Why Travel with Discover Beijing Tours
Unique Experiences
Enjoy a premium trip that goes beyond the typical tourist attractions.
Well-Selected Local Guides
Knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and attentive — your personal local guides will share interesting stories, insider information, and even create unexpected highlights!
Your Booking is Risk-Free
Cancel up to 24 hours before the travel date in advance for a full refund
99.6% positive customer reviews among 1500+
Why Travel with Discover Beijing Tours
Unique Experiences
Enjoy a premium trip that goes beyond the typical tourist attractions.Well-Selected Local Guides
Knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and attentive — your personal local guides will share interesting stories, insider information, and even create unexpected highlights!Your Booking is Risk-Free
Cancel up to 24 hours before the travel date in advance for a full refund
8-Day China Classic Explorer: Shanghai, Yangtze, Xi’an & Beijing
Embark on an 8-day China adventure spanning Shanghai’s urban charms, Yichang’s Yangtze River Three Gorges cruise, Xi’an’s legendary Terracotta Warriors and Beijing’s imperial landmarks like the Great Wall, blending vibrant city life, natural wonders and ancient heritage in one unforgettable journey.
- Make sure everyone bring passport with
- Full names and passport numbers are required to book tickets for attractions.
Itinerary Quick Look
Day 1: Shanghai City Tour | Culture, Gardens & Urban Charms
Morning: Shanghai Museum & Jade Buddha Temple
Gather at the hotel lobby. Take a private air-conditioned car to start the Shanghai exploration.
- Shanghai Museum: Visit this top Chinese ancient art destination. It has 11 galleries, 3 exhibition halls and 120,000 relics across 21 categories. Star collections include bronze ware, ceramics and calligraphy.
- Jade Buddha Temple: Explore the temple with two white jade Buddhas from 19th-century Burma. Wander halls and courtyards to learn Chinese Buddhist history. Watch locals burn incense and worship for authentic spiritual culture.
Noon: Local Lunch & Yu Garden Exploration
Enjoy a delicious local lunch first. Then head to Yu Garden, Shanghai’s largest Ming-Qing style ancient garden. Admire its nature-and-architecture fusion design. Afterward, visit the Old City God Temple area. Browse snack shops and bustling streets for treats or souvenirs.
Afternoon: The Bund & Former French Concession
- The Bund: Walk along the Huangpu River. Take photos of colonial buildings and glittering skyline landmarks. Spot the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and Shanghai World Financial Center.
- Former French Concession: Wander narrow alleyways. Visit art galleries or photo studios. Relax with coffee at a cozy café (own cost) for a leisurely afternoon.
Evening: Xintiandi Nightlife
Visit Xintiandi, Shanghai’s vibrant nightlife hub. Its Shikumen buildings hold high-end restaurants, boutiques and bars. Experience the perfect blend of old and new styles. Alternative spots (Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Jinmao Tower) are available on request. Return to the hotel via private transfer after the tour.
Day 2: Shanghai → Yichang | High-Speed Train Journey
Gather at the hotel lobby in the morning. Transfer to Shanghai Hongqiao Train Station. Take a 6.5-hour high-speed train to Yichang. Enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way. A local guide will wait at Yichang station. They’ll help you take the cruise company’s free shuttle bus to the pier. Note: Boarding time may change due to schedules, water levels and weather.
Day 3: Yangtze River Cruise | Three Gorges Dam & Welcome Party
Board the Yangtze River cruise ship. Sail Asia’s longest river for a mix of relaxation and adventure. Enjoy stunning landscapes and explore river-side history and culture.
- Three Gorges Dam Visit: Admire China’s largest hydropower project. It stands 181 meters tall and 2,335 meters wide. Watch ship locks in action or take the thrilling ship lift for a bird’s-eye view.
- Optional Shore Excursion: Join the Three Gorges Tribe tour (own cost). Explore cultural and artistic heritage between two Xiling Gorge dams.
- Captain’s Welcome Party: Attend the evening party. Meet fellow travelers and start the cruise with joy.
Day 4: Yangtze River Cruise | Three Gorges & Shennv Stream
Spend the day exploring the magnificent Three Gorges scenery.
- Xiling Gorge Sailing: Sail through Xiling Gorge. Experience its rugged shoals and rushing waters for thrilling canyon views.
- Shennv Stream Shore Excursion: Visit Shennv Stream in Wushan County. Enjoy tranquil waters and picturesque scenery. Escape the hustle and bustle of daily life.
- Optional Stop: Add a visit to White Emperor City (own cost). Delve into the rich history and culture of the Three Gorges area.
Day 5: Yangtze River Cruise | Fengdu Ghost City & Farewell Party
Sail along the Yangtze River in the morning. Enjoy serene river views and a peaceful atmosphere.
- Fengdu Ghost City Shore Excursion: Visit this iconic attraction with an English-speaking guide. Learn about Chinese folklore and underworld mythology. Explore temples and monasteries filled with legendary stories.
- Optional Tour: Join the Shibaozhai Pagoda tour (own cost). See one of the world’s eight extraordinary architectures. Appreciate ancient Chinese construction skills.
- Captain’s Farewell Party: Celebrate the cruise end with a lively evening party.
Day 6: Xi’an | Terracotta Warriors & Ancient Charms
Morning: Terracotta Warriors Museum
Meet at the downtown hotel in the morning. Take a private car to the Terracotta Warriors Museum. It’s the “Eighth Wonder of the World”, discovered by farmers in 1974. Explore three main exhibition pits. Marvel at thousands of life-sized terracotta soldiers with unique faces. Learn the fascinating history behind this world-famous relic.
Afternoon: Big Wild Goose Pagoda & Muslim Quarter
- Local Lunch & Big Wild Goose Pagoda Visit: Enjoy a delicious local lunch. Head to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a well-preserved Tang Dynasty (AD 652) landmark. It stores Buddhist sutras brought back by monk Xuanzang’s 17-year Silk Road journey. This UNESCO site is a Buddhist holy place. Explore adjacent Da Ci’en Temple and gardens. Learn about the Silk Road and Chinese Buddhism.
- Muslim Quarter Exploration: Wander Xi’an’s bustling Islamic hub. Browse food and souvenir markets. Try local snacks (own cost) and soak up the lively atmosphere. Return to the hotel via private transfer after the tour.
Day 7: Beijing City Tour | Imperial Landmarks & Royal Gardens
Morning: Tian’anmen Square & Forbidden City
After breakfast, gather at the hotel lobby. Start exploring imperial history.
- Tian’anmen Square: Visit the world’s largest public square, a symbol of China. Take photos of Tiananmen Gate.
- Forbidden City Tour: Cross the square to enter the Forbidden City. It’s the world’s largest palace complex, home to 24 Ming-Qing emperors. This UNESCO site has 500 years of history and 8,728 rooms. It once served as China’s political and ritual center. Enter via Meridian Gate and follow the central axis. Admire grand palaces and ancient art treasures. Hear fascinating imperial stories.
- Jingshan Park Viewpoint: Walk 15 minutes to Jingshan Park. Get a panoramic view of the Forbidden City’s russet roofs and modern Beijing skyline.
Afternoon: Summer Palace Leisure Walk
Visit the Summer Palace, known as the “Museum of Royal Gardens”. It was once an imperial summer retreat. Wander its beautiful gardens, lakes, bridges and pavilions. They look just like a traditional Chinese painting. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon. For dinner, try legendary Peking Roasted Duck at Quanjude (optional, own cost).
Day 8: Beijing Great Wall Tour | Mutianyu & Local Life
Morning: Mutianyu Great Wall Adventure
Drive 1.5–2 hours northwest to Mutianyu Great Wall. It’s a well-preserved section with fewer crowds and 23 Ming-era watchtowers. It’s part of the 2,000-year-old Great Wall, stretching 3,000 miles across northern China. It’s one of the world’s most impressive ancient masterpieces. Take a cable car to the 14th watchtower. Hike the western route and climb to the 20th watchtower for a fun challenge. Snap photos of the wall winding through green pines. Fulfill your Great Wall adventure dream.
Afternoon: Olympic Landmarks & Cultural Stops
- Olympic Venues Photo Stop: Head back downtown. Take photos of the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube. These are iconic venues of the 2008 Summer Olympics and 2022 Winter Games.
- Temple of Heaven Visit: Explore this UNESCO Taoist site, larger than the Forbidden City. 22 emperors offered sacrifices here for good harvests. Admire its symbolic layout and architecture reflecting ancient Chinese cosmology.
- Hutong Exploration: Wander Beijing’s old hutongs. These narrow alleyways have traditional courtyard houses, local vendors and authentic daily scenes. Enjoy a peaceful escape from the city buzz.
Trip Conclusion
The journey ends with unforgettable memories. From Shanghai’s modern skyline to Xi’an’s terracotta warriors. From Yangtze River waves to Great Wall grandeur. These moments will be cherished long after the trip.
There are discounts in the off-season, please call us!
Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours before your travel date and get a full refund
-
IncludedBottled waterBreakfast, Lunch (Breakfast=B, Lunch=L)Professional guidePrivate tourTransport by private vehicleEntrance fee
-
Not IncludedGratuities
Similar Tours
Start from 138 USD P/P
Half-Day Private Historic Guided Tour of Xi’an Terracotta Army
Skip the hassle on this private half-day Xi’an tour—enjoy door-to-door transfers from your hotel, airport or railway station to marvel at the UNESCO-listed Terracotta Warriors, hailed as the Eighth Wonder of the World.
1 day
Xi’an Tang Dynasty Show Ticket & Dumpling Dinner or Royal Banquet：Skip the Line
Immerse yourself in the grand charm of the Tang Dynasty with this all-in-one experience! Enjoy a spectacular music and dance show paired with an authentic imperial-style or delicious dumpling feast, and dive deep into the rich historical culture of ancient Chang’an without any hassle.
1 day
8 Days Tibet Train Tour from Beijing | Beijing Xining Lhasa
Embark on an 8-day private tour from Beijing to Lhasa, featuring a legendary ride on the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, iconic Beijing imperial sights, and immersive Tibetan cultural explorations in Lhasa with daily breakfast and private transfers included. Discover the Mutianyu Great Wall, Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and more, while acclimating to the Tibetan Plateau and experiencing the unique spiritual and historical wonders of northern China and Tibet on this unforgettable journey.
8 days
