China Essentials

🕑 10 Days

📍 Beijing, Xi’an & Shanghai

🕑 10 Days

📍 Beijing, Xi’an & Shanghai

Walk through thousands of years of Chinese civilization on this essential journey across China’s most iconic destinations. From the imperial grandeur of Beijing and the ancient spirit of Xi’an to the modern energy of Shanghai, this tour is the perfect first-time dive into China’s rich history and exciting present.

About This Tour

This tour is your ultimate China starter pack: a perfectly balanced itinerary for travelers wanting a taste of the country’s diverse character. You’ll explore three of China’s most essential cities, travel by high-speed train, and see everything from emperors’ palaces to skyscrapers.

Take in the Great Wall, marvel at the Terracotta Warriors, and wander the futuristic skyline of Shanghai.

Perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers wanting to hit the cultural highlights without rushing.

Highlights

Walking through 2,000 years of history in Beijing, from Tiananmen Square to the Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China at Mutianyu
Exploring ancient Xi’an, home to the Terracotta Warriors, vibrant Muslim Quarter, and one of the best-preserved city walls in the world
Savoring iconic flavors like Peking duck, roujiamo, biangbiang noodles, and xiao long bao in China’s culinary capitals
Blending old and new in Shanghai, from the leafy lanes of the French Concession to the glittering skyline of Pudong
Unwinding with a cultural twist, whether it’s strolling through a lantern-lit Yu Garden, cruising the Huangpu River, or enjoying art at M50 and the Power Station of Art

Photos

What's Included

Private chauffeur service to and from the airport at the start and end of the trip.
All transfers by car, train, or plane with booking assistance.
Admission fees and activities as indicated in the itinerary.
English/Spanish-speaking guide.
Assistance with hotel reservations throughout the trip.
Local SIM card with data or support for eSIM.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Beijing

Afternoon: Arrive in China’s capital. Transfer to your hotel and rest after your flight.
Evening: Take a gentle walk around Wangfujing Street, a lively shopping and dining area where you can enjoy a variety of local snacks and regional street food in a vibrant nighttime atmosphere.

Day 2: Imperial Beijing

Morning: Visit Tiananmen Square, the symbolic center of modern China. Then enter the Forbidden City, home to 24 emperors across the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Afternoon: Walk to Jingshan Park for a panoramic view over the rooftops of the Forbidden City.
Evening: Optional Peking Duck dinner at one of Beijing’s famous roast duck restaurants, such as Quanjude or Da Dong.

Day 3: The Great Wall & Hutongs

Morning: Day trip to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. Take a cable car or hike to the top and walk along the wall’s winding ridges for sweeping mountain views.
Afternoon: Return to the city and take a rickshaw tour through Beijing’s traditional hutong neighborhoods, stopping for a visit with a local family or tea tasting.
Evening: Free time to explore or relax.

Day 4: Beijing to Xi’an by High-Speed Train

Morning: Board a high-speed train (approx. 4.5–6 hours) to Xi’an, the ancient capital of 13 Chinese dynasties.
Afternoon: Check in and relax. Walk or bike along the top of the Xi’an Ancient City Wall, one of the best-preserved in China.
Evening: Head to the Muslim Quarter for dinner. Try local specialties like roujiamo (Chinese burger) and biangbiang noodles.

Day 5: Terracotta Army & Tang Dynasty Vibes

Morning: Visit the Terracotta Warriors, one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. Walk among the life-sized soldiers, horses, and chariots built to protect China’s first emperor in the afterlife.
Afternoon: Return to the city and visit the Small Wild Goose Pagoda or Xi’an Museum.
Evening: Optional: Watch a Tang Dynasty Music & Dance Show with a dumpling banquet for dinner.

Day 6: Xi’an to Shanghai

Morning: Enjoy a leisurely morning, perhaps visiting a local park or joining a taichi session with locals.
Midday: Fly or take a high-speed train to Shanghai (2.5–6 hours depending on transport).
Evening: Check in and enjoy a short evening walk along the Bund, watching the Pudong skyline light up. Optional: Enjoy cocktails at a rooftop bar like Bar Rouge or POP.

Day 7: Old Meets New in Shanghai

Morning: Enjoy a relaxed brunch in Jing’an or Xintiandi, known for their stylish cafés and boutique bakeries.
Afternoon: Wander the leafy boulevards of the French Concession, stopping at cafés, boutiques, and art deco buildings.
Evening: Head to Yu Garden and the City God Temple Bazaar area to see it beautifully illuminated. Enjoy the traditional architecture, lantern displays, and festive vibe after dark.

Day 8: Future City & Art

Morning: Head to Pudong to explore the city’s futuristic skyline. Visit the Shanghai Tower, China’s tallest building, or the Shanghai World Financial Center for views over the city.
Afternoon: Visit M50 Art District or the Power Station of Art to explore Shanghai’s contemporary art scene.
Evening: Optional: Take a Huangpu River night cruise to admire the glittering city from the water.

Day 9: Optional Day Trip or Free Exploration

Option 1: Take a day trip to Zhujiajiao Water Town, known as the “Venice of Shanghai.” Wander old canals, stone bridges, and ancient houses.
Option 2: Explore more of Shanghai at your own pace—visit Tianzifang for artsy alleyways, or shop on Nanjing Road.
Evening: Farewell dinner in the city—consider something upscale in Xintiandi or a relaxing riverside meal.

Day 10: Departure from Shanghai

Morning: Depending on your flight, enjoy a relaxing breakfast or final stroll through the French Concession.
Transfer to the airport for your onward journey.

How to Book Your Adventure

Save your Spot

Once you’re happy with the itinerary, simply confirm your booking and make the payment to reserve your adventure.

Enjoy your Journey

From your arrival to your last stop, we’re here to make sure every part of your adventure runs smoothly.

Let’s Talk

Send us a message. We’ll get to know your travel style, interests, timeline, and budget.

Tailored Planning

We design a custom itinerary that matches your interests—whether you’re into nature, food, culture, or a bit of everything.