10-Day Classic China Discovery Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai and Suzhou
Journey Overview
Discover China’s imperial heritage, ancient traditions and modern city life on this journey through Beijing, Xi’an, Shanghai and Suzhou. Walk along the Great Wall, explore the Forbidden City and Terracotta Army, experience local crafts and performances, and enjoy three signature regional meals.
Journey Highlights
- Explore the Mutianyu Great Wall, Forbidden City and Terracotta Army.
- Experience hutong calligraphy, shadow puppetry and cycling on Xi’an City Wall.
- Discover Zhujiajiao Water Town and Suzhou’s classical gardens. Taste Peking duck, Guanzhong cuisine and classic Shanghai Benbang dishes.
Detailed Itinerary
Here is a suggested itinerary. We are happy to customize every detail according to your interests and schedule.
Arrival in Beijing
Meet your driver at the airport and transfer to your downtown hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore nearby.
Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Jingshan Park & Hutong Calligraphy
Morning: Visit Tiananmen Square and explore the Forbidden City, home to magnificent imperial halls and courtyards from the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Afternoon: Climb Jingshan Hill for panoramic views over the Forbidden City.
Evening: Join an English-guided Chinese calligraphy workshop in a traditional Beijing hutong. Learn about this time-honoured intangible cultural heritage and take home your finished artwork.
Please note: The Forbidden City is closed on Mondays, except during Chinese public holidays, so the sightseeing order may be adjusted.
Mutianyu Great Wall, Summer Palace & Peking Duck Dinner
Morning: Drive approximately two hours to the Mutianyu Great Wall. Explore this beautifully preserved section with the included scenic shuttle and round-trip cable car.
Afternoon: Visit the Summer Palace and admire Kunming Lake, the Long Corridor and its classical imperial gardens.
Evening: Enjoy an included Peking duck dinner.
High-Speed Train from Beijing to Xi’an
Transfer to the railway station and take a high-speed train to Xi’an. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free.
Terracotta Army, Guanzhong Lunch, Xi’an City Wall, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda & Muslim Quarter
Morning: Drive approximately one hour to the Terracotta Army and explore its remarkable excavation pits.
Afternoon: Enjoy an included Guanzhong‑style lunch, then cycle along Xi’an City Wall and visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda.
Note: City wall cycling is weather‑dependent; service may be suspended on heavy‑rain / strong‑wind days.
Evening: Explore the Muslim Quarter, discover local favourites such as roujiamo, lamb paomo and biangbiang noodles, and watch an included Shaanxi shadow puppet performance.
High-Speed Train from Xi’an to Shanghai
Transfer to the railway station and take a high-speed train to Shanghai. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free.
Yu Garden, City God Temple, Nanjing Road, Wukang Road, Lujiazui & Huangpu River Cruise
Morning: Visit Yu Garden, City God Temple and Yuyuan Bazaar, then walk along Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street.
Afternoon: Explore Wukang Road and discover Shanghai's distinctive Haipai culture.
Evening: Visit Lujiazui, admire Shanghai Tower and take an included Huangpu River cruise to enjoy the illuminated skyline.
Note: Huangpu River cruise departure pier and sailing time subject to final ticket confirmation.
Zhujiajiao Water Town, Tianzifang & Shanghai Benbang Dinner
Morning: Visit Zhujiajiao Ancient Water Town and discover its canals, stone bridges and traditional Jiangnan architecture. Afternoon: Return to central Shanghai and explore Tianzifang’s narrow lanes, studios and creative shops. Evening: Enjoy an included Shanghai Benbang dinner.
Suzhou Day Trip: Humble Administrator’s Garden, Pingjiang Road & Tiger Hill
Morning: Travel from Shanghai to Suzhou and visit the Humble Administrator’s Garden, one of China’s most celebrated classical gardens. Afternoon: Stroll along Pingjiang Historic Street, then visit Tiger Hill and see the ancient Tiger Hill Pagoda.
Departure from Shanghai
Private transfer to Shanghai Pudong or Hongqiao Airport, arriving approximately 3.5 hours before an international flight or two hours before a domestic flight.
Journey Inclusions & Exclusions
- Transportation: Private transfers and sightseeing transportation.
- Guide: English‑speaking guides on sightseeing days; driver‑only service on transfer‑only days.
- Entrance Fees & Activities: All tickets and activities listed in the itinerary, including the Mutianyu scenic shuttle and round‑trip cable car, hutong calligraphy workshop, Shaanxi shadow puppet performance, Huangpu River cruise.
- Accommodation: Nine nights in selected 3‑star hotels, twin/double sharing.
- Meals: Included signature meals: Peking duck dinner, Guanzhong‑style lunch, Shanghai Benbang dinner.
- High‑Speed Trains: Second‑class seats on all included train journeys.
- Fees & Taxes: Service fees and applicable taxes.
- Meals: Meals not specified as included.
- In‑Park Transportation: In‑park transportation not specified as included.
- Flights & Visas: International flights and Chinese visa fees.
- Personal Expenses: Personal purchases and other individual expenses.
- Single Room: Single‑room supplement.
- Travel Insurance: Travel insurance.
- Other Items: Anything not listed under Price Includes.