China's Golden Route: Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai
Beijing | Xi'an | Shanghai
Price details
Price includes all accommodation, experiences, guiding and transfers. Based on travelling off-peak and may increase if travelling over peak season. Price excludes international flights and meals that are not listed in the itinerary.
Tour Highlights
This is China's most classic three-city journey, bringing together Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai to experience both the country's ancient heritage and its modern transformation in one trip.
During this journey, you will visit all the must-see landmarks - from the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace to the Terracotta Warriors and the Bund - experienced through our carefully designed routes and engaging storytelling that help you truly understand their significance. Beyond the landmarks, you will also interact with the city in a more personal way: bargaining in local markets, joining a cooking session for handmade noodles, or taking a leisurely ride through historic neighborhoods.
Nine days in three classic cities through a thoughtfully designed itinerary that feels both classic and refreshingly unique
Visit China's most iconic landmarks, including the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Terracotta Warriors, brought to life through engaging storytelling
Add unique twists throughout the journey, from arriving by speedboat, biking beneath the city wall, and riding a moped through historic neighborhoods
Connect with local communities through vibrant markets, quiet neighborhoods, and curated food tours
Itinerary
DAY
1
DAY
1
China's Golden Route: Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai
Beijing
MORNING
Beijing Airport Pickup
AFTERNOON
Beijing Hutong Tour: A Walk Through Time
China's Golden Route: Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai • Afternoon
Beijing Hutong Tour: A Walk Through Time
In this tour you will walk through different Hutongs to discover different sides of Beijing life. You will see neighborhoods where time seems to stand still - quiet alleys where locals still enjoy their daily routines, and living at a slower pace. As we continue, the Hutongs begin to change. We'll pass through lively streets filled with century-old shops and traditional eateries. Later you'll also see newly renovated alleys transformed into boutique cafés and stylish spaces.
During the tour, you will visit a local opera house where you can create your own Peking opera mask, try on traditional costumes, and capture some of the most unique and memorable travel photos in China.
Duration: 4 Hours
Best seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
Themes: History & Culture, Art & Creative, Off-the-Beaten Path
EVENING
Antique Market Treasure Hunt
China's Golden Route: Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai • Evening
Antique Market Treasure Hunt
Explore one of the largest and liveliest antique markets in Beijing, where you'll find a wide range of traditional Chinese handicrafts, antiques, and vintage-style items. Many pieces may not be truly ancient, but that is part of the fun — browsing, discovering, and bargaining for something you love at a good price.
During the tour, you will also visit a stand run by a lovely local auntie, where you can create your own personalized stamp with your name or even a Chinese name if you wish. It makes for a memorable keepsake from Beijing.
Duration: 2 hours
Best seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn
Themes: Art & Creative, Off-the-Beaten Path
China's Golden Route: Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai • Accommodation
Hotel Jen Beijing
Located in Beijing's Central Business District, JEN Beijing by Shangri-La is part of the Shangri-La Group. The newly-built JEN Beijing by Shangri-La is part of the fully integrated China World Complex, which includes premier malls, offices and restaurants. Centrally located in buzzing Guomao, the complex provides direct access to major subway lines for convenient trips to some of Beijing's top attractions. JEN Beijing by Shangri-La offers young-at-heart travellers fuss-free service with a refreshing sense of adventure and puts the city right at their doorstep. Enjoy upcoming events, a lively gastropub Beersmith, a modern and vibrant all-day dining restaurant San Wu Tang, smart meeting space Prototype and a fitness centre Trainyard that will help keep the great feelings going! Check into more than a physical space; check into a new state of mind. Because whether you're in Beijing for business or a bit of shopping, we blur the line between work and play in an informal, fun and inspiring setting
DAY
2
DAY
2
China's Golden Route: Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai
Beijing
MORNING
Decoding the Forbidden City
China's Golden Route: Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai • Morning
Decoding the Forbidden City
During this tour, you'll discover why the Forbidden City is a masterpiece in all aspects - a perfect blend of oriental culture, Chinese history, and architectural gems. This is a tour that can be tailor-made for everyone, whether you're a history lover, an architecture enthusiast, or simply someone who wants to take the best IG photos.
We won't bombard you with dates, dynasties, or long-dead emperor names. Instead, we'll help you understand the Forbidden City in a way that is easy to digest, engaging, and relatable. It's an architecture tour. It's a history tour. It's a culture tour. But most of all, it's a fun tour.
AFTERNOON
Speedboat to the Summer Palace
China's Golden Route: Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai • Afternoon
Speedboat to the Summer Palace
Take a speedboat along the historic imperial waterway, cruising just as the royal family once did on their way to the Summer Palace. Along the journey, enjoy a unique perspective of Beijing's cityscape before arriving at the vast Summer Palace.
Once there, stroll through the magnificent Summer Palace, the most beautiful royal garden in China. This garden is a miniature version of China's most famous landscapes. You'll learn how to appreciate the beauty of this place, and see how this place reflects the elegance and aesthetics of China. Along the way, we will also stop at a charming café hidden inside a quiet garden for a relaxing coffee break.
Duration: 3 Hours
Best seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn
Themes: History & Culture, Active & Outdoors
China's Golden Route: Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai • Accommodation
Hotel Jen Beijing
Located in Beijing's Central Business District, JEN Beijing by Shangri-La is part of the Shangri-La Group. The newly-built JEN Beijing by Shangri-La is part of the fully integrated China World Complex, which includes premier malls, offices and restaurants. Centrally located in buzzing Guomao, the complex provides direct access to major subway lines for convenient trips to some of Beijing's top attractions. JEN Beijing by Shangri-La offers young-at-heart travellers fuss-free service with a refreshing sense of adventure and puts the city right at their doorstep. Enjoy upcoming events, a lively gastropub Beersmith, a modern and vibrant all-day dining restaurant San Wu Tang, smart meeting space Prototype and a fitness centre Trainyard that will help keep the great feelings going! Check into more than a physical space; check into a new state of mind. Because whether you're in Beijing for business or a bit of shopping, we blur the line between work and play in an informal, fun and inspiring setting
DAY
3
DAY
3
China's Golden Route: Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai
Beijing
MORNING+AFTERNOON
Your Great Wall, Your Way
China's Golden Route: Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai • Morning+afternoon
Your Great Wall, Your Way
In this flexible Great Wall program, you may choose the section that suits you best — the classic Mutianyu Great Wall with iconic views, or the quieter Huanghuacheng Great Wall for a more peaceful experience with fewer crowds.
This tour goes beyond the Wall itself. You will also visit a traditional Chinese village nearby, slow down after your hike, and enjoy a beautiful café with scenic views where the Great Wall can still be seen in the distance.
Duration: 4 hours (excluding transit)
Best seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
Themes: History & Culture, Active & Outdoors, Off-the-Beaten Path
EVENING
Beijing Food Tour: Beijing Dusk
China's Golden Route: Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai • Evening
Beijing Food Tour: Beijing Dusk
Join us for an exciting food hunt in one of Beijing's most historic neighborhoods. You'll explore lively local streets, visit a traditional wet market, venture into narrow hutongs, walk beneath the iconic Drum Tower, and stroll along a beautiful lake — all while discovering some of the city's most iconic flavors.
Along the way, you'll make 5+ food stops. Breakfast tours may include egg pancakes, potstickers, soy milk, fried dough, Chinese-style yogurt, tea eggs, and more. Dinner tours may include Beijing hotpot, Chinese burgers, dumplings, fried sauce noodles, and more.
Duration: 3 hours
Best seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
Themes: History & Culture, Food & Drinks
China's Golden Route: Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai • Accommodation
Hotel Jen Beijing
Located in Beijing's Central Business District, JEN Beijing by Shangri-La is part of the Shangri-La Group. The newly-built JEN Beijing by Shangri-La is part of the fully integrated China World Complex, which includes premier malls, offices and restaurants. Centrally located in buzzing Guomao, the complex provides direct access to major subway lines for convenient trips to some of Beijing's top attractions. JEN Beijing by Shangri-La offers young-at-heart travellers fuss-free service with a refreshing sense of adventure and puts the city right at their doorstep. Enjoy upcoming events, a lively gastropub Beersmith, a modern and vibrant all-day dining restaurant San Wu Tang, smart meeting space Prototype and a fitness centre Trainyard that will help keep the great feelings going! Check into more than a physical space; check into a new state of mind. Because whether you're in Beijing for business or a bit of shopping, we blur the line between work and play in an informal, fun and inspiring setting
DAY
4
DAY
4
China's Golden Route: Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai
Beijing/Xi'an
MORNING
Leisure Time
AFTERNOON
Beijing Airport Dropoff + Xi'an Airport Pickup
China's Golden Route: Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai • Accommodation
Shangri-La Xi'an
The hotel is located in the core area of technology road, yanta district, adjacent to the tang city wall ruins park, close to the subway line 3, line 6, line 8 to the big wild goose pagoda, Great tang all day mall and other famous attractions. Across from the hotel are famous restaurant yongxing square with snacks, change'an cuisine stalls and other special restaurants, so that you can experience authentic shaanxi cuisine. It takes about 5 minutes to walk to the commercial pedestrian street. Century golden flower, metropolis, T11 block, lotus supermarket, etc, is convenient for your leisure shopping. Around the characteristics of the shop gathered: Starbucks and other desserts, drinks, snacks, hand gift everything, but also a cinema and other cultural entertainment venues, to meet your needs. Hotel can provide a car to the museum of the terra-cotta warriors and horses, huaqing pool and other famous attractions, convenient transportation. It is only a 40-minute drive to the airport and high-speed rails station.
DAY
5
DAY
5
China's Golden Route: Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai
Xi'an
MORNING+AFTERNOON
Eat, Ride, Discover Ancient Xi'an
China's Golden Route: Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai • Morning+afternoon
Eat, Ride, Discover Ancient Xi'an
Embark on a culturally rich journey through Xi'an, the ancient capital of 13 dynasties, where imperial history meets vibrant local life. Begin your day at the Great Mosque, exploring its serene courtyard and intricate Islamic architecture, then continue to Gaojia Courtyard for a traditional shadow puppet performance.
For lunch, visit a local home and join a hands-on Biangbiang noodle workshop, making and enjoying your own wide, chewy noodles. After lunch, choose between two traditional arts — stone rubbing or brush calligraphy. End the day with a leisurely ride on a premium bike along the tree-lined paths at the foot of the City Wall, discovering hidden corners of ancient Xi'an.
China's Golden Route: Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai • Accommodation
Shangri-La Xi'an
The hotel is located in the core area of technology road, yanta district, adjacent to the tang city wall ruins park, close to the subway line 3, line 6, line 8 to the big wild goose pagoda, Great tang all day mall and other famous attractions. Across from the hotel are famous restaurant yongxing square with snacks, change'an cuisine stalls and other special restaurants, so that you can experience authentic shaanxi cuisine. It takes about 5 minutes to walk to the commercial pedestrian street. Century golden flower, metropolis, T11 block, lotus supermarket, etc, is convenient for your leisure shopping. Around the characteristics of the shop gathered: Starbucks and other desserts, drinks, snacks, hand gift everything, but also a cinema and other cultural entertainment venues, to meet your needs. Hotel can provide a car to the museum of the terra-cotta warriors and horses, huaqing pool and other famous attractions, convenient transportation. It is only a 40-minute drive to the airport and high-speed rails station.
DAY
6
DAY
6
China's Golden Route: Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai
Xi'an/Shanghai
MORNING+AFTERNOON
Meet the Warriors
China's Golden Route: Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai • Morning+afternoon
Meet the Warriors
Step back over 2,200 years to the Qin Dynasty and 1,300 years to the Tang Dynasty on this full-day eastern route through Xi'an. Explore the world-famous Terracotta Army, one of the Eight Wonders of the Ancient World — an awe-inspiring collection of life-sized, intricately detailed clay warriors and horses created to guard an imperial tomb for eternity.
Then visit Huaqing Palace, a luxurious royal hot spring retreat that flourished during the golden age of the Tang Dynasty. The site is rich in both imperial romance and 20th-century historical significance, offering a layered perspective on China's past.
EVENING
Xi'an Airport Dropoff + Shanghai Airport Pickup
China's Golden Route: Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai • Accommodation
Shanghai Marriott Marquis City Centre
Conveniently situated in the heart of the tourist destination, guests staying at Shanghai Marriott Marquis City Centre can easily access a number of city landmarks as well as entertainment and shopping attractions including, The Bund, Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street and the People's Square. The refreshed features can be seen in the hotel's guestrooms, food and beverage outlets, lobby lounge and the 2,000 square meters flexible event space.
DAY
7
DAY
7
China's Golden Route: Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai
Shanghai
MORNING
The Bund & Suzhou Creek Riverside Tour
China's Golden Route: Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai • Morning
The Bund & Suzhou Creek Riverside Tour
Join a guided walking tour along the scenic riversides of Suzhou Creek and the Huangpu River, uncovering the story of Shanghai's rise from a humble water town to one of the world's greatest metropolises.
Learn how the rivers shaped the city's development, admire the architectural landmarks of the Bund, and explore Shanghai's colonial history. Across the river, Pudong's skyline tells the story of China's future-facing transformation and economic growth.
Duration: 2 hours
Best seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
Themes: History & Culture, Off-the-Beaten Path
AFTERNOON
Chinese-art-themed Tour in the Former French Quarter
China's Golden Route: Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai • Afternoon
Chinese-art-themed Tour in the Former French Quarter
Experience the Former French Concession's rich history, from traditional alley lanes once home to locals, to peaceful French-style parks and elegant mansions once inhabited by elites. This walking journey combines architectural charm, neighborhood atmosphere, and creative discovery.
Highlights include exploring Tianzifang, enjoying drinks at boutique cafés, wandering through local lanes, and finishing with two different hands-on Chinese art crafts to take home in an artsy studio in Tianzifang.
Duration: 4 hours
Best seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
Themes: History & Culture, Art & Creative, Off-the-Beaten Path
China's Golden Route: Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai • Accommodation
Shanghai Marriott Marquis City Centre
Conveniently situated in the heart of the tourist destination, guests staying at Shanghai Marriott Marquis City Centre can easily access a number of city landmarks as well as entertainment and shopping attractions including, The Bund, Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street and the People's Square. The refreshed features can be seen in the hotel's guestrooms, food and beverage outlets, lobby lounge and the 2,000 square meters flexible event space.
DAY
8
DAY
8
China's Golden Route: Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai
Shanghai
MORNING
Shanghai: Eat Like a Local - Foodie Tour (Breakfast)
China's Golden Route: Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai • Morning
Shanghai: Eat Like a Local - Foodie Tour (Breakfast)
Savor 10 dishes at 5 of Shanghai's most authentic and time-honored eateries while hearing the stories behind the food. Guests will also have the chance to make soup dumplings themselves. Along the way, explore classic Shanghai icons such as Nanjing Road and People's Square, uncovering the untold stories behind these landmarks.
The menu varies by departure. Breakfast options may include crab roe soup dumplings, crispy buns, pancakes, scallion pancake, mango dessert and more. Dinner experiences may include crab roe soup dumplings, crispy buns, braised pork belly, Shanghai steamed rice, Chinese liquor and more.
Duration: 3 hours
Best seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
Themes: History & Culture, Food & Drinks
AFTERNOON
Discover Old Shanghai on a Moped
China's Golden Route: Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai • Afternoon
Discover Old Shanghai on a Moped
Panoramic Shanghai awaits on this exciting moped tour. Feel the wind as you glide along Suzhou Creek, through the Bund's atmospheric backstreets, quiet corners of the Old City, and the leafy avenues of the French Concession.
The route is thoughtfully designed to use mostly light-traffic roads, helping guests cover more ground in comfort and style. Along the way, enjoy delicious local street food and refreshing drinks while your guide shares stories that bring Shanghai's layered history to life.
Duration: 3 hours
Best seasons: Spring, Autumn
Themes: History & Culture, Active & Outdoors, Off-the-Beaten Path
China's Golden Route: Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai • Accommodation
Shanghai Marriott Marquis City Centre
Conveniently situated in the heart of the tourist destination, guests staying at Shanghai Marriott Marquis City Centre can easily access a number of city landmarks as well as entertainment and shopping attractions including, The Bund, Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street and the People's Square. The refreshed features can be seen in the hotel's guestrooms, food and beverage outlets, lobby lounge and the 2,000 square meters flexible event space.
DAY
9
DAY
9
China's Golden Route: Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai
Shanghai
MORNING
Shanghai Airport Dropoff
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