8-Day Classic Three-City Tour of Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai

Hello! Welcome to China! Your tour guide and driver will greet you at the exit and escort you to a selected hotel in the heart of Beijing. You are free to spend the rest of the day as you wish. You can take advantage of this time to rest and adjust, relieve fatigue from jet lag, or explore the surroundings of the hotel on your own to experience the charm of Beijing early.

After breakfast, your guide will pick you up at the hotel and take you to Tiananmen Square, the world's largest urban square, which attracts numerous tourists with its vast space and profound history. Then, we will enter the Forbidden City, the palace and ruling center of the Ming and Qing dynasties' emperors, featuring over 9,000 rooms and numerous precious artifacts. As you wander through it, you will feel the deep historical background. Afterward, climb up Jingshan Hill to overlook the panoramic view of the Forbidden City, enjoying its magnificent architecture that has stood the test of time.

In the afternoon, we will explore Beijing's ancient hutongs, immersing ourselves in the unique lifestyle of old Beijing. Walking through these historic alleys, you can not only taste authentic traditional cuisine but also interact with local residents, further experiencing the cultural charm of the ancient city.

In the morning, we will head to the Temple of Heaven, where Ming and Qing emperors offered sacrifices to heaven for good harvests. The Circular Mound Altar, Hall of Heavenly Vault, and Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests are representative buildings where emperors held solemn rituals, praying for national stability and harvest.

Later, we will proceed to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. This section of the Great Wall is renowned for its stunning scenery and fewer tourists. As one of the eight Wonders of the World, the Great Wall stretches for thousands of miles from Shanhaiguan in the east to Jiayuguan in the west, crossing mountains, rivers, and deserts, witnessing more than two thousand years of historical changes. Each brick and beacon tower carries a story of glory.

In the morning, we will visit the Summer Palace, a royal garden located in the western suburbs of Beijing, surrounded by mountains and waters, picturesque in scenery. Climb up the Wanshou Hill, where the Buddha Tower stands tall, showcasing the magnificent grandeur of the royal garden. As you stroll through the garden, it feels like a time warp, where you can not only sense the majesty of the royal aura but also appreciate the harmonious coexistence of nature and humanity.

In the afternoon, we will take the high-speed train to Xi'an, an ancient city that has undergone the rise and fall of 13 dynasties. As the modern embodiment of Tang Dynasty Chang'an, it was one of the most prosperous cities worldwide over 1,000 years ago, attracting people from more than 300 countries and regions.

Today, as we approach the Terracotta Army Museum, it feels like a time travel back to China over 2,000 years ago, the era of bronze weapons and war horses. Standing in front of the neatly arranged terracotta statues, you can deeply feel the magnificent momentum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang's conquest of the six states and unification of the Central Plains.

Returning to Xi'an City, we will visit the Ancient City Wall and take a leisurely walk along it, feeling like embarking on a historical journey. The bricks underfoot record the changes since the Tang Dynasty and witness the alternation of dynasties. This nearly 14-kilometer-long city wall is both a defensive fortification and a witness to history.

Subsequently, we will step into the Muslim Quarter, where the entire street is filled with a strong market atmosphere. There is a variety of Xi'an snacks, and the rich Muslim culture is everywhere. Mosques built in different periods add unique cultural charm to the street.

Firstly, we will take you to the Xi'an Museum of History. This museum, known as the "Treasure House of China," houses over 113,977 historical artifacts, showcasing the epitome of China's thousands of years of glorious history and splendid ancient culture. Here, you can view up close exquisite bronze wares from the Western Zhou Dynasty, the world-famous terracotta statues, and precious gold and silver utensils and murals unearthed from Tang Dynasty tombs.

Then, we will proceed to the iconic Small Wild Goose Pagoda within Jianfu Temple, whose unique Tang-style architectural style will definitely leave a deep impression on you.

In the afternoon, we will drive you to the airport to catch your flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, your tour guide will greet you at the airport and accompany you to your hotel to ensure a smooth check-in. On the same evening, you can rest well and prepare for tomorrow's journey.

After breakfast, we will head to Yu Garden, a famous classical garden located in downtown Shanghai. In this ancient garden, you can take a leisurely stroll, admire traditional Chinese architecture, and savor exquisite sculptures and carvings. The market surrounding Yu Garden is a great place to taste authentic snacks and shop for traditional Chinese handicrafts and artworks.

Next, we will proceed to bustling Nanjing Road. From here, you can walk along Huaihai Middle Road or Nanchang Road to reach the historic French Concession. This area preserves many old Shikumen buildings, showcasing Shanghai's unique urban landscape. The French Concession also boasts numerous modern cafes, boutiques, and galleries, as well as some celebrities' former residences and historical sites worth exploring in detail.

Finally, take one of the fastest elevators globally to the observation deck of the Shanghai Tower. From here, you can overlook the entire Shanghai, including the Oriental Pearl Radio & TV Tower, the Huangpu River, and the city's skyline.