China Classical City Express

Beijing to Shanghai - 9 Days

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9 Days China Tour

Destinations Highlights: Xiaan → Chengdu→Shanghai

Kick off your China journey in Beijing, the heart of Chinese history and culture! Stand in the grand Tiananmen Square, wander through the Forbidden City’s golden-roofed courtyards, hike the Mutianyu Great Wall for sweeping mountain views, and glide through old hutongs on a rickshaw to feel the city’s timeless charm.
Don’t miss a night at Lao She Teahouse, where you’ll savor tea and traditional performances like Beijing Opera.

Take a high-speed train to Xiaan, the ancient capital of 13 dynasties. Marvel at the awe-inspiring Terracotta Army—thousands of life-sized warriors standing in silent formation—and climb the Big Wild Goose Pagoda for panoramic views of the city. As dusk falls, lose yourself in Datang Everbright City, where neon lights and Tang-style shows bring the glory of the Tang Dynasty to life.

Next, head to Chengdu, the “Land of Giant Pandas”! Visit the Chengdu Research Base to watch fluffy pandas munch bamboo and play. Explore Wuhou Shrine to dive into Three Kingdoms legends, sip tea in the tranquil courtyard of Qingyang Palace (Chengdu’s oldest Taoist temple), and wander Jinli Ancient Street—lit by red lanterns.

Wrap up your adventure in Shanghai, the Pearl of the Orient! Wander Yuyuan Garden’s classical Jiangnan landscapes, admire Jing’an Temple’s golden roof amid modern skyscrapers, take in the Bund’s “Gallery of World Architecture,” and gaze at Pudong’s futuristic skyline (including the Oriental Pearl Tower).
Stroll Nanjing Road for bustling energy and Huaihai Middle Road for a mix of history and fashion.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive in Beijing

Upon arrival at Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) or Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX), your personal tour guide will be waiting to greet you outside the baggage claim area. En route to your pre-booked 4-star or 5-star downtown hotel, the guide will walk you through the city’s iconic highlights and time-honored history. The remainder of the day is yours to explore this captivating metropolis at your leisure.

After breakfast, your dedicated local guide will meet you at the hotel to start a full day of exploration across Beijing’s most iconic landmarks.

First, set foot on Tiananmen Square—the world’s grandest urban square, where the air hums with the weight of history and the bustle of daily life. Cross the road to step into the Forbidden City, a resplendent imperial palace that served as the home of Chinese emperors for five centuries. Wander through its labyrinth of golden-roofed halls and tranquil courtyards, and let the echoes of dynastic grandeur wash over you.

Once you’ve soaked in the majesty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, hop aboard a rickshaw for a leisurely ride through Beijing’s historic hutongs. Glide past traditional courtyard houses, wave at locals going about their daily lives, and soak up the authentic, unhurried charm of old Beijing hidden in these winding alleyways.

Next, make your way to Shichahai—a scenic oasis of lakes and tree-lined shores. Stroll along the waterfront, admire the views of ancient temples and traditional mansions reflected in the calm water, and stop for a cup of tea at a lakeside teahouse to savor the peaceful ambiance.

To round out the day, head to Qianmen Street, a bustling pedestrian thoroughfare that blends old-world charm with modern energy. Wander past time-honored snack shops, traditional handicraft stores, and restored historic buildings, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere where Beijing’s past and present collide.

Finally, head back to your hotel to unwind and reflect on a day filled with unforgettable sights.

Begin your adventure with a trip to Mutianyu Great Wall, a beautifully preserved, less crowded stretch of this ancient marvel. Ride a scenic cable car to the mountaintop battlements, then wander along the stone ramparts lined with weathered Ming-dynasty watchtowers. Pause to drink in the sweeping vistas of verdant hills unfolding in every direction, and soak up the quiet grandeur of this UNESCO-listed landmark.

Next, make your way to Olympic Park, home to the iconic Bird’s Nestand Water Cube. Admire the Bird’s Nest’s dramatic lattice steel design and the Water Cube’s eye-catching bubble exterior—two futuristic masterpieces that stole the world’s spotlight during the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Wander the park’s open plazas and green spaces, imagining the electric energy of the games that once took place here.

End your day on a cultural high note at Lao She Teahouse, a timeless venue dedicated to traditional Chinese arts. Sink into a comfortable seat, sip on aromatic tea, and sample classic Beijing treats as you enjoy a vibrant lineup of performances—think graceful Beijing Opera arias, thrilling acrobatics, and humorous cross-talk skits. Let the cozy, nostalgic atmosphere and lively entertainment wrap up your day in the most delightful way.

After breakfast, you will head to the Summer Palace for a visit. Wander through its lush gardens, stroll along the iconic Long Corridor adorned with intricate paintings, and admire the serene Kunming Lake and majestic halls that once served as a royal retreat.

You will be transferred to the high-speed railway station to take a bullet train bound for Xiaan, where a new chapter of your journey awaits. Upon arrival, your local tour guide will greet you and escort you to the hotel, offering a brief introduction to the city along the way.

A perfect day immersing in Xiaan’s millennia-old history and vibrant modern charm starts with an early trip to the Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum, where the awe-inspiring Terracotta Army—thousands of life-sized, uniquely sculpted warriors and horses standing in neat battle formations—unfolds the grand military legacy of the Qin Dynasty.And Then head to the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, a Tang-Dynasty Buddhist landmark with elegant brick architecture, where you can climb the pagoda for panoramic views of the city and wander the serene surrounding gardens dotted with ancient stone carvings; as dusk falls, make your way to Datang Everbright City, where dazzling neon lights, Tang-style street performances, traditional handicraft stalls and lively folk shows transform the area into a vivid "living museum" of Tang Dynasty culture, letting you drift between the grandeur of the past and the vibrancy of the present.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the high-speed railway station and take a bullet train to Chengdu. Upon arrival, your local tour guide will greet you and escort you to the hotel, offering a brief introduction to the city along the way.

Then you will go to Wuhou Shrine, where ancient cypresses stand guard over the memorials of Zhuge Liang and Liu Bei, letting you wander through the stories of the Three Kingdoms era; then head to Qingyang Palace, the oldest and most revered Taoist temple in the city, where you can admire delicate Taoist murals, listen to the chime of ancient bells and even sip a cup of authentic Sichuan tea in the tranquil courtyard; as the sun dips, make your way to Jinli Ancient Street, adjacent to Wuhou Shrine, where red lanterns light up the stone-paved lanes and folk artists’ performances bring the lively atmosphere of old Chengdu to life.

After breakfast, you will visit to Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where you can watch these fluffy national treasures munch on bamboo shoots lazily, play tumbling games in their enclosures, and even catch a glimpse of the adorable panda cubs in the nursery. After lunch, take a domestic flight to Shanghai and be met by the local guide at the airport. Check in to the hotel and rest for the upcoming exploration.

Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and store your luggage. Then go to Wukang Building, appreciate the unique shape of this French Renaissance - style historic building and capture the picture of it integrating with the surrounding street scenes; next, go to Jinling East Road Ferry Terminal, take the ferry to cross the Huangpu River, and enjoy the view of the Bund's world - famous buildings and Pudong's modern buildings on the deck; after arriving in Pudong, head to Lujiazui, take a close - up look at skyscrapers such as the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and Shanghai Tower, and feel the shock of the urban skyline; finally, go to Huaihai Middle Road, stroll along this street with both historical heritage and fashion sense, admire the unique scenery of old western - style houses interweaving with modern business districts.

Early in the morning, enter Yuyuan Garden, wander through the Ming Dynasty Jiangnan classical garden, admire the exquisite Yulinglong Stone and the magnificent rockery, stroll among ancient buildings like Sansui Hall and Dianchun Hall, and experience the scenic charm of changing views with each step;then head to Jing'an Temple, stop to admire this thousand-year-old ancient temple nestled in the downtown area, watch its golden roof contrast with the surrounding modern high-rises, and feel the urban Zen amidst the curling incense smoke; in the afternoon, go to the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, climb to the top to overlook the panoramic view of both banks of the Huangpu River, and marvel at the stunning scenery of Lujiazui's modern building complex; in the afternoon, walk along the Bund, enjoy the unique charm of the "Gallery of World Architecture" along the way, and watch the river breeze rippling on the water surface; then step into Nanjing Road, feel the urban vitality in the prosperous atmosphere of the century-old commercial street, and appreciate the integration of old buildings and modern neon lights.

Your tour guide will collect you at the hotel and drive you to the airport for your flight home. 

For small group tour travelers, a transfer service from your hotel toPudong or Hongqiao Airport can be arranged on request.


P.S.   A group of 20 people, with a minimum of 15 people; can be customized individually.

Included: 【Daily breakfast & 7 lunches】 【8 nights 4-5 star hotels】 【Airport arrival transfer on day 1】 【Economy class flight from Chengdu to Shanghai】 【Guided sightseeing in Beijing Xiaan, Chengdu, Shanghai】 【Entrance fees as per itinerary】 【English speaking specialist guides at local sights】 【All relevant transfers and transportation in private A/C vehicles】 【24 hours emergency hotline (Multilingual -speaking)】

Not Included: 【International flights and visa】【Airport departure transfer】

Tip for your tour guide: We recommend you allow USD $6 per person per day for your guide and USD $3 per person per day for your driver. Tipping is an entirely personal gesture.