10-Day Beijing-Xian-Chengdu-Shanghai Private Tour

Upon your arrival, your private guide will be waiting for you in the arrival hall, holding a welcome sign with your name. A comfortable private vehicle will then transfer you directly to your handpicked hotel. You can spend the rest of the day relaxing to overcome jet lag. If you feel energetic, feel free to explore the surrounding area; our guide will be happy to provide local recommendations.

Your private journey begins at the world-famous Tiananmen Square, the largest city-center square in the world. Next, your guide will lead you through the Gate of Heavenly Peace to enter the magnificent Forbidden City, a royal palace complex with nearly 600 years of history.

In ancient times, ordinary people were strictly forbidden from entering the palace. Officials had to attend early morning courts, waking up as early as 3:00 AM. They even skipped breakfast as no restrooms were allowed during the assembly. Today, you are fortunate to explore this imperial complex, now a vast museum showcasing the lives of emperors and exquisite traditional architecture.

★ Exclusive VIP Experience:

Our expert guides visit the Forbidden City over 100 times a year. They will lead you along the best route for at least 2 full hours, ensuring you visit all the essential palaces while sharing fascinating anecdotes you won’t hear anywhere else.

★ A La Carte Welcome Lunch: Peking Duck & Authentic Cuisine

Enjoy a high-quality welcome lunch (valued at RMB 150 per person, included in your tour) at a restaurant favored by locals. We highly recommend the Peking Roasted Duck, the signature dish of Beijing. Watch the chef’s masterful skill as they carve the crispy duck right before your eyes.

In the afternoon, visit Yonghe Temple (Lama Temple), the best-preserved Buddhist temple in Beijing, featuring a unique blend of Han, Manchu, Mongolian, and Tibetan architectural styles. Conclude your day at the Temple of Heaven, where ancient emperors performed solemn rituals to the God of Heaven. Today, it serves as a vibrant park where locals gather for leisure.

Meals: Western buffet breakfast, A La Carte Welcome Lunch

This morning, we will take you to the magnificent Mutianyu Great Wall. Known for its breathtaking scenery and less-crowded atmosphere, this section includes a round-trip cable car ride, allowing you to ascend and descend with ease. Standing atop the wall and watching it snake along the mountain ridges will surely be a highlight of your trip. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes.

In the afternoon, return to the city with a photo stop at the “Bird’s Nest” (National Stadium). Next, explore Shichahai, where we have arranged a 40-minute Rickshaw ride through the ancient Hutongs. You will travel along the lakeside and narrow alleys, followed by a visit to a well-preserved Siheyuan (courtyard house). Here, you can chat with the host to gain insights into contemporary Chinese life.

Meals: Western buffet breakfast

This morning, your guide will accompany you to the Summer Palace. This opulent imperial garden served as a royal retreat and is a masterpiece of Chinese landscape design, blending natural scenery with exquisite pavilions and bridges.

Afterward, you will be transferred to the railway station to board the High-speed Train to Xian. Traveling at speeds up to 350 km/h (217 mph) is an exhilarating experience! The journey takes approximately 4.5 to 5.5 hours. Upon arrival in Xian, your local guide and driver will greet you at the station and escort you to your hotel.

★ Pro Tip: We recommend bringing some fruit or snacks and preparing a book or downloaded movies to enjoy during the smooth train ride.

Meals: Western buffet breakfast

This magnificent day begins with a visit to the world-renowned Terracotta Army Museum. Home to over 9,000 life-sized terracotta figures, horses, and chariots, these artifacts served as the imperial guard for Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s secret mausoleum. Each figure features unique facial expressions and postures, showcasing the incredible craftsmanship of the Qin Dynasty.

After the museum, we will visit the home of Mr. Yang Zhifa, the farmer who discovered the first terracotta warrior in 1974. If Mr. Yang is present, you can chat with him to hear the legendary story of how this underground army was brought to light.

We have also arranged a 40-minute DIY Experience at a local workshop. You can craft your own mini terracotta warrior and engrave your name on it—a unique souvenir to take home.

In the evening, visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda before heading to the Grand Tang Mall. Your guide will help you dress in Hanfu (traditional Han Chinese clothing) for a stroll through this Tang-themed district, feeling as if you have “traveled back to ancient China.” Afterward, we will transfer you to the hotel, or you may choose to stay longer and return on your own.

Meals: Western buffet breakfast

This morning, we visit City Wall Park, the best place to observe the local lifestyle, especially among retirees. You will have the chance to join the locals and experience Tai Chi—a gentle exercise that promotes physical health and mental tranquility.

Next, we will ascend the historic Ancient City Wall. Cycling on the wall is a popular activity (approx. 2 hours for a full loop), or you can opt for a sightseeing golf cart (approx. 50 minutes). Your guide will assist with bike rentals or tickets on-site.

Afterward, explore the Great Mosque and the vibrant Muslim Quarter. This area is the heart of Xian’s Muslim community and a hub for diverse local street food.

In the afternoon, board a high-speed train to Chengdu (approx. 4 hours). Upon arrival, your Chengdu guide and driver will meet you at the station and escort you to your hotel.

Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Xian Specialty Lunch

The highlight of today is the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. We have scheduled the visit for the morning because the pandas are most active after a night’s rest, giving you the best chance to see them eating and playing in their adorable way.

Additionally, your guide will share mysterious stories of the Ancient Shu Civilization (Sanxingdui). The 4,000-year-old bronze craftsmanship continues to baffle modern scientists. After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel for a rest.

Meals: Western buffet breakfast

Today we bid farewell to Chengdu and transfer you to the airport for your flight to Shanghai (approx. 2.5 hours). Upon arrival, your Shanghai guide will warmly welcome you at the arrival hall.

Next, we will drive to The Bund. This was the most prosperous area in early 20th-century Shanghai and still preserves a spectacular collection of Western-style architectural heritage.

After the tour, check in to your hotel, where you will stay for two consecutive nights to enjoy the charm of “The Magic City.”

Meals: Western buffet breakfast

After breakfast, your guide will take you to the Shanghai Museum, which houses over 120,000 precious ancient artistic treasures. Next, visit Yu Garden, a classical Ming Dynasty garden in the city center where every corner offers a picturesque view. After the tour, stroll through the vibrant Yu Garden Bazaar as you head to the restaurant.

In the afternoon, we drive to the charming Zhujiajiao Water Town. Often called the “Venice of the East,” this town features traditional houses built along the canals, preserving the nostalgic atmosphere of old China in stark contrast to Shanghai’s modern skyscrapers.

Meals: Western buffet breakfast, A La Carte Farewell Lunch

According to your international flight schedule, your private guide and driver will pick you up from the hotel and escort you to the airport. If you wish to experience the world’s fastest commercial train, the Maglev, which reaches speeds of 430 km/h to Pudong Airport, we can certainly arrange it for you.

Your 10-day journey through China’s Golden Triangle and the home of the Giant Panda concludes here. We wish you a pleasant flight home and look forward to traveling with you again in the future!

Meals: Western buffet breakfast