Upon your arrival at Shanghai airport, your professional private driver and English-speaking guide will warmly welcome you. Enjoy comfortable private transfer service and check into your hotel. Take time to rest and adjust to the time difference, getting fully prepared for your upcoming China adventure.

Meals: No meals included

Start your cultural day tour at Yu Garden, an exquisite classical Jiangnan-style ancient garden built in the Ming Dynasty, featuring elegant pavilions, rock formations and winding water pools. Next wander the lively City God Temple bazaar surrounding the garden, where traditional folk handicrafts and authentic local Shanghai snacks gather.

Then visit Tianzifang, a characteristic art alley preserved from old-Shanghai shikumen residences. Roam through narrow lanes filled with creative boutique shops, handmade craft stores and cozy exotic cafes, blending vintage residential charm with modern artistic vibes.

Stroll down bustling Nanjing Road, China’s iconic commercial pedestrian street, before you reach the historic Bund waterfront. Admire rows of magnificent colonial-era buildings facing the futuristic Pudong skyline. End your day with a relaxing Huangpu River cruise, soaking in the dazzling illuminated night views of both Puxi and Pudong.

Meals: Western buffet breakfast

Escape the busy downtown of Shanghai for Zhujiajiao, one of China’s best-preserved ancient water towns. Wander across centuries-old stone arch bridges, along flowing water lanes and old flag-stone streets.

Immerse yourself in authentic Jiangnan scenery defined by white-washed walls and black tiled roofs. Slow down and experience the laid-back traditional water-town lifestyle of the Yangtze River Delta.

Meals: Western buffet breakfast

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Shanghai railway station to board China’s high-speed bullet train to Xi’an. Experience China’s world-class high-speed rail network — enjoy smooth, quiet travel with spacious seating while watching diverse landscapes roll past outside your window.

Upon arrival in Xi’an, your local private guide and driver will meet you at the railway station and transfer you to your hotel. In the late afternoon, visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, an iconic Tang-Dynasty Buddhist landmark built more than 1,300 years ago. In the evening, explore the vibrant Datang Everbright City . Walk along pedestrian avenues decorated with magnificent Tang-style light , street performances and lively crowds, stepping back into the glamour of ancient Tang-Dynasty Chang’an.

Meals:Western buffet breakfast

Today you will visit the world-famous Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum (Terracotta Army), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. Marvel at thousands of life-sized clay warriors and horses, each with unique facial details, created to guard the tomb of China’s first emperor. Your knowledgeable guide will share vivid historical stories behind this spectacular site.

Back in downtown Xi’an, tour the Great Mosque, a centuries-old Islamic temple beautifully blending Chinese traditional architecture and Muslim design. Afterwards, admire the grand ancient Bell Tower and Drum Tower from outside (exterior visit only), the symbolic heart of old Xi’an. End your sightseeing by wandering the lively Muslim Quarter (Huimin Street), a bustling food market packed with local halal snacks and ethnic-style stores.

Meals:Western buffet breakfast

After breakfast, transfer to Xi’an railway station and take the high-speed train northbound to Beijing. Upon arrival in China’s capital city, your Beijing-based guide and driver will greet you and escort you to your hotel.

In the afternoon, explore the Forbidden City (Palace Museum), the magnificent imperial palace home to 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Walk through grand courtyards, ceremonial halls and exquisite palatial buildings, while your guide unfolds stories of royal life, court rituals and ancient Chinese history.

Meals: Western buffet breakfast

Spend your morning visiting the Temple of Heaven, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This grand ancient sacrificial complex was where Ming and Qing emperors worshipped heaven and prayed for good harvests. Learn about ancient Chinese cosmology reflected in its “round-heaven, square-earth” architectural layout and visit the iconic Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests.

visiting the In the afternoon, head for Mutianyu Great Wall, widely recommended for overseas visitors. This well-preserved section of the Great Wall features lush mountain scenery and relatively fewer crowds. Hike along the winding ancient stone ramparts perched atop rolling mountain ridges, feel the overwhelming grandeur of this world-famous ancient wonder and capture precious travel photos.

Meals: Western buffet breakfast

After this wonderful 8-day cross-China journey covering modern Shanghai, ancient Tang-Dynasty Xi’an and imperial Beijing, your private China tour draws to a perfect close. According to your flight schedule, you will enjoy private airport transfer service for your departure flight. Fly home with unforgettable memories of China’s history, culture and modern charm.

Meals: Western buffet breakfast