Duration

8 Days

Tour Type

Private & Bespoke

Tour Style

Classic

About This Trip

This well-packed Golden China Tour is perfect for those looking for a snapshot of vast China with a limited schedule. Beginning in Beijing, you will marvel at the Forbidden City and the Great Wall. Then, take a bullet train to Xi’an to see the famous Terracotta Warriors before heading to Shanghai to explore the Bund waterfront, the peaceful Yu Garden, and the former French Concession.

Itinerary Summary

DAYPLACEHIGHLIGHTS
1 – 4BeijingForbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Great Wall, Hutong, Having Lunch at a Local’s Home
5 – 6Xi’anTerracotta Warriors, Muslim Quarter, Hanyang Tomb
7 – 8ShanghaiThe Bund, Yu Garden, Former French Concession, Shanghai Museum
Quick Question

Itinerary

Welcome to China! Touch down in Beijing and meet your guide for a one-hour private transfer to your downtown hotel.

If you are arriving at Beijing Daxing International Airport, before heading into the city, you may take some time to look around the airport, which is more like a futuristic art architecture with stunning photo opportunities.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Begin your discovery of the capital city from Tiananmen Square, the political landmark of today’s China. Next, enter the 600-year-old Forbidden City, the imperial citadel of the feudal Ming and Qing Dynasties, marveling at the architectural wonders and listening to the most-talked stories of the royal families.

After an authentic Chinese lunch, climb up the artificial Jingshan Hill for panoramic views of the splendid royal palace complex and the central axle of this historic city.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Like the locals, start a new day at the Temple of Heaven. Beyond marveling at the elegance of the architecture itself, you may also join the locals doing morning exercises: playing Tai Chi, dancing with swords, singing Peking opera, or practicing Chinese calligraphy on the ground with a huge brush and water.

Then comes the day’s highlight – visiting the Great Wall of China. Driving about 1.5 hours, you’ll get to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall (less crowded, with a cable car up and down). Walking on the venerable ramparts, you will undoubtedly be awed by this magnificent and unbelievable construction. Besides, its surrounding landscape is also stunning.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Have the morning to walk into one of the few remaining Hutongs, a traditional community featuring narrow alleys lined with quadrangle courtyards, then visit a local family, and enjoy a home-made lunch.

In the afternoon, board a bullet train to Xi’an. Arrive in about 5 hours, be picked up, and transferred to your hotel for check-in.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

The Terracotta Warriors have undoubtedly put Xi’an on the global map. Today, you’ll witness this awe-inspiring underground army in person. Despite being buried for over 2,200 years, each soldier appears strikingly lifelike – with distinct facial expressions and postures that allow you to imagine the unique stories behind them. One fascinating discovery: no two warriors are exactly alike.

In the afternoon, return to the city center to explore the lively Muslim Quarter. Wander through the bustling alleys and browse the local shops along the way, enjoying the authentic atmosphere of daily life here.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

This morning, visit the Hanyang Tomb, where you’ll find smaller yet more colorful sculptures depicting lively scenes from ancient daily life. These vivid displays offer a unique contrast to the Terracotta Warriors, capturing a different side of history.

After the visit, head to the airport and board your flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival – after a smooth 2.5-hour journey – meet your local guide for a private transfer to your hotel.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Begin your exploration of Shanghai at The Bund, where colonial-era buildings of various styles have lined the waterfront since the 1920s. Next, visit the exquisite Chinese garden – Yu Garden. Outside it, stroll around the busy bazaar and visit a silk workshop before continuing to the historic Former French Concession.

Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the vast collections of the Shanghai Museum.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Meet your driver at the appointed time for a private transfer to the airport, and bid farewell to China.

Welcome your return to discover more natural and cultural beauties in this land.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Why Choose Inner Mongolia Jiuhong Travel Service Co., Ltd.

12-Year TripAdvisor Award

Travellers’ Choice winner every year since 2013

No Commission Shopping

Zero shopping stops, zero pressure, zero hidden agendas

100% Private

Every tour is exclusively yours — no strangers, no shared buses

Expert Local Guides

Licensed, English-speaking guides with deep local knowledge

Real reviews from real travellers

  • u003cemu003eu003cemu003eI highly recommend Inner Mongolia Jiuhong Travel Service Co., Ltd. The team is very easy to work with, has excellent ideas and the guides are knowledgeable and easy to be with. Very solid itineraries and execution — flexible, high quality, and great value for money.u003c/emu003eu003c/emu003e
    James T.
    Verified · TripAdvisor
  • u003cemu003eu003cemu003eWe visited both Xi’an and Shanghai under Jiuhong’s arrangement and received the same first-class service in both cities. The guides were knowledgeable, flexible, and happy to discuss all aspects of modern China — giving insights difficult to obtain elsewhere. Strongly recommended.u003c/emu003eu003c/emu003e
    Greenfly
    Couples · Verified · TripAdvisor
  • u003cemu003eu003cemu003eWe had a wonderful action-packed day. Fei Fei was amazing — her knowledge was very impressive and she was a real pleasure to be with. This was certainly the highlight of our stay in this beautiful city. Thanks so much.u003c/emu003eu003c/emu003e
    Ludovic V.
    Couples · London, UK · Verified · TripAdvisor

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