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China · Beijing Private

China Classic Tour: A Harmony of Past and Present

A classic first China journey through Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai

Duration 7 Nights, 8 Days
Tour code ARIA-CN-2601
Route Beijing – Xi’an – Shanghai
Tour type Private
Feature Past & Present, Cultural Continuum, Living History
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Overview

Through this 8-day journey, we invite you to experience the most iconic sides of China—both past and present. You will explore Beijing’s landmark sites such as the Forbidden City and the Great Wall, and wander through traditional hutongs to discover everyday local life.In Xi’an, you will uncover the history and cultural significance behind the Terracotta Warriors, and walk along the Ancient City Wall to appreciate the city’s deep historical heritage.In Shanghai, you will witness China’s contemporary style—how the city blends historic architecture with modern urban design to shape its distinctive skyline and streetscape.This is an ideal journey for first-time visitors to China, offering a well-rounded introduction to its culture, history, and modern life.
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Highlights

Day 1-4 BeijingDay 5-6 Xi’anDay 7-8 Shanghai
Beijing Central Axis Night ViewForbidden CityJingshan ParkLama TempleShichahai LakeGreat WallBird’s Nest and Water CubeLiangma RiverTemple of HeavenMuslim QuarterAncient City WallTerracotta Army MuseumGiant Wild Goose PagodaGreat Tang All Day MallHan Yang Ling MuseumAnfu RoadYu GardenMaglev TrainShanghai TowerNanjing RoadThe BundShanghai City Views
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Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Beijing

Beijing

Welcome to Beijing. After your journey, your China tour begins in a easy way.

Your local guide will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free. You may rest in your room or take a short walk nearby to get a first look at the city.

Day 2

Beijing Classic City Tour

Beijing

Start your day at Tiananmen Square. Then walk through the Meridian Gate into the Forbidden City, the former imperial palace of 24 emperors. Later, go up to Jingshan Park for a wide view over the palace roofs.

In the afternoon, visit the Lama Temple and take part in the simple ritual of incense offering. End the day at Shichahai Lake. Walk around the lakeside and nearby hutongs as the sun goes down.

Forbidden City — China Classic Tour: A Harmony of Past and Present
Jingshan Park — China Classic Tour: A Harmony of Past and Present
Lama Temple — China Classic Tour: A Harmony of Past and Present
Shichahai Lake — China Classic Tour: A Harmony of Past and Present
Day 3

Beijing Great Wall Tour

Beijing

Today you will visit the Mutianyu Great Wall. Walk along the wall and enjoy the mountain views.

After that, you will visit the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube, known for representing the spirit of modern China and its grand Olympic history.

In the evening, take a walk along the Liangma River. The area is calm and lively at the same time, with bars and lights along the water.

Mutianyu Great Wall — China Classic Tour: A Harmony of Past and Present
Birds Nest And Water Cube — China Classic Tour: A Harmony of Past and Present
Liangma River — China Classic Tour: A Harmony of Past and Present
Day 4

Beijing—Xian transfer by high-speed train

Beijing

In the morning, visit the Temple of Heaven. You may also join local people practicing Tai Chi in the park.

After the visit, you will be transferred to train station for your trip to Xi’an. On arrival, your local team will meet you and take you to your hotel.

After arrival, you can first stroll through Muslim Quarter with your guide, get a feel for local life, and sample some regional specialties.

Temple Of Heaven — China Classic Tour: A Harmony of Past and Present
Muslim Quarter — China Classic Tour: A Harmony of Past and Present
Day 5

Xian Terracotta Army Tour

Xi’an

Explore Xi’an today. Walk on the Ancient City Wall in the old town area.

Later, visit the Terracotta Army Museum, where thousands of life-sized soldiers stand in formation. Then visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, built during the Tang Dynasty in 652 AD.

In the evening, visit the Great Tang All Day Mall. Enjoy local food and walk through the lively night streets.

Ancient City Wall — China Classic Tour: A Harmony of Past and Present
Terracotta Army Museum — China Classic Tour: A Harmony of Past and Present
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda — China Classic Tour: A Harmony of Past and Present
Great Tang All Day Mall — China Classic Tour: A Harmony of Past and Present
Day 6

Xian Transfer To Shanghai By Flight

Xi’an

On the way to the airport, you will make a stop at the Han Yang Ling Museum to discover its unique underground vaults.

After the visit, your guide will take you to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. On arrival, your local guide will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. After arriving today, you can take a leisurely stroll along Anfu Road with your guide.

Han Yang Ling Museum — China Classic Tour: A Harmony of Past and Present
Anfu Road — China Classic Tour: A Harmony of Past and Present
Day 7

Shanghai Classic City Tour

Shanghai

Start your day in Yu Garden, a classic Ming Dynasty garden in the old city.

Then try the Maglev Train, one of the fastest trains in the world. Continue to Shanghai Tower and go up to the observation deck for a city view.

In the evening, walk along Nanjing Road. End the day with a slow walk on The Bund, where old buildings face the modern skyline across the river.

Yu Garden — China Classic Tour: A Harmony of Past and Present
Maglev Train — China Classic Tour: A Harmony of Past and Present
Shanghai Tower — China Classic Tour: A Harmony of Past and Present
Nanjing Road — China Classic Tour: A Harmony of Past and Present
The Bund — China Classic Tour: A Harmony of Past and Present
Day 8

Shanghai Departure

Shanghai

Today is your last day in Shanghai. The day is free for you to relax or take a final walk in the city.

When ready, your guide and driver will meet you at the hotel and take you to the airport. End of your trip.

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What's Included & Excluded

Included
  • Hotel Accommodation: based on twin share with western style breakfast
  • Guide Service: excellent English-speaking tour guide service
  • Vehicle Service: air-conditioning coach with experienced drivers
  • Domestic Transportation: Internal Air/high-speed train (Economy Class)
  • Entrance fees as per itinerary
  • Airport pick-up and drop-off
  • 24/7 On-Call Support
Excluded
  • International Airfare
  • Tips for guide and driver
  • Personal expenses
  • Entry Visa
  • Optional Activities
  • Payment processing fees
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Add-on Options

Add-on Description
Lunch and Dinner If you would like to explore more local cuisine, feel free to ask us—we will be happy to recommend the most authentic and distinctive local dishes.
Terracotta Warriors Craft Workshop If you’re still inspired after visiting the Terracotta Warriors, you can join a hands-on workshop nearby to craft your own clay warrior and experience the mindset of ancient artisans from over a thousand years ago.
Pedicab Tour of Shichahai In-depth Pedicab Tour of Shichahai: visit Yinding Bridge, enjoy the night view of Houhai, listen to hutong stories, and immerse yourself in old Beijing culture.
Huangpu River Night Cruise A Huangpu River Night Cruise is one of the best ways to experience Shanghai after dark.As you sail along the Huangpu River, you can enjoy stunning views of both the historic Bund and the modern skyline of Lujiazui, all beautifully illuminated at night. The city lights create a vibrant and memorable atmosphere, perfect for photos.
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Hotels

Hotel can make reservations based on your needs. You can choose your hotel; we offer

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Budget-friendly and clean 3-star hotels

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Comfortable and tidy 4-star hotels

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Luxurious local 5-star hotels

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High-end international 5-star hotels

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in this private tour?
This private tour can include an English-speaking guide, private vehicle service, planned sightseeing arrangements, and support before and during the trip. Entrance tickets, meals, hotels, and transfers can be arranged based on the final itinerary and quotation.
Can the itinerary be customized?
Yes. This is a private tour, so the route, pace, hotel level, meal arrangements, and add-on experiences can be adjusted around your travel dates, interests, and comfort.
Are hotels included?
Hotel arrangements can be included or quoted separately according to your preference. We can help arrange clean 3-star hotels, comfortable 4-star hotels, local 5-star hotels, or high-end international options.
How do I book this tour?
Send us your travel dates, group size, hotel preference, and any special interests. We will confirm the route, adjust the itinerary if needed, and provide a tailored quotation before booking.
How can I pay for the tour?
We accept most common payment methods, including debit cards, credit cards, WeChat Pay, Alipay, PayPal, and other available options depending on your location.
Can meals be customized according to personal needs?
Yes. Meals can be customized according to your needs. If you have special dietary requirements, such as vegetarian, vegan, Muslim-friendly, or halal meals, we can coordinate suitable arrangements in advance.
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Customize This Private Tour

This is a fully private tour — every route, pace, hotel level and meal can be reshaped around your dates, group size and interests.

Tell us a little and a real China specialist replies within 24 hours. No obligation.

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