Classic China for Seniors

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Days 1–3 · Shanghai

Day 1 — Arrival Airport meet & greet. Transfer to hotel. Easy Bund evening walk at your own pace — no rushing on day one.

Day 2 — Shanghai Heart Morning: Yu Garden and Old City bazaar. Afternoon: French Concession — Wukang Road, Tianzifang art lanes, café stop. Evening free.

Day 3 — Modern Shanghai + Optional Suzhou Option A: Shanghai Museum, Xintiandi, Nanjing Road at sunset. Option B: Bullet train to Suzhou (30 min) — Humble Administrator's Garden, silk museum. Return same evening.

Days 4–5 · Xi'an

Day 4 — Bullet Train to Xi'an Morning high-speed train Shanghai → Xi'an (5.5 hrs, comfortable seats booked). Afternoon rest at hotel. Dusk: Muslim Quarter food tour — best street food in China.

Day 5 — Terracotta Warriors Early start to reach Pit 1 before tour groups arrive. Your guide brings the individual soldiers' stories to life. Three pits, bronze chariots, museum. Afternoon: Ancient City Wall cycle or golf cart circuit.

Days 6–8 · Beijing

Day 6 — Bullet Train to Beijing Xi'an → Beijing bullet train (5.5 hrs). Afternoon arrival, hotel check-in, easy Wangfujing Street stroll.

Day 7 — Imperial Core Tiananmen Square at sunrise. Forbidden City — 9,000 rooms, your guide navigating the highlights. Afternoon: Temple of Heaven, watch locals practice tai chi.

Day 8 — Great Wall Mutianyu section — cable car up, optional toboggan down. Fewer crowds, restored battlements, stunning mountain views. Afternoon: Hutong neighbourhood rickshaw ride + dumpling-making.

Days 9–10 · Beijing continued

Day 9 — Summer Palace & 798 Morning at the Summer Palace — lakeside pavilions, Long Corridor, Kunming Lake boat. Afternoon optional: 798 Art District for contemporary Chinese art.

Day 10 — Departure Transfer to Beijing Capital Airport. Guide sees you off.

Is This Tour Right for You?

This itinerary is specifically designed for travellers who want to see China without the physical demands of standard group tours:

• Pace: Two rest periods per day built into every day. No 07:00 starts unless you prefer them.
• Accessibility: Cable car at Great Wall. Golf cart option at City Wall. Private car eliminates all public transport.
• Group size: Minimum 1, maximum 8. You will never share a guide with strangers.
• Flexibility: Every day can be adjusted. Want an extra rest day? Museum instead of garden? Just ask.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to book hotels through you? No — we send a list of recommended hotels at every budget and you book directly. This keeps costs transparent and gives you full flexibility.

What if I have mobility issues? Tell us in your enquiry. We have planned accessible alternatives for every major site and can adjust the pace entirely.

Can we add Suzhou or Hangzhou? Yes — add 2 days at the start in Shanghai for a 12-day itinerary. Very popular with our guests.

How far in advance should I book? 3–6 months for peak season (Apr–May, Sep–Oct). We can sometimes accommodate shorter notice off-season.