Spring Festival Cultural Odyssey: Beijing to Shanghai
An Authentic Journey into China's Grandest Celebration
Tour Overview
This meticulously crafted 9-day itinerary offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) like a local. Travel through China's three most iconic cities – Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai – during the most festive time of the year. The journey is designed to provide deep cultural immersion, from sharing a reunion meal with a Chinese family and joining vibrant temple fairs to exploring ancient wonders adorned with festive decorations.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Jan 26th, 2025 | Arrival in Beijing – Prelude to the Festival
Activities: Airport transfer and hotel check-in. Independent exploration to sense the pre-festival atmosphere.
Meals: No meals
Accommodation: Citadines Ritan Service Apartment (★★★★)
Experience: Arrive in the capital and immediately feel the building excitement for the Lunar New Year. The city begins its transformation with red lanterns and decorations.
Day 2: Jan 27th, 2025 | Beijing – Ancient Wonders Before the Storm
Activities: Mutianyu Great Wall hike or cable car experience; Forbidden City exploration.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Citadines Ritan Service Apartment (★★★★)
Experience: Strategically visit the Great Wall before the New Year travel rush. Imagine imperial New Year preparations while exploring the vast Forbidden City, contrasting ancient celebrations with modern festivities.
Day 3: Jan 28th, 2025 | Beijing – Lunar New Year's Eve Immersion
Activities: Temple of Heaven; Hutong tour with local family visit and reunion lunch.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch (Special family reunion meal)
Accommodation: Citadines Ritan Service Apartment (★★★★)
Experience: The highlight of your journey! Experience Chinese New Year's Eve traditions firsthand. Visit the Temple of Heaven, then join a local family in their Hutong home for an authentic reunion lunch, exchange red envelopes, and participate in time-honored customs.
Day 4: Jan 29th, 2025 | Beijing – Temple Fair Celebration
Activities: Free day with recommended visit to Ditan Park Temple Fair.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Citadines Ritan Service Apartment (★★★★)
Experience: Dive into the heart of Beijing's New Year celebrations at the renowned Ditan Park Temple Fair. Enjoy traditional performances, handicraft demonstrations, and local snacks. Receive a special New Year coupon for transportation.
Day 5: Jan 30th, 2025 | Beijing to Xi'an – Ancient Capital Festivities
Activities: Flight to Xi'an; Big Wild Goose Pagoda; Ancient City Wall with lantern show.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Atour Hotel Xi'an Nanmen (★★★★)
Experience: Travel to the ancient capital Xi'an and witness the magnificent Ancient City Wall illuminated with special New Year lantern displays. Experience how another Chinese cultural center celebrates the Spring Festival.
Day 6: Jan 31st, 2025 | Xi'an – Imperial Legacy and Muslim Quarter
Activities: Terracotta Warriors Museum; Bell Tower; Muslim Quarter exploration.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Atour Hotel Xi'an Nanmen (★★★★)
Experience: Discover the incredible Terracotta Army, then immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere of the Muslim Quarter, where traditional Chinese New Year celebrations blend with unique cultural influences.
Day 7: Feb 1st, 2025 | Xi'an to Shanghai – Modern Metropolis Celebration
Activities: Flight to Shanghai; Shanghai Alley and Shikumen tour; Old Street; Nanjing Road; The Bund with fireworks.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Sunrise On The Bund Hotel (★★★★)
Experience: Transition to China's most modern city. Explore traditional Shikumen architecture, then join locals on the Bund for spectacular fireworks displays, experiencing Shanghai's unique blend of tradition and modernity during the New Year.
Day 8: Feb 2nd, 2025 | Shanghai – Water Town Charm
Activities: Tongli Water Town with canal boat ride; Pingjiang Ancient Street; Lingering Garden.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Sunrise On The Bund Hotel (★★★★)
Experience: Escape to the beautifully decorated Tongli Water Town, where traditional New Year decorations create a magical atmosphere. Experience the unique charm of a water town celebration, complemented by a visit to one of China's four great gardens.
Day 9: Feb 3rd, 2025 | Departure from Shanghai
Activities: Airport transfer for departure.
Meals: Breakfast
Experience: Bid farewell to China as the Spring Festival celebrations continue, carrying memories of authentic cultural experiences and festive celebrations across three diverse Chinese cities.