Overview
This 10-day China tour explores the country’s most famous historical capitals while adding a unique cultural destination — the ancient city of Pingyao.
Discover the imperial history of Beijing, walk along the legendary Great Wall, and explore the magnificent Forbidden City. Continue to Pingyao Ancient City, one of the best-preserved cities from the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Then travel to Xi’an to see the world-famous Terracotta Warriors, before ending your journey in the vibrant modern metropolis of Shanghai.
Combining iconic landmarks with authentic historic towns, this itinerary offers a deeper introduction to China’s past and present.
Tour Highlights
Walk along the legendary Great Wall of China
Explore the imperial Forbidden City in Beijing
Discover the perfectly preserved Pingyao Ancient City
Visit Rishengchang Draft Bank, the first bank in China
Learn to cook traditional Shanxi noodles
Marvel at the world-famous Terracotta Warriors
Cycle or walk along the ancient Xi’an City Wall
Enjoy the skyline of modern China from Shanghai Tower
Discover the historic waterfront of the Bund
Itinerary Quick Look
| Day | Destination | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Beijing | Arrival |
| Day 2 | Beijing | Forbidden City, Hutongs |
| Day 3 | Beijing | Temple of Heaven, Great Wall |
| Day 4 | Beijing → Pingyao | Summer Palace, high-speed train |
| Day 5 | Pingyao | Ancient City exploration |
| Day 6 | Pingyao → Xi’an | Shuanglin Temple |
| Day 7 | Xi’an | Terracotta Warriors |
| Day 8 | Xi’an → Shanghai | City Wall, Big Wild Goose Pagoda |
| Day 9 | Shanghai | Bund, Yu Garden, Shanghai Tower |
| Day10 | Shanghai | Departure |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Beijing
Welcome to Beijing, China’s historic capital.
Your guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore nearby areas.
Day 2 – Forbidden City & Hutong Culture
Begin at Tiananmen Square, the symbolic center of modern China.
Continue to the Forbidden City, the largest imperial palace complex in the world. Your guide will introduce the fascinating stories behind the emperors and palace life.
In the afternoon, explore the historic Hutong alleys and visit a traditional courtyard home.
You may also choose to experience traditional Chinese culture such as calligraphy or paper cutting.
Day 3 – Great Wall of China
Visit the Temple of Heaven, where emperors once prayed for good harvests.
Later travel to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, one of the most scenic and well-preserved parts of the wall.
Take a cable car up and enjoy walking along the historic watchtowers with panoramic mountain views.
Day 4 – Summer Palace & Train to Pingyao
Explore the beautiful Summer Palace, a royal garden featuring lakes, bridges, and pavilions.
In the afternoon, travel by high-speed train to Pingyao, a UNESCO-listed ancient city.
Day 5 – Pingyao Ancient City
Spend the day exploring Pingyao Ancient City, one of China’s best-preserved historic towns.
Walk along the ancient city wall, visit the historic Rishengchang Draft Bank, and explore traditional courtyard houses.
Later join a hands-on experience learning to make Shanxi-style noodles.
Day 6 – Shuanglin Temple & Train to Xi’an
Visit Shuanglin Temple, famous for its remarkable collection of painted clay sculptures from the Ming and Qing dynasties.
In the afternoon, travel by high-speed train to Xi’an, one of China’s oldest capitals.
Day 7 – Terracotta Warriors
Visit the incredible Terracotta Army, an underground army created more than 2,000 years ago to guard the tomb of China’s first emperor.
Later explore the lively Muslim Quarter, known for its vibrant street food and local markets.
Day 8 – Xi’an City Wall & Flight to Shanghai
Visit the iconic Big Wild Goose Pagoda, an important Buddhist landmark.
You can also walk or cycle along the historic Xi’an City Wall.
In the afternoon, fly to Shanghai.
Day 9 – Shanghai Highlights
Explore the elegant Yu Garden, a classical Chinese garden surrounded by traditional architecture.
Walk along the historic Bund, where colonial-era buildings face the modern skyline of Pudong.
End the day at Shanghai Tower, enjoying spectacular views of the city.
Day 10 – Departure from Shanghai
Your guide will transfer you to the airport for your departure flight.
Your journey ends after 10 unforgettable days exploring China’s historic capitals and ancient towns.
Why Choose This Tour
Beyond the Classic China Route
Includes the historic Pingyao Ancient City, rarely visited on standard tours.
Perfect Balance of Old and New
Ancient capitals, historic towns, and modern Shanghai.
Authentic Cultural Experiences
Traditional noodle making, hutong visits, and local markets.
Efficient Travel
High-speed trains and domestic flights make travel comfortable and smooth.
FAQ & Important Notes
1.The option 1 pricing is per person, option 2 pricing is per vehicle. We always try to match the appropriate vehicle with the requirements of each group based on the number of guests, their ages, any mobility issues, etc.
2.The price presented assumes your hotel is located within the Fifth-Ring road of Beijing. The price may vary according to the location of your hotel. And there will be extra cost if your tour start or end from the airport.
3.The quoted price is for a-9 hour tour per day. If you use more than 7 hours or less than 9 hours per day it will still be considered a full day. Additional hours are billed at 100CNY for the guide and 100CNY for the driver.
4.Our vehicles are climate controlled so our driving tours go out in rain, snow or heatwave! We require that any cancellations take place 48 hours prior to the tour. If you cancel within 48 hours of your tour you will be responsible for the total amount of your tour.
5.We offer tours in other languages! When you send us your booking form you will be asked if you need a guide who speaks a language other than English.
6.Tipping is always optional. If you had a great time and want to thank your guide and driver, a gratuity is always appreciated.
SO BUCKLE UP AND ENJOY AN EXPERIENCE TO REMEMBER!