Golden Triangle: Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai (Private)

Private driver meets you at Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) and transfers to your downtown hotel. Rest, explore nearby, or adjust to jet lag at your own pace.

This morning, your guide will lead you through Tiananmen Square and into the Forbidden City to visit the imperial palace courtyards. From there, we'll head to Jingshan Park, climb Coal Hill, and enjoy panoramic city views. After lunch, you'll visit the Temple of Heaven and then browse the Panjiayuan Antique Market for souvenirs. Your guide can arrange evening activities, such as a Peking duck dinner or a nighttime performance, if you're interested.

Gallery: Forbidden City in Beijing 1Forbidden City in Beijing 2

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To reach the Mutianyu Great Wall, you can choose to hike up or take the cable car, depending on your mood. Lunch will be at a local restaurant nearby. On the way back, you'll stop at a jade carving factory to admire the artisans at work, then take photos at the Bird's Nest and Water Cube before returning to your hotel.

Gallery: Mutianyu Great Wall 1Mutianyu Great Wall 2

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After checking out, you'll take a rickshaw ride through the hutongs to experience the lifestyle of local residents in these traditional communities. Next, you'll visit the Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan), where you can stroll through the grounds and even take a boat trip across Kunming Lake. Have lunch in that area, then transfer to the high-speed train to Xi’an Railway Station. Upon arrival, your local guide and driver will meet you at the station and take you to your hotel.

Gallery: Hutong BeijingSummer Palace

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Today's main focus is the Terracotta Army, where you'll see thousands of ancient clay soldiers. Later, you'll stop for a pottery workshop to learn how artisans make ceramics. In town, you'll visit the Bell Tower, then the Gao Family Courtyard to admire traditional architecture and local handicrafts such as paper cutting. Stroll through the shops in the Muslim Quarter and sample street food. In the evening, if you're interested in booking, the Tang Dynasty exhibition is well worth seeing.

Gallery: Terracotta Warriors 1Terracotta Warriors 2

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You will first visit the ancient city wall and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and the surrounding square. After lunch, you will head to Xi’an Airport, but will first stop at the Hanyang Mausoleum to visit its museum. Then you will travel to Shanghai, where a shuttle bus will pick you up at the airport, and your new tour guide will take you to your hotel.

Gallery: Big Wild Goose PagodaAncient city wall

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Your morning itinerary includes the Jade Buddha Temple, followed by a walk along the riverside promenade, passing the Oriental Pearl Tower. Before lunch, you'll visit a local restaurant and then tour the Silk Museum. Afterwards, you'll stroll through Yu Garden, a traditional Chinese garden in the city center, and then wander along the Bund at your own pace. Return to the hotel in the evening.

Gallery: The Bund in ShanghaiYu Garden

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Free time until transfer to Shanghai Pudong International Airport. Optional Maglev train experience to PVG, or private car.