Classic China First Journey

Beijing · Xi’an · Shanghai

  • 9 Days / 8 Nights
  • Moderate pace
  • Private & customizable

China’s essential first journey, balancing imperial history, legendary landmarks and Shanghai’s modern energy.

  1. Beijing3 nights, then by high-speed rail to the next stop
  2. Xi’an2 nights, then by flight to the next stop
  3. Shanghai3 nights

Day by day

  1. Day 1: Welcome to Beijing

    Meet your private driver at the airport and settle into your hotel. If energy allows, ease into Beijing with a relaxed evening beside Houhai Lake or through the nearby hutongs.

    Welcome to Beijing, Day 1 of the journey
    • Houhai Lake
    • Beijing Hutongs

  2. Day 2: Imperial Beijing

    Walk through the monumental heart of the capital, from Tiananmen Square into the Forbidden City, before climbing Jingshan Park for the finest view across its golden rooftops.

    Imperial Beijing, Day 2 of the journey
    • Tiananmen Square
    • Forbidden City
    • Jingshan Park
    • Wangfujing Street

  3. Day 3: Great Wall at Mutianyu

    Leave the city for the forested ridges of Mutianyu, one of the Great Wall's most scenic restored sections. Ride the cable car up, walk between watchtowers and choose an optional toboggan descent; inclusion is subject to your quote.

    Great Wall at Mutianyu, Day 3 of the journey
    • Mutianyu Great Wall
    • Cable Car
    • Great Wall Watchtowers
    • Toboggan Descent (optional; subject to quote)

  4. Day 4: Temple of Heaven & Train to Xi'an

    Begin among the graceful halls and ancient cypress trees of the Temple of Heaven, then travel by high-speed rail to Xi'an. Evening sightseeing depends on your train schedule, arrival time and energy levels.

    Temple of Heaven & Train to Xi'an, Day 4 of the journey
    • Temple of Heaven
    • High-speed Rail
    • Xi'an Bell Tower (subject to arrival time and energy levels)
    • Muslim Quarter (subject to arrival time and energy levels)

  5. Day 5: Terracotta Warriors & Tang Night

    Come face to face with the Terracotta Army, then continue to the historic springs and gardens of Huaqing Palace. The day ends amid the lights and performances of Xi'an's Tang-themed cultural district.

    Terracotta Warriors & Tang Night, Day 5 of the journey
    • Terracotta Army
    • Huaqing Palace
    • Great Tang All Day Mall

  6. Day 6: Xi'an City Wall & Shanghai

    Sightseeing at Xi'an City Wall and the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda will be arranged around your flight to Shanghai. The order of visits or attractions may be adjusted where necessary, before your transfer to the airport and flight east.

    Xi'an City Wall & Shanghai, Day 6 of the journey
    • Xi'an City Wall
    • Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
    • Shanghai

  7. Day 7: Old Shanghai

    Discover Shanghai's traditional side in Yu Garden and the old city bazaar, then follow Nanjing Road to the historic Bund. An optional Huangpu River cruise reveals the skyline from the river; inclusion is subject to your quote.

    Old Shanghai, Day 7 of the journey
    • Yu Garden
    • Old City Bazaar
    • Nanjing Road
    • The Bund

  8. Day 8: Modern Shanghai

    Stroll beneath the plane trees of Wukang Road and the former French Concession before crossing to Lujiazui's futuristic skyline. The Shanghai Tower observation deck is an optional experience, with inclusion subject to your quote. Keep the afternoon free for shopping, cafes or a slower pace.

    Modern Shanghai, Day 8 of the journey
    • Wukang Road
    • French Concession
    • Lujiazui
    • Shanghai Tower Observation Deck (optional; subject to quote)

  9. Day 9: Farewell Shanghai

    Enjoy a final unhurried morning in Shanghai before your private transfer to the airport, timed around your onward flight.

    Farewell Shanghai, Day 9 of the journey

Suitable for First-time China visitors, families, couples, Singapore & Malaysia travellers

9 days · Private journey

What the journey includes

Final services are confirmed in your tailored proposal after dates and availability are checked.

What’s included

  • These are reference arrangements; actual inclusions are subject to the final agreed itinerary and itemised quote.
  • Private guides, vehicles, Beijing–Xi'an rail travel, Xi'an–Shanghai flights and attraction tickets can be arranged as specified in your quote.
  • Hotel and meal arrangements, if requested, will be confirmed in your quote.

Not included

  • Items not included in the final agreed itinerary and itemised quote.

Choose how you stay

Accommodation is proposed after we know your dates and preferences, so availability and exact hotel names are never implied too early.

Comfort

Well-located, dependable stays selected for cleanliness, practical access and a smooth day-to-day journey.

Character

Boutique or locally distinctive stays chosen to add a stronger sense of place without compromising comfort.

Signature

Premium stays with elevated rooms, service or views. Final hotel names are confirmed in your tailored proposal.

Before you customise

The practical questions travellers ask before requesting a proposal.