Tour of History and modern development of China: Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai

Afternoon — Arrival in Beijing
Welcome to Beijing, the capital of China! To make your arrival as smooth as possible, your private guide greets you in the arrivals hall and escorts you to your hotel by private vehicle. Your guide also handles your luggage and assists with the hotel check-in process.

Evening — At Your Leisure
Lunch or dinner will be arranged according to the voucher provided for you; otherwise, you can find some local restaurants nearby or dine at the hotel. The rest of the day is yours to rest and recover from your journey.

Morning — Temple of Heaven
Begin your day at the Temple of Heaven, an esteemed complex of religious structures where emperors once prayed for good harvests, epitomizing the connection between Earth and Heaven. Built in the Ming Dynasty and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is also a beloved public park where you can watch local residents practicing their distinctive morning exercises.

Lunch — A Well-Known Local Eatery
For lunch, enjoy a meal at a well-known local eatery featuring authentic regional cuisine. Your guide assists you in selecting dishes that suit your taste.

Afternoon — Tian'anmen Square & the Forbidden City
Stroll through Tian'anmen Square, one of the world's largest public squares, then delve into the enigmatic Forbidden City, the world's largest imperial palace. Home to 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties, it contains hundreds of halls and courtyards; venturing off the main axis uncovers fascinating tales of notable figures often overlooked by conventional tours.

Evening — At Your Leisure
The evening is yours to enjoy at your leisure in Beijing.

Morning — Badaling Great Wall
Journey to the Badaling section of the Great Wall, the most restored and visited part, offering dramatic ramparts, steep slopes, and majestic watchtowers. A cable car can carry you up, saving energy for walking the wall.

Afternoon — Ming Tombs (Changling Tomb)
Visit the Ming Tombs, the burial complex of 13 Ming Dynasty emperors, focusing on the Changling Tomb, the largest and best-preserved. Walk the Spirit Way, a sacred pathway lined with dozens of stone animal and official statues guarding the tombs.

Evening — Dinner & Rest
Return to Beijing for dinner at your hotel or a local restaurant, then relax for the evening.

Meals
Lunch and dinner included.

Morning — Summer Palace
Explore the Summer Palace, a Qing Dynasty masterpiece and UNESCO World Heritage Site set around Kunming Lake. Highlights include the Marble Boat, Longevity Hill, and the Long Corridor, whose beams are covered with thousands of painted scenes. A dragon-boat ride across the lake offers a royal perspective on the gardens.

Lunch — Local Restaurant
Pause for lunch before your afternoon train.

Afternoon — High-Speed Train to Xi'an
Board a high-speed train to Xi'an, a journey of roughly 4.5 to 6 hours that carries you past rural landscapes and ancient villages.

Evening — Arrival in Xi'an
On arrival, transfer to your hotel and check in.

Accommodation
Hotel options include Mercure Xi'an, a comfortable hotel with easy access to the sights; Grand Mercure Xi'an, a hotel in traditional Chinese style near the Shaanxi Provincial Government; Hyatt Xi'an, a luxury hotel near South Lake in the city's Cultural Development Zone; and Legend, a luxury hotel in the walled area of Xi'an.

Morning — Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum
Depart from the hotel for a drive to Lintong District to explore one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. Witness thousands of life-sized terracotta soldiers, chariots, and horses arranged in battle formation, built to guard the First Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, in the afterlife. Your guide will walk you through the three main pits, explaining how the army was made and why it remained hidden for over two millennia.

Lunch — near the museum
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant near the museum.

Afternoon — Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
Visit the famous Buddhist pagoda built in 652 AD during the Tang Dynasty to house the sutras and figurines of Buddha brought back from India by the monk Xuanzang. The 64-meter tower is a serene landmark surrounded by gardens and a large musical fountain square. Stroll around the scenic square and park at the base of the pagoda to soak up the atmosphere.

Dinner — at your leisure
Dinner is at your own arrangement this evening.

Evening (after dinner) — Night Tour of Datang Everbright City
Experience the spectacular night views of this grand cultural district, where magnificent Tang-style architecture, brilliant light displays, and cultural performances recreate the splendor of the Tang Dynasty. The 2.1-kilometer pedestrian boulevard is at its most magical after dark.

Morning — The Ancient City Wall
The ancient city wall in Xi'an is one of the few fortresses of its kind to survive in China, dating to the Ming Dynasty and encircling the old city. Walking along the top or riding a bicycle on it is a unique way to take in the city from above.

Afternoon — Departure to Shanghai
Your guide assists with checkout and transfer to the airport or railway station for your onward journey to the next destination.

Morning — Shanghai Museum
The Shanghai Museum, founded in 1952 and relocated to People's Square in 1996, is one of China's premier museums of ancient art, housing over one million artifacts. Its distinctive circular-domed building symbolizes the traditional concept of a round sky above a square earth. Highlights include bronze vessels from the Shang and Zhou dynasties, Song-Ming ceramics, calligraphy, and national treasures such as the Da Ke Ding bronze tripod.

Afternoon — Yu Garden
Yu Garden is a 400-plus-year-old Ming Dynasty classical garden, celebrated for its exquisite rockeries — including the famous Grand Rockery — serene ponds, and pavilions. Designed to harmonize with nature, it reflects the refined landscaping traditions of Jiangnan and houses the prized Exquisite Jade Rock. Adjacent to the City God Temple and the lively Yuyuan Bazaar, it is a cultural treasure of old Shanghai.

Evening — The Bund
As the sun sets, walk the Bund promenade to admire colonial-era landmarks such as the Peace Hotel, then stroll the illuminated waterfront. Across the Huangpu River, Pudong's glowing skyline offers a striking contrast — an optional Huangpu River cruise lets you view both shores from the water.

Morning — Departure from Shanghai
Your guide assists with hotel checkout, and a private vehicle transfers you to Shanghai Pudong International Airport for your onward journey. Your guide helps with your luggage and sees you to the departure hall, ensuring a smooth end to your time in China.