Elegant 9-Day Beijing, Xian, and Shanghai Tour with Smooth Bullet Train Travel

Summary

Day 1 Arrive in Beijing
Day 2 Beijing: Tian'an men Square, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Bike at Hutong
Day 3 Beijing: Great Wall, Ming Tomb, National Stadium and the Water Cube
Day 4 Beijing--Xi'an by Bullet train: Summer Palace, Leave for Xi'an by train
Day 5 Xi'an: Terracotta Army, Shaanxi History Museum
Day 6 Xi'an: Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Ancient City Wall, the Forest of Stone Tablets Museum, Muslim Quarter
Day 7 Xi'an--Shanghai by Bullet train, Shanghai Bund
Day 8 Shanghai: Yuyuan Garden, Old French Concession, Nanjing Road
Day 9 Departure Shanghai

Day 1 Arrive in Beijing

Welcome to Beijing, the vibrant capital of China! As the nation's political, cultural, and educational heart, Beijing stands as the second-largest city in China by urban population, after Shanghai. This historic metropolis is celebrated for its majestic palaces, ancient temples, serene parks, and grand city walls. With its rich cultural heritage, Beijing is a hub for art and education, and has proudly hosted the 2008 Summer Olympics and the 2022 Winter Olympics, making it the only city to host both prestigious events.

Upon your arrival, our friendly tour guide will meet you at the airport exit, holding a welcoming "Your Way Holiday" sign, and will escort you directly to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to unwind and acclimate to the local time zone at your own pace. Enjoy a relaxing start to your Beijing adventure, preparing to explore the rich tapestry of history and culture that awaits you.

Day 2 Beijing

Start your day early at Tiananmen Square to witness the Dawn Flag Raising Ceremony, a powerful display of national pride performed with military precision. This vast square, surrounded by landmarks like the Great Hall of the People and the National Museum of China, offers a profound connection to China’s history as the morning sun casts a golden light over the site. After the ceremony, enjoy a leisurely walk, capturing photos of the tranquil atmosphere and grand architecture. Your guide will offer insights into the square’s historical significance, the flag-raising tradition, and the key landmarks, enhancing your understanding of this iconic location.

continue your journey with a visit to the Forbidden City, one of the world’s most renowned architectural masterpieces. This sprawling complex, which served as the imperial palace for 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, is a testament to the grandeur and opulence of ancient Chinese civilization. As you step through the towering Meridian Gate, you’ll be greeted by the sight of the majestic Hall of Supreme Harmony, where emperors once presided over grand ceremonies. As you explore the vast courtyards, halls, and pavilions, your guide will share fascinating stories about the daily life of the emperors, the significance of the architectural details, and the cultural treasures housed within the palace, ensuring a comprehensive and engaging experience.

Next, you'll explore the Temple of Heaven, an architectural marvel and a site of significant historical and religious importance. This sacred complex was where Ming and Qing Dynasty emperors performed rituals to ensure bountiful harvests. The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, with its circular, triple-eaved roof, symbolizes heaven and earth's unity. Experience the Three Echo Stones, where speaking from each stone produces one, two, or three echoes, and marvel at the Echo Wall, which carries sound with exceptional clarity. These features showcase ancient Chinese architectural brilliance. Your guide will provide insights into the temple's history, its rituals, and its architectural innovations, highlighting its status as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Conclude your day with an immersive exploration of Beijing’s traditional Hutongs, narrow alleys from the Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties that contrast sharply with the city’s modernity. Ride through these historic lanes in a rickshaw, passing ancient courtyard homes (siheyuan) and experiencing daily life—elderly locals playing chess, street vendors with traditional snacks. Each Hutong has its own unique history and cultural significance. This intimate journey offers a deeper connection to Beijing’s cultural roots. You'll also have the opportunity to interact with locals and learn about their customs and the changes they’ve witnessed. After your rickshaw ride, you’ll be driven back to your hotel, where your guide will ensure you’re comfortably settled for the evening, reflecting on a day rich in discovery.

After your immersive Hutong exploration, you'll be driven back to your hotel in comfort. Enjoy a relaxing ride through the city as you reflect on the day's experiences. Upon arrival, your guide will assist with check-in, ensuring a smooth transition to a restful evening.

Day 3 Beijing

After a hearty breakfast, one of the highlights of your Beijing trip is a brief hike at the Great Wall, specifically the Mutianyu section. Words can hardly capture its breathtaking beauty and global significance. This is a must-visit site in China, renowned worldwide for its grandeur. The Mutianyu stretch extends 22 kilometers and features 22 watchtowers, with the highest reaching an altitude of 540 meters above sea level, thanks to the mountain peak on which it is built. This makes it the most densely packed section of the Great Wall in terms of watchtowers. Your guide will provide fascinating insights into the history and significance of this iconic landmark, helping you navigate the most scenic routes and ensuring an enriching experience. Their expertise will enhance your visit with intriguing stories about the Great Wall's construction and its role in China's history, making your hike truly memorable.

Next, you will continue your exploration with a visit to the Sacred Way and the Ming Tombs. The Ming Tombs originally began with Changling, the tomb of Emperor Zhuli and his empresses, which is the most magnificent of the tombs. Subsequent emperors built their tombs around Changling, creating a grand necropolis. Visitors with heart conditions should consider carefully whether to enter the underground chambers, as the atmosphere and dim lighting may be challenging. As always, feel free to consult your guide, who can offer helpful advice and ensure a comfortable visit.

On the way back to your hotel, you’ll have the opportunity to pass by the iconic Bird's Nest and the Water Cube, two of the most recognizable landmarks from the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Take some time to capture exterior photographs of these impressive structures, which showcase innovative design and architectural brilliance. The Bird's Nest, with its unique lattice design, and the Water Cube, with its striking façade that resembles bubbles, are both symbols of Beijing’s modernity and creativity. This brief stop not only allows you to admire and photograph these architectural marvels but also offers a moment to reflect on the significance of the Olympics in shaping the city’s global image. As you soak in the views, you’ll create lasting memories of your Beijing adventure. Your guide will be available to provide additional insights and answer any questions you may have about these landmarks.

Afterward, your guide will ensure a smooth and comfortable return to your hotel, allowing you to unwind and relax after a day filled with exploration. As you return, you can reflect on the highlights of your adventure, from the majestic Great Wall and historic Ming Tombs to the modern marvels of the Bird's Nest and Water Cube. Your guide will make sure that all your needs are taken care of, providing a seamless transition from your busy day of sightseeing to a restful evening. Enjoy some well-deserved downtime and savor the memories of your enriching Beijing experience.

Day 4 Beijing-Xian by Bullet Train

Start your day with a visit to the Royal Summer Palace, a remarkable imperial garden that spans 290 hectares. Renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, the Summer Palace masterfully integrates Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake, creating a serene oasis of hills and waters. This expansive garden features a blend of palatial architecture and exquisite garden design, including ornate pavilions, lush gardens, and reflective lakes. Stroll along the Long Corridor, the world's longest painted corridor, adorned with intricate murals that narrate Chinese folklore and history. Marvel at the Marble Boat, a symbol of the Qing Dynasty's opulence. The Summer Palace is not just a testament to imperial grandeur but also a harmonious blend of nature and architecture. As the largest and most picturesque garden in China, it offers a glimpse into the luxurious leisure of China’s emperors.

After a delightful morning at the Summer Palace, you’ll enjoy a leisurely lunch before heading to Beijing Train Station. Here, you'll board a high-speed train to Xi'an, a journey of approximately five hours. Onboard, you can relax and savor the scenic views as you travel across China’s diverse landscapes. Upon arrival in Xi'an, our local tour guide will greet you at the train station with a welcome sign. Your guide will assist with your transfer to the hotel, ensuring a smooth transition to your new surroundings. After checking in, you'll have time to unwind and rest, preparing for the exciting adventures awaiting you in Xi'an.

Day 5 Xi'an

Begin your Xi'an adventure at the Terracotta Army Museum, a remarkable archaeological site that offers a glimpse into China's ancient grandeur. Unveiled in 1974, this extraordinary museum is situated near Emperor Qin Shi Huang's mausoleum, at the base of Lishan Mountain. As you walk through the vast underground pits, you'll encounter thousands of life-sized terracotta soldiers, horses, and chariots, each meticulously detailed and uniquely posed. These figures were crafted to accompany the emperor into the afterlife, providing a captivating look at ancient Chinese military organization and artistry. The sheer scale and intricacy of the army are bound to leave you awe-inspired, offering a profound connection to China's imperial past.

 

Continue your journey at the Shaanxi History Museum, a treasure trove of China's rich heritage. Covering over 70,000 square meters, this modern museum, inspired by Tang Dynasty architecture, is home to more than 370,000 artifacts from across Shaanxi Province. As you explore its vast halls, you'll encounter exquisite relics including ancient murals, delicate pottery, and intricately designed bronze and gold artifacts. Each exhibit tells a story of China's diverse history and culture, from the Han and Tang Dynasties to the early Silk Road. The museum's comprehensive collection and engaging displays provide a deeper understanding of China's historical evolution, making it a perfect complement to your visit to the Terracotta Army.

After immersing yourself in the historical splendor of Xi'an, you will be driven back to your hotel. Reflect on the awe-inspiring sights and the rich cultural experiences you've enjoyed throughout the day. Whether marveling at the Terracotta Army or exploring the treasures of the Shaanxi History Museum, your journey through Xi'an's ancient legacy will undoubtedly be a memorable highlight of your travels.

Day 6 Xi'an

Today: Get up early and head to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Walk up the Big Wild Goose Pagoda's spiral staircase for an excellent view of Xi'an and countryside. Do this early or late in the day during the tourist season to avoid long waits. In ancient times,successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations always left their signature in the tower which was called Superscription of the Wild Goose Tower. In addition, many celebrities left poems or some other literature works.

After that, you can visit the Ancient City Wall. This wall represents one of the oldest and best preserved Chinese city walls, as well being one of the largest ancient military defensive systems in the world. Now it is 12 meters tall, 12-14 meters wide, 14 kilometers in length with a deep moat surrounding it. You can walk, or even cycle on the wall. Its south gate is the largest with a suspension bridge. Most of the tourists choose the south gate for sight- seeing.

Finally,you can get to the Forest of Stone Steles, which holds a big collection of steles in China. It is one of the centers of ancient Chinese stone-engraving classic. It is also the center of the works of art of noted calligraphers of past dynasties. The numerous standing steles likes a forest, hence the name "Forest of Steles"'.With a history of over 900 years, it is an art treasure well known at home and abroad.

At last, you can stroll around the night market in Muslim Quarter which offers a wide range of bargains. The Muslim Quarter is the main gathering place of the local Muslim community and offers a great deal of exotic shops and savory restaurants. Xi'an is a city with a tolerant mind in religious culture and here you will find the harmonious getting-along of Buddhist culture and Muslim culture. Besides, you can taste various authentic local snacks here. The most sacred part in this community is without doubt the Great Mosque, featuring a great mixed architecture of Chinese and Arabic styles. You may happen to meet with some Muslim followers coming for worship.

After your day's exploration, your driver and guide will ensure a comfortable journey back to your hotel. As you relax on the drive, you'll have the opportunity to reflect on the incredible sights and experiences of the day. Your guide will be available to answer any lingering questions, share more insights about the places you've visited, or recommend options for the rest of your stay. This seamless transfer back to your hotel marks the perfect end to a day filled with rich history and unforgettable moments, ensuring you return with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the day's adventures.

Day 7 Xi'an-Shanghai by Bullet Train

In the morning, our dedicated driver will ensure a smooth start to your day by transporting you to Xi'an's train station, where you'll board your comfortable train bound for Shanghai. We understand the importance of a seamless transition, so rest assured that our driver will assist with your luggage and ensure you reach the station in plenty of time for your departure.

Upon your arrival in Shanghai, you’ll be greeted warmly by our friendly guide, who will be holding a welcome sign for easy identification. Our guide will be there to assist you with any questions and provide a smooth handover from your journey. You’ll then embark on your exciting Shanghai tour, beginning directly from the train station. Your guide is dedicated to making your arrival as stress-free as possible, ensuring a secure and enjoyable start to your Shanghai adventure.

Our guide will take you to Bund area, which is teemed with the futuristic, avant-garde buildings - Oriental Pearl Tower, Jin Mao Building, the Bank of China Tower. Completed in 1995 to a highly innovative design, Shanghai Oriental Pearl TV Tower has become a symbol of excellence in architecture and is a favorite sight for tourists in Shanghai. At 468 meters, it is the third tallest TV and radio tower in the World. On the TV Tower, to have a bird's eye view of Shanghai City.

After enjoying a delightful dinner at a local Chinese restaurant, where your guide will recommend the best dishes to try, you'll be driven back to your hotel. Your guide and driver will ensure a smooth and comfortable ride, providing a relaxing end to your evening. Along the way, your guide will be happy to share more stories about the local cuisine or suggest activities for the next day. Their attentive service will make sure you're well taken care of, so you can unwind and reflect on the day's experiences as you head back to your hotel.

Day 8 Shanghai

After enjoying a hearty breakfast, you’ll start your day at Yuyuan Garden, a quintessential example of classical Chinese landscaping nestled in the heart of Shanghai. This private garden, dating back to the Ming Dynasty, offers an immersive glimpse into Shanghai's historical charm. As you wander through its meticulously designed pavilions, halls, rockeries, ponds, and cloisters, you’ll be captivated by the intricate architecture and serene beauty. The garden's layout, featuring elegant archways and tranquil water features, creates a picturesque environment perfect for relaxation and reflection. Its traditional design, complete with symbolic elements and harmonious layouts, reflects the artistry and cultural heritage of ancient China. Adjacent to Yuyuan Garden, the bustling Shanghai Bazaar is a vibrant marketplace famous for its diverse street food and unique local souvenirs. The lively atmosphere, with colorful stalls and an array of authentic snacks, provides an engaging glimpse into Shanghai’s dynamic street culture. Your guide will be available to assist you throughout the visit, offering historical insights and recommendations to make the experience even more enjoyable.

Next, you’ll explore the Old French Concession, a charming district that reveals Shanghai’s colonial past. This historic area is known for its picturesque tree-lined streets, elegant European-style architecture, and quaint cafes. As you stroll through the neighborhood, you’ll experience a blend of historical charm and modern vibrancy, with boutique shops and trendy eateries nestled among classic buildings. The Old French Concession offers a unique contrast to the bustling cityscape, showcasing a more relaxed and culturally rich side of Shanghai. Your knowledgeable guide will provide insights into the history and significance of this area, ensuring you make the most of your visit.

Next, you’ll venture to Nanjing Road, China’s premier shopping destination. This iconic street, stretching for over five kilometers, is renowned for its dazzling array of shops and boutiques. Whether you’re seeking high-end fashion, electronic gadgets, or exquisite jewelry, Nanjing Road has something for every shopper. Among the myriad stores, you'll discover over 50 historic brands, some of which boast more than a century of heritage. As you stroll along this vibrant avenue, you’ll be immersed in a blend of modern retail excitement and nostalgic charm. To complete your visit, indulge in a delightful dinner at one of the many restaurants lining the road, where you can sample Shanghai’s signature dishes and experience the local culinary scene. Your guide will be on hand to recommend the best spots and share interesting insights about the area, enhancing your experience.

After a day of exploration and excitement, you’ll be driven back to your hotel. Reflect on the rich experiences of the day and unwind in the comfort of your accommodations, ready for the adventures that lie ahead.

Day 9 Shanghai Departure

You have the entire day to enjoy at your leisure. Explore the city one last time, revisit your favorite spots, or indulge in some last-minute shopping. When the time comes, our driver will be ready to transport you to the airport for your departure.

As your memorable 9-day China Classic Tour, including the iconic cities of Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai, comes to a close, we hope you have cherished every moment of this remarkable journey. Safe travels, and we look forward to welcoming you back on your next adventure!

Price Per Person in US Dollars

Price Includes 1. Cozy Ride: Enjoy the comfort and spaciousness of our air-conditioned car, offering scenic views. 2. Bilingual Expert Guide: Benefit from a personalized experience with a guide fluent in your language, catering to your needs. 3. Entrance Fees: Access all attractions and activities mentioned in the itinerary without worrying about additional entrance fees. 4. Seamless Transfer: Enhance your experience with convenient hotel or train station pickup and drop-off service. 5. Connect Seamlessly: Stay connected with complimentary onboard WiFi, allowing you to share your experiences in real-time. 6. Complimentary Water: Receive a complimentary bottle of water for each person, keeping you refreshed throughout your journey. 7. Travel Agency Liability Insurance: Benefit from coverage under our travel agency liability insurance, providing added protection and peace of mind during your trip.

Price Excludes 1. Personal Expenses: This includes phone bills, laundry, additional tours, postage, and any entertainment fees not covered in the itinerary. 2. Meals: While meals are not included, our guide will recommend the best local food spots, giving you the chance to explore and choose based on your preferences. (Average cost per person for a regular meal at local eateries: 40RMB/6USD-80RMB/12USD) 3. Tips: Tips are not mandatory but are recommended for excellent service. If you feel satisfied with the service, you may consider leaving a tip. The tipping standards are as follows: Driver: 50-100 RMB per day/group; Guide: 100-200 RMB per day/group. 4. Insurance: Insurance coverage for personal loss, illness, or damages incurred during your trip is not included. 5. Optional Activities: Any optional activities listed in the itinerary are not included in the tour fees, allowing you to choose and participate based on your preferences.