8 Days China Golden Triangle Tour: Beijing, Xi'an & Shanghai

Welcome to Beijing, China's historic capital! Upon arrival at the airport, meet your private driver for a comfortable transfer to your hotel. Your guide will assist with arrival arrangements if guide service is included in your booking. After checking in, take some time to relax or explore the surrounding neighborhood at your own pace. If you would like to enjoy your first taste of Chinese cuisine, we can recommend a local restaurant based on your preferences, dietary requirements, and budget, including vegetarian or halal-friendly options where available. With your airport transfer arranged in advance, you can settle in comfortably and prepare for the exciting days ahead.

Meet your private guide and driver at your hotel before heading to Tiananmen Square, one of China's most significant public landmarks. Continue to the Forbidden City, where magnificent palace halls, ornate courtyards, and imperial treasures reveal the grandeur of China's Ming and Qing dynasties. Your guide will share fascinating historical stories and help you appreciate the cultural significance of this extraordinary complex. Around lunchtime, enjoy a break at a local restaurant recommended according to your food preferences, dietary restrictions, and budget; Beijing roast duck is a popular choice for those who wish to try it. In the afternoon, explore Beijing's traditional hutongs on foot or by rickshaw, discovering courtyard residences and everyday local life before your private vehicle returns you to the hotel.

Optional Excursions

Morning Moves with Beijing’s Neighborhood Locals

As the old city wakes up, Gulou Cultural Square becomes a neighborhood gathering spot for morning dancers, tai chi enthusiasts, and longtime residents. Step into their daily routine, try a few dance steps, or join a gentle group exercise session. No experience needed—just a little curiosity and a willingness to start your Beijing morning like a local.

+$0.00

Advisor quoted

Gui Jie After Dark: Beijing’s Nightlife & Flavors

Experience Gui Jie after dark, where glowing lanterns, lively restaurants, and late-night food stalls bring Beijing’s culinary scene to life. Sample local specialties and soak up the energetic atmosphere of this iconic food street.

+$80.00

Advisor quoted

Jingshan Sunset Over the Imperial City

Enjoy panoramic views of Beijing at sunset from Jingshan Park, watching the Forbidden City glow in the evening light while taking in the city’s historic rooftops and skyline from one of the best elevated viewpoints in central Beijing.

+$20.00

Advisor quoted

Your guide and driver will collect you from your hotel for a day exploring two of Beijing's most memorable landmarks. Begin at the Temple of Heaven, an architectural masterpiece where emperors once prayed for good harvests. As you wander through the peaceful park, you may also see local residents practicing tai chi, dancing, or playing traditional instruments. Afterward, stop for lunch at a local restaurant selected by your guide to suit your culinary preferences and dietary needs. Continue to the Mutianyu Great Wall, where ancient watchtowers stretch across forested mountain ridges. Enjoy time to walk along the ramparts, admire the sweeping scenery, and capture memorable photographs. Your guide can help arrange suitable cable car or toboggan options, subject to availability and weather conditions, before your driver takes you back to your hotel.

Optional Excursions

Panjiayuan: A Treasure Hunt for Chinese Culture

Explore Panjiayuan Antique Market, browsing collections of vintage objects, traditional handicrafts, calligraphy, and curious finds. Wander through the lively stalls and discover a fascinating side of Beijing’s art, collecting, and folk culture.

+$60.00

Advisor quoted

Start the morning with hotel pick-up and a visit to the Summer Palace, a magnificent imperial retreat celebrated for its tranquil lake, elegant pavilions, decorative bridges, and the famous Long Corridor. Accompanied by your private guide, discover how the gardens and architecture reflect the artistic traditions and leisure culture of China's imperial court. Take a midday break at a local restaurant recommended to match your dietary preferences and budget before continuing to the railway station. Your driver will transfer you to the station for your pre-booked high-speed train to Xi'an, while your guide can assist with the departure arrangements if included in your service. After arriving in Xi'an, meet your arranged transfer driver for the journey to your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening in this historic city.

After meeting your private guide and driver at the hotel, travel to the Terracotta Army Museum, home to thousands of life-sized warriors, horses, and chariots created to guard Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife. Your guide will explain the remarkable archaeological discoveries and the craftsmanship behind the figures, each with distinctive details. Continue to a traditional yaodong cave dwelling to learn how local communities adapted their homes to the landscape of the Loess Plateau. At lunchtime, your guide will recommend a suitable restaurant based on your tastes, dietary restrictions, and preferred budget. Return to central Xi'an in the afternoon to explore the Ancient City Wall, one of China's best-preserved city fortifications. Walk along its historic ramparts or rent a bicycle to enjoy views of the old and modern city before returning to your hotel.

Optional Excursions

Create Your Own Terracotta Warrior: DIY Workshop

Create your own Terracotta Warrior in this fun 30-minute hands-on workshop inspired by the Qin Dynasty’s ancient craftsmanship. Perfect for all ages, this activity offers a unique cultural experience and memorable souvenir.

+$15.00

Advisor quoted

Xi'an City Wall Bike Ride

If you find yourself with some extra time, a bike ride along the Ancient City Wall is an exhilarating way to enhance your Xi'an experience. This activity allows you to pedal around one of the best-preserved city walls in China, offering a unique and active exploration of its expansive ramparts.

+$7.00

Advisor quoted

Your private guide and driver will meet you at your hotel for a morning of cultural exploration in Xi'an. Visit the Little Wild Goose Pagoda, a peaceful Buddhist landmark surrounded by traditional architecture and gardens, then continue to the Shaanxi History Museum, where historical artifacts offer a glimpse into the region's rich heritage and its role along the ancient Silk Road. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant recommended by your guide according to your dietary needs and culinary interests. If time permits, explore the lively Muslim Quarter, known for its traditional snacks, spice shops, and distinctive street atmosphere. Later, transfer to the airport for your pre-booked flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, your arranged driver will meet you for the transfer to your Shanghai hotel, making the transition between cities as smooth as possible.

Meet your private guide and driver at the hotel and discover Shanghai's fascinating contrast between historic elegance and contemporary ambition. Begin at the Bund, where grand waterfront buildings reflect the city's international past, and enjoy views across the Huangpu River toward the futuristic skyline of Pudong. Continue to Shanghai Tower, where the observation deck provides an impressive panorama of the sprawling metropolis, subject to opening conditions. Around lunchtime, your guide will recommend a restaurant suited to your food preferences, dietary restrictions, and budget. In the afternoon, tailor the experience to your interests with a stroll through character-filled neighborhoods, a traditional craft workshop, or another suitable local activity. Your guide will coordinate the day's arrangements and your private driver will return you to the hotel after a rewarding introduction to Shanghai.

Optional Excursions

World’s Largest Starbucks Reserve Roastery Experience

Visit the world’s largest Starbucks Reserve Roastery located on West Nanjing Road, Shanghai – bigger than the original Seattle flagship. This one-of-a-kind venue functions like an exclusive coffee museum, showcasing the full coffee roasting process, rare global coffee beans and exclusive limited-edition merchandise. Your experience includes one signature in-store coffee drink to enjoy while exploring this iconic landmark before wrapping up your Shanghai trip.

+$15.00

Advisor quoted

Themed Huangpu River Night Cruise with Buffet Dinner

Upgrade to a premium themed Huangpu River night cruise. Glide along the Huangpu River and enjoy sweeping views of the illuminated Bund “Exhibition of World Architecture” and Lujiazui neon skyline. While admiring the stunning riverside nightscape, indulge in a rich Chinese and Western buffet dinner onboard.

+$54.00

Advisor quoted

Enjoy your final morning in Shanghai at a relaxed pace, depending on your flight schedule. If time allows, take a short walk near your hotel, browse for souvenirs, or ask your guide for suggestions for a convenient final meal. Restaurant recommendations can be tailored to your dietary preferences and any special requirements. At the agreed time, your private driver will pick you up from the hotel and transfer you to Shanghai Pudong International Airport or Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport according to your departure arrangements. Your transfer will be coordinated around your flight details to help ensure a smooth departure. As your eight-day Golden Triangle journey concludes, take home lasting memories of Beijing's imperial heritage, Xi'an's archaeological wonders, and Shanghai's dynamic cityscape.