8 Days Beijing Xian Shanghai Small Group Tour
Overview
When we travel to China’s famous golden triangle cities, dive into the iconic landmarks and highlight attractions to unlock the rich history and reveal cultural traditions. In Beijing and Xian, step into a world of ancient palaces, temples, architectures, and archaeological treasures as you explore the Great Wall of China, Terracotta Army, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Xian Old City Wall...whilst savoring the unique Shanghai glamour blending futuristic skyline and cultural heritage.
Customize Your Tour:
☑ Travel Dates ☑ Your Interests ☑ Your Travel Style
Itinerary Expand All
Arrival Ideas:
Beijing has excellent aviation and high-speed train connections. Numerous local and international airlines operate out of Beijing Capital International Airport and Beijing Daxing International Airport. Take flights to Beijing from the majority of Chinese cities, including Hong Kong, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Xian, Guilin, Hangzhou, Kunming, Wuhan, Xiamen, Guiyang, Chongqing, and Lanzhou. There are also high-speed train to Beijing from Xian (4-5 hours), Shanghai (4.5-6 hours), Zhengzhou (2.5-3 hours), Wuhan (4-5 hours), Harbin (5-5.5 hours), and other places.You will spend the entire day touring Beijing's historic citadel today, taking in the country's big-name sites, imperial splendor, and royal gardens.
After breakfast, your guide will pick you up at your hotel and head to Tiananmen Square, the world's largest public square and symbol of China. It has witnessed many major events in China's history over the past decades, and from here you can take great photos of Tiananmen Gate, seen daily on CCTV News.
Walking across the square, you will visit the mighty and splendid Forbidden City, construction began in 1406 and completed in 1420. Twenty-four emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties resided and governed here. This colossal ancient complex comprises 8,707 rooms, including the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Hall of Central Harmony, and the Imperial Garden. Its architectural layout profoundly embodies ancient Chinese philosophy, ritual systems, and cosmology. Having endured six centuries of history, the Forbidden City stands not only as a symbol of Beijing but also as an unparalleled architectural masterpiece and historical testament to Chinese civilization. It houses an extensive collection of ancient Chinese treasures, including gold, silver, jade, pearls, gemstones, and artistic masterpieces.
Later, take a 15-minute walk up to Jingshan Park, where you can enjoy magnificent panoramic views over modern Beijing and the Forbidden City's russet roofs.
In the afternoon, drive to the Summer Palace, the largest and best-preserved imperial garden in China, thus known as the "Museum of Royal Gardens". First built during the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty, it was once a summer retreat for Qing royal families. Located along the central axis of Mount Wanshou, the Hall of Incense is the garden's iconic structure. The Seventeen-Arch Bridge spans Kunming Lake, ranking among China's most beautiful ancient bridges. The Summer Palace also boasts the world's longest gallery (728 meters), adorned with thousands of colorful ancient murals.
Meal: B, L
Travel Note:
On Mondays, Beijing's Forbidden City is closed. The schedule will be changed to guarantee that you visit the Forbidden City if your 2rd day China tour falls on Monday.
In this morning, you will head northwest of Beijing (about 1.5-2 hours’ drive, 73km) to the Great Wall at Mutianyu Section. The Great Wall boasts a history over 2,000 years and stretches more than 3,000 miles across several provinces of northern China, making it one of the most impressive ancient masterpieces on the planet. One of the best-preserved and most scenic sections of the Great Wall, Mutianyu was first constructed during the Northern Qi Dynasty and later rebuilt and reinforced during the Ming Dynasty, boasting over a thousand years of history. Connected with the Jiankou Great Wall to the west and the Gubeikou Great Wall to the east, it winds through the mountains, approximately 5,400 meters long, with an average height of 7–8 meters. At its widest, the wall can accommodate five horses or ten people walking side by side.
Take the cable car up to the 14th watchtower and then enjoy the memorable hiking time on the wall while visiting its western route. With the green pines and cypresses covering the surrounding area, and the winding wall standing majestically on the vast land, you will capture the most stunning natural scenery in this section. Challenge yourselves while climbing up to the 20th watchtower where you could fulfill your Great Wall dream. Cherish the chance and take photos as many as you like!
After the once-in-lifetime experience, head back to downtown Beijing and have the chance to take photos with the exterior of the Bird's Nest (Beijing National Stadium) and Water Cube (Beijing National Aquatics Center). They were both designed for the 2008 Beijing Olympics and used for the 2022 Winter Olympic Games.
After that, transfer back to your hotel and have a good rest tonight.
Meal: B, L
Transfer via: High speed train Beijing-Xian (second class seat).
On this day, you will have free time till your driver escorts you to the train station for a high-speed train to Xian (about 4.5-5.5 hours). Welcome to Xian, the capital of 13 ancient Chinese dynasties! Upon arrival at the train station, your driver will greet you at the exit and escort you to your hotel in Xian.
Meal: B
After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel. Drive about 40km (about 1 hour) to uncover one of the greatest archaeological discoveries and one of the “Eight Wonders” in the world - the Terracotta Army Museum, built by the first emperor of China, Qin Shihuang, to protect him in the afterlife. The currently excavated pits one, two and three contain over 8,000 life-sized pottery figures and chariots, each with its own unique facial expression, clothing and hairstyle, demonstrating a high level of craftsmanship over 2000 years ago. First, visit the largest and most imposing pit, believed to contain over 6,000 terracotta figures of soldiers and horses. You will be amazed by this subterranean life-size army of thousands standing silently to guard the emperor. Marvel also at the fabulous artistic skills of ancient Chinese artisans. Next, move to another pit where you can see around 1,300 warriors and horses. Examine the ancient army formation, including the kneeling and standing archers, the chariot war array, and numerous troopers holding weapons.
After lunch, head to visit the Xian Ancient City Wall, a vital component of ancient urban defense systems, safeguarding Xi'an for around a millennium. Standing as China's largest and best-preserved ancient city wall, it stretches approximately 13.7 kilometers with a height of about 12 meters. Ascend the ancient city gates to gaze upon Xi'an's historic cityscape and modern skyscrapers from the corner towers and watchtowers.
There, you will also visit the awe-inspiring Bell Tower, located at the intersection of the four main streets to the east, south, west, and north of Xi'an's ancient city, it is known as the “Heart of the Ancient City.” This quintessential Ming Dynasty wooden pavilion stands approximately 36 meters tall, showcasing Xi'an's history and its bell and drum culture. As night falls, ascend the Bell Tower to admire Xi'an's uniquely beautiful nightscape.
In the evening, you may also have the chance to witness the enchanting musical fountain and lively square dancing near Bell & Drum Tower Square (Zhongulou Square), allowing you to immerse yourself in Xian's vibrant nightlife like a local.
Meal: B, L
This morning, you will go to visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, located within the Great Ci'en Temple in Yanta District, Xi'an, a significant cultural heritage site along the Silk Road and one of Xi'an's most iconic historical landmarks. This renowned Buddhist structure from the Tang Dynasty was constructed under the supervision of the monk Xuanzang (652 AD) to house the Buddhist scriptures and statues he brought back from India. The Great Wild Goose Pagoda is a brick-built, timber-imitation, multi-story pagoda. This legendary pagoda was riginally five stories high, and now stands at seven stories with multiple repairs and expansions, approximately 64 meters high.
Later, you will have the opportunity to explore the vibrant and bustling Muslim Quarter (Muslim Street). This historic quarter, situated just behind the Drum Tower about 430 meters west of the Bell Tower in downtown Xian, has been around for over 1,000 years.
After the tour, you will be transferred to the airport for the flight to Shanghai (about 2 hours). Welcome to Shanghai, China’s most internationalized and vibrant city! Upon your arrival in Shanghai, your driver will meet you at the exit of the airport and escort you to your hotel in downtown Shanghai. You will have free time after your hotel check-in.
Meal: B
First, head to the Pudong Area. One eye-catching feature is the trio of towering skyscrapers in the Lujiazui financial district. Shanghai Tower is the tallest building in China and second tallest in the world at 632 meters (2,073 feet). Here, you will ascend the highest building in Shanghai - the Shanghai Tower - featuring a dramatic 120-degree twist from base to peak. Ride the world’s fastest elevators, traveling at 64 km/h, up to the "Top of Shanghai Observatory" on the 118th floor, 546 meters (about 1,791 feet) above ground. Enjoy unparalleled 360-degree panoramic views over the city and look down on the Jin Mao Tower and Shanghai World Financial Center.
Later, visit the Shanghai Museum to the south of the People's Square, to admire the finest art collection of ancient China, and understand China's five-thousand-year civilization. First, take a loot at its architectural design, which embodies the ancient Chinese philosophical concept of “heaven is round and earth is square.” Then, discover over 120,000 artifacts across 11 permanent exhibition halls and 3 temporary galleries at the museum , with particularly rich and valuable collections of bronze ware, ceramics, calligraphy, paintings, jade artifacts, and coins.
Next, head to Yu Garden, the most celebrated classical Chinese garden hidden in bustling downtown Shanghai. Enjoy a leisurely stroll to see the Chinese architecture and exquisite sculptures and carvings. Outside, Yuyuan Bazaar is a fun place to taste local snacks and shop for traditional crafts and art.In the afternoon, stroll down Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, lined with famous brands, restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops, and towering buildings. Continue walking to the Bund, a landmark and a must-visit sight in Shanghai. Known as the "Exhibition of International Architecture," the Bund boasts century-old buildings of various styles such as Gothic, Baroque and Romanesque. With the towering skyscrapers of Lujiazui across the Hupu River, you will witness a unique urban landscape.
Meal: B, L
Travel Note:
(1) The Shanghai Museum and Yuyuan Garden are closed on Mondays. Visits may be adjusted to include the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center, City God Temple, or French Concession.
(2) During peak season, if the Shanghai Museum (People's Square) is unavailable, it will be replaced by the Shanghai Museum East Branch.
It is time to end your 8-day Beijing Xian Shanghai China group tour. You will have some free time in Shanghai and explore more on your own till be escorted to the airport/train station for your flight or high speed train to your next destination.
Meal: B
Trip Extension Ideas
We will be happy to help you with an extra vacation if you would prefer to see other places in China rather than go back home immediately. Please share your thoughts with us!
We appreciate you selecting Easy Tour China for your China tour, and we look forward to seeing you again on your upcoming journey to China. Travel safely!What's included
The above price is based on a group tour for 2 people sharing one standard double-bed room in 3-star hotels.
Price varies depending on travel date, group size, hotel class, program in your itinerary and possible fluctuation of currency exchange rate.
● Drivers & air-conditioned vehicles
● Professional licensed English-speaking local guide
● Hotel accommodation with breakfasts (3-star standard)
● Transportation listed in the itinerary, include related demostic flight economy class and bullet train 2nd class seat.
● Admission tickets, activities listed in the itinerary
● Include meals as mentioned(B for breakfast, L for Lunch, D for dinner)
● Accident insurance
● Our service from tour planning, handling, operational and finishing your trip
