Classic 8-Day China Small Group Tour: Beijing – Xi'an – Shanghai

Be picked up at the Beijing Capital Airport & transfer to the hotel located in the downtown Beijing (just transportation).

After checking in, relax and explore Beijing at your own pace. Unwind in your room or take a casual stroll nearby to feel the city's vibe.

In the evening, enjoy Beijing's lively nightlife. Older guests may love traditional tea‑house shows like opera and acrobatics, while younger travelers can visit cool bars and cafes. Top night spots include Panjiayuan Antique Market, Wangfujing, Houhai and Niujie, perfect for local snacks and night views.

Pick‑up from your hotel between 7:30 am and 8:00 am.

First, visit Tiananmen Square, one of the world's largest public squares. Admire its grand open layout and iconic landmarks, perfect for capturing impressive photos of Beijing's political and cultural heart.

Next, explore the Forbidden City, the spectacular former imperial palace complex of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Wander through well‑preserved palaces, courtyards and ancient architecture that once housed emperors, nobles and royal treasures.

At noon, we will take you to a nearby local restaurant for lunch.

After lunch, head to traditional Beijing hutongs near Shichahai Lake. Walk along narrow, historic alleyways lined with old courtyard homes, experiencing authentic local daily life and old‑Beijing charm.

We then travel 30 minutes by vehicle to the Lama Temple, Beijing's largest and best‑preserved Tibetan Buddhist temple. Discover golden‑roofed halls, fine Buddhist art and peaceful religious atmosphere unique to Tibetan culture.

*For an optional evening experience, upgrade your day with a famous Peking Roast Duck dinner followed by an acrobatic show at Chaoyang Theatre. Please let us know in advance if you wish to add this special activity.

Pick‑up from your hotel (recommended tour start time: 7:30 am – 8:00 am).

Travel to Mutianyu Great Wall (1.5‑2 hours' drive).This is one of the most famous and well‑preserved sections of the Great Wall. Round‑trip cable car is included for your convenience. Take the cable car up to the wall to enjoy stunning mountain views, then spend 1‑2 hours leisurely hiking along different segments, exploring ancient watchtowers and admiring the magnificent architecture of this legendary landmark. After your exploration, ride the cable car back down the mountain.

Enjoy a buffet lunch at a local restaurant near Mutianyu Great Wall, featuring authentic Chinese dishes and fresh local flavors.

On the way back toward downtown after lunch, we will make a short photo stop to view the iconic Bird's Nest (National Stadium) and Water Cube (National Aquatics Center), the famous venues built for the Beijing Olympics.

In the afternoon, visit the Summer Palace, a former imperial summer retreat and one of China's best‑preserved royal gardens. Wander around its vast lake, elegant pavilions and winding corridors to experience traditional Chinese imperial garden culture.

Temple of Heaven: China's largest ancient imperial sacrificial complex. Today, it serves as a popular public park where locals gather for daily leisure activities including singing, dancing, and practicing Tai Chi in its spacious, well‑preserved grounds.

Pearl Market: Browse a wide selection of fine pearls, handcrafted souvenirs, fashion bags, footwear and accessories. It is an ideal place to shop for special gifts for family and friends back home.

We will transfer you to Beijing West Railway Station to board an afternoon high‑speed bullet train bound for Xi'an. The journey takes approximately 4 hours.

Upon arrival at Xi'an North Railway Station, your local private driver will meet you and escort you to your hotel in downtown Xi'an.

Pick up at your hotel (recommend start the tour at 8:00am).

Travel to the Terracotta Army, one of the world's most famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the greatest archaeological treasure of ancient China. Wander through the massive pit halls to view thousands of life-sized pottery warriors and horses with distinct facial features. You will be amazed by the magnificent imperial scale and incredible ancient craftsmanship.

Enjoy a delicious local lunch featuring authentic Xi'an flavors at a nearby restaurant.

In the afternoon, visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, a landmark Tang-dynasty Buddhist architecture. Stroll around the peaceful square and garden to appreciate the classic ancient architectural style and profound Buddhist culture.

Then, explore the bustling Muslim Quarter, the most famous old street in Xi'an. Wander the traditional alleys, taste classic local snacks, and browse various traditional handicrafts and souvenirs.

Optional evening activity: Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show. Upgrade your tour with a wonderful. Experience the elegant traditional royal performance and authentic ancient Chang'an culture. Please inform us in advance if you would like to join this show.

Your private tour begins with hotel pickup at 8:00 am.

We will first visit the Xi'an City Wall, one of China's largest and best-preserved ancient city walls. Constructed in the Ming Dynasty, this iconic landmark boasts towering ramparts and magnificent ancient gate towers. You may choose to walk or cycle along the wall, enjoying sweeping panoramic views of the old city and immersing yourself in the timeless historical charm of ancient Chang'an.

After the city wall exploration, we will head to a local restaurant to enjoy a tasty lunch featuring authentic classic flavors of Xi'an cuisine.

Following lunch, we will transfer you to Xi'an Xianyang International Airport to board a direct afternoon flight to Shanghai. The flight takes approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes. Upon landing in Shanghai, your wonderful one-day Xi'an sightseeing tour will be successfully concluded.

After arriving in Shanghai, you can embrace a leisurely self-guided city walk at your own pace. Perfectly combining vintage historical charm and trendy modern vitality, Shanghai features plenty of pedestrian-friendly streets, ideal for casual sightseeing, street photography and experiencing the authentic local lifestyle.

Start your city tour at Yu Garden, one of the most famous classical Jiangnan gardens in China with a history of more than 450 years. Wander through exquisite pavilions, stone bridges, rockeries and quiet ponds to appreciate traditional Chinese gardening aesthetics. Surrounding the garden is the lively old bazaar area, filled with ancient-style buildings, traditional handicraft shops and authentic local snack stalls. It is the perfect spot to taste local delicacies and purchase unique souvenirs.

After visiting Yu Garden, take a casual stroll along Nanjing Road, Shanghai's most iconic pedestrian commercial street. Blending classic old Shanghai vibes and modern fashion, the street is lined with time-honored stores and trendy shops. You can walk leisurely, do casual shopping and experience the prosperous urban atmosphere of Shanghai.

Continue walking towards the Huangpu River to reach The Bund. This world-famous riverside avenue features 52 well-preserved historical buildings with European architectural styles. Standing along the river, these vintage architectures perfectly contrast with the modern skyscraper skyline of Lujiazui on the opposite bank, presenting the unique charm of Shanghai combining tradition and modernity. You can take photos, enjoy the river view, or choose a Huangpu River cruise for a different sightseeing experience.

Travel Tips

This is a flexible city walk without fixed time arrangement. You can stop freely for photography, snacks and rest. 

After breakfast, you will be transferred from your hotel to the airport for your departure flight. 

This concludes your pleasant journey.