8 Days: Beijing, Xian, Shanghai

Tour overview:

Ancient glory meets the dynamism of modern China in this exciting Beijing to Shanghai itinerary. You’ll visit the highlights of history including the Great Wall and Forbidden Palace followed by the amazing Terra Cotta Warriors and finally Shanghai and the entrancing “Venice of the East”, Suzhou.

Day 1 - Arrive Beijing

Arrive in Beijing the capital of the People’s Republic of China. You are welcomed at the airport and escorted to the hotel.

Day 2 - Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City & Summer Palace

Start your tour this morning with a visit to Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world and the Forbidden City, the 250- acre palace containing more than 9,000 rooms. Closed to the common people for centuries, it was only opened to the public in 1949. Afternoon explore the Summer Palace, the retreat of China’s royal families for over 2,000 years. (BL)

Day 3 - Great Wall Excursion

Visit the Great wall, stopping en route at the Bird’s Nest & Water Cube for a picture stop. The Great Wall, built 2,300 years ago and extending 3,750 miles, can be seen from space! Tonight enjoy Peking Duck dinner. (BLD)

Day 4 - Temple of Heaven & Lama Temple / Xian

In the morning visit the Temple of Heaven, possibly the country’s most popular symbol and the Lama Temple, considered as the largest and most perfectly preserved lamasery in present day China. Later fly to Xian, once the largest city in the world. Xian was the national capital for eleven Chinese dynasties and a major link between Asia and Europe. You will be met and transferred to your hotel. (BL)

Day 5 - Terra Cotta Warriors & Wild Goose Pagoda

Xian captured the interest of the world in 1974 with the discovery of the astonishing third-century BC burial sites of the first emperor to unite China, Qin Shi Huangdi. Visit the archaeological site to see thousands of Terra Cotta Warriors, which have been standing guard over the Imperial Tomb for 2,000 years and the the ceramics & pottery workshop. Enjoy Noodle making demonstration followed by lunch. Afternoon visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda Temple and the Ancient City Wall. In the evening, enjoy an *optional Tang Dynasty Show and dinner. (BL)

Day 6 - Xian / Shanghai

Fly to Shanghai. Upon arrival, you are met and transferred to your hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure. (B)

Day 7 - Shanghai Sightseeing

Your morning tour of Shanghai includes a visit to Yuyuan Garden and the Old town. Afternoon visit the Shanghai Museum and the Bund, a wide, tree-lined avenue along the Huangpu River and Tianzifang Artist area, famous for small craft stores, coffee shops, trendy art studios and narrow alleys. Evening enjoy *Optional performance by the famous Chinese acrobats. (BD)

Day 8 - Shanghai / Home

Morning transfer to the airport for your flight back home. (B)