8-Day Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai Private Tour
China Golden Triangle
This 8-day China top cities tour covers the most popular three destinations and five World Heritage sites in China. It makes an ideal tour for first-time visitors.
The itinerary below is only one possibility. Tell us your preferences and our travel experts will customize this trip to suit your interests, tastes, and budget.
Suggested 8-Day Itinerary
| Day | Highlights |
|---|---|
| 1-4 Beijing | Explore imperial history, savor local cuisine, and enjoy scenic gardens |
| 5-6 Xi’an | Marvel at the Terracotta Warriors, stroll the ancient city walls, and visit vibrant markets |
| 7-8 Shanghai | Walk the Bund, enjoy panoramic city views, and customize your adventure |
Beijing-Xi'an-Shanghai Tour Map
Tour ‘Wow’ Points
Discover the Hidden Halls in the Forbidden City.
While most tour groups only visit the six halls on the central axis, CN365Travel guide will take you to the hidden halls for a deeper understanding of the history and dodge the crowds.
Walk on a Top-Ranked Part of the Great Wall.
The Great Wall at Mutianyu is ranked top among all parts of the Great Wall on TripAdvisor. Walk leisurely through the watchtowers, enjoying a superb view of the Mutianyu Great wall snaking across the mountains.
Taste the Savory Flavor of China
Taste crispy Beijing roast duck, learn how to make dumplings from a local family in Xi’an, and try some Shanghai local snacks.
Unveil the Secrets of the Terracotta Army and Make Your Own Terracotta Warriors
CN365Travel guide will show you around the Terracotta Army and unveil some secrets of the world wonder. See the life-size warriors at the site, get to know how ancient craftsmen made them. Visit a traditional cave dwelling and learn how to make warriors.
Cycle or Walk on the Ancient Xi’an City Wall to Hear the Echo of History
Enjoy an ancient city perspective by biking or walking on the City Wall and take a bird’s-eye view of Xi’an.
Discover the Hidden Stories of the Bund and Ascend Shanghai Tower
Travel back in time to the golden age of the Bund in the 1920s. You will walk a route that seldom tourist will find by themselves, see the most original bricks, and hear some interesting stories that you’ll never find in history books.
Steal a half-day’s leisure from the busy mortal life.
Whether you want to relax, experience fashion, appreciate art, explore folk customs, or shop; from having fun in a fancy bar to exploring an art center, trying nail beauty, testing your popularity in the marriage market, or just buying some lovely gifts, we will make it happen.
🎬 Itinerary Quick Look
Here is a suggested itinerary. We are happy to customize a tour according to your interests and schedule.
- Day1 Arrival in Beijing
With a sunny smile, CN365Travel guide will be on time and waiting for you in the arrival hall. A comfortable private car and experienced driver will be ready to transfer you to your hotel. We aim to give you a good first impression of China.
- Day2 Tiananmen Square - Forbidden City - Jingshan Park - Wangfujing Street - Temple of Heaven
- Day3 Mutianyu Great Wall - Summer Palace - Bird's Nest - Water Cube
Start your journey at Mutianyu Great Wall, a less crowded and well-preserved section with stunning mountain views. Your private guide will lead you to explore its unique scenery and long historical heritage.Next, visit the Summer Palace, a classical royal garden featuring elegant pavilions, quiet lakes and exquisite Chinese landscape design.In the afternoon, head to the Olympic Park. Take photos at the iconic Bird’s Nest and Water Cube, perfect symbols of modern Beijing architecture. Experience the blend of ancient charm and modern city vibes on this wonderful day tour.
- Day4 Bell Tower - Drum Tower - Shichahai - Hutongs - Prince Kung's Palace - High-speed train to Xi'an
Begin your day at the Bell Tower and Drum Tower, ancient landmarks that witness Beijing’s time-honored history. Wander into the tranquil Shichahai area and wander through old hutong alleys to experience genuine local life. Next, explore Prince Kung’s Palace, a grand classical mansion with exquisite gardens and profound cultural stories. After a full day of cultural sightseeing, board the high-speed train and travel comfortably to Xi’an for your next wonderful journey.
- Day5 Terracotta Army – Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum – Huaqing Palace – Lishan Mountain – Xi’an Incident Site – Giant Wild Goose Pagoda – Grand Tang Mall – Night view of Grand Tang Mall
Start your day at the world-famous Terracotta Army, an astounding historical treasure of ancient China. Then visit the nearby Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum to explore the great legacy of the Qin Dynasty. Afterwards, discover Huaqing Palace, a classical royal hot spring garden. Next, hike up Lishan Mountain and visit the Xi’an Incident Site to learn about significant modern history. In the afternoon, admire the iconic Giant Wild Goose Pagoda with ancient Buddhist culture. Stroll through Grand Tang Mall to experience the glorious Tang Dynasty style, and end your day enjoying the stunning night scenery of the pedestrian street.
- Day6 Shaanxi History Museum - Muslim Quarter - Xi'an City Wall - Big Wild Goose Pagoda North Square - Flight to Shanghai
Begin your tour at Shaanxi History Museum, home to abundant cultural relics that display Xi’an’s profound ancient history. Next, wander around the lively Muslim Quarter to taste authentic local snacks and experience unique folk culture. Then cycle along the iconic Xi’an City Wall. Ride on the well-preserved ancient ramparts, embrace the gentle breeze and enjoy sweeping views of the old city. Afterwards, relax in Big Wild Goose Pagoda North Square and appreciate elegant Tang-style landscapes. At last, board your flight to Shanghai for your upcoming adventure.
- Day7 Yu Garden - City God Temple - Tianzifang - Nanjing Road - The Bund - Oriental Pearl Tower - Lujiazui - The Bund Night View
Start your day at Yu Garden and the City God Temple, where classic Jiangnan gardens and traditional old-town charm come together. Next, wander through Tianzifang, filled with shikumen lanes, art workshops and local boutiques. Then stroll along busy Nanjing Road, Shanghai’s most famous shopping street. Later, head to The Bund to admire the riverfront scenery, and visit Lujiazui to see the landmark Oriental Pearl Tower and modern skyline. In the evening, enjoy the breathtaking night view of The Bund, closing your day with stunning city lights.
- Day8 Wukang Mansion - LV Floating Store - Airport or train station transfer - End of the trip
Start your relaxed tour at the iconic Wukang Mansion, a classic historical landmark of Shanghai. Then visit the stylish LV Floating Store to experience trendy urban fashion and unique riverside scenery. After a leisurely day of sightseeing, enjoy a comfortable transfer to the airport or train station. Your pleasant China travel journey comes to a perfect end.
Hotel Selection
—the Icing on the Cake
Boutique hotels are recommended to enrich your travel experience.
✅ Price Includes
- Domestic flights or high-speed rail tickets
- 4 star hotel accommodation
- Lunch at local restaurants
- All entrance fees to attractions
- English-speaking private guide
- Private vehicle & driver
❌ Not Included
- International airfare to/from China
- Personal expenses & shopping
- Tips (optional, but appreciated)
Start planning your customized tour with one-on-one help from one of our travel consultants.
Why Choose 365 China Travel
★Customize your tour
★Maximize your flexibility
- Unparalleled flexibility, not possible with group tours
I enjoyed my fantastic 8-day trip to Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai arranged by CN365 Travel. The itinerary was well organized and guides were friendly and helpful.
It was so easy to download and use Alipay here. I paid for meals, transport and shopping just by scanning codes, no cash needed at all. Everything went smoothly. Highly recommend this reliable travel agency!
Our trip arranged by CN365 Travel was absolutely amazing. We were deeply impressed by the stunning historic sights in Beijing. The magnificent Forbidden City, grand Great Wall and charming old city culture left us wonderful memories. The whole schedule was well arranged, our guide was patient and informative. We enjoyed every moment here. Truly an unforgettable journey!
We had a marvelous journey arranged by CN365 Travel. Shanghai left a lasting impression on us. Blending trendy modern glamour and classic ancient charm, the city boasts stunning skyline and distinctive local scenery. All travel arrangements were proper, and the guide offered great introductions. It’s truly an unforgettable experience.
Honestly, CN365 Travel did an excellent job with our Beijing–Xi’an–Shanghai trip. The whole itinerary was very smooth, well balanced, and easy to follow. We didn’t have to stress about transportation, hotels, or timing because everything was arranged perfectly for us.
The team was always quick to reply, very professional, and also flexible whenever we had questions or small changes. It really made the trip feel comfortable and enjoyable instead of tiring.
If you’re planning a China trip and want something organized but still relaxed, I’d definitely recommend CN365 Travel. They made the entire experience much easier than we expected!
Before coming to China, I was worried about payments and apps, but CN365 Travel helped us with everything. They showed us how to use Alipay and made the whole trip super easy. Honestly, traveling in China was much more convenient than I expected. Great service and very patient team!
I had a fantastic trip with CN365 Travel. Everything was well arranged, and I enjoyed every moment here.
CN365 Travel made our China trip effortless and meaningful. The itinerary avoids crowded rush hours, guides are knowledgeable and patient to answer all our questions. We tasted authentic local food and visited iconic landmarks smoothly. Highly recommend to anyone planning a China vacation.
CN365 Travel’s staff were very patient and attentive, explaining things carefully each time. We are very grateful for arranging this trip to Beijing; our family thoroughly enjoyed it.
I was nervous travelling across China for the first time, but CN365 Travel erased all my worries. Every detail from daily transportation to restaurant reservations was pre-planned. Our guide patiently introduced history behind every ancient building and helped us get familiar with mobile payment. It wasn’t just a sightseeing trip, but a warm cultural journey I’ll cherish forever.
This trip to China has exceeded all my expectations. The itinerary was perfectly arranged, and our guide was so knowledgeable about history and local customs. They took great care of every small detail, making us feel safe and welcome all the way. I truly enjoyed every minute and would absolutely recommend this travel service to everyone.
The service was professional and considerate, the itinerary was well-planned, and they even explained in detail how to board the high-speed rail and use payment methods. The entire trip was smooth and very reliable!
Incredible travel experience! The whole trip was well organized, transportation and accommodation were top-notch. The guides are experienced and super helpful. I had a fantastic time exploring China, and I’ll definitely recommend this team to my friends.
China’s culture and scenery truly amazed me. Thanks to the thoughtful itinerary, we got to see both famous sights and quiet local life. It was a beautiful journey full of new discoveries.
The entire itinerary was meticulously planned, and the staff were professional and patient. They explained everything clearly, including high-speed rail travel instructions, WeChat payment registration, and destination clothing and weather tips, ensuring a smooth and worry-free journey. Highly recommended!
It was such a wonderful journey across Beijing, Shanghai and Xi’an. We explored time-honored landmarks in Beijing, felt the modern glamour of Shanghai, and traced the ancient history in Xi’an. The route between cities was well arranged, and we got to enjoy the unique charm of each city fully. I’m totally captivated by these three amazing places.
Professional, reliable and efficient service. All arrangements ran on time and everything was well organized. It’s definitely a trustworthy choice for traveling in China.
We toured Beijing, Shanghai and Xi’an, three iconic Chinese cities, and every part of the trip ran smoothly. Imperial grandeur in Beijing, futuristic modern glamour in Shanghai, and profound ancient history in Xi’an — each city showed its unique charm. Cross-city high-speed train transfers were perfectly scheduled, with enough free time to explore each place slowly. A fantastic balanced city tour.
This classic three-city tour perfectly showed me China’s timeline from ancient dynasties to modern metropolis. In Beijing, we walked the Great Wall and explored the Forbidden City, feeling the grand power of old imperial China. Xi’an’s Terracotta Army left me speechless; every clay warrior has unique facial details, and our guide told us vivid stories about the Qin Dynasty that you can never read in guidebooks. Finally, Shanghai amazed me with its futuristic skyscrapers, bustling Nanjing Road and peaceful river cruises at night. The high-speed train transfers between cities were seamless, all hotels were clean and well-located, and the team patiently helped us figure out Alipay and translation problems every day. It’s a well-balanced cultural journey that I’d strongly recommend to first-time visitors eager to learn China’s history and modern life.
The Beijing-Xi’an-Shanghai trip gave me a full view of China’s past and present. Trains between cities were on time, our guide explained history clearly, and every stop was wonderful. I loved the mix of ancient palaces and modern skyscrapers.