Classic China Tour of the Golden Triangle

8-Day Beijing, Xian, Shanghai Tour

An effortlessly connected journey through three cities: Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai, utilizing both flights and high-speed trains. From imperial palaces to the Terracotta Army pits, and on to the neon-lit skylines, this voyage seamlessly weaves 5,000 years of history into a single week.

From US$
Per person based on 2 travelers in 4-star hotels

Highlights

Classic China Tour Map

Tour Itinerary

DAY 1Arrival in Beijing and Transfer to Hotel
  • Novotel Peace Beijing4-star hotel
  • None

Your English-speaking guide will greet you at the arrivals hall and escort you directly to your hotel. Check in and take some time to recover from any jet lag.

The guide with a flag bearing the China Travel logo
The guide with a flag bearing the China Travel logo
DAY 2Tian'anmen Square, Forbidden City, The Temple of Heaven
  • Novotel Peace Beijing4-star hotel
  • Breakfast, lunch

In the morning, you will visit Tian'anmen Square, one of the world's largest public squares.

Continue northwest to the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site constructed in the early 15th century during the Ming Dynasty, which served as the imperial residence for over 500 years.

Your guide will unveil the stories behind the emperors and concubines who once resided within its walls.

The guide leads the guests on a tour of the Forbidden City
The guide leads the guests on a tour of the Forbidden City

Today's lunch will be served at a local restaurant, where your will savor Beijing Roast Duck. 

Sliced the Duck
Sliced the Duck

After lunch,  enjoy a leisurely visit to the Temple of Heaven, where Chinese emperors once worshiped.

Wander through the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, the Circular Mound Altar, and the Imperial Vault of Heaven as you immerse yourself in the history of this ancient religious complex. Take time to explore the surrounding Tiantan Park, with its beautiful green spaces, scenic walking paths, and tranquil retreat from the bustling city. 

the Temple of Heaven
Temple of Heaven

Conclude your visit to the Temple of Heaven as the guide takes you back to your hotel. Dinner will be on your own. 

DAY 3The Mutianyu Great Wall(with round way cable car), Hutong Walking Tour
  • Novotel Peace Beijing4-star hotel
  • Breakfast, lunch

Following an enjoyable breakfast at the hotel, you will proceed to visit the Mutianyu Great Wall.

The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall is ranked top on TripAdvisor among all the Great Wall sections, for its picturesque scenery and beautifully-restored architecture. It is about 1.5 hours' drive from downtown Beijing.

The Mutianyu Great Wall
The Mutianyu Great Wall

In order to save time for you, we arrange a round-trip cable car to ascend and descend the Wall, instead of spending about 40 minutes climbing steps. At the Wall, you have free time to walk around, after your guide does some introductions. The cable car ascends to and descends from tower 14.

Hike “the most beautiful and interesting part of the Great Wall” — between the 14th and 23rd watch towers — acknowledged by hikers as "the golden route".

Hike between the 14th and 23rd watch towers
Hike between the 14th and 23rd watch towers

Today's lunch will be served at a local restaurant, where your guide will assist you in selecting dishes according to your preferences.

After lunch, the guide will lead you to the Hutongs in Beijing's Dongcheng district for a walking tour, where you'll also have the opportunity to learn about applying Peking Opera facial makeup.

Hutongs are historic alleyways flanked by traditional single-story courtyard houses, relics of old Beijing that are rapidly fading. As you wander through these narrow paths, you can visit local residents to experience the traditional lifestyle and learn about the preservation of these unique homes and their culture.

Hutong
Hutong

In a workshop within the hutongs, you'll also learn how to create Peking Opera masks. Additionally, you can ascend the Bell Tower to enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the hutongs.

Learn How to Create Peking Opera Masks
Learn How to Create Peking Opera Masks

After concluding the hutong tour, the guide will accompany you back to the hotel for some rest, with dinner on your own.

DAY 4Taking the high-speed train from Beijing to Xi'an, Big Wild Goose Pagoda Square, The Night View of Great Tang All-Day Mall
  • Xi'an Eastern House Boutique Hotel 4-star hotel
  • Breakfast, dinner

Take a high-speed train from Beijing West to Xi'an North railway station in the morning, the final booking confirmation will provide the details of the train number and departure times.

Upon arriving at Xi'an North Railway Station around 2:05 PM, you will be greeted by your guide and driver, who will then escort you to your hotel for check-in.

After a brief respite, the guide will accompany you to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda Square for a leisurely stroll, providing an insightful introduction to the history of the pagoda.

The fountain in the Great Wild Goose Pagoda Square
The fountain in the Great Wild Goose Pagoda Square

Following this, you will enjoy a distinctive Xi'an dumpling feast for dinner.

Dumplings are a traditional dish of the Han people in Xi'an, and the "dumpling feast" predominantly comprises a variety of dumplings crafted from diverse ingredients. This feast is especially popular during the Spring Festival, Lantern Festival, and other folk celebrations in northern China. 

Xi'an dumpling feast
Xi'an dumpling feast

After finishing dinner, your guide will take you to the renowned Great Tang All Day Mall in Xi'an.

The Great Tang All Day Mall, also known as the Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City, is a 1,500-meter pedestrian street in Xi'an. This vibrant thoroughfare is adorned with buildings that showcase Tang Dynasty architecture and sculptures depicting its rich history.

It's a comprehensive consumer paradise where you can delve into the culture of the Tang Dynasty while indulging in shopping, dining, entertainment, sightseeing, and business activities.

Xi'an Great Tang All Day Mall
Xi'an Great Tang All Day Mall

After the journey concludes, the guide will convey you back to the hotel for relaxation.

DAY 5Ancient City Wall, Terracotta Army Deep Dive: Exploring the Warriors, Handling Qin Relics, and a Warrior Restoration Experience
  • Xi'an Eastern House Boutique Hotel4-star hotel
  • Breakfast, lunch

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, you're about to begin your day's tour. Your guide picks you up from the hotel, and you set off to visit and explore the Terracotta Army

The Terracotta Army of Emperor Qin Shi Huang is situated at the northern foothills of Mount Li in Lintong District, Xi'an, approximately 37.5 kilometers from the city center. It takes roughly 1.5 hours to reach the site from central Xi'an. 

Terracotta Army
Terracotta Army

Here, you will explore the Terracotta Warriors, experience Qin Dynasty artifacts, and partake in a restoration activity.

Follow a professional guide to explore the three pits of the Terracotta Warriors.

At a nearby museum, get an up-close look at the first batch of restored warriors, including the renowned First Warrior, and learn about the visionary curator's initial restoration efforts.

Then, in the conservation lab, touch authentic Qin Dynasty artifacts, deepening your connection to history.

Finally, participate in a hands-on mini restoration experience guided by professional conservators, and take home your creation as a unique memento.

Mini-restoration Experience Guided by Professional Conservators
Mini-restoration Experience Guided by Professional Conservators

After concluding your visit to the Terracotta Warriors, the guide will arrange lunch for you at a nearby restaurant. Following lunch, you will return to Xi'an's city center and visit the ancient Xi'an City Wall.

Xi'an city walls, one of China's oldest and most complete defensive systems, comprise walls, gates, and watchtowers. The perimeter of the wall is 13.74 kilometers, and you will embark on a cycling tour that takes approximately two hours. The path is paved with blue bricks and is somewhat bumpy, allowing for a complete or partial circuit. 

Cycle Along the City Walls
Cycle Along the City Walls

Once the cycling tour of the city walls concludes, the day's excursion will come to an end, and your guide will escort you back to the hotel for some rest.

DAY 6From Xi'an to Shanghai by plane, Free time for personal activities
  • Sunrise On The Bund4-star hotel
  • Breakfast

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, your guide and driver will escort you to Xi'an Xianyang Airport, where you'll board a flight to Shanghai Hongqiao Airport.

Upon arrival at Shanghai Hongqiao Airport, your Shanghai guide will greet you and accompany you to the hotel, assisting with check-in. As there are no scheduled tours today, you have the freedom to arrange your own activities and meals.

Shanghai
Shanghai
DAY 7Shanghai in Progress (visit Shanghai Tower and the Bund in-depth), Yuyuan Garden
  • Sunrise On The Bund4-star hotel
  • Breakfast, lunch

Your local guide will lead you to ascend Shanghai's tallest building, the Shanghai Tower, offering a monumental view over the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and a sweeping panorama of the city.

A Panoramic View of the Shanghai Tower
A Panoramic View of the Shanghai Tower

Amidst the bustling crowds, board a public ferry across the Huangpu River, drifting slowly from the modernity of Pudong to the historical depths of old Shanghai, crafting the latest chapter of its story.

Public Ferry across the Huangpu River
Public Ferry across the Huangpu River

Begin your historical journey at the Bund, the landing site of foreigners centuries ago. Each building narrates tales of its golden era, and you'll discover the traces of time etched into their structures, reflecting the ebb and flow of history.

Wander through alleys to observe local life, where residents cope with the city's housing pressures by dwelling in confined spaces.  

The Bund
The Bund

Take a moment to relax in a restaurant, savoring exquisite Shanghai delicacies. You'll also have the chance to experience China's most popular method of ordering takeout.

Shanghainese Pan-fried Buns
Shanghainese Pan-fried Buns

Enjoy lunch at a restaurant near The Bund. Here, you can savor a wide range of cuisines. 

After lunch, continue your tour with an afternoon visit to Yuyuan Garden

With a history exceeding 400 years, the Yuyuan Garden offers a wealth of attractions—from the dragon-lined walls and ancient trees to tranquil paths and historic halls filled with valuable antiques.

Yuyuan Garden
Yuyuan Garden

After concluding today's tour, the guide will escort you back to the hotel for some rest. 

DAY 8Transfer to Shanghai Pudong Airport
  • Breakfast

In accordance with your departure flight time, your guide will arrive at the hotel at the agreed-upon time to escort you to Shanghai Pudong International Airport, where you will board your departing flight from Shanghai.

Shanghai Pudong Airport
Shanghai Pudong Airport

What's Included

Notes

Inquire This Tour

Price is based on a 2-person tour with 4-star hotels in low season.

from US $ p/p

Code: ct-1

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