Day 1
Arrive in Beijing
Arrive in China’s capital and settle in. If time allows, take a gentle evening walk to see how imperial avenues, local shops and modern city life sit side by side.
Tour
Beijing, Xi’an & Shanghai Cultural Expedition
A deeply rewarding 10-day cultural route linking China’s imperial capital, ancient Silk Road gateway and most cosmopolitan city, with time for monuments, neighbourhoods, food and contemporary life.
10 daysBeijing – Xi’an – ShanghaiImperial history, local culture, modern China
Why this journey
Highlights
Trace China’s imperial story through Tiananmen, the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven
Walk the Great Wall and experience Beijing’s hutong neighbourhoods at human scale
Meet the Terracotta Warriors and explore Xi’an’s city walls and Muslim Quarter
Finish in Shanghai with the Bund, French Concession lanes and modern skyline views
Suggested Itinerary
Day by day
This is an inspirational sample route. It can be adjusted for dates, group size, pace and special interests.
Day 2
Forbidden City and imperial Beijing
Explore Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and Jingshan Park for a full introduction to the scale, symbolism and ceremony of imperial China.
Day 3
Great Wall and mountain landscapes
Travel outside Beijing to the Great Wall. Walk between watchtowers, enjoy mountain views and learn how the wall shaped China’s frontier imagination.
Day 4
Temple of Heaven and hutong life
Begin at the Temple of Heaven, then move into hutong lanes for courtyard stories, local snacks and a softer view of everyday Beijing.
Day 5
High-speed train to Xi’an
Travel by high-speed rail to Xi’an, once the starting point of the Silk Road. Take an orientation walk around the old city wall area.
Day 6
Terracotta Warriors
Spend the day with the Terracotta Army, one of the world’s most important archaeological discoveries, then return to Xi’an for evening food streets.
Day 7
Xi’an city walls and Muslim Quarter
Walk or cycle the ancient city wall, visit cultural landmarks and explore the flavours and atmosphere of the Muslim Quarter.
Day 8
Fly or train to Shanghai
Continue to Shanghai. In the evening, see the Bund and Pudong skyline as an introduction to China’s modern global city.
Day 9
Shanghai old and new
Explore Yu Garden, old-city lanes, the French Concession and creative neighbourhoods, contrasting heritage streets with contemporary design.
Day 10
Departure from Shanghai
Final free time for a museum, market or riverside walk before departure or onward travel.