About This Trip
With the new 240-hour transit visa-free policy, exploring China has never been easier for passport holders the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, among other eligible nationalities. This private tour ends in Hong Kong, which counts as a third region, so flying into Beijing and out of Hong Kong requires no Chinese visa.
You'll travel the iconic route from Beijing through Xi'an and Shanghai to Hong Kong, seeing the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, the Terracotta Warriors and the Bund that you've long heard about, meanwhile savor authentic regional cuisine and gain deeper insight into Chinese culture. Come with us and delight in every moment!
Itinerary Summary
| DAY | PLACE | HIGHLIGHTS |
| 1 - 4 | Beijing | Forbidden City, Great Wall, Temple of Heaven, Local Food Market |
| 5 - 6 | Xi'an | Terracotta Warriors, Muslim Quarter, Great Tang All Day Mall, Traditional Shadow Puppetry |
| 7 - 8 | Shanghai | The Bund, Fuxing Park, Yu Garden, Shanghai Museum |
| 9 - 10 | Hong Kong | Victoria Peak, Tai Kwun, Wong Tai Sin Temple, Flower Market |
Suggested Itinerary
Upon arrival at the airport, you'll be greeted by your local guide and transferred via private vehicle to your hotel, about an hour away in the heart of the city. Settle into your accommodation and ease into the local rhythm.
- Beijing
Today’s Highlights
- Admire Imperial Palaces & Architecture of Forbidden City
- Panoramic Views of Forbidden City from Jingshan Park
Your Day in Detail
Begin your Beijing sightseeing at Tiananmen Square, the vast city-center plaza that leads directly to the Forbidden City, a treasure trove of imperial architecture. Its grand palaces, adorned with vibrant red walls and resplendent yellow tiles, evoke a sense of majesty and tradition.
As your day draws to a close, ascend Jingshan, where breathtaking panoramic views await. From this vantage point, you can admire the sprawling Forbidden City and reflect on the rich tapestry of history that surrounds you.
- B L
- Beijing
Today’s Highlights
- Mutianyu Great Wall (Round-Trip Cable Car)
- Photo Stops for Bird's Nest & Water Cube
Your Day in Detail
Today, the enchantment of the Great Wall awaits your discovery. As the cable car ascends, you get your first glimpse of this ancient marvel. Upon disembarking, ready to be struck by the sheer grandeur before you. With each step along the wall's serpentine heights, new vistas of unparalleled beauty unfold. Lush valleys give way to soaring mountain ridges in the distance. The immense scale of this feat of human engineering is humbling.
Later, visit the architectural icons - the Bird's Nest and Water Cube. These modern marvels, with their avant-garde forms, are a striking contrast to ancient wonders. Next, you find yourself at the Longing Pearl Store, where exquisite Chinese pearls await.
- B L
- Beijing
Today’s Highlights
- Sample Beijing Street Food at a Local Food Market
- Watch Locals' Morning Exercises at Temple of Heaven
Your Day in Detail
Plunge yourself into the vibrant heartbeat of Beijing as you delve into its lively local food market today. Stalls filled with fresh produce, sizzling skewers, and vendors crafting delicious street foods create a captivating scene.
Later, the majestic Temple of Heaven awaits, a breathtaking masterpiece of ancient Chinese architecture. It was the sacred site where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties performed rituals to pray for good harvests. The temple's intricate design, with its circular and square elements, embodies the ancient Chinese concept of "heaven round, earth square".
This afternoon, embark on a journey through time as you board the train bound for Xi'an.
- B L
- Xi'an
Today’s Highlights
- Marvel at the Terracotta Army & Bronze Chariots
- Enjoy Street Performances at Grand Tang Ever Bright City
Your Day in Detail
Set off on a 1-hour drive to the legendary Terracotta Army. Here, the silent legions of clay soldiers stand as timeless sentinels, each with their own unique visage, rank, and stance. The grandeur of the bronze chariots and the majesty of the Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum evoke the formidable power of an ancient empire.
Back in the city, step into the vibrant embrace of the Great Tang All Day Mall. Along the way, be enchanted by the street performances that unfold at every turn: young maidens in ancient garb plucking the pipa, traditional jugglers, and the mesmerizing art of face-changing.
- B L
- Xi'an
Today’s Highlights
- Explore Taste Local Street Food at the Muslim Quarter
- Watch a Traditional Shadow Puppetry Show
- Experience the Art of Chinese Calligraphy
Your Day in Detail
Commence on a captivating journey through Xi'an, starting with a leisurely stroll along the enchanting Muslim Quarter. Renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and exotic street food, this bustling thoroughfare invites you to savor local delicacies and discover unique treasures.
Next, visit the historic Gao Family Courtyard, where the mesmerizing art of traditional shadow puppetry unfolds before your eyes. Witness the intricate storytelling as skilled puppeteers breathe life into ancient tales, transporting you to a world of imagination. Here, you can also experience the art of Chinese calligraphy, writing characters with a brush, traditional ink, and paper.
As the day draws to a close, board your flight to Shanghai, a dazzling metropolis that perfectly blends tradition and modernity.
- B L
- Shanghai
Today’s Highlights
- Stroll Along the Bund
- Wander Through Yu Garden
- Explore Fuxing Park & Local Markets
- Visit the Shanghai Museum
- Shanghai Tower Observation Deck
Your Day in Detail
Begin your day with the Bund, where the historic waterfront seamlessly merges the grandeur of colonial architecture with the sleek silhouettes of modern skyscrapers lining the Huangpu River. Escape to the tranquil Yu Garden, a classical oasis adorned with elegant pavilions and serene ponds, providing a peaceful retreat from the city's vibrant energy.
Unwind at Fuxing Park, a charming urban green space beloved by locals for relaxation. Continue to explore the lively local markets at Bugaoli and Sipai Road, where tempting street snacks await. Next, delve into the artistry of Chinese silk to see exquisite craftsmanship. Follow this with a visit to the Shanghai Museum, where rich cultural artifacts tell the story of China's heritage.
Conclude your day atop the Shanghai Tower's observation deck, soaking in breathtaking panoramic views of the city's dynamic skyline.
- B L
- Shanghai
Bid farewell to Shanghai as you board your flight to Hong Kong. Upon arrival, a private car will whisk you away to the hotel, ensuring a smooth transition to this vibrant city.
Once settled in, the remainder of the day is yours to explore at your leisure. Stroll through lively markets, visit iconic landmarks, or indulge in delicious local cuisine. Hong Kong promises a captivating blend of culture and energy, inviting you to create unforgettable memories!
- B
- Hong Kong
Today’s Highlights
- Peak Tram to Victoria Peak & City Skyline
- Feel the Energy of Tai Kwun's Art & Culture
- Star Ferry Harbor Crossing
- Visit Wong Tai Sin Temple
- Explore Mong Kok's Local Markets
Your Day in Detail
Today begins with a scenic journey aboard the iconic Peak Tram, taking you to the summit of Victoria Peak. From this lofty vantage point, bask in the breathtaking panorama of the city's iconic skyline. Descending into the vibrant Central Mid-levels Escalator area, discover Tai Kwun, an art and cultural hub housed in a former colonial prison, offering a unique glimpse into the city's rich heritage.
Next, embark on the legendary Star Ferry, crossing the harbor from Central to the bustling Tsim Sha Tsui district. In Wong Tai Sin, visit a captivating Taoist temple, where you can partake in the traditional "kau cim" ritual, seeking divine guidance.
Explore the charming Mong Kok neighborhood, and immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of the local streets. Wander through the lively Ladies' Market, Flower Market, and Bird Garden, discovering Hong Kong's unique culture and shopping experiences.
- B
- Hong Kong
Today marks the end of your journey in China. Take this time to relax and enjoy some leisurely moments before being escorted to the airport for your departure.
- B
What's Included in Your Private Tour
-
A dedicated travel expert will work with you to design and arrange your itinerary based on your interests, travel style, schedule, and budget. Your trip can be adjusted as your plans take shape.
-
Accommodation is selected based on location, quality, your preferences, and budget. Depending on the destination and itinerary, options may include international hotel chains, boutique hotels, and locally distinctive properties.
-
Local guides are arranged in each destination, with strong language skills and in-depth local knowledge. Your guide will help you make the most of each destination while sharing local history, culture, and everyday life.
Guide arrangements may vary depending on your destination and itinerary. Please refer to your Tour Program for the specific guide arrangements for your trip.
If you have any special requirements for your guide, such as in-depth historical and cultural interpretation or expertise in a particular industry or subject, please let us know in advance so we can take your preferences into consideration when arranging your trip. -
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with a dedicated driver, as specified in the itinerary
- Domestic trains as specified in the itinerary
- Domestic flights as specified in the itinerary
- International flights for selected multi-country tours, as specified in the itinerary.
Transportation arrangements can be adjusted to suit your itinerary and travel needs.
*As each trip is tailor-made, transportation arrangements may vary by itinerary and destination. The final arrangements will be detailed in your Tour Program.*International flights to and from your home country are normally not included in the initial Tour Program. If you would like, your travel expert can also help arrange these flights upon request.
-
- Breakfast (B), lunch (L), and dinner (D) as specified in the itinerary
- Additional meals can be arranged upon request
- Vegetarian and vegan options are available upon request
FAQ About the Trip
-
Under China's 240-hour transit visa-free policy, travelers from 55 eligible countries (click to check details), including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, can enter mainland China without a visa for up to 10 days.
The general rule is that if China isn't your ultimate destination but a stop as part of a larger trip, it qualifies. For example, if you're traveling from the United States and passing through Shanghai, Beijing, and Xi'an before heading to Laos, that's a permissible route (Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan as your final destination is also counts).
It can be tricky to know if your preferred itinerary qualifies for China's transit policy, so we recommend that you get in touch with us directly to discuss your specific situation.
-
You need three documents in total:
1. Valid passports held by nationals of the 55 eligible countries, with a validity of at least three months;
2. Interline passenger tickets with a specified date and seat to a third country or region within 240 hours;
3. Completed Arrival Card, including personal information, travel document & visa details, travel itinerary, purpose of visit, and your address of stay in China. The form can be filled online in advance on the website. -
The period of stay is calculated from 00:00 on the day after entry, not from the actual time of entry. And the end time is 23:59 on the 10th day after the start date (local time).
For example, if you arrive in Beijing at 16:20 on June 12, the 240-hour period starts at 00:00 on June 13 and ends at 24:00 on June 22.
-
This sample itinerary has relatively limited free time, as it's designed to be fairly well paced while still allowing you to explore China's major cities comfortably within the 240 hour visa free policy.
At the same time, it's highly flexible. Since Odynovo offers fully customizable private tours, you can discuss your preferred pace, interests, and free time with your travel expert before arrival.
What Our Clients Say
Explore the latest verified reviews of Odynovo's travel services on Tripadvisor, Google, Trustpilot, Product Review and more trusted platforms.
Quick Question

