8 Days Essential China - Small Group Tour with 3 Reviews by Asia Odyssey Travel

8 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

12 peopleMaximum group size

1 - 76 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Easy

Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.

Starts

Beijing, China

Ends

Shanghai, China

Highlights

Visit the imperial palaces and traditional gardens

Get atop of the Great Wall and catch the panoramic view of spectacular landscape

Walk into the history classroom and marvel at the 8000 life-size Terracotta Warriors

Stroll leisurely on the banks of Huangpu River on the Bund

Itinerary

Curious about China’s iconic cities and ancient wonders? The '8 Days Essential China - Small Group Tour' is the perfect introduction for first-time visitors, taking you through Beijing, Xian, and Shanghai—known as the country’s golden triangle. Designed for young adults and seasoned travelers, this trip balances history, modernity, and authentic local experiences.

Explore the grandeur of Beijing’s Forbidden City and Summer Palace, then walk atop the legendary Great Wall. In Xian, marvel at the Terracotta Warriors and savor treats in the lively Muslim Quarter. Finally, witness Shanghai’s rapid evolution as you stroll its futuristic skyline along the Yangtze River’s mouth.

This sightseeing tour’s unique selling point lies in its in-depth exploration of China’s classic highlights, all in a small group setting that fosters camaraderie and personalized attention. With accommodation, transport, and meals included, this tour package makes discovering China’s top destinations effortless and unforgettable.

day 1 - Arrival in Beijing | Airport Pick-up and Hotel Check-in

Nihao! Welcome to Beijing, the capital city of China! Upon your arrival at the airport/train station in Beijing, the driver will meet and greet you at the exit, and then escort you to the well-selected hotel in downtown Beijing. The rest of the day is free on your own so you can have a good rest for the jet lag or explore by yourself around your hotel.

Arrival Ideas:

Beijing is well connected by air and high speed rail. There are two airports - Beijing Daxing International Airport and Beijing Capital International Airport operating many international and domestic airlines. Travelers can go to Beijing by air from most cities of China, like Hong Kong, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Xian, Guilin, Hangzhou, Kunming, Wuhan, Xiamen, Guiyang, Chongqing, and Lanzhou.

In addition, travelers can take the high speed train to Beijing from Xian (4-5 hours), Shanghai (4.5-6 hours), Zhengzhou (2.5-3 hours), Wuhan (4-5 hours), Harbin (5-5.5 hours), etc.

Accommodation:3 Star Hotel at 3-star hotel in downtown Beijing

day 2 - Beijing City Tour

A full-day Beijing tour with Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Jingshan Park, and Summer Palace.

Today you will spend the whole day exploring the ancient citadel of Beijing through China's famous landmarks, imperial grandeur, and royal gardens.

After breakfast, your guide will pick you up at your hotel and head to Tiananmen Square, the world's largest public square and symbol of China. It has witnessed many major events in China's history over the past decades, and from here you can take great photos of Tiananmen Gate, seen daily on CCTV News.

Walking across the square, you will visit the mighty and splendid Forbidden City, the world's largest palace complex and former home of 24 Chinese emperors. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Forbidden City has about 500 years of history, serving as the political and ritual center of China during the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties. With over 8,700 rooms, it is not only China's largest and best-preserved collection of ancient buildings, but also a city within a city, like the Vatican in Rome. Enter through the Meridian Gate and visit along the central axis to ensure you see all the highlights. Admire the brilliant architecture and numerous ancient treasures while listening to your guide share stories of the emperors who once lived here. Later, take a 15-minute walk up to Jingshan Park, where you can enjoy magnificent panoramic views over modern Beijing and the Forbidden City's russet roofs. (Note: It requires some walking, so please wear comfortable footwear. You can decide whether or not to climb to the top based on your physical condition.)

In the afternoon, drive to the Summer Palace, the "Museum of Royal Gardens," once a summer retreat for royal families. The grounds, temples, gardens, pavilions, lakes, bridges, gate-towers, and corridors are marvels of landscape design. Take a leisurely stroll to appreciate the imperial architecture, hilltop views, and beautiful lakes, which offer a pastoral escape into the landscapes of traditional Chinese painting.

- Travel Note: Beijing's Forbidden City is closed on Mondays. On those days, you will instead visit the Temple of Heaven or Prince Gong's Mansion.

Duration:8 hours

Accommodation:3 Star Hotel at 3-star hotel in downtown Beijing

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

day 3 - Beijing Great Wall Tour | Mutianyu Great Wall

In this morning, you will head northwest of Beijing (about 1.5-2 hours’ drive, 73km) to the Great Wall at Mutianyu. The Great Wall boasts a history over 2,000 years and stretches more than 3,000 miles across several provinces of northern China, making it one of the most impressive ancient masterpieces on the planet. Mutianyu Great Wall is connected with the Jiankou Great Wall in the west and the Gubeikou Great Wall in the east. Mutianyu is the longest and best fully-restored Great Wall with fewer tourists and is also famed for its 23 Ming-era watchtowers and stunning views. Take the cable car up to the 14th watchtower and then enjoy the memorable hiking time on the wall while visiting its western route. With the green pines and cypresses covering the surrounding area, and the winding wall standing majestically on the vast land, you will capture the most stunning natural scenery in this section. Challenge yourselves while climbing up to the 20th watchtower where you could fulfill your Great Wall dream. Cherish the chance and take photos as many as you like!

After the once-in-lifetime experience, head back to downtown Beijing and have the chance to take photos with the exterior of the Bird's Nest (Beijing National Stadium) and Water Cube (Beijing National Aquatics Center). They were both designed for the 2008 Beijing Olympics and used for the 2022 Winter Olympic Games.

After that, transfer back to your hotel and have a good rest tonight.

Duration:8 hours

Accommodation:3 Star Hotel at 3-star hotel in downtown Beijing

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

day 4 - Beijing to Xian by High Speed Train

After breakfast, your group will be escorted to the train station for a high-speed train to Xian (about 4.5-5.5 hours). Welcome to Xian, the capital of 13 ancient Chinese dynasties! Upon arrival at the train station, your driver will greet you at the exit and escort you to your hotel in Xian.

In the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to explore the vibrant and bustling Muslim Quarter (Muslim Street). This historic quarter, situated just behind the Drum Tower about 430 meters west of the Bell Tower in downtown Xian, has been around for over 1,000 years. The awe-inspiring Bell Tower and Drum Tower, both landmarks from the Ming Dynasty dating back 600 years, will be beautifully illuminated, creating a captivating backdrop for stunning photos showcasing the harmonious blend of ancient history and modernity in Xian. In the evening, you may also have the chance to witness the enchanting musical fountain and lively square dancing near Bell & Drum Tower Square (Zhongulou Square), allowing you to immerse yourself in Xian's vibrant nightlife like a local.

Duration:8-10 hours

Accommodation:3 Star Hotel at 3-star hotel in downtown Xian

Meals:Breakfast

day 5 - Xian City Tour | Terracotta Warriors, Ancient Wall

After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel. Drive about 40km (about 1 hour) to uncover one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in the world - the Terracotta Army Museum, built by the first emperor of China, Qin Shihuang, to protect him in the afterlife. Around 8,000 vivid life-size Terracotta Warriors have been found so far. First, visit the largest and most imposing pit, believed to contain over 6,000 terracotta figures of soldiers and horses. You will be amazed by this subterranean life-size army of thousands standing silently to guard the emperor. Marvel also at the fabulous artistic skills of ancient Chinese artisans. Next, move to another pit where you can see around 1,300 warriors and horses. Examine the ancient army formation, including the kneeling and standing archers, the chariot war array, and numerous troopers holding weapons.

After lunch, head to the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, one of Xi'an's most recognizable landmarks and symbol of the magnificence of the Tang Dynasty. This seven-story pagoda standing in the tranquil Da Ci'en Temple is one of China's best examples of a Tang-style pagoda (squarish rather than round). It was completed in AD 652 to house Buddhist sutras brought back from India by the monk Xuan Zang. His travels inspired one of the best-known works of Chinese literature, Journey to the West. Later, visit the Ancient City Wall, also known as the Fortification of Xian, representing one of the oldest, largest, and best-preserved Chinese city walls. Spend time leisurely walking the wall and enjoying its inner and outer walls, watchtowers, and moat, taking in panoramic views of modern Xian.

Duration:8 hours

Accommodation:3 Star Hotel at 3-star hotel in downtown Xian

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

day 6 - Xian to Shanghai | Shanghai Pick-up and Hotel Check-in

On this day, you will be transferred to the airport for the flight to Shanghai (about 2 hours) or be escorted to the train station for a high speed train to Shanghai (7-8 hours). Welcome to Shanghai, China’s most internationalized and vibrant city! Upon your arrival in Shanghai, your driver will meet you at the exit of the airport or train station and escort you to your hotel in downtown Shanghai. You will have free time after your hotel check-in.

Accommodation:3 Star Hotel at 3-star hotel in downtown Shanghai

Meals:Breakfast

day 7 - Shanghai City Tour | Shanghai Tower, Yu Garden

Today you will spend the whole day experiencing the perfect blend of West and East in this "Paris of the East." Visit brilliant museums, traditional Chinese gardens, modern skyscrapers, and exotic architecture.

First, head to the Pudong Area. One eye-catching feature is the trio of towering skyscrapers in the Lujiazui financial district. Shanghai Tower is the tallest building in China and second tallest in the world at 632 meters (2,073 feet). Here, you will ascend the highest building in Shanghai - the Shanghai Tower - featuring a dramatic 120-degree twist from base to peak. Ride the world’s fastest elevators, traveling at 64 km/h, up to the "Top of Shanghai Observatory" on the 118th floor, 546 meters (about 1,791 feet) above ground. Enjoy unparalleled 360-degree panoramic views over the city and look down on the Jin Mao Tower and Shanghai World Financial Center.

Later, visit the Shanghai Museum for an awe-inspiring tour of the finest art collection and profound Chinese history. Built shaped like an ancient bronze ding vessel, the museum has a round top and square base, symbolizing “round sky, square earth.” It contains 120,000 cultural relics showcasing incredible Chinese art spanning 5,000 years. Immerse yourself in the Bronze and Ceramics Exhibition Hall, appreciating the elaborate bronzes and exquisite artifacts. Don't miss top treasures like the Da Ke Ding bronze vessel from over 3,000 years ago and the Bianzhong of Marquis Su of Jin, ancient musical instruments.

Next, head to Yu Garden, the most celebrated classical Chinese garden hidden in bustling downtown Shanghai. Enjoy a leisurely stroll to see the Chinese architecture and exquisite sculptures and carvings. Outside, Yuyuan Bazaar is a fun place to taste local snacks and shop for traditional crafts and art.

In the afternoon, stroll down Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, lined with famous brands, restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops, and towering buildings. Continue to the Bund, the top must-see spot in Shanghai. Known as the "Exhibition of International Architecture," the Bund features 52 buildings in various styles. Overlook the amazing Pudong skyline and skyscrapers from here.

- Travel Note: Shanghai Museum and Yu Garden are closed Mondays. Those days you'll instead visit the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center, Shanghai City God Temple, or the French Concession.

Duration:8 hours

Accommodation:3 Star Hotel at 3-star hotel in downtown Shanghai

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

day 8 - Departure from Shanghai

It is time to end your 8-day Beijing Xian Shanghai China group tour. You will have some free time in Shanghai and explore more on your own till be escorted to the airport/train station for your flight or high speed train to your next destination.

Meals:Breakfast

8 Days Essential China - Small Group Tour

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What's Included

7 Breakfasts and 4 LunchesDrivers & air-conditioned vehiclesProfessional licensed English-speaking local guideHotel accommodation with breakfasts (3-star standard)Transportation listed in the itineraryAdmission tickets, activities, meals listed in the itineraryAccident insuranceOur service from tour planning, handling, operational and finishing your trip

Optional Add-ons Available during check-out

What's Excluded

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