Imperial Capitals & Modern Marvels of China
Rediscover China's Ancient Heartbeat and Contemporary Pulse
Journey Overview
From Imperial Grandeur to Urban Sophistication
This meticulously crafted 8-day private tour unveils China's soul through its most iconic cities. Experience Beijing's imperial majesty, Xi'an's ancient wonders, and Shanghai's modern dynamism in a perfectly paced itinerary that balances historical immersion with contemporary exploration.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Beijing Arrival - Imperial Capital Welcome
Accommodation: Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing ★★★★
Meals: No meals included
Your China exploration begins with a warm welcome at Beijing Capital International Airport. Our private guide and driver will ensure a seamless transfer to your centrally located hotel. After check-in, the remainder of your day is free to recover from your journey or take an initial stroll through the vibrant Wangfujing area near your hotel.
Day 2: Beijing's Imperial Core - Power and Prayer
Accommodation: Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Morning (09:00-12:30): Begin at Tiananmen Square, the world's largest public square, before entering the magnificent Forbidden City. Explore the vast complex of imperial palaces that housed Chinese emperors for nearly 500 years. Conclude your morning with a climb up Jingshan Park for breathtaking panoramic views of the Forbidden City's sweeping rooftops.
Lunch (12:30-14:00): Authentic Chinese cuisine at a carefully selected local restaurant.
Afternoon (14:00-17:30): Visit the Temple of Heaven, where emperors performed sacred rituals for abundant harvests. The architectural perfection and serene park surroundings provide deep insight into Ming dynasty philosophy. Complete your day with treasure hunting at Panjiayuan Antique Market, followed by personalized evening activity planning with your guide.
Day 3: Great Wall Majesty - Ancient Fortifications Meet Modern Olympics
Accommodation: Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Morning (09:00-12:30): Journey to Mutianyu Great Wall, renowned for its stunning scenery and excellent preservation. Choose between hiking or taking the cable car to access this marvel of ancient engineering, then walk along the watchtowers that once defended the empire.
Lunch (12:30-14:00): Local specialties at a restaurant near the Great Wall.
Afternoon (14:00-17:30): Return to Beijing with a visit to Olympic Park, viewing the exteriors of the iconic Bird's Nest stadium and Water Cube. These architectural masterpieces represent China's 21st-century global emergence, creating a fascinating contrast with the morning's ancient wonders.
Day 4: Local Life & Imperial Gardens - Beijing to Xi'an Transition
Accommodation: Somerset Xindicheng Xi'an ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Morning (10:00-11:30): Experience traditional Beijing life with a rickshaw tour through the ancient hutongs. These narrow alleyways reveal the city's authentic character and provide intimate glimpses into local daily life.
Mid-day (11:30-14:30): Explore the magnificent Summer Palace, China's largest and best-preserved imperial garden. Enjoy a scenic boat ride on Kunming Lake before lunch at a nearby restaurant.
Afternoon: Transfer to Beijing West Railway Station for your high-speed train to Xi'an (approximately 5 hours). Upon arrival, your Xi'an guide will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel.
Day 5: Terracotta Warriors & Ancient Capital - Xi'an's Historical Treasures
Accommodation: Somerset Xindicheng Xi'an ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Morning (09:00-12:30): Discover the breathtaking Terracotta Warriors, one of the most significant archaeological finds of the 20th century. Witness thousands of life-sized soldiers, horses, and chariots arranged in battle formation. Visit a pottery factory to understand the ancient creation techniques.
Lunch (12:30-14:00): Chinese lunch near the Terracotta Army site.
Afternoon (14:00-17:30): Explore Xi'an's city center including the magnificent Bell Tower, then visit Gao's Courtyard to appreciate traditional architecture and learn about Chinese folk arts like paper-cutting. Conclude at the vibrant Muslim Quarter, where you can sample diverse local street foods and shop for unique souvenirs.
Day 6: Ancient Walls to Modern Flight - Xi'an to Shanghai
Accommodation: SSAW Boutique Hotel Shanghai Bund ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Morning (10:00-12:30): Walk or cycle along Xi'an's Ancient City Wall, the most complete city wall that has survived in China. Visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and enjoy the spectacular fountain show at North Square.
Afternoon (12:30-16:30): After lunch, visit the Hanyang Mausoleum, China's largest underground museum, before transferring to Xi'an Airport for your flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, your Shanghai guide will greet you and transfer you to your Bund-area hotel.
Day 7: Shanghai Contrasts - Spiritual Serenity & Urban Glamour
Accommodation: SSAW Boutique Hotel Shanghai Bund ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Morning (09:00-12:30): Begin at the serene Jade Buddha Temple, home to priceless Buddhist artifacts. Then view the iconic Oriental Pearl TV Tower from the Riverside Promenade, with a stop at the Silk Museum to understand China's ancient textile heritage.
Lunch (12:30-13:30): Local Shanghai cuisine at a traditional restaurant.
Afternoon (13:30-17:30): Explore the classical Yuyuan Garden, then experience Shanghai's commercial energy at Shanghai Old Street and Nanjing Road. Conclude with a leisurely walk along the Bund, admiring the stunning contrast between colonial architecture and Pudong's futuristic skyline.
Day 8: Shanghai Departure - Modern Marvels Farewell
Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy a leisurely morning before your transfer to Shanghai Pudong Airport. For an unforgettable final experience, we can arrange a ride on the Maglev train, the world's fastest commercial train, reaching speeds of 430 km/h. Alternatively, a comfortable private vehicle transfer is available.
Tour services conclude with airport arrival.