Morning: Flight heading to Beijing, the capital of China.

Afternoon: Upon group arrival, enjoy VIP meet-and-greet service at the airport by your English-speaking local guide. Transfer to your downtown hotel and check in. Time to rest after the journey.

Evening: Gather for a Welcome Dinner featuring the world-famous Beijing Roast Duck. As one of the most celebrated dishes in Chinese cuisine, Peking Duck has been enjoyed since the Qing Dynasty (1616–1911), when it was favored by emperors and considered a court delicacy. The duck is roasted in a wood-fired oven fueled by fruit tree hardwood, producing a thin, crispy skin and tender, flavorful meat. Savor this iconic dish, often praised as “the number one food in the world,” while your guide shares stories of its cultural heritage and cooking artistry.

Overnight stay in Beijing.

Morning: After breakfast, begin the day at Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest public square and the symbolic heart of China, surrounded by historic landmarks including the Great Hall of the People and the National Museum of China. From here, walk to the Forbidden City (Palace Museum), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the former imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Explore its grand halls, courtyards, and gardens, where emperors ruled China for nearly 500 years.

Lunch: Enjoy a traditional Mongolian Hot Pot at a local restaurant. This hearty meal is beloved for its rich broth, fresh vegetables, and thinly sliced meats cooked at the table.

Afternoon: Visit the Old Beijing Hutong Area, a network of historic narrow alleys lined with traditional courtyard homes (siheyuan). Take a rickshaw ride through the lanes for a glimpse of authentic Beijing life and stop to visit a local family, learning about traditions that have endured for generations.

Dinner: Dine at a local restaurant featuring Beijing-style specialties.

Overnight stay in Beijing.

Morning: After breakfast, drive to the world-famous Great Wall of China – Mutianyu Section, one of the best-preserved and most scenic parts of the Wall. Known for its watchtowers, rolling mountain ridges, and fewer crowds, Mutianyu offers a rewarding climb and breathtaking panoramic views. Guests may ascend by cable car or chairlift for convenience and descend via cable car or an exhilarating toboggan ride.

Lunch: Enjoy a hearty meal at a local countryside restaurant near the Wall, sampling traditional northern Chinese flavors.

Afternoon: Return to downtown Beijing. On the way, make a photo stop at the Beijing Olympic Park, home to the iconic Bird’s Nest Stadium and Water Cube, built for the 2008 Summer Olympics.

Evening (Optional): For those interested, attend a traditional Peking Opera performance (available Wednesday to Saturday, 19:30–20:30). With its elaborate costumes, painted masks, and dramatic storytelling, it is a must-see cultural experience in Beijing.

Dinner: Dine at a local restaurant.

Overnight stay in Beijing.

Morning: After breakfast, visit the Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the best-preserved imperial garden in China. Stroll along the Long Corridor, admire the painted pavilions, and cruise (seasonal) across Kunming Lake with views of Longevity Hill. Once the summer retreat of Qing Dynasty emperors, the palace combines traditional Chinese landscaping with natural beauty.

Lunch: Enjoy a meal at a local restaurant, sampling Beijing-style cuisine.

Afternoon: Explore the magnificent Temple of Heaven (Tiantan), another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in 1420, this vast ceremonial complex was where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties held rituals to pray for good harvests. Stroll through the expansive park, where locals often gather to practice tai chi, calligraphy, and traditional music.

Dinner: Dine at a local restaurant in Beijing.

Overnight stay in Beijing.

Morning: After breakfast, visit the Confucian Temple, built in 1302 during the Yuan Dynasty, where emperors once paid homage to Confucius, the great philosopher and educator. Walk through ancient courtyards shaded by cypress trees and admire the stone steles inscribed with the names of more than 50,000 scholars who passed the Imperial Examinations.

Next, explore the nearby Imperial College (Guozijian), China’s highest seat of learning for over 600 years. This beautifully preserved complex was the central academy where scholars from across the country studied Confucian classics and prepared for government service.

Lunch: Regular lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Continue to the magnificent Lama Temple (Yonghe Lamasery), Beijing’s most impressive Tibetan Buddhist temple. Originally built in 1694, it later became a monastery for Tibetan lamas and today remains an active place of worship. Marvel at its ornate halls, golden roofs, incense-filled courtyards, and the towering 18-meter statue of Maitreya Buddha carved from a single piece of sandalwood.

Dinner: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight stay in Beijing.

Morning: After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight from Beijing to Xi’an (approx. 2 hours). ✈️ Optional: travel by high-speed train (4.5–5.5 hours), offering a comfortable journey across the Chinese heartland.

Lunch: Upon arrival in Xi’an, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Visit the historic Great Mosque of Xi’an, one of the oldest and most beautifully preserved Islamic mosques in China. Founded in the Tang Dynasty, the mosque showcases a unique blend of traditional Chinese architecture with Islamic influences.

Afterwards, wander through the lively Muslim Quarter, a bustling neighborhood filled with street vendors, local snacks, and colorful shops, where you can experience the daily life of Xi’an’s Hui Muslim community. Continue to Drum Tower Square, an atmospheric landmark where traditional architecture meets a vibrant city scene.

Dinner: Dine at a local restaurant.

Overnight stay in Xi’an.

Morning: After breakfast, take an excursion to the world-famous Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discovered in 1974, this incredible underground army of more than 8,000 life-sized clay soldiers, horses, and chariots was built over 2,200 years ago to guard the tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Explore the excavation pits and learn about the history, artistry, and military significance of this “Eighth Wonder of the World.”

Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Take part in a DIY terracotta workshop, where you can try your hand at shaping a miniature warrior or figurine, guided by local artisans. This hands-on experience offers a deeper appreciation of the craftsmanship behind Xi’an’s most iconic treasure.

Evening: Conclude the day with a spectacular Tang Dynasty Dinner & Show. Savor a banquet of traditional dumplings and regional specialties while enjoying a dazzling performance of Tang-era music, dance, and cultural storytelling, bringing Xi’an’s golden age to life.

Overnight stay in Xi’an.

Morning: After breakfast, visit the Xi’an Museum, which houses over 130,000 cultural relics spanning the Zhou, Qin, Han, and Tang dynasties. The museum offers an excellent introduction to Xi’an’s role as the ancient capital of China and a key hub of the Silk Road.

Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Continue to the iconic Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in 652 AD during the Tang Dynasty to house Buddhist scriptures brought from India by the monk Xuanzang. The elegant seven-story structure has become a symbol of Xi’an and a spiritual landmark for Buddhist culture.

Later, stroll through the Chang’an Theme Block and enjoy a night visit to the Grand Tang Mall, a modern pedestrian avenue inspired by Tang Dynasty culture. Lively with cultural performances, illuminated sculptures, and festive atmosphere, it is the perfect place to experience Xi’an’s blend of history and modern vitality.

Dinner: Dine at a local restaurant.

Overnight stay in Xi’an.

Morning: Begin the day with a visit to the Ancient City Wall of Xi’an, the best-preserved city wall in China and one of the largest ancient military defenses in the world. Enjoy the unique experience of cycling atop the wall, offering panoramic views of the city’s blend of ancient and modern architecture.

Afterwards, take part in a hands-on Shadow Play workshop, learning about this traditional Chinese folk art where colorful silhouettes come to life on illuminated screens. Try crafting and performing your own puppet under the guidance of a local artist.

Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Transfer to the airport for your flight from Xi’an to Shanghai. Upon arrival, begin your Shanghai exploration with a visit to the Shanghai Tower, the tallest building in China and the second tallest in the world. From its 118th-floor observation deck, enjoy sweeping views over the city and the Huangpu River.

Stroll along The Bund, Shanghai’s most iconic riverside promenade, lined with grand colonial buildings facing the futuristic skyline of Pudong. Continue to Nanjing Road, the city’s most famous shopping street, bustling with shops, cafés, and entertainment.

Dinner: Dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight stay in Shanghai.

Morning: After breakfast, visit the serene Jade Buddha Temple, one of Shanghai’s most important Buddhist temples. Built in 1882, it is famous for its two exquisite jade Buddha statues imported from Burma — a seated Buddha and a reclining Buddha — both carved from single pieces of white jade. Experience the temple’s tranquil atmosphere amid chanting monks and incense-filled halls.

Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Explore the beautiful Yu Garden (Yuyuan Garden), a classical Ming Dynasty garden featuring rockeries, koi ponds, pavilions, and zigzag bridges. Afterwards, stroll through Shanghai Old City, a lively district where traditional architecture, teahouses, and shops showcase the charm of historic Shanghai.

Evening: Conclude the day with a relaxing Huangpu River Cruise, where the glittering skyline of Pudong contrasts with the colonial-era architecture of The Bund. Enjoy one of the most spectacular night views in the world as Shanghai comes alive with lights.

Dinner: Dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight stay in Shanghai.

Morning: After breakfast, drive to Zhujiajiao Water Town, one of Shanghai’s most charming ancient canal towns, often referred to as the “Venice of the East.” Stroll along stone-paved lanes, admire Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture, and take a leisurely boat ride along the canals lined with old houses and stone bridges.

Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant featuring regional specialties.

Afternoon: Return to Shanghai and join a hands-on cooking class, where you’ll learn how to make xiao long bao (small steamed buns) — one of Shanghai’s most beloved delicacies. Discover the secrets of folding the delicate dumplings before enjoying your creations.

Continue to the Former French Concession, a leafy district of tree-lined boulevards, historic villas, and trendy boutiques. Soak in the atmosphere of this elegant neighborhood that blends colonial heritage with Shanghai’s cosmopolitan flair.

Evening: Conclude your journey with a festive Farewell Dinner, celebrating the highlights of your China adventure.

Overnight stay in Shanghai.

Morning: Enjoy a free morning at leisure — relax at the hotel, explore nearby streets, or opt for a shopping experience at one of Shanghai’s modern malls or traditional markets. This is the perfect time to pick up souvenirs such as silk, tea, or local handicrafts.

Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant, savoring your last taste of authentic Chinese cuisine.

Afternoon: Transfer from the hotel to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) or Hongqiao Airport (SHA) according to your flight schedule.

Bid farewell to China after an unforgettable journey through Beijing’s imperial history, Xi’an’s ancient wonders, and Shanghai’s modern dynamism.