10-Day Classic China Golden Route
Beijing – Xi’an – Shanghai （10 Day Private Tour）
This classic 10-day journey takes you through China’s most iconic cities — Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai. Explore ancient palaces, walk the Great Wall, witness the Terracotta Army, and experience both traditional charm and modern cityscapes. Ideal for first-time visitors, this well-paced tour offers a perfect balance of history, culture, and comfort.
📅 Recommended Duration: 10 Days 9 Nights (Flexible)
🎯 Ideal For: First-time visitors to China; those interested in Chinese culture, history, and urban experiences
🚄 Transportation: Includes airport transfers, high-speed train tickets, and private car service
🍽 Meals: 9 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 5 dinners
💼 Highlights: Fully customizable private tour; includes all attraction tickets and guided tours
Highlights
Itinerary Overview
Our standard itineraries are for reference only — just let us know your preferences in the form, and our travel experts will customize a trip just for you!
Private airport pick-up and transfer to your city hotel.
🛏️ Accommodation: 4★ Hotel in Beijing
🍽 Meals: None
Tiananmen Square – Forbidden City – Jingshan Park – Hutong Tour
- Morning: Visit Tiananmen Square and explore the Forbidden City. Walk through Jingshan Park for panoramic views of the imperial palace.
- Afternoon: Enjoy a rickshaw tour through Beijing’s traditional hutongs and visit a local courtyard home.
🥢 Dinner: Free time at Gui Jie (Ghost Street). Recommended: Beijing Zhajiang Noodles or Lu Zhu (local specialty). Self-arranged
🛏️ Accommodation: Beijing
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Dinner: Self-arranged
Mutianyu Great Wall + Summer Palace
- Morning: Drive to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall and experience a scenic hike.
- Afternoon: Explore the elegant Summer Palace, a masterpiece of imperial garden design.
🥢 Dinner: Enjoy a traditional Peking Duck dinner (at Da Dong or Quanjude).
🛏️ Accommodation: Beijing
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Free Morning + High-Speed Train to Xi’an
- Morning: Free time – optional cultural experience (e.g., Tai Chi or calligraphy class).
- Afternoon: Take a high-speed train to Xi’an (~5 hrs). Meet your guide at the station.
🥢 Dinner: Welcome dinner in Xi’an (try local-style noodles like Saozi Mian)
🛏️ Accommodation: Xi’an
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Dinner | Lunch: Self-arranged
Terracotta Army – Huaqing Palace – Great Tang All Day Mall
- Morning: Visit the world-famous Terracotta Army, hailed as the 8th Wonder of the World.
- Afternoon: Explore Huaqing Palace. In the evening, enjoy a stroll through the dazzling Great Tang All Day Mall.
🥢 Dinner: Local specialty dinner (optional dumpling banquet included)
🛏️ Accommodation: Xi’an
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ancient City Wall – Big Wild Goose Pagoda – Muslim Quarter
- Morning: Cycle along the top of Xi’an’s ancient city wall.
- Afternoon: Visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. In the evening, explore the vibrant Muslim Quarter and sample delicious street snacks.
🥢 Dinner: Free time. Recommendations: Roujiamo (Chinese burger), Yangrou Paomo (lamb soup with flatbread)
🛏️ Accommodation: Xi’an
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Dinner: Self-arranged
High-Speed Train to Shanghai + The Bund Night View
- Morning: Take a high-speed train to Shanghai (~6 hrs). Private transfer upon arrival.
- Evening: Enjoy the iconic night view of The Bund, with optional Huangpu River cruise.
🥢 Dinner: Welcome dinner featuring classic Shanghai cuisine
🛏️ Accommodation: Shanghai
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Dinner | Lunch: Self-arranged
Yu Garden – City God Temple – Oriental Pearl Tower – Nanjing Road
- Morning: Stroll through Yu Garden and the historic lanes of City God Temple Bazaar. Ascend the Oriental Pearl Tower for a panoramic city view.
- Afternoon: Leisure time and shopping along Nanjing Road.
🥢 Dinner: Dine at a scenic restaurant (e.g., Riverside View Restaurant)
🛏️ Accommodation: Shanghai
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Water Town Day Tour (Zhujiajiao or Zhouzhuang)
- Full Day: Private car to a picturesque Jiangnan water town. Take a traditional wooden boat and explore ancient bridges, alleyways, and canals.
🥢 Dinner: Optional – enjoy a group meal in the city or self-arranged
🛏️ Accommodation: Shanghai
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Dinner: Optional/Self-arranged
After breakfast, transfer to Pudong or Hongqiao Airport for your departure flight.
🛫 We look forward to welcoming you back to China!
🍽 Meals: Breakfast only
Value-added Services
Where You’ll Stay
Standard Accommodation
You’ll stay in carefully selected 4-star hotels offering a comfortable blend of modern convenience and warm hospitality — perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring.
Upgrade Options
While the standard is twin-sharing rooms in 4-star hotels, you can easily upgrade to single rooms or opt for 5-star hotels or preferred properties to suit your tastes and preferences.
Unique Traditional Stays
In select destinations, enjoy a night or two in charming boutique guesthouses featuring traditional Chinese architecture and local character, for a truly immersive experience.
Tour Testimonials
“Everything was perfectly arranged — from airport pickup to hotel check-ins. Our guide was knowledgeable, patient, and full of great stories. The highlight for me was walking the Great Wall at our own pace, without the crowds.”
— Sarah Mitchell, 12 Oct 24
“An unforgettable journey through China’s history and culture. The Terracotta Warriors were mind-blowing, and the local food in Xi’an was beyond expectations. Having a private guide made all the difference — flexible, relaxed, and personal.”
— James Ellwood, 3 Apr 25
“This trip exceeded all expectations. From the peaceful water town near Shanghai to the iconic sites in Beijing, every detail was thoughtfully planned. Don’t miss the Peking Duck dinner — it’s as authentic as it gets!”
— Naomi Carter, 18 Jun 24
Photo Highlights
Useful Information
At Travel China, we believe your journey should be as unique as you are. Our itineraries are here to inspire—but every trip can be fully customized to match your interests, pace, and preferences. Simply share your ideas with us through the form, and our travel experts will craft a tailor-made adventure just for you, along with a personalized quote.
All our tours can be adjusted to suit your needs—whether it’s adding destinations, changing pace, or tailoring experiences. Just tell us what you have in mind!
A small deposit of just 10% per person confirms your booking and secures your hotels, tickets, and private transport. The remaining balance is paid upon your arrival in China.
A visa is required for travel to mainland China. We recommend applying at least two months in advance.
Ages 14–70 must apply in person at a Visa Application Center.
Ages 13 and under / 71 and over can apply online.
We’ll provide you with the necessary documents and guidance to make the process smooth and easy.
Comfortable private cars are arranged within cities. For intercity travel, we use China’s efficient high-speed trains or domestic flights. Please note: lighters and aerosols are not allowed on trains or planes.
The local currency is the Renminbi (RMB / CNY / Yuan). We suggest exchanging money before departure. US dollars are also commonly accepted. Credit cards work in most hotels and malls, but small shops may only accept cash. ATMs are widely available.
Hotels may require a credit card or cash deposit upon check-in.
You’ll be warmly greeted by your local guide upon arrival. Throughout your trip, a knowledgeable local guide will accompany you in each city to offer expert insight and support.
We handpick hotels for comfort, location, and character—typically at a 4-star standard. Ratings may differ from international norms, but we inspect all our partner properties regularly to ensure quality. All rooms come with private bathrooms.
Breakfast is always western style and served in the hotel each morning. Dinner (when included) will be taken in local restaurants or at the hotel. A variety of restaurants are visited giving you the chance to experience a range of dishes and flavours. Unlike the western world, Chinese people do not normally pre-heat their plates and food can be presented at a variety of temperatures, which is a typical Chinese way of doing things.
Please contact Customer Experience for questions about other dietary requirements or allergy information.
It is not recommended to drink the tap water, even in developed countries water may contain unfamiliar elements that can cause upset stomachs. In less developed countries water is not filtered in the same way. Bottled water will be available at shops and hotels.
If your visit falls during a major Chinese holiday, such as Chinese New Year (Jan–Feb) or Golden Week (May 1–3 & Oct 1–7), note that transportation may be busier and attractions more crowded. Shops may close temporarily, but scenic sites remain open.
