Classic China, Beautifully Balanced
10 Days · Beijing – Xiʼan – Shanghai · Best for first-time visitors, couples and families
Journey Overview
Three cities reveal three different ways of reading China. Beijing sets the scale through imperial spaces and the Great Wall; Xiʼan brings history down to human size through clay soldiers, market lanes and the city wall; Shanghai closes the journey with river light, design and contemporary energy. The pacing leaves room for conversation, local meals and unhurried observation—not simply a checklist of icons.
Journey Highlights
- Walk a quieter Great Wall section with time for photography
- Explore the Forbidden City with historical context, not just dates
- Meet Xiʼan through the Terracotta Warriors, food and neighborhood life
- See Shanghai from both the historic Bund and the contemporary skyline
Suggested Day-by-Day
Day 1 — Beijing arrival
Private airport transfer, hotel check-in and a gentle orientation walk if energy allows.
Day 2 — Imperial Beijing
Tiananmen area, the Forbidden City and Jingshan views, followed by a hutong walk shaped around daily life.
Day 3 — Great Wall
Travel to a less-rushed section such as Mutianyu. Walk at your own pace and return for a relaxed evening.
Day 4 — Temple of Heaven and train to Xiʼan
Observe morning community life before taking a high-speed train west.
Day 5 — Terracotta Warriors
Explore the mausoleum complex with a guide who connects archaeology to the Qin story.
Day 6 — Living Xiʼan
Cycle or walk the city wall, visit the Great Mosque area and taste regional snacks with context.
Day 7 — Fly or train to Shanghai
Settle in and take a blue-hour walk along the Bund.
Day 8 — Shanghai contrasts
Old City lanes, Yu Garden area, former concession streets and a contemporary art or design stop.
Day 9 — Water-town option
Choose Zhujiajiao, a museum day or a food-led neighborhood exploration.
Day 10 — Departure
Private transfer, with optional onward extension to Suzhou or Hangzhou.
Customize This Journey
Add a Peking opera workshop, dumpling-making, a family scavenger trail, premium train seats, accessible pacing or a water-town night.
