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8-Day Best of China: Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai

Customisable Itinerary
4.9 • 2 travellers have booked with Jessy F.

Trip Overview

Explore the essence of China as you journey through Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai. Begin in Beijing with private transfers and a glimpse of Daxing International Airport’s striking design. Walk through the historic grandeur of Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, then enjoy panoramic city views from Jingshan Hill. Experience morning Tai Chi at the Temple of Heaven and ascend the Great Wall at Mutianyu by cable car. Savor authentic cuisine in a Beijing hutong before a high-speed train whisks you to Xi’an, home to the legendary Terracotta Warriors and vibrant Muslim Quarter. Cycle atop ancient city walls, then discover Shanghai’s riverside Bund, the soaring Shanghai Tower, Yu Garden, and the cultural treasures of the Former French Concession.

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Itinerary

Day 1

Welcome to China

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Welcome to China

Upon arrival in Beijing, your guide will meet you and arrange private car transport to your hotel in the city center. If you arrive at Daxing International Airport, you may explore the terminal after meeting your guide and collecting your luggage. The airport blends modern architecture with Chinese cultural elements, providing an interesting environment to see before traveling into the city. Your transfer to the hotel will be smooth and convenient.

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    Accommodation

    Beijing Chongwenmen Tongpai Hotel

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    Transportations

    Private Driver from Beijing Capital International Airport to Beijing Chongwenmen Tongpai Hotel

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    Destinations

    Beijing

Day 2

Beijing Royal Heritage Discovery

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Beijing Royal Heritage Discovery

Begin your day at Tiananmen Square, a large public space with significant historical importance in China. From here, walk to the Forbidden City, the former residence of Ming and Qing emperors. As you explore its halls and courtyards, your guide will explain daily life inside the palace. In the afternoon, walk up Jingshan Hill for a clear view of the palace and the city’s central layout.

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    Accommodation

    Beijing Chongwenmen Tongpai Hotel

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Tiananmen Square

    Forbidden City

    Jingshan Park

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Beijing

Day 3

Mutianyu Great Wall Tour

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Mutianyu Great Wall Tour

Start your morning at the Temple of Heaven, where the park is active with locals practicing Tai Chi, singing, or writing calligraphy on the pavement. You can watch or join in to experience the atmosphere. Afterwards, take a 1.5-hour drive to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. A cable car brings you to the walkway, letting you explore the historic stone paths along the hills.

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    Accommodation

    Beijing Chongwenmen Tongpai Hotel

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    Activities

    Temple of Heaven

    Mutianyu Great Wall

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Beijing

Day 4

Beijing Hutong Life and Train to Xi’an

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Beijing Hutong Life and Train to Xi’an

In the morning, explore a traditional hutong neighborhood in Beijing. Walk through narrow lanes and see courtyard homes that reflect the city’s quieter side. Visit a local resident’s house to learn about daily routines and enjoy a simple, home-cooked meal together.

In the afternoon, travel to the train station and board the high-speed train to Xi’an. The journey lasts about five hours. When you arrive in Xi’an, your guide will be waiting at the station to greet you and take you to your hotel for check-in.

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    Accommodation

    Eastern House

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    Transportations

    Train from Beijing to Xi'An

    Private Driver from Xi'an Railway Station to Eastern House

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    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

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    Destinations

    Beijing

    Xi'an

Day 5

Terracotta Warriors and Xi’an Street Flavors

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Terracotta Warriors and Xi’an Street Flavors

The Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an are life-sized clay figures created over 2,200 years ago to guard the tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Each statue has unique features and details, showing the craftsmanship of that era. The site displays rows of soldiers and horses, offering a direct connection to ancient Chinese history.

After visiting the Terracotta Warriors, you can walk through the Muslim Quarter in Xi’an. The area is known for its busy streets and a variety of local foods. Visitors often try hand-pulled biangbiang noodles and roujiamo, a type of meat-filled flatbread. Many people also enjoy pomegranate juice or traditional yogurt from local vendors. The Muslim Quarter is lively, with many stalls and a vibrant atmosphere that reflects the culture and daily life of Xi’an.

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    Accommodation

    Eastern House

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    Activities

    Terracotta Army

    Muslim Street Xi'an

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    Meals

    Breakfast

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    Destinations

    Xi'an

Day 6

Flight to Shanghai after Ancient City Wall Cycling

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Flight to Shanghai after Ancient City Wall Cycling

This morning, visit the ancient city walls of Xi’an, known as some of the best-preserved in China. Ride along the top of the walls for clear views of the city center and nearby streets. After the ride, transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. On arrival, meet your local guide, who will take you to your hotel for check-in.

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    Accommodation

    Sunrise On The Bund Hotel5 star

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    Activities

    Ancient City Wall

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    Transportations

    Plane from Xi'An to Shanghai

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    Meals

    Breakfast

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    Destinations

    Xi'an

    Shanghai

Day 7

Shanghai City Highlights

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Shanghai City Highlights

Start your visit to Shanghai at the Bund, where you can see historic buildings along the river. Then, go to the Shanghai Tower for views of the city from its observation deck. Visit Yu Garden for traditional landscaping and walk through the nearby busy bazaar. The Former French Concession features tree-lined streets and unique architecture, showing another side of Shanghai’s history. In the afternoon, explore the Shanghai Museum to view Chinese art and artifacts.

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    Accommodation

    Sunrise On The Bund Hotel5 star

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    Activities

    The Bund

    Shanghai Tower

    Yu Garden

    Former French Concession

    Shanghai Museum

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    Meals

    Breakfast

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    Destinations

    Shanghai

Day 8

Farewell to Shanghai

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Farewell to Shanghai

When it’s time, your private driver will take you to the airport for your departure, marking the end of your journey in China. We look forward to welcoming you back to explore more of the country’s cultural treasures and scenic landscapes.

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    Transportations

    Private Driver from Sunrise On The Bund Hotel Luxury to Shanghai

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    Meals

    Breakfast

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    Destinations

    Shanghai

Share With Your Partners

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What’s included?

  • 7 nights accommodation
  • 13 activities
  • 7 breakfasts and 1 lunch
  • Airport transfer
  • Domestic flights
  • Entrance fees
  • Ground transportation
  • Licensed English speaking guides

What’s not included?

  • Alcohol beverages
  • Entry visas / airport departure tax
  • Gratuities
  • International flights
  • Laundry
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Trekking permits

Notes

Inclusions:

Inclusion
 Entrance fees for the scenic spots as listed in the itinerary.
 Flights as listed in the itinerary: Xi’an - Shanghai, airport tax and fuel fee
included.
 Trains as listed in the itinerary: Beijing – Xi’an.
 7 nights 4-star accommodation.
 English-speaking guides for sightseeing as listed in the itinerary.
 Meals: 7 breakfasts and 1 lunch.
 One bottle of drinking water per person per day.
 Private transfers between airport, hotels, and sightseeing sites while
taking the sightseeing mentioned in the itinerary

Exclusions
 International flight.
 Visa application & visa fee.
 Gratuities to the guides and drivers.
 Travel insurance.
 Personal expenses or any other item not listed in the itinerary.
 Excess baggage charge for flight.
 Optional activities either recommended by tour guides or out of your own
interests.