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

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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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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.

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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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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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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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.