The Imperial Triad: Shanghai, Luoyang & Beijing

Nanjing Road--Yu Garden--"Shanghai Eternal Love" Show

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Breakfast 

Today, dive into Shanghai's rich culture and bustling urban life! Start with a visit to Nanjing Road, one of the world's busiest shopping streets. Here, you can browse a mix of international brands, local boutiques, and traditional stores while enjoying the lively atmosphere. The street is pedestrian-friendly, making it ideal for a leisurely walk, and you'll find plenty of cafes and street food vendors to sample local delicacies.

Next, head to Yu Garden (Yuyuan), a classical Chinese garden dating back to the Ming Dynasty. This serene oasis features intricate pavilions, rockeries, and ponds, offering a peaceful escape from the city's hustle. Explore the adjacent Old City area, where you can admire traditional architecture and shop for souvenirs. In the afternoon, experience Shanghai Romance (part of the "Shanghai Eternal Love" show), a spectacular performance that brings Chinese history and culture to life through acrobatics, dance, and multimedia effects. This day blends shopping, history, and entertainment for a well-rounded Shanghai experience.

Fly/High-speed Train to Luoyang--Transfer to Hotel--Free Time

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Breakfast 

Depending on the day of the week, you'll either take a direct flight (available on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays) or a high-speed train (approximately 5 hours) from Shanghai to Luoyang. Both options provide comfort and efficiency, with the train ride offering scenic views of the Chinese countryside. Upon arrival in Luoyang, an ancient city known as the capital of multiple dynasties, your driver will greet you and transfer you to your hotel.

Luoyang is steeped in history, serving as a gateway to China's profound cultural heritage. Use the remainder of the day to relax or explore the local area at your own pace. You might want to try some local Henan cuisine, such as Luoyang Water Banquet, or take a gentle walk to get a feel for the city's tranquil ambiance. This travel day is designed to be smooth and stress-free, ensuring you're well-prepared for the historical explorations ahead.

Longmen Grottoes--Yingtianmen Gate--Luoyi Ancient City

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Breakfast & Lunch

Begin your day with a visit to the Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage site that showcases thousands of Buddhist statues and carvings etched into limestone cliffs over centuries. This magnificent complex reflects the artistic and religious devotion of ancient China, with highlights like the Fengxian Temple and the iconic Vairocana Buddha. Alongside the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang and Yungang Grottoes in Datong, it is hailed as one of the Three Great Buddhist Grottoes of China. Spend the morning marveling at the intricate details and learning about the history from informative guides.

In the afternoon, proceed to Yingtianmen Gate, a reconstructed ancient gate that once served as the main entrance to the Luoyang imperial city. Here, you can climb the towers for panoramic views and explore exhibitions on Tang Dynasty culture. Later, wander through Luoyi Ancient City, where well-preserved streets, traditional architecture, and lively markets transport you back in time. This area is perfect for enjoying local snacks, purchasing handicrafts, and experiencing the city's evening charm. The day offers a deep dive into Luoyang's role as a historical and cultural hub.

High-Speed Train to Beijing--Transfer to Hotel--Free Time

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Breakfast

Bid farewell to the ancient capital of Luoyang as you embark on a comfortable and efficient high-speed train journey to Beijing. In just approximately 3 hours, you'll witness the scenic landscape transform as you travel towards the heart of modern China.

Upon your arrival at Beijing's bustling railway station, your professional driver will be awaiting you. After a warm greeting, you will be escorted directly to your pre-arranged hotel in a private vehicle. This seamless transfer ensures a relaxed and hassle-free transition into the capital city.

Once you have checked in and settled into your accommodation, the remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace. This is the perfect opportunity to unwind or begin exploring your new surroundings independently. You might choose to sample local delicacies on a nearby food street, or simply relax and conserve your energy for the incredible imperial sights that await you in the days ahead.

Tian’anmen Square--Forbidden City--Summer Palace

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Breakfast

Begin your day at Tian’anmen Square, the symbolic heart of Beijing. Arrive early to witness the flag-raising ceremony, a patriotic ritual that draws crowds daily. The square’s vastness—covering 440,000 square meters—is framed by monumental sites like the Great Hall of the People and the National Museum of China, where ancient artifacts and revolutionary history converge.
Transition to the Forbidden City via the Meridian Gate, stepping into a 600-year-old imperial realm. Explore key sections: the Hall of Supreme Harmony, adorned with dragon-patterned ceilings and golden thrones; the Palace of Heavenly Purity, once the emperor’s living quarters; and the Imperial Garden, a serene oasis of ancient cypress trees and ornate pavilions. Don’t miss the Treasure Gallery, showcasing jadeite, ceramics, and clocks from the Qing Dynasty.
In the afternoon, retreat to the Summer Palace, a UNESCO-listed masterpiece of Chinese landscape art. Stroll along the Long Corridor—a 728-meter painted gallery—and cruise on Kunming Lake to admire the Marble Boat, a stone-and-wood structure blending European and Chinese design. Climb Longevity Hill for panoramic views of the lake, temples, and pagodas. 

Mutianyu Great Wall--Bird’s Nest

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Breakfast

Focus your day on Mutianyu Great Wall, a 5-kilometer stretch renowned for its 23 watchtowers, steep slopes, and panoramic views. Begin early to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures. Take the cable car to Tower 14, then hike eastward along restored stone paths to Tower 20 ("Hero Slope"), where steep steps test your endurance while rewarding you with sweeping vistas of rolling mountains and ancient fortifications. For a thrilling descent, opt for the 1,580-meter toboggan slide—a unique blend of adventure and engineering.
Lunch at a local farmhouse restaurant offers a taste of rural Beijing cuisine, such as zhajiangmian (noodles with soybean paste) or roasted lamb. Afterward, return to the city for downtime before embarking on your evening adventure.
At dusk, head to the Bird’s Nest (National Stadium) to witness its iconic steel lattice structure illuminated against the night sky. The lighting design transforms the venue into a shimmering spectacle, with colors shifting to create dynamic visual effects. Stroll through the adjacent Olympic Park to see the Water Cube (National Aquatics Center) glowing with blue LED lights, mirroring its bubble-like facade. Capture postcard-worthy photos of Beijing’s modern skyline while learning about the stadium’s role in the 2008 Olympics.

Free Time--Transfer to Airport

Breakfast

Enjoy free time to explore Beijing’s hidden gems—wander through Nanluoguxiang Hutong for street food, or browse art galleries in 798 Art District. Alternatively, relax at your hotel. Your private driver will track your flight’s departure time, ensuring a stress-free transfer to Beijing Capital International Airport.