China Golden Triangle
- Duration 8 Days
- Tour Type Private & Bespoke
- Tour Style Classic
About This Trip
The highlights of China's Golden Triangle can be seen on this 8-day trip. Traveling from Beijing to Xi'an's ancient ruins and Shanghai's modern metropolis, you'll get to experience a wide range of China's manmade attractions, cultural landmarks, and local customs. Explore the legendary Great Wall, the imperial architecture of the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven, the secrets of the Terracotta Warriors, the local flavor of the Muslim and Hutong neighborhoods, and the breathtaking Shanghai night views from the Bund.
Itinerary Summary
| DAY | PLACE | HIGHLIGHTS |
| 1 - 4 | Beijing | Mutianyu Great Wall, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Hutongs, Summer Palace, High-Speed Train Experience |
| 5 - 6 | Xi'an | Terracotta Warriors, Ancient City Wall, Muslim Quarter, Shaanxi History Museum |
| 7 - 8 | Shanghai | The Bund, Yu Garden & Yuyuan Market, Shanghai Tower, Former French Concession |
Suggested Itinerary
Nihao China! Once you arrive in Beijing, your local guide and driver will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel in a private vehicle. You're free to unwind on your own for the rest of the day.
- Beijing
Hutong in Beijing
Today’s Highlights
- Step Into Imperial Palace of the Forbidden City
- Leisurely Rickshaw Ride in a Beijing Hutong
Your Day in Detail
Your tour today will begin at Tiananmen Square, a national icon that has witnessed many important historical and ceremonial events in China. Walking through it, you will arrive at the Forbidden City, where Chinese emperors and their families lived for hundreds of years. By exploring the palaces and exhibits inside, you will learn the most well-known anecdotes about the ancient Chinese aristocracy and get a glimpse of China's long-gone imperial past.
This afternoon, make your way through Old Beijing's Hutongs. Take a rickshaw, riding through narrow lanes leisurely and glimpsing the old courtyards alive with residents' chatter and laughter.
Optional Activities
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Kung Fu ShowYou can watch a lively Kung Fu performance featuring impressive martial arts, acrobatics, and traditional Chinese stories.
- B L
- Beijing
Mutianyu Great Wall in Beijing
Today’s Highlights
- Join Locals in Morning Activities at the Temple of Heaven
- Walk Along the Scenic Mutianyu Great Wall
Your Day in Detail
The first stop on today's tour is the beautiful Temple of Heaven, where you may admire the intricate architecture and join the locals in trying out some of their healthy pastimes, such as Tai Chi, sword dancing, or doing Chinese calligraphy on the floor with a giant brush and ink.
Then, continue about two hours' drive outside Beijing to the stunning Mutianyu Great Wall. Explore the old walls and marvel at the incredible structures that wind their way across the hillsides.
- B L
- Beijing
Today’s Highlights
- Enjoy the Relaxed Atmosphere of the Summer Palace
Your Day in Detail
After breakfast, visit the Summer Palace, a vast imperial garden with lakes, hills, and historic pavilions. In beautiful weather, take a boat trip on Kunming Lake is the perfect way to unwind.
After that, you'll be transferred to the station to board the high-speed train for Xi'an. Your local private guide and driver will be waiting to greet you at the train station and take you to your hotel for rest.
- B L
- Xi'an
Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an
Today’s Highlights
- Discover the Stories Behind Terracotta Warriors
- Take a Culinary Adventure in Muslim Street
Your Day in Detail
The Terracotta Warriors make Xi'an famous around the world. Today, you will go visit this legendary army, thousands of life-size soldiers standing guard over the tomb of China's first emperor, Qin Shihuang. Make time for the Bronze Chariots and Horses, a short shuttle ride from the pits. There you will realize the sophisticated craftsmanship of China over 2,000 years ago.
In the late afternoon, head to Muslim Quarter for a food walk. The lantern-lit lanes are lined with sizzling stalls, and wandering from one to the next is the best way to taste the city, from hand-pulled biangbiang noodles to warm, crisp roujiamo.
- B L
- Xi'an
Today’s Highlights
- Explore Hanyang Tomb in an Immersive Way
Your Day in Detail
In the morning, head to Hanyang Tomb, the mausoleum of Han Emperor Jing, which lies on the way to the airport. Being China's first immersive underground site museum, it is built directly over the burial pits, with glass floors that let you walk right above rows of miniature terracotta soldiers, animals, and chariots.
Afterwards, continue to the airport for your afternoon flight to Shanghai, where your local guide and driver will greet you and take you to your hotel.
- B L
- Shanghai
Yu Garden in Shanghai
Today’s Highlights
- Wander Through the Classical Yu Garden
- Walk Along Shanghai's Iconic Bund
- Explore the Former French Concession
- Take in City Skyline from Shanghai Tower
Your Day in Detail
Today, you will discover both the old and new faces of Shanghai. Start at Yu Garden, this classical garden fully displays the traditional design of Chinese architecture. Nearby, Yuyuan Market is a good place to sample local snacks and browse traditional crafts. From here, continue to the Bund, and wander into the Former French Concession, a leafy district of old villas shaded by plane trees.
In the afternoon, head across the river to Shanghai Tower, go for the observation deck and admire sweeping views over the Huangpu River and the city skyline.
Optional Activities
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Acrobatic ShowIn the evening, you can opt for enjoying spectacular Chinese acrobatics, from daring stunts to fast-paced routines, those skilled performers show balance, flexibility, strength, and precise coordination.
- B L
- Shanghai
Enjoy some time on your own before being escorted to the airport for your departure flight.
- B
Accommodation Options
The hotels listed below have been carefully selected based on customer feedback. You can either choose the ones you'd like to stay in or allow our travel experts to recommend options tailored to your specific requirements.
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Top Choice
Beijing Novotel Peace HotelAddress: 3 Jinyu lane, Wangfujing, Beijing, China -
Top Choice
The Regent BeijingAddress: 99# Jinbao Road, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China
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Park Plaza Beijing WangfujingAddress: 97 Jinbao Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China
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Fairmont BeijingAddress: 8 Yong An Dong Li, Jian Guo Men Wai Avenue, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
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Top Choice
Grand Noble Hotel XianAddress: No. 334 East Street, Xi'an City, Shaanxi Province, China
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Eastern House Boutique HotelAddress: 300 m West of Fen Lane, South Street, Beilin District, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710002, China
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Hilton Xi'anAddress: No.199 Dongxin Road, Xincheng District, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
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Top Choice
Maxx by Steigenberger on the Bund ShanghaiAddress: 1 East Jinling Road, Shanghai, China
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Hengshan Garden HotelAddress: 516 Hengshan Road, Xuhui and Minhang, Shanghai, China
What's Included in Your Private Tour
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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.
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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.
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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.
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- 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
Your Travel Partner Every Step of the Way
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Before You Travel
- Personalized itinerary planning
- Professional advice from local experts
- Smooth booking support from start to finish
Every great journey starts with thoughtful planning. From the moment you contact us, we take the time to understand your travel style, interests, and expectations. Whether you’re looking for iconic highlights, local experiences, or a more relaxed pace, we help design a trip that truly fits you. -
While You Travel
- Expert local guides with deep knowledge
- 24/7 support for any on-the-go needs
- Flexible arrangements to suit your pace
Once your trip begins, we're right there with you behind the scenes. Our local guides, trusted partners, and support team work together to make your journey smooth, comfortable, and worry-free. From airport pickups to flexible day-to-day arrangements, we help you travel with confidence and ease. -
After You Return Home
- We welcome and value your feedback
- A travel team you can return to anytime
- Special benefits for your next journey
For us, the journey doesn’t simply end when the trip is over. We love staying connected with our travelers, hearing your feedback, and learning more about your experience. Your insights help us continue improving our services while also inspiring future travelers. Many of our guests travel with us again, or recommend us to family and friends, and that’s something we truly value.
Before You Travel
While You Travel
After You Return Home
What Our Clients Say
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