Best of China

Today, your best China tour officially kicks off! Your guide will meet you at your hotel lobby, and then, let’s head to the first stop, Tiananmen Square. The square is to China what the White House is to the United States. As the national spiritual totem, it is on the bucket list of every Chinese, especially the elderly. Wandering along its central axis, you’ll encounter iconic landmarks including the Great Hall of the People, the Monument to the People's Heroes, and Tiananmen Tower. 

Passing through the north end of the square, we’ll then enter the magnificent Forbidden City. As the world’s largest and best-preserved ancient wooden palatial complex, it served as the imperial home and center of power during the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368-1911 AD). Golden roofs, vermilion walls, and white marble terraces define its breathtaking architectural grandeur. Some say that the palace is now merely an architectural shell. While a portion of the imperial collection was moved south in 1933 to protect it during wartime, with some relics ultimately settling in Taiwan or Nanjing, most of the treasures eventually returned and the Forbidden City remains a monumental treasury. Today, it proudly houses over 1.86 million masterworks. During your visit, you’ll have an opportunity to admire precious imperial heirlooms – from imperial thrones, golden vessels, and rare porcelain to delicate calligraphy – offering a dazzling glimpse into the opulence of China’s imperial past.

After a local flavor lunch, continue to the Temple of Heaven. More than 600 years ago, emperors held the Heaven worship ceremony here to report the year’s events to the deity and pray for blessings of bountiful harvests and peace in the coming year.

★ Watch a Thrilling Acrobatic Show

Next, prepare to be spellbound by an exhilarating Chinese acrobatic performance at the prestigious Red Theater. Watch breathtaking feats of high‑chair stacking, stunt motorcycle riding, shoulder ballet. A true highlight is the contortion performance, often called the “body art beyond limits.” Witness the artists constantly push their physical boundaries to create a visual spectacle. When you see them bend like bows or wrap their legs around their heads, you can't help but exclaim, “Oh my! Even my back aches for them!”

★ Enjoy an A La Carte Welcome Dinner

After the show, indulge in a welcome feast at a premier local restaurant, valued at USD 22 per person, double the local average, and included in your tour price. Taste the world-renowned Peking Duck – well roasted to crispy, golden perfection and carved tableside – along with other authentic local dishes. In China, true fine dining relies on highly labor-intensive, traditional preparation methods that are rarely replicated abroad. Just sit back and indulge in this luxurious culinary delight.  

After dinner, your guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel. 

Meals: Western buffet breakfast, lunch, a la carte welcome dinner with Peking Duck

Today, we’ll journey to the Mutianyu Great Wall for an immersive 2.5-hour hike along the best-preserved and most scenic section of this ancient wonder. As you hike along the representative part from Watchtower No. 14 to No. 23, you’ll notice that both sides of the wall are lined with defensive crenellations. How can you tell which side faced the ancient frontier? First, observe the slope of the path; the higher side always faces outward. Or look for the drainage channels, which appear only on the inner side. They were designed to channel rainwater inward to irrigate the farmlands at the foot of the wall, which is a perfect illustration of the old Chinese saying, “No good water flows into another man’s field.”

★ Special Treats:

1. To maximize your comfort and time, a round-trip cable car ride is included to sweep you effortlessly up to the Great Wall. If you prefer a bit more excitement, you can choose a chairlift ride up and a thrilling toboggan ride down.
2. After descending, your guide will offer you a toast of red wine to celebrate and commemorate your epic journey along one of humankind’s greatest engineering legends. 

Following a buffet lunch, we’ll drive back to the city center. On the way, we’ll pause at the Olympic Park for a photo stop to admire the National Aquatics Center known as the “Water Cube” and the colossal steel structure of National Stadium known as the “Bird’s Nest.” 

★ Heart of Old Beijing: Hutong Rickshaw Tour & Local Family Visit

While most travelers only catch a fleeting glimpse at Beijing’s Hutong alleys from afar, we invite you to delve deep into the living heartbeat of the city. Boarding a traditional rickshaw, you’ll weave through a unique maze of narrow alleyways lined with weathered gray brick walls and old, worn courtyard homes. It is hard to believe that in the heart of Beijing with ultra-modern skyscrapers, just blocks away from the Forbidden City, some neighborhoods look so rundown, almost like slums. Many courtyards hang signs of “No Visitors,” adding to the mystery. However, your guide will accompany you into a courtyard to satisfy your curiosity. Sit down for a chat with the residents and observe their daily life that most visitors never get to see. On the surface, the space seems cramped and the living conditions humble, yet many residents are reluctant to leave. Why? First, these unassuming little houses actually sit on some of the most expensive land on earth. Tied to top‑tier school districts, they command staggering real estate values, reaching as high as USD 15,000-30,000 per square meter, comparable to central Manhattan. Second, for old Beijingers who have lived here for generations, these homes are more than valuable assets; they represent a cherished way of life and a proud identity they are unwilling to let go. With your guide’s translation, you’ll come to understand this mix of hardship and pride.

After a day’s exploration, your guide and driver will accompany you back to your hotel.

Meals: Western buffet breakfast, buffet lunch

Your last morning in Beijing will be spent in the Summer Palace. If the Forbidden City was like the emperor's enormous office, the Summer Palace was more like his amusement park. When he needed an escape from tedious affairs, he could come here to cruise on the lake or listen to opera. This former imperial garden, once off‑limits to ordinary people, has become a popular place for locals to spend their leisure time. You can see elders fishing by Kunming Lake and tourists dressed in vintage costumes posing as imperial princesses. In winter, the lake turns into a vast natural ice rink. 

★ 300km/h Time Machine: Experience the Speed of China Rail

Conclude your Beijing adventure with a farewell lunch of authentic local specialties before heading to the railway station for a 5-hour high-speed train to Xi'an. With your guide managing the logistics on the platform and porters handling your luggage onto the train, you can simply relax and enjoy the ride. Get ready to experience the future of travel at speeds reaching 300 km/h (186 mph) on China’s 50,000 km (31,000 mi) high-speed rail network, longer than the rest of the world’s combined. Enjoy the “take-off” sensation as you cover the 1,200 km (750 mi) from Beijing to Xi’an in record time. Renowned for an incredible punctuality rate higher than that of Europe, the train will bring you to Xi’an on time, where your local guide will be right waiting at the railway station to welcome you and escort you to your downtown hotel for a two-night stay.

► Evening Inspiration: (at your own expense)
If you cannot wait to explore this ancient capital on your own, just hail a taxi to the South Gate of the City Wall. This is the liveliest area of Xi’an, with many small lanes lined with stalls selling traditional Chinese calligraphy, seals, and carvings, while others lead to temples or vibrant restaurants and bars. When night falls, the gate tower will be illuminated, and at the gateway, you may encounter a live local band.

Meals: Western buffet breakfast, lunch

Your Xian sightseeing will begin at the legendary Terracotta Army Museum. This underground clay legion was created over 2,000 years ago as the funerary companion of Qin Shi Huang (259-210 BC), China’s first emperor. Upon entering, you’ll be amazed by more than 8,000 life‑sized warriors standing in battle formation, instantly transporting you to an ancient battlefield. You may notice the soldiers’ right hands are half-clenched. This is not a design flaw. They once held the most advanced bronze weapons of their time: spears, swords, and crossbows. While ancient Egyptian pharaohs filled their pyramids with treasures for the afterlife, Emperor Qin Shi Huang was a pragmatist: he equipped his terracotta army with real weapons. Though most were looted during the chaos following his death, in the museum’s exhibition hall, you can still see some of the surviving weapons and marvel at the incredible craftsmanship from thousands of years ago. In the glass display cabinets, restored figures allow you to closely appreciate the soldiers’ delicate hair, patterns on their footwear, and the traces of pigment still clinging to their armor. After this awe-inspiring visit, lunch will be served locally.

★ Exclusive Experiences Beyond the Terracotta Pits

1. Meet the Discoverer of Terracotta Army
Not only the Terracotta Army itself but also its discovery has long fascinated visitors, including former U.S. President Bill Clinton, who met the discoverer, Mr. Yang, in 1998. In Yang's living room, you can see a photo of the two together. Talk with him or his family while viewing the tools used in the 1974 excavation, such as a hoe and a wheelbarrow, alongside a replica of the very first warrior ever unearthed. 
2. Hands-on Terracotta Workshop
Step into a local workshop to create your own miniature warrior. Under the guidance of a local artisan, you can shape with a mold, refine the details with a burin, and finally carve your name on the base. Besides a realistic warrior, you may also choose to make a cute, cartoon‑style figure as a personalized keepsake.

Afterward, return to the city center to visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, built during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), the most prosperous era of ancient China. This simple, square, pavilion-style brick pagoda bears witness to the eastward transmission of Buddhism from ancient India along the Silk Road into China. 

★ An Evening of Tang Dynasty Splendor

You’ll enjoy a hand-crafted dumpling banquet at a selected restaurant theater. After satisfying your taste buds, the Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show begins. It tells the story of Wu Zetian (624-705 AD), China’s only female emperor, from her entry into the palace as a 14-year-old maid to her ascension to the throne at 67. The performers, dressed in gorgeous ancient costumes, present the palace secrets through a variety of dances, accompanied by traditional instruments, such as flutes, strings, drums, and zithers. It brings to life a dynasty that was fully open to the world in both economy and culture. Please contact us as early as possible to secure premium reserved seating for the show!

After the show, your guide and driver will accompany you on a smooth ride back to your hotel. 

Meals: Western buffet breakfast, lunch, dumpling dinner

Bathing in the morning sunlight, let’s head to the City Wall Park built along the 600-year-old Xi’an City Wall. The ancient wall and its moat no longer serve as a defensive system, and the lush green park has become a gathering place for locals to jog, dance, play musical instruments, and play chess. 

★ Traditional Health Arts with a Local Master

In the park, under the guidance of a seasoned master, you’ll feel the charm of shadowboxing, a traditional Chinese martial art. Through gentle and graceful movements, you can improve your balance, reduce stress, and boost your energy. It is not merely a refreshing morning workout, but also an immersive introduction to traditional Chinese culture. 

Afterwards, your guide will accompany you up onto the City Wall, which was once visited by former U.S. presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama. In the mid-20th century, Xi’an City Wall faced the grim prospect of being torn down, like the fate of many medieval city walls in France and Italy. However, thanks to the joint efforts of local government and citizens, the once-dilapidated ramparts were meticulously restored to what you see today. As you stroll along the wall, look inward to see the straight, orderly streets and low-rise old buildings left by the past; look outward to glimpse the city’s future - vibrant skyscrapers with glass facades glittering in the sunlight. If you’d like to try cycling on the wall, your guide can help you rent a bike at your own expense. 

★ A La Carte Lunch for Xi’an’s Signature Flavors

Descending the wall, we’ll dive into the Muslim Quarter, a paradise for food lovers. Here, you’ll enjoy an a la carte lunch at a handpicked restaurant. Don’t miss Xi’an Belt Noodles. Forget spaghetti sauce – these thick, hand-pulled noodles are topped with oil-splashed chili and fresh garlic. If you prefer milder flavors, ask for less spice. Don’t be surprised when it arrives in a bowl that is even larger than your face! You can also try other local snacks like beef potstickers and cold noodles. 

After lunch, your guide and driver will escort you to Xi’an airport and assist you in boarding your flight to Shanghai. Upon landing, your Shanghai guide and driver will offer you a smooth airport-to-hotel transfer and assist with check‑in.

Meals: Western buffet breakfast, a la carte local food lunch

Our first stop in Shanghai is the Yu Garden, a 16th-century private estate where wealthy elites once feasted and watched operas. Climbing up the Great Rockery, you can witness a striking contrast: the serene, old-world garden filled with trickling streams, small bridges, antique pavilions, and winding corridors, juxtaposed against the towering skyscrapers of the modern metropolis beyond the walls. Exiting the garden, enjoy some leisure time at the lively Yuyuan Bazaar, where you can hunt for local specialties for lunch at your own expense. Try small steamed buns at the century-old Nanxiang Steamed Bun Shop, pan-fried pork buns at Dahuchun Restaurant, or scallion oil noodles at Shanghai Dexing Hall. Your guide can offer dining suggestions based on your tastes.

Next, we’ll head to Shanghai Museum, home to some of China’s finest artworks spanning thousands of years. From lustrous jade objects and elegant porcelain to ancient bronze vessels, calligraphy, and traditional and paintings, each piece tells the story of its era. At the entrance of the jade gallery, you can touch a jade stone valued at USD 44 million. Step inside, and the jade pendant “Humanoid Deity” carved 4,000 to 5,000 years ago will catch your eyes. In its time, shamans regarded it as a medium for communicating with the gods, while high‑ranking nobles wore it as a talisman for protection. Around the same period in Mesopotamia, the Sumerians were shaping lapis lazuli into divine statues to enshrine in their temples as messengers between human world and the heavens. Long before global communication existed, different civilizations independently chose their most precious materials to create a connection with the divine.

Leaving the museum, continue to the Bund, the “Oriental Wall Street.” In the 19th century, Shanghai opened its first port, attracting a flood of foreign merchants who built office buildings in a variety of architectural styles along the riverside promenade, now known as the “International Architecture Expo.” These structures are still used as office buildings or high-end hotels today.

★ Huangpu River Cruise: Where History Meets the Future

Walk along the promenade to the pier, where your guide will accompany you to embark on a Huangpu River cruise. The river divides the city into two distinct halves. From the middle, you can admire two strikingly different skylines on the banks. On the west, the vintage complexes of the Bund evoke the classic charm of the Seine in Paris, while on the east, futuristic skyscrapers, such as the Shanghai Tower, Jin Mao Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, and the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, stand in a row, reminiscent of the urban forest of Manhattan in New York.  

After disembarking, your guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel. If you are interested, you can stay at the Bund on your own to enjoy the night views and explore the nearby Nanjing Road. When night falls, the buildings of the Bund are bathed in golden lights, while across the river, the glass curtain walls of the modern high-rises glow with colorful neon, resembling a cyberpunk world from a video game. Finally, you can hail a taxi to return to your hotel in 10-15 minutes on your own.

Meals: Western buffet breakfast

Your Beijing Xi'an Shanghai tour package concludes today. For guests taking a private tour, your guide and driver will meet you at your hotel for a seamless transfer to the airport according to your flight time. For group tour travelers, please check out and head to the airport independently for your homebound flight. If you wish to explore other cities, such as Guilin, Zhangjiajie, or Chengdu, we would be happy to continue assisting you. Please feel free to contact us anytime!

► Transport Reference:
Shanghai is served by two airports – Pudong Airport (PVG) and Hongqiao Airport (SHA). Please check carefully to confirm your departure airport.
1. To Pudong Airport: A taxi takes 1-1.5 hours and costs about USD 30. It is advisable to book a taxi through your hotel front desk or a ride-hailing app rather than hailing one on the street. If you are not carrying large luggage, consider taking the subway, which takes about 1.5 hours and costs only USD 1: walk 8 minutes from your hotel → International Cruise Terminal for Line 12 → Dalian Road for the inner loop of Line 4 → Century Avenue for Line 2 → the airport.
2. To Hongqiao Airport: A taxi takes 40-60 minutes and costs about USD 15. The subway takes 1 hour and costs 70 US cents: walk 8 minutes from your hotel → International Cruise Terminal for Line 12 → Tiantong Road for Line 10 → the airport. 

Meals: Western buffet breakfast