10-Day Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai Private Tour

China’s Classic Golden Triangle Route

This 10-day private customized journey takes you to China’s three most iconic cities and connects several UNESCO World Heritage sites, making it an ideal choice for first-time visitors to China.

The itinerary below is a suggested version. You are also welcome to share your interests, travel style, and budget with us, and our travel consultants can further tailor the trip to your needs.

Suggested 10-Day Itinerary Overview

Days 1–6 | Beijing

Temple of Heaven, hutong culture, Universal Beijing Resort, Gubei Water Town, Mutianyu Great Wall, and flexible free time

Days 7–8 | Xi’an

Terracotta Warriors, traditional cave dwelling experience, Ancient City Wall, local markets, and historical culture

Days 9–10 | Shanghai

The Bund, Shanghai Tower, skyline views, and a half-day customized experience

Signature Experiences

Stroll Through the UNESCO-listed Temple of Heaven

The Temple of Heaven was the sacred site where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties worshiped heaven and prayed for good harvests. With its symbolic cosmology of “round heaven and square earth,” beamless architectural wonders, and acoustic marvels, it offers an immersive experience of 600 years of architectural beauty and royal culture.

Walk Along the Well-Preserved Mutianyu Great Wall

Mutianyu is one of the most popular and best-preserved sections of the Great Wall. You may explore it at your own pace, walk between watchtowers, and admire the spectacular scenery of the wall winding across the mountains.

Savor Authentic Chinese Flavors

Enjoy crispy and flavorful Peking duck in Beijing, and discover a wide variety of local snacks and regional flavors in Shanghai.

Discover the Stories Behind the Terracotta Warriors and Make Your Own Mini Warrior

Your local guide will share the fascinating history behind this world-famous archaeological discovery. See the life-sized Terracotta Warriors up close, learn about ancient craftsmanship, and visit a traditional cave dwelling where you can make your own mini terracotta warrior by hand.

Cycle or Walk on Xi’an’s Ancient City Wall

Experience Xi’an from a different perspective by walking or cycling on its Ancient City Wall. From above, you can overlook the cityscape and feel the echoes of the ancient capital’s history.

Discover the Stories of the Bund’s Architecture and Ascend Shanghai Tower

This is more than just a photo stop at the Bund. You will follow a deeper route back to 1920s and 1930s Shanghai, learning about architectural details and the stories behind them, before ascending Shanghai Tower to enjoy the breathtaking skyline of modern Shanghai.

Enjoy a Half-Day “Icing on the Cake” Customized Experience

Whether you want to relax, explore fashion, appreciate art, experience local life, or shop for special souvenirs, we can arrange a personalized half-day activity to make the end of your journey even more memorable.

Detailed Suggested Itinerary

The following is a suggested itinerary. We would be happy to further customize it according to your interests and schedule.

Day 1 | Arrival in Beijing

Your private guide will greet you in the arrival hall, and then a comfortable private vehicle with an experienced driver will transfer you to your hotel.

We hope your journey in China begins with a smooth and relaxing arrival experience, leaving you with a wonderful first impression.

Day 2 | Beijing | Temple of Heaven in the Morning, Hutongs in the Afternoon

In the morning, visit the Temple of Heaven, where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties once worshiped heaven and prayed for good harvests. If you arrive early, you may also see local residents doing morning exercises, practicing tai chi, singing, or dancing.

In the afternoon, stroll through Beijing’s traditional hutongs and experience the historic alleyways and everyday local life of old Beijing at a relaxed pace.

Day 3 | Beijing | Universal Beijing Resort

Spend the whole day at Universal Beijing Resort. This is one of Beijing’s most popular theme parks, featuring multiple immersive themed lands, exciting rides, and live entertainment. You may enjoy the park at your own pace.

Day 4 | Beijing | Gubei Water Town

Enjoy a full-day excursion to Gubei Water Town. Known for its stone bridges, canals, charming old streets, and mountain backdrop, it offers a distinctive northern water town atmosphere completely different from downtown Beijing, making it perfect for slow exploration and photography.

Day 5 | Beijing | Mutianyu Great Wall in the Morning, Free Time in the Afternoon

In the morning, head to Mutianyu Great Wall, one of the most scenic and beautifully restored sections of the Great Wall. You may climb the wall at your own pace, walk between watchtowers, and enjoy the magnificent mountain views.

After returning to downtown Beijing in the afternoon, you will have free time for rest, shopping, or personal sightseeing activities.

Day 6 | Beijing to Xi’an | Free Time in the Morning, High-Speed Train to Xi’an in the Afternoon

Enjoy free time in Beijing in the morning, either relaxing before departure or arranging a short visit based on your personal interests.

In the afternoon, transfer to the railway station and take a high-speed train to Xi’an, enjoying China’s modern and efficient rail system.

Day 7 | Xi’an | Terracotta Warriors and Traditional Cave Dwelling Experience

In the morning, visit the Terracotta Warriors Museum to explore this magnificent underground army buried for more than 2,000 years and learn about its historical background.

After that, visit a local craftsman’s traditional cave dwelling and learn how to make your own mini terracotta warrior by hand.

Upon returning to the city, visit Xi’an’s Ancient City Wall. This wall has protected the inner city for over 600 years. You may walk along the wall to admire the city views or choose to rent a bike and cycle on top of it.

Day 8 | Xi’an to Shanghai | Xi’an Highlights and Flight to Shanghai

Continue exploring Xi’an’s history and culture with visits to Xi’an Museum and the Little Wild Goose Pagoda.

Afterward, head to the Muslim Quarter, where you can wander through its lively streets and taste a variety of local Muslim snacks.

In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, your Shanghai guide will greet you and escort you to your hotel.

Day 9 | Shanghai | The Bund and Shanghai Tower

This is more than just taking photos at the Bund. You will explore the Bund in a deeper way, discovering its history and stories as if stepping back into the golden age of the 1920s and 1930s.

Enter some of the historic buildings, hear the stories behind them, and then ascend Shanghai Tower, one of the tallest buildings in China, to admire the grand views of the modern metropolis.

Half-Day “Icing on the Cake” Customized Experience: After around ten days of travel in China, you may wish to end your journey in a way that better matches your personal interests. Whether you prefer relaxation, art experiences, fashion exploration, or local lifestyle activities, we can tailor a special arrangement for you.

Day 10 | Departure from Shanghai

Your guide, driver, and vehicle will wait for you in the hotel lobby on time and transfer you to the airport.

We will also assist you with the departure procedures and guide you to the correct security check or boarding area, ensuring a smooth and stress-free departure.

Price Information

Reference price: from US$2,109 per person

The above price is estimated based on a private tour for two travelers. The actual cost may vary depending on the final itinerary, travel dates, number of travelers, and hotel selection.

Price Includes

• Private air-conditioned business vehicle with large windows and spacious seating

• Service of local English-speaking guides

• Activities, hotels, and meals listed in the itinerary

• High-speed train from Beijing to Xi’an, and flight from Xi’an to Shanghai

• 24/7 travel assistance during your trip