See China’s sweep from Great Wall ramparts to the Terracotta Army and Shanghai’s futuristic skyline in nine fast-paced days. This private tour blends guided highlights with pockets of free time to explore on your own.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step out of the airport into Beijing’s late-afternoon haze and the tour begins: a private transfer, an English-speaking guide, and nine days that flip between emperors’ courts and skyscraper glass.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
9 days
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness needed: daily walking on uneven terrain and several short climbs; not technically demanding.
Wildlife
History
Highlights include the Great Wall sections dating back centuries of imperial defense and the Terracotta Army created for Qin Shi Huang’s mausoleum over 2,000 years ago.
Conservation
Sites manage visitor impacts with ticket limits and designated paths—stick to marked routes, avoid touching artifacts, and use local guides who support site preservation.
Reserve your spot on the 9-Day Ancient and Modern China: Beijing-Xi'an-Shanghai today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Bring passport and visa info
Carry your passport at all times—train tickets and many attraction entries require the original document.
Reserve Forbidden City early
Capacity limits mean the Forbidden City can sell out; the operator secures tickets but bring flexibility in case of substitutions.
Shoes for stone and steps
Wear sturdy, broken-in walking shoes for uneven Great Wall steps and cobbled streets in historic quarters.
Pack for trains and transfers
Carry a small daypack with snacks, water, and a power bank—fast trains are efficient but downtime can be long between sites.
Sturdy walking shoes
Provides grip and comfort on Great Wall stone steps, city walls, and cobbles.
Lightweight rain shell
Keeps you dry during spring showers and coastal humidity in Shanghai.
spring
Daypack with water bottle
Holds essentials for walking tours and fast-train transfers between cities.
Universal power adapter
Useful for charging devices in hotels and on the move across different cities.