8 Days Beijing-Xian-Shanghai Small Group Tour

After breakfast, begin your exploration of imperial Beijing with a visit to the iconic Tian’anmen Square (天安门广场), the largest public square in the world and one of China’s most important national landmarks. Here you can admire the famous Tian’anmen Gate and experience the historical heart of modern China.

Next, walk directly into the magnificent Forbidden City (故宫), the world’s largest imperial palace complex and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Serving as the residence of 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the palace features over 8,700 rooms filled with ancient halls, royal courtyards, priceless treasures, and remarkable imperial architecture. Follow the central axis to discover the palace’s most important ceremonial buildings while learning fascinating stories about China’s emperors and dynastic history.

Continue to Jingshan Park (景山公园), located just behind the Forbidden City. Climb to the top of the hill for one of the best panoramic views of the golden rooftops of the Forbidden City and the skyline of modern Beijing.

In the afternoon, visit the elegant Summer Palace (颐和园), known as China’s best-preserved royal garden. Once the summer retreat for imperial families, the palace complex combines lakes, temples, bridges, pavilions, and landscaped gardens into a masterpiece of traditional Chinese garden design. Stroll along Kunming Lake and the famous Long Corridor while enjoying the peaceful scenery.

Travel Note:
The Forbidden City is closed on Mondays. Alternative visits may include the Temple of Heaven or Prince Gong’s Mansion.

• Attractions: Tian’anmen Square, Forbidden City, Jingshan Park, Summer Palace
• Transportation: Private vehicle
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in Beijing

Today you will visit the world-famous Mutianyu Great Wall (慕田峪长城), one of the most scenic and best-preserved sections of the Great Wall in northern China. Located about 73 kilometers from downtown Beijing, the drive takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.

Built more than 2,000 years ago, the Great Wall of China stretches across mountains, deserts, and plains for thousands of miles. The Mutianyu section is particularly famous for its magnificent mountain scenery, restored Ming Dynasty watchtowers, and fewer crowds compared with other sections.

Take a cable car up to the wall and begin your memorable hike along the ancient stone pathways. Surrounded by dense forests and rolling mountain landscapes, you will have plenty of opportunities to admire the breathtaking views and capture incredible photographs. Adventurous travelers can continue climbing toward higher watchtowers for even more spectacular panoramic scenery.

After descending from the Great Wall, return to downtown Beijing and stop at the exterior of the iconic Bird’s Nest (National Stadium) and Water Cube (National Aquatics Center), both originally built for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and later used during the 2022 Winter Olympics.

After the tour, transfer back to your hotel for a relaxing evening.

• Attractions: Mutianyu Great Wall, Bird’s Nest, Water Cube
• Transportation: Private vehicle + cable car
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in Beijing

After breakfast, transfer to the railway station and board a high-speed train from Beijing to Xi’an (西安), one of China’s oldest capitals and the starting point of the ancient Silk Road. The journey takes approximately 4.5–5.5 hours and offers a comfortable experience through the Chinese countryside.

Upon arrival in Xi’an, your local guide and driver will meet you at the station and escort you to the city center. In the afternoon, visit the famous Giant Wild Goose Pagoda (大雁塔), an iconic symbol of the Tang Dynasty and one of the most important Buddhist landmarks in China. Built in 652 AD inside Da Ci’en Temple, the pagoda was originally constructed to preserve Buddhist scriptures brought back from India by the monk Xuanzang, whose legendary journey inspired the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West.

Later, explore the lively Muslim Quarter (回民街), the most vibrant food street in Xi’an. Wander through bustling alleys filled with local snacks, traditional restaurants, souvenir shops, and Islamic-style architecture. Here you can taste authentic Xi’an specialties such as Roujiamo, Yangrou Paomo, hand-pulled noodles, barbecue skewers, and various local desserts.

In the evening, enjoy the unique atmosphere where ancient Chinese culture and Muslim traditions blend together harmoniously.

• Attractions: Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Muslim Quarter
• Transportation: High-speed train + private vehicle
• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in Xi’an

After breakfast, drive about one hour to visit the world-famous Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum (兵马俑), one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in human history and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Constructed more than 2,200 years ago for China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, the massive underground army was designed to guard him in the afterlife. Explore several excavation pits featuring thousands of life-sized terracotta soldiers, horses, chariots, and military formations. Each warrior has unique facial expressions, hairstyles, and armor details, showcasing the extraordinary craftsmanship of ancient China.

After lunch, return to downtown Xi’an and visit the magnificent Ancient City Wall (西安古城墙), one of the oldest and best-preserved city walls in China. Built during the Ming Dynasty, the wall surrounds the old city center and offers panoramic views of both ancient and modern Xi’an. You may choose to walk or cycle along the wall for a deeper experience.

Continue to the iconic Bell Tower (钟楼) or Drum Tower (鼓楼), historic landmarks located in the heart of the city. As evening approaches, the illuminated ancient buildings create a stunning contrast with the modern city skyline. You may also stroll around Bell & Drum Tower Square, a lively area filled with shops, street performances, and local nightlife.

• Attractions: Terracotta Warriors, Ancient City Wall, Bell Tower / Drum Tower
• Transportation: Private vehicle
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in Xi’an

After breakfast, transfer to the airport or railway station for your journey from Xi’an to Shanghai (上海). Travelers may take either a domestic flight (about 2 hours) or an optional high-speed train journey (about 5.5–6 hours), depending on schedule availability.

Welcome to Shanghai, China’s largest and most international city, where modern skyscrapers rise beside historic architecture and traditional neighborhoods. Upon arrival, your local driver will meet you and escort you to your hotel in downtown Shanghai.

The remainder of the day is free for independent exploration. You may choose to visit nearby attractions such as Nanjing Road, enjoy a relaxing walk along The Bund, admire the skyline of Lujiazui, or experience Shanghai’s vibrant dining and nightlife scene.

As night falls, the dazzling lights of the Huangpu River waterfront reveal the city’s unique blend of East and West, tradition and innovation.

• Attractions: Free exploration in Shanghai
• Transportation: Flight or high-speed train + private transfer
• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in Shanghai

Today you will explore the dynamic charm of Shanghai (上海), China’s most modern and international metropolis, where futuristic skyscrapers, colonial architecture, classical gardens, and vibrant shopping streets coexist perfectly.

Begin your day in the famous Lujiazui Financial District (陆家嘴) in Pudong, home to some of the tallest skyscrapers in Asia. Visit the iconic Shanghai Tower (上海中心大厦), the tallest building in China and the second tallest in the world. Take one of the world’s fastest elevators to the observation deck on the 118th floor and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views over the Huangpu River, The Bund, and the sprawling skyline of modern Shanghai.

Next, visit the renowned Shanghai Museum (上海博物馆), one of China’s finest museums of ancient Chinese art and history. Explore impressive collections of bronze ware, jade, ceramics, calligraphy, paintings, coins, and ancient sculptures while gaining deeper insight into thousands of years of Chinese civilization.

Continue to the elegant Yu Garden (豫园), a beautifully preserved classical Chinese garden dating back to the Ming Dynasty. Wander through peaceful courtyards, traditional pavilions, koi ponds, zigzag bridges, and rockeries that showcase the beauty of traditional Jiangnan-style garden architecture. Outside the garden, stroll around the bustling Yuyuan Bazaar, filled with local snacks, tea houses, handicrafts, and souvenir shops.

In the afternoon, enjoy free time along Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street (南京路步行街), China’s most famous commercial street lined with shopping malls, historic buildings, cafés, and luxury boutiques.

End the day at the legendary The Bund (外滩), Shanghai’s most iconic waterfront area. Here you can admire the magnificent contrast between the historic colonial-era buildings on one side of the Huangpu River and the futuristic skyline of Pudong on the other.

Travel Notes:

• Yu Garden is closed on Mondays; alternative visits may include City God Temple or the French Concession.
• Shanghai Museum (East) is closed on Tuesdays; alternative arrangements will be provided if necessary.
• Attractions: Shanghai Tower, Shanghai Museum, Yu Garden, Nanjing Road, The Bund
• Transportation: Private vehicle
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in Shanghai

Today marks the end of your unforgettable China journey. After breakfast, enjoy some free time in Shanghai before your scheduled transfer to the airport or railway station for your onward flight or high-speed train.

Depending on your departure time, you may choose to take a final walk along The Bund, shop for souvenirs on Nanjing Road, or simply relax and enjoy the atmosphere of this vibrant international city.

If you wish to continue exploring Asia, optional extension tours to destinations such as Hong Kong, Guilin, Chengdu, Tibet, Japan, or Southeast Asia can also be arranged.

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel. We hope this memorable journey through Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai leaves you with lifelong memories of China’s history, culture, and modern wonders.

• Attractions: Free exploration in Shanghai
• Transportation: Hotel transfer to airport/train station
• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: N/A (Tour Ends)