Private & fully customisable
China Essentials: Beijing, Xi’an & Shanghai
A well-paced first journey through Beijing’s imperial landmarks, Xi’an’s ancient history and Shanghai’s neighbourhood life and skyline.
Journey highlights
What makes this trip memorable
- Walk a quieter section of the Great Wall
- Explore Beijing hutongs with a local host
- Meet the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an
- Discover Shanghai’s old lanes and skyline
Your journey, day by day
Day 1 — Arrive in Beijing
Welcome to China. Your private driver will meet you at the airport and take you directly to your hotel. The rest of the day is left open to rest, settle in and begin exploring at your own pace.
Overnight in Beijing.
Day 2 — Beijing’s Imperial Heart
Begin in the historic centre of Beijing, where monumental avenues lead towards the Forbidden City. Explore its courtyards, ceremonial halls and quieter corners with your private guide, then continue to Jingshan Park for a panoramic view over the palace rooftops.
Later, step into Beijing’s hutong neighbourhoods to see a more intimate side of the capital. End the day with a relaxed local dinner or return to your hotel for an evening at leisure.
Overnight in Beijing.
Day 3 — The Great Wall at Mutianyu
Travel into the mountains for a full-day visit to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. Your guide will help choose a walking route suited to your pace, with time to enjoy the watchtowers, forested ridges and wide views away from the busiest parts of the city.
Pause for lunch near the Wall before returning to Beijing. The evening is free for your own discoveries.
Overnight in Beijing.
Day 4 — Local Beijing and High-Speed Train to Xi’an
Start the morning at the Temple of Heaven, where local residents gather for exercise, music and conversation beneath ancient trees. Continue with a neighbourhood walk or a visit to a local market before transferring to the railway station.
Travel by high-speed train to Xi’an, the eastern starting point of the ancient Silk Road. Your local driver will meet you on arrival and take you to your hotel.
Overnight in Xi’an.
Day 5 — The Terracotta Warriors
Meet the extraordinary Terracotta Warriors, created more than two thousand years ago to guard the mausoleum of China’s first emperor. Your guide will bring the archaeological site to life while allowing enough time to appreciate the scale and detail of the excavated figures.
Return to Xi’an with the option to explore the Big Wild Goose Pagoda area or enjoy a quiet evening near your hotel.
Overnight in Xi’an.
Day 6 — Inside Xi’an’s Ancient Walls
Discover Xi’an at a slower pace. Walk or cycle along a suitable section of the ancient city wall, then explore streets shaped by centuries of trade and cultural exchange.
Continue through the Muslim Quarter with your guide, sampling local flavours and learning about the communities that have long connected Xi’an with the wider Silk Road. The afternoon can be adjusted for history, food, crafts or additional free time.
Overnight in Xi’an.
Day 7 — Xi’an to Shanghai
Transfer to the railway station for your high-speed journey to Shanghai. Watch the landscapes change as you travel east towards China’s most international city.
After arriving and checking in, take an introductory walk along the Bund. Across the Huangpu River, Shanghai’s contemporary skyline offers a striking contrast to the historic waterfront.
Overnight in Shanghai.
Day 8 — Old Shanghai and the Modern Skyline
Begin around Yu Garden and the surrounding Old City, exploring traditional architecture, small lanes and local food shops. Continue to the Bund to uncover the stories behind its landmark buildings.
Later, cross the river to Pudong for a closer view of Shanghai’s modern architecture. The day can finish with a riverside walk, rooftop drink or evening cruise according to your interests.
Overnight in Shanghai.
Day 9 — Neighbourhood Life in Shanghai
Spend the day exploring Shanghai beyond its famous skyline. Walk through the leafy streets and historic lane-house neighbourhoods of the former French Concession, stopping at independent shops, cafés and local restaurants along the way.
Choose an afternoon shaped around your interests: contemporary art and design, a guided food experience, additional historic neighbourhoods or unstructured time for shopping and personal exploration.
Overnight in Shanghai.
Day 10 — Depart Shanghai
Enjoy a final breakfast before your private transfer to the airport or railway station. If your departure is later in the day, additional sightseeing or free time can be arranged.
Your journey ends here, but every detail of this itinerary can be adjusted around your dates, pace and interests.
Flexible by design
This itinerary is a starting point rather than a fixed package. Hotels, activities, transport and daily pacing will be refined around your travel dates, preferred comfort level and the experiences that matter most to you.