9-Day China Private In-depth Tour of Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai

Attractions: Tian’anmen Square, Forbidden City, Temple Heaven, Facial makeup painting in Hutong
Meal: Not Included
Hotel: Over night in Beijing

Today we start to explore this city treasure by a visit to Tian’anmen Square, the world’s largest city center square, the locality of numerous major political and historical events. It is the witness of Chinese development. It is only a walking distance from Tian’anmen Square to Forbidden City, the world’s existing largest and most complete ancient wooden structure buildings. You will explore the glorious palace halls and gardens for more than 2 hours in Forbidden City, learning the legendary story of the emperors and how the royal family lived there.

In the afternoon, we will Temple of Heaven, the existing largest structure for sacrifice to heaven and a place where the emperors prayed for a year of abundance. In the visit of Temple of Heaven, you will be astonished by the exquisite ancient Chinese architectures. Then we move to a less commercial Hutong nearby. A short walking (around 30mins) along the authentic Hutong will give you a deep impression of the local residents’ live. We stop to visit a local family to learn Facial Makeup Painting for Beijing Opera.

Attractions: Mutianyu Great Wall with round way cable car, the exterior of Bird Nest and Water Cube
Meal: Not Included
Hotel: Over nighijing

It will be an exciting day today. In the early morning, guide will pick you up from your hotel lobby. Today we will visit the must-visit spot in Beijing— Mutianyu Great Wall, one of the famous sections of China Great Wall. It takes about 2 hours driving from the downtown of Beijing to Mutianyu Great Wall. Mutianyu Great Wall was first built in the mid-6th century during the Northern Qi, making it older than the Badaling section. (***Round way cable car are included at Mutianyu Great Wall***)

A la carte lunch is arranged at a good restaurant at the foot of Mutianyu. Drive back to downtown of Beijing.When we reach Beijing, we will have a photo stop outside the Bird Nest and Water Cube, which were the famous sites constructed for 2008 Beijing Olympic. The tour finishes by dropping off at your hotel. If you would like to try local specialty tonight, you could ask for some suggestion about Peking Roast Duck Restaurant.

Attractions: Summer Palace
Meal: Not Included
Hotel: Overnight in Xi’an

In the morning, check out from hotel and start to visit the last spots in Beijing — Summer Palace, the existing largest, best-preserved imperial garden in China. The Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake are regarded as the representative of Summer Palace. In the park, you could choose to take a boating trip on the lake, enjoying the beautiful royal garden view. Walk along the Long Corridor— the longest corridor in the world, admiring the extremely rich and prestigious paintings on the beams of the corridor.

A la carte lunch will be arranged at a local restaurant on the way to Beijing West Railway Station to take high speed train (2nd class seat, duration: about 5-5.5 hours) from Beijing to Xi’an. TCT guide will wait at the exit of Xi’an train station with our signboard and transfer you to check in hotel. Free at leisure for the rest of the time.

Attractions: Terracotta Warriors, Make pottery figurine, Ancient City Wall
Meal: Not Included
Hotel: Overnight in Xi’an

Today we start to explore the ancient city by driving to Terracotta Warriors and explore one of the world’s most important archaeological finds, with troops, horses and carriages in battle formation. Shuttle bus will be arranged for your convenience. After that you will have a chance to visit a local family and learn to make mini version of pottery figurine by your hands as gift to bring back home.

A Chinese Lunch will be arranged nearby the scenic area of Terracotta Warriors.In the afternoon, we drive back to the city to visit the Ancient City Wall, which represents one of the oldest and best preserved Chinese city walls. Bicycle or sightseeing car will be arranged on the wall to go around. (We will visit the Bell Tower instead of the city wall if the weather does not permit.)

Attractions: Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Gao’s Courtyard, Muslim Quarter, Fly to Shanghai
Meal: Not Included
Hotel: Overnight in Shanghai

In the morning, we drive to visit the exterior of Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and you will have chance to watch the North plaza fountain show. Then have a visit at Gao’s Courtyard, which is a wonderful choice for you to appreciate ancient residences and explore local culture of paper-cutting and shadow puppetry. Continue to walk around Muslim Quarter and enjoy your shopping time there and you can also challenge the various local snacks.

After lunch, we drive to Xian airport for the flight to Shanghai. Your Shanghai tour guide will wait for you at the airport and help you to transfer to the hotel.