First-timer favourite · Beijing · Xi’an · Shanghai

China Classics

If it’s your first time in China, start here: the great imperial sights and the Terracotta Army, then Shanghai, at a pace that leaves time to eat well and wander.

Destinations: Beijing · Xi’an · Shanghai

Duration: 10 days · 9 nights
Group: Max 10 guests
Pace: Moderate (city walking)
Starts / ends: Beijing / Shanghai
Getting around: Bullet train + 1 flight

The route

Beijing
Great Wall
Xi’an
Shanghai
Suzhou

Day by day

DAY 1Arrive in Beijing

Airport pickup and check-in, with a welcome dinner nearby. Stay: Hotel near the Forbidden City · Meals: D

DAY 2The Forbidden City & the hutongs

Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City on a timed entry we book for you, then the hutong lanes by rickshaw and dinner of Peking duck. Stay: Beijing · Meals: B, D

DAY 3The Great Wall at Mutianyu

Go early to beat the crowds. Ride the cable car up, walk the restored ramparts, and take the toboggan down if you like. The Summer Palace is on the way back. Stay: Beijing · Meals: B, L

DAY 4Temple of Heaven, then the bullet train

Watch morning tai chi in the park, then take the high-speed train to Xi’an (about 4.5 hours). Stay: Xi’an, inside the city wall · Meals: B

DAY 5The Terracotta Army

A full morning at the pits with an expert guide, then a dumpling dinner. Stay: Xi’an · Meals: B, D

DAY 6City wall & Muslim Quarter

Cycle the 14 km Ming city wall, followed by a food walk through the Muslim Quarter. Stay: Xi’an · Meals: B, L

DAY 7Fly to Shanghai

A short flight east, then an evening on the Bund as the Pudong skyline lights up. Stay: Shanghai · Meals: B

DAY 8Old Shanghai

Yu Garden, the old city and the plane-tree streets of the former French Concession. Stay: Shanghai · Meals: B

DAY 9Suzhou gardens

Bullet train to Suzhou for its UNESCO-listed classical gardens and canals. Stay: Shanghai · Meals: B, L

DAY 10Departure

Transfer to Pudong or Hongqiao airport. Meals: B

What’s included

English-speaking road leader for the whole trip, plus local expert guides
9 nights in hand-picked 4-star hotels that accept foreign passports
Bullet-train and flight tickets between cities
Timed entry tickets (Forbidden City, Terracotta Army and more)
Meals as listed
Airport transfers, visa letter, eSIM and Alipay set-up help

Not included

International flights
Visa fees, if your passport needs one
Single room supplement (quoted on request)
Meals not listed
International travel insurance

What we put in writing

Group size: Max 10 guests
Vehicle: Private vehicle for our group only, never a shared coach
Shopping stops: None. If one happens, we refund that day
Tipping: No compulsory tips or kitty
Hotels: Each one checked for foreign passports
Tickets: Timed, real-name tickets booked for you

These are part of your booking contract. See our booking terms.

Is this journey right for me?

FitnessExpect 10,000–15,000 steps a day, and some steep steps on the Great Wall.

ComfortYou stay in central 4-star hotels and travel in first-class bullet-train seats.

Solo travelersWe arrange same-gender room sharing, or a single room on request.

Before you book

Do I need a visa for this trip?

Passports from 50 countries, including the UK, Canada, Australia and most of Europe, can enter visa-free for up to 30 days (currently until 31 December 2026). US citizens need a tourist visa, or must use 240-hour transit with an onward flight to a third country. Check your passport; we send an invitation letter if you need one.

How do I get to the start of the trip?

This journey starts in Beijing / Shanghai. Most international travelers fly in directly or connect through Beijing, Shanghai or Guangzhou. We suggest flights after you book and meet you at arrivals.

What happens if the trip doesn’t run?

If a departure doesn’t reach its minimum group size, we’ll tell you at least 21 days ahead and you can choose a full refund or a free change of date.

Can I extend the trip or add Beijing or Xi’an?

Yes. Tell us your plans in the booking notes or send us a message, and we’ll help you arrange the extra days.