China's Golden Triangle: Unveiling the Wonders of Beijing, Xian and Shanghai - 8 Days (CN-03)

You will be greeted at the airport by our guide and then you will be transported to the hotel. Our journey begins with a delve into Beijing's history through a rickshaw tour of the 'Hutong' neighborhood. The unhurried pace will afford us the opportunity to absorb the essence of the narrow streets and alleys, steeped in a history spanning hundreds of years. This experience stands in sharp contrast to the modern structures that now dominate Beijing's skyline. Fortunately, certain old hutong areas have been granted 'special status' by the government, ensuring their meticulous preservation. (D)

Tiananmen Square, renowned as the emblem of Beijing, is a spectacle that surpasses expectations. Situated at the city's core, it ranks as the fourth largest city square globally, spanning an impressive 440,000 square meters. Following this, your itinerary includes a visit to the renowned Imperial Palace, the Forbidden City, acknowledged by UNESCO as the most extensive assembly of well-preserved ancient wooden structures worldwide. Once the residence of Chinese emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties, the Palace now houses one of the most significant collections of Chinese artwork globally. Subsequently, you will explore the splendid Summer Palace, immersing yourself in the serene beauty of Chinese landscape garden design. As the day concludes, indulge in a delightful dinner featuring the renowned roasted duck. (B,L,D)

Today marks a significant highlight as you embark on a visit to the Badaling section of the Great Wall, situated in Yanqing County, approximately 70 kilometers (44 miles) north of Beijing. This iconic structure, representing Chinese civilization and recognized as one of the wonders of the world, holds a prestigious spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Scaling the highest point of the Wall in this section at 1015 meters (3300 feet) will reward you with breathtaking views. Following this awe-inspiring experience, the journey continues to the 2008 Summer Olympics site, where you'll explore the Olympic Green and park, featuring the renowned 'Bird's Nest' building. As the day unfolds, indulge in the evening splendor of one of Beijing's finest Acrobatic Shows. (B,L,D)

Embark on a tour of modern China today with a transfer to the Beijing West railway station, where you'll board the morning bullet train to Xian. This cutting-edge high-speed train swiftly covers the 711-mile distance from Beijing to Xian in a mere 4 hours and 40 minutes. Upon your arrival, you will be greeted and transferred to the hotel, marking the beginning of your Xian city tour. As one of the four ancient capitals of China, the exploration commences with the Big Goose Pagoda, a seven-story Buddhist temple dating back to the 7th century, offering panoramic views from its summit. The tour further includes the Little Goose Pagoda, the Bell Tower, and the Great Mosque, one of the earliest mosques constructed in China. A delectable lunch follows, and the evening unfolds with a Tang Dynasty Singing and Dancing Show accompanied by dinner. (B,L,D)

Undoubtedly one of China's most renowned tourist attractions, today's itinerary includes a visit to the Terracotta Army, a site that captivates millions of visitors annually. Unearthed in 1974 by local farmers in the course of their fieldwork, you will explore the pits, ascend the burial mound of the emperor, and witness the thousands of terracotta statues portraying warriors and horses, forming the army of the First Chinese Emperor. Following this captivating experience, our driver will be awaiting you in the hotel lobby to escort you to Xian railway station. The evening brings a comfortable journey aboard the train to Shanghai, with the option of 2 and 4 berth compartments for your convenience. (B,L,D)

Today, you'll arrive in China's most dynamic city, Shanghai. Upon disembarking from the train, our driver will be there to meet you and assist with transporting your luggage to the hotel. The city tour unfolds, delving into Shanghai's highlights, encompassing the Shanghai Museum, People's Square, and the Bund. As the largest and most bustling city in China, there's a wealth of experiences awaiting exploration. The centrally located People's Square and the Shanghai Museum provide insights into Chinese arts, spanning calligraphy, ceramics, and furniture. The Bund, a mile-long riverside promenade, boasts an array of European-style buildings, adding to the city's distinctive charm. (B,L,D)

Today's tour begins with a serene exploration of old Shanghai, where you'll visit a tranquil garden nestled beside the City God Temple. Encompassing five acres, this garden features a rockery, a chamber of ten thousand flowers, ponds, pavilions, and towers. Transitioning to the future, the itinerary then takes you to the renowned Oriental Pearl TV Tower, erected in 1994 and once the tallest building in China. This iconic structure offers fantastic opportunities for panoramic shots of the city, and you can choose to visit the revolving restaurant situated at the 267-meter level. The tour concludes with a visit to Nanjing Road, Shanghai's primary shopping street. (B,L,D)

Our tour ends. Our driver will meet you in the hotel lobby and take you to the airport to catch your flight home. (B)