China Itinerary 10 Days: 9-night · Private Tour · Beijing+Xi'an+Shanghai+Luoyang

Welcome to Beijing, the vibrant capital of China! Upon arrival at one of Beijing’s two airports or five major railway stations, enjoy a convenient private pick-up service provided by your local driver. Transfers are available throughout Beijing’s Fifth Ring Road, making your arrival smooth and hassle-free.

After meeting your driver, transfer to your hotel and complete the check-in process. The remainder of the day is free for you to rest after your journey, adjust to the local time, or explore the surrounding neighborhood at your own pace.

Meals: Not included.

Accommodation: Hotel in Beijing.

Begin your Beijing adventure with a visit to Tiananmen Square, one of the city's most recognizable landmarks and an important place in modern Chinese history. Take time to appreciate the vast public square and its surrounding monumental architecture before continuing to the magnificent Palace Museum, also known as the Forbidden City.

Explore the former imperial palace, home to generations of Chinese emperors, and discover its grand ceremonial halls, traditional courtyards, intricate architectural details, and rich cultural heritage. As you walk through the palace complex, gain insight into the history and traditions of China's imperial dynasties.

In the afternoon, head to the historic Shichahai area for a traditional hutong rickshaw tour. Travel through Beijing's charming old alleyways, admire traditional courtyard residences, and experience the atmosphere of the city's historic neighborhoods. This relaxing ride offers a glimpse into the everyday life and architectural heritage of old Beijing.

Meals: Lunch included.

Accommodation: Hotel in Beijing.

Start the day at the Temple of Heaven, an important historical complex where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties once performed ceremonies to pray for good harvests. Stroll through its beautiful grounds, admire the distinctive circular architecture, and discover the cultural symbolism behind this remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Continue to the Mutianyu Great Wall, one of the most scenic and well-preserved sections of the Great Wall near Beijing. Enjoy the impressive mountain scenery, explore the ancient watchtowers, and walk along sections of the wall to appreciate the scale of this extraordinary defensive structure. The surrounding hills provide excellent opportunities for memorable photographs.

After your Great Wall visit, return to Beijing and stop to admire the exterior architecture of the National Stadium, popularly known as the Bird's Nest, and the National Aquatics Center, known as the Water Cube. These iconic Olympic venues showcase the city's modern architectural style and sporting legacy.

Meals: Lunch included.

Accommodation: Hotel in Beijing.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before visiting the Summer Palace, a magnificent imperial garden celebrated for its lakeside scenery, landscaped gardens, traditional pavilions, and elegant bridges. Stroll along the picturesque pathways and appreciate the harmonious relationship between Chinese garden design and the natural landscape.

After your visit, transfer to the railway station for your afternoon high-speed train journey from Beijing to Xi'an. Relax aboard the train as the scenery changes from northern China's metropolitan landscapes to the historic region of Shaanxi.

Upon arrival in Xi'an, your local driver will meet you at the station and transfer you to your hotel. Complete check-in and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure, preparing for the historical discoveries awaiting you the following day.

Meals: Hotel buffet breakfast included; lunch and dinner arrangements should be confirmed with your travel provider.

Accommodation: Hotel in Xi'an.

Discover one of China's most remarkable archaeological treasures with a visit to the Museum of Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horses, associated with the mausoleum of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Explore the famous underground army of life-sized clay warriors, horses, and chariots, and learn about the craftsmanship, military organization, and imperial ambitions of the Qin Dynasty.

After the visit, return to the city for lunch before exploring the historic Xi'an City Wall. This impressive fortification offers a fascinating glimpse into the city's past as a major center along the ancient Silk Road. Admire the massive defensive walls, traditional gates, and surrounding urban scenery. If time and arrangements permit, you may also choose to enjoy a walk or optional bicycle ride along the wall.

Continue to the Muslim Quarter, also known locally as Hui Fang, a lively neighborhood famous for its traditional streets, local markets, and distinctive culinary culture. Browse the shops, observe traditional food preparation, and discover the influences that have shaped Xi'an's identity as a historic meeting point of cultures.

Meals: Lunch included.

Accommodation: Hotel in Xi'an.

Begin the day at Xi'an Museum, where collections of historical artifacts, sculptures, ceramics, and cultural relics help illustrate the development of the city through different dynasties. Gain a deeper understanding of Xi'an's importance as an ancient capital and its role in China's long history.

Next, visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, one of Xi'an's most celebrated Buddhist landmarks. Originally built during the Tang Dynasty, the pagoda is closely associated with the preservation and translation of Buddhist scriptures brought from India. Explore the surrounding temple grounds and appreciate the spiritual and architectural significance of this historic site.

After lunch, transfer to the railway station for your high-speed train journey to Luoyang, another of China's renowned ancient capitals. Upon arrival, your local driver will meet you at the station and transfer you to your hotel. Check in and enjoy a relaxing evening at leisure.

Meals: Lunch included; dinner not included.

Accommodation: Hotel in Luoyang.

Explore the extraordinary Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring thousands of Buddhist statues and inscriptions carved into limestone cliffs along the Yi River. Discover the artistic achievements of ancient Chinese sculptors and learn how Buddhist art developed through successive dynasties. The intricate carvings and monumental stone figures make this one of the most significant cultural sites in China.

Continue to Luoyang Museum to explore its collections of historical treasures, including ancient ceramics, bronze artifacts, sculptures, and objects reflecting the city's long-standing role as an imperial capital. The exhibits provide valuable context for understanding the cultural and political history of central China.

Later, stroll along Luoyang Old Street, where traditional-style buildings, local shops, and atmospheric lanes offer a contrast to the monumental historical sites visited earlier. Enjoy the opportunity to browse local specialties, observe everyday life, and experience the charm of this historic city.

Meals: Lunch included.

Accommodation: Hotel in Luoyang.

Travel to Dengfeng to explore the famous Shaolin Temple Scenic Area, widely associated with the development of Chinese Chan Buddhism and Shaolin martial arts. Discover the temple's religious heritage, traditional architecture, and long-standing cultural influence. Depending on the day's schedule and site arrangements, you may have the opportunity to learn more about Shaolin kung fu traditions.

Continue to the Pagoda Forest, or Talin, a remarkable collection of stone and brick pagodas built in honor of generations of Shaolin monks. These structures vary in size and design and reflect different historical periods, making the site an important example of China's Buddhist funerary architecture.

After lunch, your driver will transfer you to the airport for your independently selected flight to Shanghai. Flight arrangements are based on your chosen departure time. Upon arrival in Shanghai, your local driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel for check-in.

Meals: Lunch included; breakfast and dinner arrangements should be confirmed with your travel provider.

Accommodation: Hotel in Shanghai.

Discover Shanghai's transformation from a historic trading port into one of Asia's most dynamic international cities. Begin at the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall, subject to opening hours and admission arrangements, to explore the city's development, urban design, and future planning through informative displays and architectural models.

Continue to Yu Garden, a classical Chinese garden known for its elegant pavilions, rockeries, ponds, winding pathways, and traditional landscaping. Located in the historic Old City, the garden offers a peaceful introduction to traditional Jiangnan garden design. You can also explore the nearby bazaar area for local handicrafts and regional specialties.

In the afternoon, visit Tianzifang, a distinctive neighborhood of narrow lanes, renovated traditional buildings, independent boutiques, art studios, and cafés. Enjoy a leisurely walk through this creative district and discover a different side of Shanghai's urban culture.

Conclude the day at the Bund, Shanghai's celebrated waterfront promenade. Admire the historic European-style buildings along one side of the Huangpu River and the striking modern skyline of Pudong across the water. As the city lights begin to illuminate the waterfront, enjoy memorable views of Shanghai's blend of historic architecture and contemporary urban development.

Meals: Lunch included.

Accommodation: Hotel in Shanghai.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and take some time to prepare for your departure. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have a little free time for a final stroll nearby or some last-minute shopping.

Your local driver will provide a private transfer from your hotel to the airport or another agreed departure point, helping ensure a comfortable and convenient end to your journey. Please allow sufficient time for traffic and airport check-in procedures.

Your 10-day journey through Beijing, Xi'an, Luoyang, Dengfeng, and Shanghai concludes with a collection of memories spanning imperial palaces, ancient city walls, Buddhist heritage, traditional neighborhoods, and China's modern urban skyline.

Meals: Hotel buffet breakfast included; lunch and dinner not included.