Day 1
Arrival in Shanghai | Airport Pick-up and Hotel Check-in
Nihao! Welcome to Shanghai, China’s most internationalized and vibrant city! Shanghai's long-term fusion of Eastern and Western cultures has contributed to Shanghai's unique culture. Upon your arrival at the airport/train station in Shanghai, the driver will meet and greet you at the exit, and then escort you to the well-selected hotel in downtown Shanghai. The rest of the day is free on your own so you can have a good rest for the jet lag or explore by yourself around your hotel.
Arrival Ideas:
Travelers can go to Shanghai easily by air or high speed train. There are two airports - Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport operating numerous international and domestic airlines. Travelers can go to Shanghai by air from most cities in China, like Beijing, Xian, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Guilin, Kunming, Lijiang, Lhasa, and more. In addition, travelers can take high speed train to Shanghai from Beijing (4.5-6 hours), Xian (6-7.5 hours), Huangshan (2.5-3 hours), Guangzhou (7-8.5 hours), Suzhou (0.5 hour), Hangzhou (about 45 mins), Wuhan (3.5-4.5 hours), etc
Day 2
Shanghai City Tour | Shanghai Tower, Shanghai Museum, Yu Garden & Bazaar, Nanjing Road & The Bund (B)
Today, your group will have full day to experience the perfect blend of East and West in the "Paris of the East." Explore brilliant museums, classical gardens, futuristic skyscrapers, and stunning architecture - all in one vibrant city.
First, head to Pudong and the Lujiazui financial district, home to a trio of iconic skyscrapers. The Shanghai Tower, China’s tallest and the world’s second-tallest building at 632 meters (2,073 ft), soars with a dramatic 120-degree twist from base to peak. Ride the world’s fastest elevators (64 km/h) to the "Top of Shanghai Observatory" on the 118th floor, 546 meters above ground. Enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of the city, with the Jin Mao Tower and Shanghai World Financial Center below.
Later, visit the Shanghai Museum (East), one of the world’s finest museums of ancient Chinese art. Its sleek, modern design is inspired by the traditional Chinese jade bi disc. Inside, explore galleries of bronzes, ceramics, calligraphy, paintings, jade, furniture, coins, and sculptures. Don’t miss iconic treasures like the Da Ke Ding, a 3,000-year-old bronze vessel, displayed with the Zi Long Ding and Marquis of Jin Bells - a rare highlight of the Bronze Gallery. Also, see the legendary Sword of King Goujian of Yue, a masterpiece of ancient craftsmanship.
Next, visit Yu Garden, Shanghai’s most famous classical garden, hidden in the heart of the city. Stroll through elegant pavilions, rockeries, and lotus ponds, and admire exquisite carvings and traditional architecture. Outside, Yuyuan Bazaar offers local snacks, souvenirs, and handcrafted art.
In the afternoon, walk along Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, lined with global brands, cafes, and historic buildings. End at the Bund, Shanghai’s top must-see landmark. Known as the "Exhibition of International Architecture," it features 52 grand buildings in Gothic, Baroque, and Art Deco styles. From here, enjoy a stunning view of the Pudong skyline across the Huangpu River.
Travel Notes:
Yu Garden is closed on Mondays. In this case, we may visit the City God Temple, or French Concession instead.
Shanghai Museum (East) is closed on Tuesdays. You will visit Shanghai Museum (People’s Square) on that day. If access to the People’s Square location is unavailable, we will arrange an alternative city attraction.
Day 3
Shanghai to Huangshan by High-Speed Train (B)
On this day, you will have some time till be met you in the hotel lobby and escorted to the train station for high-speed train to Huangshan (about 2.5 -3 hours).
Welcome to Huangshan, a city well known for the Yellow Mountain! Upon your arrival in Huangshan, the local driver will greet you at the exit of the train station, and then escort you to your hotel in Huangshan city. Enjoy some time on your own after the hotel check-in
Day 4
Huangshan Tour | Yellow Mountain Full Day Trip (B)
After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel lobby for a full day of exploring Yellow Mountain. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of China’s most famous and beautiful mountains, renowned for its “Five Natural Wonders” - peculiarly-shaped granite peaks, imaginatively-named pine trees, winter snow, a sea of clouds, and hot springs.
The tour begins with an 80-kilometer (1.5-hour) drive from Huangshan city to the mountain area. You will then transfer by bus to Yungu Temple and take a cable car up to the North Sea Scenic Area. From here, you can appreciate the stunning scenery and dramatic peaks.
Your hike will take you to Begin-to-Believe Peak, which is home to many beautiful, odd-shaped pine trees. You'll then hike for about 40 minutes to Cloud Dispelling Pavilion, an ideal spot to enjoy the views of the West Sea Scenic Area. As clouds drift by, the layers of mountains appear and disappear, looking like countless islands on a vast sea.
Continue your walk to the Flying-over Rock, a 12-meter stone that appears to be tilting slightly on a flat platform. It gets its name because it looks as if it has just fallen from the sky. For those with the energy, there's an optional hike to Bright Summit, the second-highest peak of Yellow Mountain.
Finally, you’ll take a cable car back down the mountain. Afterward, you will be transferred to your hotel in downtown Huangshan to rest for the evening.
Day 5
Huangshan Tour | Hongcun Ancient Village, Xidi Ancient Village, Tunxi Ancient Street (B)
After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick your group up at your hotel for a full day of exploration, beginning with Hongcun Ancient Village. This UNESCO World Heritage site is regarded as a masterpiece of Hui-style architecture, a village so picturesque it looks like it's from a traditional Chinese painting. Its unique features - from the comprehensive water system integrated with the houses to the intricate architectural details - make it a photographer's paradise. As you explore, be sure to see the crescent-shaped Moon Pond, the grand Chengzhi Hall, and the peaceful South Lake Academy.
Next, you'll visit Xidi Village, a quieter and more authentic alternative to Hongcun. With a 970-year history, this "Living Museum of Ming and Qing Houses" features over 300 ancient residences and ancestral halls. The village follows Feng Shui principles, shaped like a boat, with mountains on all sides and two streams converging at Huiyuan Bridge. Its layout centers on one main street and its waterways. As you walk, you'll discover historic sites like Da Fu Grand House and Jing'ai Hall, the clan's meeting hall. Buildings here reflect their owners' status: lion carvings symbolize official power, while peonies represent merchant wealth. Many of the structures are still lived in today, offering a true glimpse of tradition. Strolling through Xidi feels like stepping back in time, where every carving and courtyard tells a story of China's architectural brilliance.
Later, you'll drive back to Huangshan city for a visit to Tunxi Ancient Street. As one of China's best-preserved old streets, it showcases the styles of the Southern Song, Ming, and Qing dynasties. You can take a relaxing walk along the 1,200-meter street to admire the authentic Huizhou-style buildings, browse for traditional items like the Four Treasures of the Study (brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones), and sample some famous local teas and snacks.
After the tour, you'll stay overnight in Huangshan city.
Day 6
Huangshan Train Station Transfer | Xian Train Station Pick-up & Hotel Check-in (B)
After breakfast, you will be taken to train station for your high speed train to Xian (about 7.5 hours).
Upon your arrival in Xian, the capital of 13 ancient China dynasties! Upon your arrival at the train station, the local driver will greet you at the exit, and then escort you to the hotel in Xian
Day 7
Xian City Tour | Terracotta Warriors, Ancient Wall, Bell Tower (B)
After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel. Drive about 40km (about 1 hour) to uncover one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in the world - the Terracotta Army Museum, built by the first emperor of China, Qin Shihuang, to protect him in the afterlife. Around 8,000 vivid life-size Terracotta Warriors have been found so far. First, visit the largest and most imposing pit, believed to contain over 6,000 terracotta figures of soldiers and horses. You will be amazed by this subterranean life-size army of thousands standing silently to guard the emperor. Marvel also at the fabulous artistic skills of ancient Chinese artisans. Next, move to another pit where you can see around 1,300 warriors and horses. Examine the ancient army formation, including the kneeling and standing archers, the chariot war array, and numerous troopers holding weapons.
After lunch, head to visit the Ancient City Wall, also known as the Fortification of Xian, representing one of the oldest, largest, and best-preserved Chinese city walls. Spend time leisurely walking the wall and enjoying its inner and outer walls, watchtowers, and moat, taking in panoramic views of modern Xian, there, you will also visit the awe-inspiring Bell Tower, a landmark from the Ming Dynasty dating back 600 years, will be beautifully illuminated, creating a captivating backdrop for stunning photos showcasing the harmonious blend of ancient history and modernity in Xian. In the evening, you may also have the chance to witness the lively square dancing near Bell & Drum Tower Square (Zhongulou Square), allowing you to immerse yourself in Xian's vibrant nightlife like a local
Day 8
Xian tour: Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and Muslim Quarter; Train Station Transfer | Beijing Train Station Pick-up & Hotel Check-in (B)
This morning, you will go to visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, one of Xi'an's most recognizable landmarks and symbol of the magnificence of the Tang Dynasty. This seven-story pagoda standing in the tranquil Da Ci'en Temple is one of China's best examples of a Tang-style pagoda (squarish rather than round). It was completed in AD 652 to house Buddhist sutras brought back from India by the monk Xuan Zang. His travels inspired one of the best-known works of Chinese literature, Journey to the West. Later, you will have the opportunity to explore the vibrant and bustling Muslim Quarter (Muslim Street). This historic quarter, situated just behind the Drum Tower about 430 meters west of the Bell Tower in downtown Xian, has been around for over 1,000 years.
After the tour, you will be transferred to the train station for your high speed train to next destination - Beijing. Upon arrival in Beijing, your driver will meet you at the train station and escort you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free on your own so you can explore by yourself around your hotel.
Day 9
Beijing City Tour | Tian’anmen Square, Forbidden City, Jingshan Park, Summer Palace (B)
Today you will spend the whole day exploring the ancient citadel of Beijing through China's famous landmarks, imperial grandeur, and royal gardens.
After breakfast, your guide will pick you up at your hotel and head to Tiananmen Square, the world's largest public square and symbol of China. It has witnessed many major events in China's history over the past decades, and from here you can take great photos of Tiananmen Gate, seen daily on CCTV News.
Walking across the square, you will visit the mighty and splendid Forbidden City, the world's largest palace complex and former home of 24 Chinese emperors. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Forbidden City has about 500 years of history, serving as the political and ritual center of China during the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties. With over 8,700 rooms, it is not only China's largest and best-preserved collection of ancient buildings, but also a city within a city, like the Vatican in Rome. Enter through the Meridian Gate and visit along the central axis to ensure you see all the highlights. Admire the brilliant architecture and numerous ancient treasures while listening to your guide share stories of the emperors who once lived here. Later, take a 15-minute walk up to Jingshan Park, where you can enjoy magnificent panoramic views over modern Beijing and the Forbidden City's russet roofs. (Note: It requires some walking, so please wear comfortable footwear. You can decide whether or not to climb to the top based on your physical condition.)
In the afternoon, drive to the Summer Palace, the "Museum of Royal Gardens," once a summer retreat for royal families. The grounds, temples, gardens, pavilions, lakes, bridges, gate-towers, and corridors are marvels of landscape design. Take a leisurely stroll to appreciate the imperial architecture, hilltop views, and beautiful lakes, which offer a pastoral escape into the landscapes of traditional Chinese painting.
(Travel Note: The Forbidden City in Beijing is closed on Mondays. If your tour falls on that day, the itinerary will be adjusted to ensure you visit the Forbidden City.
Day 10
Beijing Great Wall Tour | Mutianyu Great Wall, Glimpse of Bird’s Nest & Water Cube (B)
In this morning, you will head northwest of Beijing (about 1.5-2 hours’ drive, 73km) to the Great Wall at Mutianyu. The Great Wall boasts a history over 2,000 years and stretches more than 3,000 miles across several provinces of northern China, making it one of the most impressive ancient masterpieces on the planet. Mutianyu Great Wall is connected with the Jiankou Great Wall in the west and the Gubeikou Great Wall in the east. Mutianyu is the longest and best fully-restored Great Wall with fewer tourists and is also famed for its 23 Ming-era watchtowers and stunning views. Take the cable car up to the 14th watchtower and then enjoy the memorable hiking time on the wall while visiting its western route. With the green pines and cypresses covering the surrounding area, and the winding wall standing majestically on the vast land, you will capture the most stunning natural scenery in this section. Challenge yourselves while climbing up to the 20th watchtower where you could fulfill your Great Wall dream. Cherish the chance and take photos as many as you like!
After the once-in-lifetime experience, head back to downtown Beijing and have the chance to take photos with the exterior of the Bird's Nest (Beijing National Stadium) and Water Cube (Beijing National Aquatics Center). They were both designed for the 2008 Beijing Olympics and used for the 2022 Winter Olympic Games.
After that, transfer back to your hotel and have a good rest tonight
Day 11
Departure from Beijing | Hotel Check-out and Airport See-off (B)
It is time to end your 8-day China group tour. You will have some time in Beijing and explore more on your own till be escorted to the airport/train station for your flight or high speed train to your next destination.
Trip Extension Ideas: If you want to explore other Asia destinations rather than return home right away, we would be glad to assist you with an extension trip. Feel free to tell us your ideas!
The above price is based on a group tour for 2 people sharing one standard double-bed room in 3-star hotels.
Price varies depending on travel date, group size, hotel class, program in your itinerary and possible fluctuation of currency exchange rate.
