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Private, on your own dates · China

Golden Triangle of China: Beijing, Xian & Shanghai (8D7N)

An 8-day China tour linking Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai by high-speed train, with the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Terra Cotta Warriors and classic city sights.

The route3 cities, joined by rail.
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8 days, 7 nightsDuration
3 cities, 6 hotelsWhere you sleep
Breakfast provided each day at the hotel, Dinner included daily during the tourMeals

Why this journey

Travel through three of China’s most recognisable cities on this 8-day journey from imperial capitals to a modern skyline. Begin in Beijing, where the scale of Tian’anmen Square, the ceremonial grounds of the Forbidden City and the calm symmetry of the Temple of Heaven set the tone for the trip. Time in the city is balanced with a visit to a pearl factory and a full day at the Great Wall, with Juyongguan offering a memorable section for walking and photographs. A stop at Beijing Olympic Park adds a contemporary note before the rail journey south.

The route then continues by high-speed train to Xi’an, once the starting point of the Silk Road and home to some of China’s most important archaeological treasures. Here the focus shifts to the world-famous Terra Cotta Warriors, followed by a lacquer art workshop and free time on Ancient Style Street. The next day brings the Ancient City Wall and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, giving the itinerary both historical depth and easy city access before boarding the train onward to Shanghai.

Shanghai closes the journey with a strong contrast of heritage and scale. Visit the Jade Buddha Temple, stroll through Yuyuan Garden, and explore the silk-making tradition before heading to Nanjing Road for shopping and The Bund for riverfront views. The evening skyline, with the Oriental Pearl Tower in sight, is the right way to finish a trip that links China’s dynastic past, living traditions and fast-moving present in one clear route.

This package suits travellers who want a compact introduction to China with intercity rail built in, guided sightseeing each day, and hotel-based comfort throughout. It keeps the pace steady while still covering the country’s headline landmarks in a logical sequence.

Trip highlights

  • 01Visit Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai in one direct north-to-south route
  • 02Walk a scenic section of the Great Wall at Juyongguan
  • 03See Tian’anmen Square, the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven in Beijing
  • 04Travel between cities by high-speed train for a smoother multi-city itinerary
  • 05Stand before the Terra Cotta Warriors, one of China’s most important archaeological sites
  • 06Explore Xi’an’s Ancient City Wall and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda
  • 07End with Shanghai’s Bund, Yuyuan Garden and Nanjing Road
  • 08Hotel-based touring with English-speaking guides and included breakfasts each day

Day-by-day itinerary

What's included

Included in your trip8 items covered in this fare
Hotels1
  • Hotel accommodation on twin-sharing basis
Transfers2
  • Private transfers between airports, railway stations, hotels and sightseeing points
  • Driver service in each destination
Entrances1
  • First-gate entrance fees for sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary
Guides1
  • English-speaking guide in each destination
Meals3
  • Breakfast provided each day at the hotel
  • Dinner included daily during the tour
  • Mineral water during touring
Plan and pay separately8 items not covered by this fare
Flights2
  • International airfare and domestic airfare are not included
  • Train tickets are excluded
Visa1
  • Visa fee and passport application or renewal fee are not included
Tips1
  • Tips for guides, escort, drivers and bellmen are excluded
Personal Expenses1
  • Laundry, excess luggage, postage, communications and beverages are at personal expense
Insurance1
  • Travel insurance is excluded
Meals1
  • Any meals not mentioned in inclusions are excluded
Taxes1
  • City tax, hotel/resort tax and tourism fee are excluded

Your hotels

BeijingBeijing Jinfeng Hotel★★★
ShanghaiShanghai Huajing Hotel★★★
BeijingBeijing Superhouse International Hotel★★★★
ShanghaiShanghai Park Inn by Radisson Hotel★★★★
BeijingBeijing Ritan Hotel★★★★★
ShanghaiShanghai Delta by Marriott Hotel★★★★★
Meeting & drop-off
You're met atBeijing Capital International AirportBeijing Capital International Airport, Beijing, ChinaReport by On arrival
You're dropped atShanghai Pudong International AirportBy about After breakfast and check-out on Day 8

You leave from a different place than you arrive — book an open-jaw flight, not a return.

Meet the local guide on arrival for airport transfer to the hotel.

12 go inside1 walk through4 exterior only
Beijing8 places
BeijingEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Forbidden CityEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Temple of HeavenEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Juyongguan Great WallEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Xi'anEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Terracotta Warriors MuseumEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Tian’anmen SquarePassed through on the guided tour
Walk through
Beijing Olympic ParkSeen from outside — no entry
Exterior view
Xi'an3 places
Ancient City WallEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Big Wild Goose PagodaEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Ancient Style StreetSeen from outside — no entry
Exterior view
Shanghai6 places
ShanghaiEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Jade Buddha TempleEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Yuyuan GardenEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
The BundEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Nanjing RoadSeen from outside — no entry
Exterior view
Oriental Pearl TowerSeen from outside — no entry
Exterior view

China

IdealGoodFairAvoid
OctIdeal

Spring (Mar–May) and autumn (Sep–Nov) are ideal. Avoid Golden Week (Oct 1–7) peak crowds.

Beijing
Average High
18°C
Rainfall
16mm
Shanghai
Average High
23°C
Rainfall
62mm
Guilin
Average High
25°C
Rainfall
52mm
Xi'an
Average High
18°C
Rainfall
52mm
Essential

Passport, visa and entry requirements

  • Guests are responsible for holding a valid passport and arranging the correct visa for China.
  • Passport renewal fees and visa fees are not included in the package.
Essential

Mandatory travel insurance

  • Travel insurance must be purchased before departure.
  • The policy should cover international travel for the full trip duration.

Extra charges and personal spending

  • Tips, personal expenses, and any services not listed in the inclusions are payable locally.
  • City tax, hotel/resort tax and tourism fee are excluded unless confirmed otherwise.

Hotel standards and check-in

  • Accommodation is based on standard twin-sharing rooms.
  • Check-in and check-out times follow hotel policy and may vary by property.

Rail and transfer arrangements

  • High-speed train travel between cities is part of the route.
  • Private transfers are arranged between airports, railway stations, hotels and included sightseeing points.

Respecting local rules and customs

  • Travellers should follow local laws and customs at all times.
  • The operator may adjust timings or substitute hotels of similar standard if needed.

Common questions

Is this tour suitable for first-time visitors to China?

Yes. The route covers China’s most recognisable sights in Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai, making it a strong first introduction to the country.

How do we travel between cities?

The itinerary uses high-speed train travel between Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai. Train tickets are not included unless stated separately in your booking quote.

Are entrance fees included for the main sightseeing stops?

Yes, the package includes first-gate entrance fees for the sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary.

What style of accommodation is provided?

The tour is based on standard twin-sharing hotel accommodation with daily breakfast included.

Are visas and travel insurance included?

No. Visa costs and travel insurance are excluded, and insurance is mandatory before departure.

Policies & booking terms
Booking terms
  1. Full payment must be completed 30 days prior to departure, unless otherwise specified.
  2. All bookings are subject to availability at the time of confirmation.
  3. Travel insurance is mandatory and must be purchased prior to departure.
  4. Prices are subject to change due to fluctuations in currency exchange rates, taxes, or supplier costs.
  5. Guests are responsible for obtaining valid passports, visas, and any required vaccinations.
  6. Cancellations or amendments are subject to the applicable cancellation policy outlined in the package.
  7. The company is not liable for delays, cancellations, or changes due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather, strikes, or other force majeure events.
  8. All travelers must adhere to the local laws and customs of the destinations visited.
  9. No refunds will be issued for unused services, including but not limited to meals, accommodations, or activities.
  10. The company reserves the right to modify the itinerary or substitute hotels of similar standards if necessary.
  11. All special requests (e.g., room preferences, dietary requirements) are subject to availability and not guaranteed.
  12. Guests are responsible for any additional costs incurred due to personal expenses, such as phone calls, laundry, or minibar charges.
  13. Check-in and check-out times are subject to hotel policies and may vary by property.
✦AI trip designer

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