit the Mutianyu Great Wall. Walk along the wall and enjoy the 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.
Beijing—Xian transfer by high-speed train
In the morning, visit the Temple of Heaven. You may also join local people practicing Tai Chi in the park.
After the visit, you will be transferred to train station for your trip to Xi’an. On arrival, your local team will meet you and take you to your hotel.
After arrival, you can first stroll through Muslim Quarter with your guide, get a feel for local life, and sample some regional specialties.
Xian Terracotta Army Tour
Explore Xi’an today. Walk on the Ancient City Wall in the old town area.
Later, visit the Terracotta Army Museum, where thousands of life-sized soldiers stand in formation. 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.
Xian Transfer To Shanghai By Flight
On the way to the airport, you will make a stop at the Han Yang Ling Museum to discover its unique underground vaults.
After the visit, your guide will take you to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. On arrival, your local guide will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. After arriving today, you can take a leisurely stroll along Anfu Road with your guide.
Shanghai Classic City Tour
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.
Shanghai Departure
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 guide and driver will meet you at the hotel and take you to the airport. End of your trip.
What's Included & Excluded
- Hotel Accommodation: based on twin share with western style breakfast
- Guide Service: excellent English-speaking tour guide service
- Vehicle Service: air-conditioning coach with experienced drivers
- 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
- International Airfare
- Tips for guide and driver
- Personal expenses
- Entry Visa
- Optional Activities
- Payment processing fees
Add-on Options
| Add-on | Description |
|---|---|
| Lunch and Dinner | If you would like to explore more local cuisine, feel free to ask us—we will be happy to recommend the most authentic and distinctive local dishes. |
| Terracotta Warriors Craft Workshop | If you’re still inspired after visiting the Terracotta Warriors, you can join a hands-on workshop nearby to craft your own clay warrior and experience the mindset of ancient artisans from over a thousand years ago. |
| Pedicab Tour of Shichahai | In-depth Pedicab Tour of Shichahai: visit Yinding Bridge, enjoy the night view of Houhai, listen to hutong stories, and immerse yourself in old Beijing culture. |
| Huangpu River Night Cruise | A Huangpu River Night Cruise is one of the best ways to experience Shanghai after dark.As you sail along the Huangpu River, you can enjoy stunning views of both the historic Bund and the modern skyline of Lujiazui, all beautifully illuminated at night. The city lights create a vibrant and memorable atmosphere, perfect for photos. |
Hotels
Choose Your Hotel Style
We book accommodation tailored to your preferences and budget:
- Comfort (3-star) — Well-located, great-value hotels
- Premium (4-star) — Spacious rooms with quality amenities
- Luxury (5-star, local brands) — Top Chinese hospitality with distinctive character
- Luxury (5-star, international) — Marriott, Hilton, Shangri-La and other global names
Frequently Asked Questions
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Customize This Private Tour
This is a fully private tour — every route, pace, hotel level and meal can be reshaped around your dates, group size and interests.
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