01
Arrive Beijing
Airport pickup. Welcome briefing with your guide. Free evening to recover.
Essential · Beijing · Xi'an · Shanghai — the essential first journey
Classic Golden Triangle
8 days · From USD 1,499 per person · Beijing · Xi'an · Shanghai
Inquire About This Journey
Overview
Eight days through China's three most essential cities — the imperial capital, the ancient Tang heart, and the modern metropolis. You'll walk the Great Wall at Mutianyu, stand before the Terracotta Warriors, and watch the sunset over the Bund. Private guide and driver in each city.
Duration
8 days
From
USD 1,499
per person
Tier
Essential
Service Level
Essential tier
Private English-speaking guide and driver in each city. 4-star hotels with Western breakfast. High-speed train and domestic flight between cities.
Best For
- ● First-time visitors
- ● History and culture interests
- ● Couples and small families
- ● Travelers with 8-9 days available
Highlights
What makes this journey distinct
- ✦ Mutianyu Great Wall
- ✦ Forbidden City with skip-the-line
- ✦ Terracotta Warriors with all three pits
- ✦ Muslim Quarter food walk in Xi'an
- ✦ High-speed train Beijing → Xi'an
- ✦ Domestic flight Xi'an → Shanghai
- ✦ The Bund + Yu Garden in Shanghai
Day by Day
The Itinerary
02
Imperial Beijing
Tiananmen Square, the full Forbidden City, lunch in a hutong, afternoon at Jingshan Park. Optional Peking duck dinner.
03
Great Wall + Tombs
Drive to Mutianyu (~90 min). 3-4 hours hiking the wall. Visit Ming Tombs Sacred Way on the way back if time permits.
04
Beijing → Xi'an
Morning at Temple of Heaven. After lunch, high-speed train to Xi'an (5 hrs, 1st class). Evening: cycle or walk the ancient city wall.
05
Terracotta Warriors
Half-day at the Terracotta Warriors site, all three pits with your guide. Afternoon at Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Evening food walk through the Muslim Quarter.
06
Xi'an → Shanghai
Morning visit to Shaanxi History Museum. Transfer to airport for flight to Shanghai. Met at airport, transfer to hotel. Evening Bund stroll.
07
Shanghai Highlights
Yu Garden + Old Town in the morning. Afternoon in the French Concession. Visit Shanghai Museum (closed Mondays). Optional Huangpu River evening cruise.
08
Departure
Free morning. Airport transfer for your departure flight.
What's Included
Inclusions
- ✓ Private English-speaking guide in each city
- ✓ Private vehicle with driver
- ✓ 7 nights 4-star hotel (Western breakfast)
- ✓ 1st class high-speed train Beijing → Xi'an
- ✓ Economy domestic flight Xi'an → Shanghai
- ✓ All entrance fees on itinerary
- ✓ Daily lunch at recommended restaurants
- ✓ Airport pickup and drop-off
Not Included
Exclusions
- ○ International flights
- ○ China visa (we provide guidance)
- ○ Travel insurance
- ○ Personal expenses & gratuities
- ○ Optional dinners
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Ready to make this your journey?
Every journey we craft is fully customizable to your dates, pace, and interests. Tell us what you envision and we'll respond within 24 hours.