Overview
This 9-day journey brings together China’s most iconic destinations—Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai—offering a rich blend of history, culture, and modern vibrancy. In Beijing, explore the grandeur of the Forbidden City, walk the ancient ramparts of the Great Wall, and experience the lively hutongs. In Xi’an, uncover the mystery of the Terracotta Warriors, wander historic city walls, and immerse yourself in Tang Dynasty splendour. Finally, in Shanghai, admire the timeless Bund skyline, stroll classical gardens, and explore the stylish French Concession. With private transfers, curated experiences, and expert guidance, this trip delivers both depth and comfort for discerning travellers.
Highlights
- Glide up by cable car to the tranquil Mutianyu Great Wall, then stroll its ancient ramparts surrounded by sweeping mountain views.
- Decode the lives of emperors with an in-depth Forbidden City tour, then savour a palace-inspired lunch that recreates the flavours of imperial cuisine.
- After visiting the Qin Shi Huang Imperial Tomb Museum (Terracotta Warriors and Horses), craft your own clay warrior by hand to take home as a unique keepsake.
- Sit beneath the trees by Xi’an’s 600-year-old city wall, sipping tea just like the local elders do.
- See the Bund from four perspectives—by day and night, from both banks of the Huangpu—each revealing a different face of Shanghai’s iconic skyline.
Itinerary
"This journey unites China’s three most iconic cities—Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai—the essential route for a first visit. From imperial palaces and the Great Wall, to silent warriors underground, to skylines along the Huangpu, travellers both understand China’s history and see its present."
We provide 24-hour airport and train station pickup service, after checking into the hotel, you are free to arrange your own schedule. We recommend visiting Jingshan Park at sunset to enjoy a panoramic view of the Forbidden City.
Meals: /
Destination: Beijing – Jingshan Park
Accommodation: Hotel in Beijing City Center

After breakfast, embark on a guided in-depth tour of the Forbidden City. Enter through the Meridian Gate and explore the grand halls and courtyards: Hall of Supreme Harmony, Hall of Central Harmony, and Hall of Preserving Harmony. Continue through the Inner Court to the Palace of Heavenly Purity, and finish at the Imperial Garden before exiting via the northern Gate of Divine Prowess. Optional visits to the Treasure Gallery and Clock Exhibition Hall are available at your own expense.
Enjoy a simple local lunch near the Forbidden City. Recommended options include traditional Chinese boxed meals at the Jingren Palace Restaurant or a self-prepared light lunch.
After lunch, take a short walk to Beihai Park and enjoy a peaceful afternoon visiting its highlights such as the White Dagoba (on Qionghua Island), the Nine-Dragon Screen, or take a relaxing boat ride on the lake.
In the late afternoon, walk to Shichahai (Houhai) area. Meander through historic hutongs and get a taste of traditional courtyard life. You can choose to explore on foot or take a rickshaw tour with English commentary. Notable stops include Prince Gong’s Mansion, Soong Ching-ling’s Former Residence, and small artisan shops hidden within the alleys.
In the evening, enjoy dinner beside the lake. Restaurant options include Peking duck at Siji Minfu or Quanjude Houhai Branch, or a fusion dining experience at Peking Tavern. After dinner, unwind with live music and cocktails at one of the lakeside bars popular with both locals and travelers.
Meals: L
Destinations: Forbidden City – Beihai Park – Hutongs – Houhai
Accommodation: Hotel in Beijing City Center

Rise early for a morning visit to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. We recommend a private car or small English-speaking tour group, with a travel time of approximately 1.5 hours each way. The scenic stretch features fewer crowds and excellent viewpoints. Take the cable car or toboggan for easier access.
Return to the city for a visit to the Temple of Heaven in the afternoon. Stroll through the ancient grounds where emperors once prayed for good harvests, and admire the famous Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, the Echo Wall, and the Circular Mound Altar.
For your final evening in Beijing, head to Nanluoguxiang. This lively hutong street offers a mix of traditional eateries and trendy cafés. Dining recommendations include Haidilao hotpot, classic Beijing-style zhajiang noodles, or modern Sichuan fusion cuisine.
Meals: B
Destinations: Mutianyu Great Wall – Temple of Heaven – Nanluoguxiang
Accommodation: /

A warm welcome to Xi’an! Upon arrival, your private driver will escort you to your hotel located in the bustling city center—convenient for dining, shopping, and sightseeing. You’ll have free time in the afternoon to explore nearby highlights such as the Hui people's street and Bell & Drum Tower Square, where you can enjoy local street snacks and soak in the city’s vibrant charm.
Meals: /
Destination: Xi’an – Bell & Drum Tower Square
Accommodation: Vienna International Hotel (Xijing Hospital Hujiamiao Metro Station)

After the previous day's rest, today we will officially start the journey through the millennium of civilisation. In the morning, we will visit the world-famous Qin Shi Huang Imperial Tomb Museum (Terracotta Warriors and Horses), which is the eighth wonder of the world. The terracotta warriors are so vivid that they can recreate the majestic momentum of the Qin Empire.
In the afternoon, visit Huaqing Palace, which is located by the mountain and the water, stroll between the gardens and listen to the romantic splendour of the court of the Tang Dynasty and the touching legends of the emperors and beauties.
Meals: B
Destination: Terracotta Warriors and Horses – Huaqing Palace
Accommodation: Vienna International Hotel (Xijing Hospital Hujiamiao Metro Station)

Early in the morning, climb the majestic Ming Dynasty Ancient City Wall, either by bike or on foot, to overlook the ancient capital of the 13th Dynasty. Afterwards, head to Yongxingfang, which combines food and culture, to savour Shaanxi specialties and enjoy the artistic charm of the non-heritage shadow puppetry.
In the afternoon, visit the Xi'an Museum to gain a deeper understanding of the splendid civilisation of this ancient city. In the evening, stroll through the illuminated Tang Dynasty Night City and immerse yourself in the light and shadow feast of Tang Dynasty style and splendour, opening up a night tour experience through the millennium.
Meals: B
Destination: Xi'an City Wall – Yongxingfang – Xi'an Museum – Daci'en Temple – Great Tang Never Night City
Accommodation: Vienna International Hotel (Xijing Hospital Hujiamiao Metro Station)

Upon arrival in Shanghai, your private driver will be waiting at the airport or train station to warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel.
After checking in and taking a short rest, we recommend heading to the west bank of the Huangpu River to admire the iconic night skyline of the Bund. Here, you can catch a view of one of Shanghai’s most iconic landmarks—the Oriental Pearl Tower.
Continue your walk along Nanjing East Road—one of China’s most vibrant pedestrian shopping streets, this is home to the world’s largest POP MART store.
Then head to Xintiandi seamlessly blends traditional Shanghai Shikumen alleyways with contemporary architectural styles. It is a hub of fashion and style, is a paradise for trendsetters. It brings together renowned global brands—including USM, which opened its first store in China right here. It’s the perfect place to enjoy your first dinner in Shanghai, offering from local Shanghlander specialities to international cuisine.
Meals: /
Destination: Shanghai – Bund
Accommodation: Hotel in Shanghai

09:00–10:30. Begin your day with a visit to the Shanghai History Museum, where vivid displays trace the city’s transformation from a humble fishing village to a global metropolis. Exhibits include vintage trams, old shopfronts, and historic photographs.
11:00–12:30. Explore the classical Yu Garden and the nearby Town God’s Temple. This Ming Dynasty garden features winding paths, tranquil koi ponds, rockeries, and ornate pavilions—reflecting the harmony between man and nature.
Outside Yuyuan Garden lies the Shanghai City God Temple, a Taoist shrine that also serves as a venue for traditional folk activities. Here, you'll find some of the most authentic local snacks—such as pear syrup candy and Nanxiang soup dumplings—as well as traditional handcrafted goods.
13:00–14:30. Wander through the leafy streets of the French Concession, the historic villas here were once home to many notable figures. such as Soong Ching-ling, Ba Jin, and Chen Duxiu. Stroll along Wukang Road and Anfu Road, the buildings along the street predominantly feature Neoclassical and Art Deco styles. The area hosts a variety of cultural activities, including art exhibitions and open-air film screenings, along the way, snack like a local—grab a scallion pancake, sip artisan coffee, or try seasonal sweets from hidden cafés.
15:00–15:30. Return to the Bund for a daytime appreciation of its grand architecture and riverside views, and the view of Pudong's skyline during the day from the opposite bank. It showcases a wide range of architectural styles, including British Classical, Neoclassical, Renaissance, French Classical, Mansion-style, as well as Gothic and Baroque influences. Your guide will share insights into the significance of the historic landmarks.
16:00–18:00. Take a public ferry across the Huangpu River to visit the Pudong Art Museum,It collaborates with renowned institutions such as Tate Britain and the Prado Museum, offering visitors the chance to see world-class masterpieces — including works like Ophelia. Afterward, enjoy a walk along the the Binjiang Road—hailed as the new Bund of Pudong, offers a picturesque blend of dynamic river activity and serene architectural beauty, creating a captivating scenery along the Huangpu River's east bank.
For dinner, we suggest the Super Brand Mall, where you can try authentic Shanghailander dishes at Xiao Nan Guo. Local favourites include river shrimp, and stir-fried eel—approximately $10 USD per person.
Meals: B
Destination: Shanghai History Museum – City God Temple – French Concession – Huangpu River
Accommodation: Hotel in Shanghai

On your final day in Shanghai, enjoy some free time before your transfer to the airport or train station. Our driver will pick up you from your hotel ,then transfer to the Airport or Train Station.
Meals: /
Destinations: Airport or Train Station
Accommodation: /

Cost
Includes
- Based on a private tour for 2 people;
- Price varies depending on program, travel date, number of people and chosen hotel;
- Professional licensed English-speaking guide;
- Admission tickets for all attractions listed in the itinerary;
- Accommodation as listed in the itinerary (4-star or 5-star standard);
- Domestic flights (economy class) and high-speed trains (second class) as listed in the itinerary;
- Private air-conditioned business car with big windows and ample space;
- Airport (and train station) pick up and drop off;
- Luggage Transfers: between airports (railway station) and hotels;
- All meals as listed ("Breakfast" for Chinese and Western breakfast buffet in your hotel; "Lunch" for Chinese Lunch in local restaurant; "Dinner" for Chinese dinner in local restaurant.);
- Our service charge, including tour planning, handling, operational and communication charges.
Excludes
- China visa;
- International flights to and from China;
- Personal expenses;
- Accommodation not listed in the itinerary;
- Tourist sites which are not listed in the itinerary;
- Recommended optional activities;
- Flights or trains not listed in the itinerary;
- Excess Baggage Charges.
