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8-Day Private China Tour: Beijing, Xi'an & Shanghai
Discover the highlights of Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai on this carefully designed 8-day private China tour. This classic China Golden Triangle tour package is perfect for travelers who want to experience China’s most famous historical landmarks and vibrant modern cities.
Visit the legendary Great Wall, explore the magnificent Forbidden City, and see the world-famous Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an. With a professional tour guide, comfortable travel by high speed train or domestic flights, and flexible sightseeing, you can explore China at your own pace and enjoy an unforgettable trip.
8 Days / 7 Nights
Explore Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai, China’s most iconic cities.
China Golden Triangle
Visit the Great Wall, Forbidden City, and Terracotta Army.
Private Guide & Transfers
Expert tour guide, private vehicle, and smooth city travel.
Flexible Travel Pace
Enjoy sightseeing and free time at your own pace.
What Makes This Journey Different
A Hong Kong–registered travel group
Backed by a Hong Kong group, with local teams across China.
Secure payments
Pay safely by Visa, MasterCard, Apple Pay, PayPal, or bank transfer.
24/7 support
Real human assistance before, during, and after your journey in China.
Custom experiences
Activities and pacing tailored to your interests and travel style.
8-Day Beijing, Xi'an & Shanghai Tour Overview
This 8-day private China tour takes you through Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai, combining imperial history, ancient wonders, and modern city life in one unforgettable journey.
| Days | Destination | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1–4 | Beijing | Visit the Forbidden City imperial palace, walk the Mutianyu Great Wall, explore the Summer Palace and historic Hutong community, and enjoy a traditional Peking duck dinner in Beijing city. |
| Days 5–6 | Xi'an | Discover the famous Terracotta Warriors, walk along the Xi'an Ancient City Wall, visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and explore the lively Muslim Quarter markets. |
| Days 7–8 | Shanghai | Experience modern Shanghai, stroll along the Bund, visit Yuyuan Garden, explore Nanjing Road, and enjoy skyline views before your return flight. |
How This Beijing–Xi'an–Shanghai Journey Is Connected
This 8-day Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai private tour links three of China’s most famous cities in one smooth journey.
Travel between Beijing and Xi’an is by comfortable high-speed train, while the longer distance from Xi’an to Shanghai is arranged by domestic flight.
Private transfers and an experienced tour guide ensure an easy trip between highlights like the Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors, and vibrant Shanghai.
Domestic Flights for Longer Distances
High-Speed Trains for Shorter Routes
Signature Experiences of This 8-Day China Journey
These carefully designed experiences allow you to explore China’s history, culture, cuisine, and modern cities in a deeper and more memorable way.
Explore Hidden Corners of the Forbidden City
Go beyond the central halls of the Forbidden City imperial palace and discover lesser-known courtyards with your expert tour guide, revealing stories of emperors, concubines, and royal life in Beijing city.
Walk the Scenic Mutianyu Great Wall
Visit the breathtaking Mutianyu Great Wall, one of the best-preserved sections of the Great Wall of China. Walk through ancient watchtowers and enjoy panoramic mountain views.
Taste Authentic Chinese Cuisine
Enjoy classic dishes such as Peking duck in Beijing, handmade dumplings with a local family in Xi’an, and delicious Shanghai local snacks in traditional local Chinese restaurants.
Discover the Secrets of the Terracotta Warriors
Stand face-to-face with the incredible Terracotta Warriors, one of the world’s greatest archaeological discoveries. Your local guide will reveal the history and craftsmanship behind these life-size soldiers.
Experience the Energy of Modern Shanghai
Stroll along the historic Bund, admire the skyline from Shanghai Tower, and explore vibrant districts like Nanjing Road and Yuyuan Garden in dynamic modern Shanghai.
Walk or Cycle the Xi'an Ancient City Wall
Explore the historic Xi’an City Wall, one of the best-preserved ancient city walls in China. Walking or cycling here offers spectacular views of Xi’an city and its rich history.
Real Traveler Moments from Beijing, Xi’an & Shanghai
A glimpse of real travel moments from this 8-day Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai tour — from walking the Great Wall and exploring the Forbidden City, to discovering the Terracotta Warriors and the skyline of modern Shanghai.
Your 8-Day Beijing–Xi’an–Shanghai Journey at a Glance
Here is a suggested 8-day private China tour itinerary covering Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai. This journey combines China’s most famous historical landmarks with vibrant modern cities. The itinerary can be fully customized according to your travel dates, interests, and preferred travel pace.
DAY 1 – Arrival in Beijing
Welcome to Beijing, the historic capital city of China. Your private tour guide will meet you at Beijing Capital International Airport and escort you to your hotel in a comfortable private vehicle.
During the transfer, your guide will introduce Beijing city, its rich culture, and the highlights of your upcoming journey. The rest of the day is free for you to relax and adjust after your flight.
DAY 2 – Beijing | Forbidden City & Hutong Experience
Start your day at Tian’anmen Square, the symbolic heart of modern China. From here, enter the magnificent Forbidden City imperial palace, the best-preserved royal complex in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site with more than 500 years of history.
Unlike standard tours, your guide will lead you beyond the main halls to discover hidden courtyards and fascinating stories of emperors and royal life.
For lunch, enjoy a famous Peking duck dinner in a traditional local Chinese restaurant.
In the afternoon, explore the historic Hutong community by walking through narrow alleyways or taking a traditional rickshaw ride, offering a glimpse into authentic local life.
DAY 3 – Beijing | Temple of Heaven & Mutianyu Great Wall
Visit the beautiful Temple of Heaven, where emperors once prayed for good harvests. In the morning you may see local residents practicing tai chi, dancing, or playing traditional instruments.
In the afternoon travel to the Mutianyu Great Wall, one of the most scenic and best-preserved sections of the Great Wall of China. Walk along ancient watchtowers and enjoy spectacular mountain views stretching across northern China.
DAY 4 – Beijing to Xi'an by High-Speed Train | Summer Palace
Explore the elegant Summer Palace, an imperial garden famous for Kunming Lake, temples, and classical Chinese architecture.
Later, take a comfortable high-speed train to Xi’an, the ancient capital of multiple Chinese dynasties and the starting point of the Silk Road.
DAY 5 – Xi'an | Terracotta Warriors & Ancient City Wall
Today you will visit the world-famous Terracotta Warriors, one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in human history. Thousands of life-size soldiers stand guard over the tomb of China’s first emperor.
After visiting the museum, return to Xi’an city and explore the impressive Xi’an Ancient City Wall. You may walk or cycle along the wall for panoramic views of the old city.
DAY 6 – Xi'an to Shanghai by Flight | Xi'an Cultural Highlights
Discover more of China’s ancient history at the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, an important Buddhist landmark.
Later explore the lively Muslim Quarter, famous for street food and vibrant local markets.
In the afternoon take a short domestic flight to Shanghai. Your local guide will meet you at Shanghai Pudong International Airport and escort you to your hotel.
DAY 7 – Shanghai | Bund, Shanghai Tower & City Highlights
Explore modern Shanghai, China’s most dynamic metropolis.
Walk along the historic Bund, where colonial-era buildings face the futuristic skyline of Pudong. Visit Shanghai Tower, the tallest building in China, for breathtaking panoramic views.
You will also explore Yuyuan Garden, the vibrant Nanjing Road shopping district, and other cultural highlights.
In the afternoon enjoy free time to explore Shanghai at your own pace or join optional cultural activities.
DAY 8 – Shanghai Departure
After breakfast, your private guide and driver will transfer you to Shanghai Pudong Airport for your return flight.
Your unforgettable 8-day China private tour concludes today. We hope this journey leaves you with wonderful memories of China’s culture, history, and modern cities.
Hotel Options & Location
We select clean, quiet, and well-located hotels to keep transfers short and rest quality high. Exact hotel names are confirmed after booking and tailored to your style.
- 4-star comfort in the best locations (standard).
- 5-star / star hotel upgrades or boutique hotels on request.
- Family rooms or connecting rooms available (subject to availability).
Tip: Share your preferences (location, breakfast, gym/pool, quiet rooms) and we’ll recommend the best match.
Tour Price & Inclusions
Tour Code:BXS-8D-01
From US$2,029
per person
- Indicative price for a private tour (2 adults) with well-located 4-star hotels.
- Price includes basic travel insurance and a complimentary translation device for easy local interaction.
- Final pricing depends on travel dates, group size, room type, and hotel level (boutique / star hotel upgrades on request).
- Domestic flights and/or high-speed train tickets are arranged based on the confirmed itinerary.
Comfort-first private touring
Private guide & driver in each city — flexible pace.
Designed around you
We tailor sights, timing, and hotel level to you.
Clear pricing, no surprises
Inclusions confirmed before you book.
What’s Included
Private air-conditioned vehicle with professional driver for all scheduled transfers
English-speaking local guide for all included sightseeing
All entrance tickets and activities listed in the confirmed itinerary
Domestic flights and/or high speed train tickets between itinerary cities (as per plan)
Hotel accommodation with daily breakfast (4-star standard; boutique hotels / star hotel upgrades optional)
Government taxes and service charges
24/7 support while you are traveling
What’s Not Included
International flights to and from China
China visa fees (if applicable)
Meals not specified in the itinerary (many lunches are included; dinners often flexible)
Personal expenses and optional experiences
Booking & Payment Details
- Deposit: 20% to confirm your booking. The deposit is refundable within 48 hours after confirmation if plans change.
- Balance: Due 15–20 days before arrival, or upon confirmation for late bookings.
- Payment methods: Visa, MasterCard, Apple Pay, PayPal, or bank transfer.
- Changes: Free minor itinerary adjustments up to 14 days before the trip starts.
- Cancellation: Flexible cancellation policy. Specific terms will be confirmed based on travel dates and hotel selection.
Visa-Free & Travel Tips
- Visa-Free Entry to China — check if your passport is eligible.
- How to Visit China Without a Visa — 144-hour transit options.
- eSIM & Mobile Payments in China — WeChat Pay, Alipay and bank cards.
- China Weather by Month — plan around seasons and festivals.
Plan Your Beijing–Xi’an–Shanghai Tour
Share a few details about your travel plans. Our specialists will design a personalized Beijing–Xi’an–Shanghai private tour and send you a customized itinerary and quote within 24 hours.
- Reply within 24 hours
- Private tour only
- No forced shopping
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this 8-day China tour suitable for first-time visitors?
Yes. This 8-day private China tour covering Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai is one of the best itineraries for first-time travelers. It includes famous landmarks such as the Great Wall, Forbidden City, and Terracotta Warriors.
Is this tour private or a small group tour?
This is a private tour, meaning you will have your own tour guide, driver, and vehicle. The itinerary is flexible, allowing you to travel at your own pace and enjoy a more personalized experience.
How do we travel between Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai?
Travel between cities is arranged by high speed train or domestic flights, depending on the schedule and availability. Both options are comfortable and efficient for long-distance travel in China.
What hotels are included in the tour package?
The tour typically includes carefully selected 4–5 star hotels such as Sunworld Hotel Beijing, Grand Central Hotel Shanghai, or other similar hotels, ensuring a comfortable stay during your trip.
Are meals included during the tour?
Yes. Daily breakfast is included, and several Chinese lunches are arranged at local Chinese restaurants. You will also have opportunities to try famous dishes such as Peking duck in Beijing and local specialties in Xi’an and Shanghai.
What is the best time to visit Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai?
The best seasons are spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) when the weather is pleasant. Summer months may have rainy weather, while peak travel seasons such as May and October holidays can be busier.
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