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Dynasties & Skylines: A Classic China Journey
Route:
Beijing > Xi’an > Shanghai
Duration:
10 Days
Suitable for:
First-time travelers to China
Accommodation:
4-star boutique hotels & local stays
Best Season:
Spring, Summer,Autumn
Guide Languages Available:
English, French, Chinese
Introduction
Step into a story that spans millennia. This 10-day journey takes you through China’s grand imperial past and its vibrant modern present. From ancient palaces and city walls to world wonders and futuristic skylines, discover three iconic cities that each tell a different chapter of China’s tale.
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!
Wander through the heart of China’s imperial legacy, climb the Great Wall, and uncover the contrasts between tradition and innovation in the nation’s capital.
Day 1: Arrival in the Capital
Touch down in Beijing and meet your group and Adventure Leader. Enjoy a welcome dinner featuring Beijing’s legendary roast duck, and take a short evening walk through the buzzing Wangfujing area.
Day 2: Forbidden Cities and Sacred Altars
Start your day at Tiananmen Square, the largest urban square in the world. From there, walk through the Meridian Gate into the Forbidden City, once home to 24 emperors. After lunch, head to Jingshan Park for panoramic views over the palace roofs, then explore the symmetrical beauty of the Temple of Heaven complex.
Day 3: Imperial Gardens and Artistic Lanes
Stroll the pavilions and lakes of the Summer Palace, a masterpiece of Qing-dynasty landscaping. In the afternoon, visit the 798 Art District — Beijing’s vibrant hub of contemporary Chinese art. Wrap up your day with dinner and optional drinks in trendy Sanlitun.
Day 4: Great Wall Adventure
Travel to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, less crowded and lush with scenic views. Hike the ancient ramparts or take the cable car for aerial perspectives. Return to Beijing for an evening of your choice — perhaps a traditional Peking opera or a laid-back rooftop bar.
Travel back to the cradle of Chinese civilization. Xi’an brings the Silk Road to life with archaeological marvels, city ramparts, and timeless culinary traditions.
Day 5: Westward to the Ancient Capital
Take a high-speed train or flight to Xi’an. In the afternoon, walk or bike along the well-preserved Ming Dynasty City Wall. Dinner is in the Muslim Quarter, where you’ll sample local delicacies like roujiamo (Chinese burgers) and hand-pulled noodles.
Day 6: Warriors of Eternity
Spend the day at the world-famous Terracotta Warriors Museum. Marvel at thousands of life-sized soldiers guarding Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s tomb. After returning to the city, visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and enjoy the musical fountain show in the square.
Day 7: Legends and Hot Springs
Visit the Shaanxi History Museum for a deep dive into dynastic treasures. In the afternoon, explore the tranquil gardens of Huaqing Hot Springs — where emperors bathed and the love story of Yang Guifei once unfolded. Optionally, watch The Song of Everlasting Sorrow, a grand outdoor performance about Tang Dynasty romance (seasonal).
Conclude your journey in China’s most dynamic city — where colonial facades meet futuristic towers, and traditional markets sit beside luxury boutiques.
Day 8: Welcome to the Future
Arrive in Shanghai and walk along The Bund, admiring the contrast between old European buildings and Pudong’s glittering skyline. Visit the historic neighborhoods of Xintiandi, where old shikumen architecture now houses modern cafés and bars.
Day 9: Gardens, Art & Commerce
Wander the elegant paths of Yuyuan Garden and explore the surrounding Chenghuangmiao bazaar. In the afternoon, head to the Shanghai Museum, home to ancient bronzes, ceramics, and calligraphy. Evening at leisure — enjoy rooftop cocktails with views of the Oriental Pearl Tower.
Day 10: Departure or Optional Extension
Your journey ends today. Transfer to the airport, or choose to extend your stay with a visit to the Shanghai Science & Technology Museum, a day trip to nearby water towns like Zhujiajiao, or a culinary tour of the city’s eclectic food scene.
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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.
