Highlights
•Your knowledgeable local English-speaking private guide will meet you in the hotel lobby;
•An air-conditioned vehicle with a licensed driver will transport you throughout the tour;
•We will arrange pre-booked tickets for the Forbidden City, helping you save time;
•Tickets for a round-trip cable car or toboggan ride are included.
Itinerary Details
Discover the Hidden Halls in the Forbidden City
While most tour groups only visit the six halls on the central axis, your private guide will take you to the hidden halls for a deeper understanding of the history and dodge the crowds.
Walk on a Top-Ranked Part of the Great Wall
The Great Wall at Mutianyu is ranked top among all parts of the Great Wall on TripAdvisor. Walk leisurely through the watchtowers, enjoying a superb view of the Mutianyu Great wall snaking across the mountains.
Taste the Savory Flavor of China
Taste crispy Beijing roast duck, and try some Shanghai local snacks.
Unveil the Secrets of the Terracotta Army
Your local guide will show you around the Terracotta Army and unveil some secrets of the world wonder. See the life-size warriors at the site, get to know how ancient craftsmen made them.
Cycle or Walk on the Ancient Xi'an City Wall to Hear the Echo of History
Enjoy an ancient city perspective by cycling or walking on the City Wall and take a bird's-eye view of Xi'an.
Discover the Prosperity of the Bund
The Bund in Shanghai is a captivating blend of old and new, where the grand neoclassical architecture of the past faces the shimmering glass towers of Pudong, casting golden reflections onto the Huangpu River, especially enchanting at sunrise or under the soft glow of evening lights.
A Blend of Traditional Chinese architecture and Serene Natural Beauty-Yu Garden
Yu Garden, a classic Chinese garden from the Ming Dynasty, is a must-see tourist attraction in Shanghai. Wander through its tranquil landscapes, ancient pavilions, intricate rockeries, and lotus-filled ponds, experiencing the serenity and elegance of traditional Chinese architecture. This historic site offers an immersive experience into Chinese garden design, showcasing the art of harmonious balance between nature and man-made structures.
Itinerary Quick Look
We’re happy to tailor this 8-day private tour to match your interests. Please note that the time frame is for reference only and may vary due to traffic conditions on the day of your tour.
Your tour guide will reach out the day before your tour to confirm the meeting time and location. They will meet you in the hotel lobby as long as the hotel is within the Fourth Ring Road in Beijing. If your hotel is outside the Fourth Ring Road, the guide can still meet you up, but there will be an additional charge.
Day 1 Arrival in Beijing
Airport Pickup: You will be greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel in downtown Beijing to check in and rest.
Hotel Recommendation: Stay at a premium hotel in the city center, close to major attractions for convenient sightseeing.
Free Time: In the evening, take a leisurely walk around Wangfujing Pedestrian Street, enjoying the city’s night view or sampling Beijing's famous snacks.
Day 2 Tiananmen Square – Forbidden City – Hutong Tour
Tiananmen Square (Morning): Start your day with a visit to Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest city square and a symbol of Beijing.
Forbidden City (Midday): Enter the Forbidden City to explore the grandeur of China’s imperial palace from the Ming and Qing dynasties. A guided tour is recommended, and it takes about 3 hours to visit.
Peking Duck Lunch: Enjoy an authentic Peking Duck lunch at renowned restaurants like Quanjude or Da Dong.
Hutong Tour (Afternoon): In the afternoon, explore Beijing’s traditional Hutongs, where you can take a rickshaw ride to experience the local way of life and see the traditional courtyard houses.
Day 3 Mutianyu Great Wall – Summer Palace
Mutianyu Great Wall (Morning): After breakfast, depart from the city center for a 2.5-hour drive to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. This part of the wall offers beautiful scenery and fewer crowds. You can hike or take a cable car. Allocate about 4 hours for this visit.
Lunch: Enjoy a local meal near the Great Wall (at your own expense).
Summer Palace (Afternoon): After returning to the city, visit the Summer Palace, a grand imperial garden featuring serene lakes and classical Chinese architecture, perfect for a leisurely afternoon.
Return to Hotel: Return to the hotel for dinner and relaxation.
Day 4 Temple of Heaven – High-Speed Train to Xi’an
Temple of Heaven (Morning): After breakfast, visit the Temple of Heaven, where emperors prayed for good harvests. Famous for its architectural and historical significance, the visit takes around 2 hours.
Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant (at your own expense).
Beijing West Railway Station: Around 12:55 PM, you will be transferred to the railway station to take a high-speed train to Xi’an (approximately 5.5 hours).
Arrival in Xi'an: Upon arrival around 17:08 PM, you’ll be picked up and transferred to your hotel in downtown Xi’an.
Optional: Enjoy the Legend of the Camel Bells, a performance in the evening.
Day 5 Terracotta Army – Xi’an Ancient City Wall – Great Mosque – Muslim Quarter
Terracotta Army Museum (Morning): In the morning, head to Lintong to visit the world-famous Terracotta Army Museum, where you can discover the grandeur of the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang. The tour lasts about 3 hours.
Xi'an Ancient City Wall (Afternoon): Return to the city to explore the well-preserved Ming Dynasty City Wall. You can walk or rent a bike to ride along the wall and enjoy panoramic views of Xi'an.
Great Mosque: Visit the Great Mosque, one of the oldest and most famous Islamic structures in China, combining Chinese and Islamic architectural styles.
Muslim Quarter: In the evening, explore the Muslim Quarter, where you can taste local Muslim street food such as lamb skewers, roujiamo (meat sandwiches), and noodles.
Optional: Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show in the evening.
Day 6 Big Wild Goose Pagoda – Hanyangling Tomb – Fly to Shanghai – Nanjing Road
Big Wild Goose Pagoda: Visit the iconic landmark to explore Xi'an’s history and Buddhist influence.
Hanyangling Tomb: Explore the mausoleum of Emperor Jing of Han and learn more about Han Dynasty history and culture.
Lunch: Enjoy local snacks before heading to the airport for your 3:30 PM flight to Shanghai.
Arrival in Shanghai: Upon arrival around 6:15 PM, you will be transferred to your hotel.We recommend booking your stay near The Bund or Nanjing Road.
Free Time: After checking in, take the rest of the day to explore at your own pace. You can stroll along the bustling Nanjing Road, one of the world’s busiest shopping streets, lined with a variety of stores, restaurants, and cafes.
Day 7 The Bund – Chenghuang Temple – Yu Garden – French Concession (Tianzifang & Xintiandi) – Huangpu River Cruise
The Bund (Morning): Start your day with a refreshing morning walk along The Bund, the famous waterfront area lined with colonial-era buildings and stunning views of the modern skyscrapers in Pudong, including the Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower, and Jin Mao Tower. It’s a great spot for photos and to feel the pulse of the city. You can also visit some of the iconic buildings like the Peace Hotel or the Customs House.
Chenghuang Temple (Mid-Morning): Head to Chenghuang Temple (City God Temple), a significant Taoist temple and marketplace in the old city. The temple itself is a great place to explore traditional Chinese architecture and religious culture. The surrounding bazaar offers a variety of snacks, souvenirs, and local crafts.
Yu Garden (Midday): Located next to Chenghuang Temple, Yu Garden is a classical Chinese garden that dates back to the Ming Dynasty. Stroll through its serene landscapes, ancient pavilions, rockeries, and ponds, taking in the peace and beauty of one of Shanghai's most treasured historic sites. A visit here can offer insight into Chinese garden art and design.
Lunch Recommendation: Have lunch at a nearby restaurant offering traditional Shanghainese cuisine. Popular dishes include xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), shengjianbao (pan-fried dumplings), and lion's head meatballs.
Tianzifang (Afternoon): In the afternoon, visit Tianzifang, located in the French Concession. This maze of narrow alleyways is home to trendy boutiques, art galleries, cafes, and craft shops. It offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern creativity, making it a favorite spot for both locals and tourists.
Xintiandi (Late Afternoon): From Tianzifang, head to Xintiandi, a pedestrian street known for its stylish mix of old Shikumen architecture and modern cafes, restaurants, and shopping. It’s a popular spot to relax, people-watch, and grab a coffee or tea. The area also offers historical significance, as it’s where the First Congress of the Chinese Communist Party was held in 1921.
Huangpu River Cruise(Evening): In the evening, enjoy a Huangpu River Cruise. This scenic boat ride offers breathtaking views of Shanghai’s skyline, with the modern skyscrapers of Pudong on one side and the historic buildings of The Bund on the other. The city is beautifully illuminated at night, creating an unforgettable experience as you glide along the river.
Day 8 Departure from Shanghai
Airport Transfer: Depending on your flight time, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure, concluding your 8-day journey.
Tour Price
Incl./Excl.
Inclusions
•Private English speaking tour guide
•Private licensed driver service
•Forbidden City admission tickets
•Cable car or toboggan ride at Great Wall
•Private Guide Lobby Meetup
Exclusions
•Hotel Charges
•Entry or exit airfare or train tickets
•Personal expenses
•Meals
•Huangpu River cruise
•Overtime service fee
Important Info
Additional Info.:
1. If tickets or tours are not purchased at least 7 days in advance, you will need to buy your own ticket and wait in line.
2. In the private tour, the guide can meet you in the hotel lobby; however in the case of no private driver service, the private transfer fee is not included, meaning you will needto take a taxi, and the taxi fare will be at your own expense.
3. Optional performance available upon request; we can assist with booking the tickets, and you will cover the ticket cost.
4. It’s recommended to arrive at the hotel lobby on time to help you avoid the crowds and make the most of your day.
5. On special occasions of national significance, you may not be able to enter Tiananmen Square; instead, you will have the option to view it from the car.
6. The Forbidden City and Yu Garden is closed to the public on Mondays.
7. Please remember to bring your passport, as it is required for entry into certain attractions.
8. Wear comfortable walking shoes, as some parts of the tour involve moderate walking.
9. It’s a good idea to have some local currency (CNY) for small purchases, as not all places accept international credit cards.
10. This trip includes domestic flights. The luggage allowance is 20kg for check in luggage and 7kg for carry on.
11. This trip includes travel on fast trains. There are size restrictions for luggage on fast trains. Your main piece of luggage must not exceed 160cm (sum of height, length and width).
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