8-Day China Group Tour: Beijing, Xi'an & Shanghai Highlights with Ancient History and Modern Cities

Explore Beijing’s Forbidden City, Xi‘an’s Terracotta Warriors, and Shanghai‘s Bund on this 8-day group tour. Local guides, seamless transport, and handpicked hotels. Book your China highlights tour today.

World Heritages Architectures Skyscrapers History Museums
Route: Beijing-Xi'an-Shanghai
  • Tour Code: ITC-GT-007
  • Guide: English-speaking guide, experienced driver with an air-conditioned vehicle
  • Accommodation: 7 nights at good 3-star hotels
  • More personal than a traditional coach tour, far better value than a private tour.
Price: USD  1430  per person
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Notes:Prices may vary depending on the season and promotional activities. Please consult your advisor for details.

Why choose Into Travel China Day Tour

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Worry-Free Travel
With years of experience in group travel across China, we provide professional tour guides, comfortable coaches, and well-paced itineraries for a smooth and enjoyable journey.
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Itineraries with Great Value
Our tours cover China's most iconic sights and cultural highlights. All packages are clearly priced with no hidden costs, offering a high-quality experience at a competitive rate.
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No Shopping Stops
We guarantee a truly immersive journey with no shopping stop. Spend more time exploring scenic spots, enjoying authentic food, and discovering local culture
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Travel with Flexibility
Whether you're traveling solo, with friends, or as a family, you can easily join us. Enjoy better value than private tours with small groups of 6-12 people and year-round departures.

Experience

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Madeline

A Tale of Three Cities in Eight Days

Three cities, eight days, one sweeping look at what makes China tick: Beijing's solemn courts, Xi'an's buried legions, and Shanghai's waterfront dazzle. Guided walks, local meals, and unhurried hours built into the schedule. Train connections eliminate road delays; hotels sit within walking distance of markets and metro lines. The itinerary lets stories unfold naturally, without the clutter of tourist traps.

Terracotta Warriors Tour, Early

  • Beijing – Hand-paint a traditional kite in a hutong studio – A fourth-generation artisan guides the brushwork, explaining the symbolism of each pattern, from swallows to butterflies. The finished kite, collapsible and lightweight, packs flat for travel.

  • Xi'an – Dress in Tang dynasty robes for a lantern-lit evening stroll – A costume shop near the city wall provides the garments, and a guide leads the way through the illuminated gardens of the Tang Paradise, where the past feels almost tangible under the glow.

Itinerary

Explore each day’s highlights, pace, routes, hotels, meals, and photos—so you know exactly what to expect along the way.

Route Map Full route

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Your driver meets you at Beijing airport and takes you to your hotel in the city centre. Once you‘ve checked in, the rest of the day is yours to spend however you like.

If you’re not too tired, step outside and explore the neighbourhood. The hutongs — Beijing‘s ancient alleyways — are right on your doorstep. These narrow lanes are lined with grey‑brick courtyard houses, tiny convenience stores, and family‑run restaurants that have been feeding locals for decades. It’s a good place to try Peking duck without the tourist price tag, or simply order a bowl of noodles from a street‑side stall and watch the city move at its own pace.

Your first full day in Beijing starts at Tian‘anmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world, capable of holding a million people. From there, you walk into the Forbidden City — the walled palace complex that was home to China’s emperors for over 500 years during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It‘s not a single building; it’s a city within a city, with nearly 1,000 structures and more than 9,000 rooms. Your guide leads you through the main halls, explaining the rituals, politics, and daily life that once filled these courtyards.

Next, a short walk takes you to Jingshan Park, an artificial hill made from soil excavated during the Forbidden City‘s construction. The climb is brief, but the view from the top — looking south over the palace’s golden roofs — is the best you‘ll get of the entire layout.

In the afternoon, you head to the western edge of the city to visit the Summer Palace, a sprawling imperial garden built around Kunming Lake. It was a retreat for Qing-dynasty emperors escaping the summer heat. The Long Corridor, a covered walkway decorated with thousands of paintings, and the Marble Boat, a lavish pavilion built to resemble a ship, are the main landmarks here. The scale of the place is hard to grasp from the guidebook — you need to walk it to feel it.

Today is dedicated to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, about 73 kilometres northeast of the city. It’s less crowded than the more famous Badaling and offers a longer stretch of wall to walk — 5.4 kilometres with 22 watchtowers. A round-trip cable car takes you most of the way up, so you can save your energy for walking the wall itself, not climbing to it.

The wall here follows the ridge line, offering unobstructed views in both directions. You can head east for a steeper, more dramatic route, or west for a quieter stretch where the wall winds through forest. The stonework is still the original Ming-dynasty construction, worn smooth by centuries of weather and footsteps — uneven in places, and exactly what you came to see.

On the return trip, the coach passes by the Bird‘s Nest and Water Cube, the two main stadiums from the 2008 Olympics. There’s a brief stop for photos before heading back into the city.

After breakfast, you transfer to the railway station for the high-speed train to Xi‘an. The journey takes about four to six hours, depending on the service. As the train moves southwest, the landscape shifts — from North China’s flat farmland to the loess plateau.

Upon arrival, your driver meets you at the station and takes you to your hotel. In the afternoon, you visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, a seven-storey brick pagoda built in 652 AD to house Buddhist scriptures brought back from India by the monk Xuanzang. It‘s one of the few Tang-dynasty structures still standing in Xi’an.

From there, you walk into the Muslim Quarter — a dense network of narrow alleyways that has been home to Xi‘an’s Hui Muslim community for centuries. The streets are lined with food stalls selling lamb skewers, flatbread, and local snacks. This is where the city‘s food culture is most alive.

The main event today is the Terracotta Warriors, about an hour’s drive east of Xi‘an. The site contains three main pits, with Pit 1 being the largest — thousands of life-sized soldiers arranged in battle formation, each with a unique face. They were buried alongside China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, to protect him in the afterlife. The discovery was made in 1974 by local farmers digging a well, and it remains one of the most significant archaeological finds of the 20th century. Standing at the edge of Pit 1, looking out over the rows of soldiers, you get a sense of the scale — and the ambition — of the man who built them.

After lunch, you return to the city to visit the Ancient City Wall, one of the best-preserved fortifications in China. It runs for nearly 14 kilometres around the old town. You can walk along the top or rent a bicycle — the ride takes about an hour if you go the full way, but even a short stretch gives you a good view of both the restored historical buildings and the modern city beyond. The day finishes at the Bell Tower or Drum Tower, two landmarks that once marked the centre of Xi‘an and still serve as reference points for the old town layout.

You leave Xi‘an today and head to Shanghai — either by flight (about two hours) or by high-speed train (six to nine and a half hours). Your booking will specify which option applies. Upon arrival, a driver meets you and takes you to your hotel. Once you’re checked in, the rest of the day is free.

If you have the energy, Shanghai is a city that rewards aimless wandering. A walk along the Bund is the obvious first stop — the riverfront promenade where colonial-era banks face the futuristic towers of Pudong. It‘s best at dusk, when the lights on both sides begin to flicker on. If you prefer something quieter, the former French Concession offers tree-lined streets, Art Deco apartment blocks, and small boutiques tucked into lane houses. For a quick taste of the city’s food culture, find a local xiaolongbao (soup dumpling) place nearby.

Your day begins with a vertical climb to the top of Shanghai Tower, China‘s tallest building at 632 metres. The elevator takes you to the 118th-floor observation deck in under a minute, and the view spreads out in all directions — the Huangpu River coiling through the city, Pudong’s towers clustered below, and the older neighbourhoods of Puxi stretching west. It‘s a perspective that helps you understand Shanghai’s scale before you explore it from ground level.

From there, you descend into the city‘s cultural history at the Shanghai Museum, housed in a distinctive building in People’s Square. Its collection of ancient bronzes, ceramics, and calligraphy is among the best in the country — a thorough introduction to China‘s material culture.

Next is Yu Garden, a Ming-dynasty garden built in 1559. It was designed as a private retreat for a government official’s family, and it demonstrates the classical Chinese garden principles of balance, surprise, and the controlled use of space. Zigzag bridges, rockeries, and pavilions are packed into a small footprint, and the garden still feels intimate despite its popularity. The adjacent Yuyuan Bazaar is a maze of stalls selling everything from tea to souvenirs — busy, colourful, and entirely commercial.

Afternoon takes you along Nanjing Road, the city‘s main shopping street, which runs for over five kilometres from the city centre to the waterfront. It’s often crowded and brightly lit, lined with both international brands and local department stores. By late afternoon, you reach The Bund, where the historic bank buildings face the modern towers of Pudong across the river. The contrast is the point.

Your driver picks you up from the hotel and takes you to the airport for your departure flight. Eight days, three cities — a route that travels from the imperial capital through the ancient dynastic centre to China‘s most forward-looking metropolis. The contrast between these cities is what tends to stay with people long after the trip ends.

Travel Date and Price (USD per person)
Month Available Date Price Book The Tour
Sep Sep 14, 2026 USD1430.00
Sep 17, 2026 USD1430.00
Sep 21, 2026 USD1430.00
Sep 24, 2026 USD1430.00
Oct Oct 4, 2026 USD1430.00
Oct 7, 2026 USD1430.00
Oct 10, 2026 USD1430.00
Oct 14, 2026 USD1430.00
Oct 17, 2026 USD1430.00
Oct 21, 2026 USD1430.00
Oct 24, 2026 USD1430.00
Oct 28, 2026 USD1430.00
Nov Nov 4, 2026 USD1020.00
Nov 11, 2026 USD1020.00
Nov 18, 2026 USD1020.00
Nov 25, 2026 USD1020.00
Dec Dec 2, 2026 USD1020.00
Dec 9, 2026 USD1020.00
Dec 16, 2026 USD1020.00
Dec 23, 2026 USD1020.00
Jan Jan 6, 2027 USD1180.00
Jan 13, 2027 USD1180.00
Jan 20, 2027 USD1180.00
Jan 30, 2027 USD1180.00
Feb Feb 6, 2027 USD1180.00
Feb 13, 2027 USD1180.00
Feb 20, 2027 USD1180.00
Feb 26, 2027 USD1180.00
Mar Mar 5, 2027 USD1180.00
Mar 12, 2027 USD1180.00
Mar 19, 2027 USD1180.00
Mar 26, 2027 USD1180.00
Apr Apr 2, 2027 USD1570.00
Apr 6, 2027 USD1570.00
Apr 9, 2027 USD1570.00
Apr 13, 2027 USD1570.00
Apr 16, 2027 USD1570.00
Apr 20, 2027 USD1570.00
Apr 22, 2027 USD1570.00
Apr 27, 2027 USD1570.00
Apr 29, 2027 USD1570.00
May May 4, 2027 USD1570.00
May 6, 2027 USD1570.00
May 11, 2027 USD1570.00
May 13, 2027 USD1570.00
May 18, 2027 USD1570.00
May 20, 2027 USD1570.00
May 25, 2027 USD1570.00
May 27, 2027 USD1570.00
Jun Jun 3, 2027 USD1570.00
Jun 10, 2027 USD1570.00
Jun 15, 2027 USD1570.00
Jun 17, 2027 USD1570.00
Jun 22, 2027 USD1570.00
Jun 25, 2027 USD1570.00
Jul Jul 3, 2027 USD1570.00
Jul 10, 2027 USD1570.00
Jul 17, 2027 USD1570.00
Jul 24, 2027 USD1570.00
Jul 27, 2027 USD1570.00
Jul 31, 2027 USD1570.00
Aug Aug 7, 2027 USD1570.00
Aug 14, 2027 USD1570.00
Aug 24, 2027 USD1570.00
Aug 27, 2027 USD1570.00
Aug 31, 2027 USD1570.00
Sep Sep 3, 2027 USD1570.00
Sep 7, 2027 USD1570.00
Sep 10, 2027 USD1570.00
Sep 14, 2027 USD1570.00
Sep 17, 2027 USD1570.00
Sep 21, 2027 USD1570.00
Sep 25, 2027 USD1570.00
Sep 28, 2027 USD1570.00
Oct Oct 2, 2027 USD1570.00
Oct 5, 2027 USD1570.00
Oct 9, 2027 USD1570.00
Oct 12, 2027 USD1570.00
Oct 16, 2027 USD1570.00
Oct 19, 2027 USD1570.00
Oct 23, 2027 USD1570.00
Oct 26, 2027 USD1570.00
Nov Nov 9, 2027 USD1570.00
Nov 16, 2027 USD1570.00
Nov 23, 2027 USD1570.00
Nov 30, 2027 USD1570.00
Dec Dec 7, 2027 USD1570.00
Dec 14, 2027 USD1570.00
Dec 21, 2027 USD1570.00

Included & Excluded

From USD 1430 per person
  • The price is based on two people sharing a double room. If you prefer a single room, please contact us for a quote.
  • Price may vary depending on exchange rates, travel dates, and hotel class.
  • Prices may vary depending on the season and promotional activities. Please consult your advisor for details.
Price Includes:
  • Comfortable hotel with daily breakfast (twin room)
  • Professional English-speaking local tour guide
  • Air-conditioned private coach throughout the tour
  • Entrance tickets to all listed attractions and activities
  • Lunches as specified in the itinerary
  • Domestic flights and high-speed train tickets
  • One travel accident insurance per person
Price Excludes:
  • International flights to and from China
  • Airport transfer to hotel on arrival day (Day 1)
  • Optional or recommended activities
  • Chinese visa application fees
  • Tips for guides and drivers
  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Personal expenses (e.g. shopping, laundry, hotel minibar)

Cancellation Policy

We understand that travel plans may change. Please review our cancellation policy below:
  • Free cancellation if canceled 60 days or more before the tour starts
  • 5% of total tour cost if canceled 45-59 days before departure
  • 10% of total tour cost if canceled 30-44 days before departure
  • 25% of total tour cost if canceled 15-29 days before departure
  • 45% of total tour cost if canceled 7-14 days before departure
  • 100% of total tour cost if canceled less than 7 days before departure
Date of Arrivial

Please select a travel date first

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What Our Clients Say?

Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews
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Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s): Shanghai
Date of Experience: May 08,2024
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Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories. Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s): Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of Experience: June 02,2025
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Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic! Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale. For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return. A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s): Zhangjiajie
Date of Experience: May 08,2025
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