China's "Golden Triangle" — a classic first route. Imperial capital, ancient capital, future capital, connected by two of the world's great train rides.
Beijing gives you the icons — the Great Wall and the Forbidden City. Xi'an gives you depth — 2,200 years of history and the Terracotta Army. Shanghai gives you contrast — the Bund's colonial waterfront facing a skyline from the future. Together they answer "what is China?" better than any single city can.
Eight days is the comfortable minimum: 3 in Beijing, 2 in Xi'an, 2–3 in Shanghai, with travel days that double as sightseeing (the trains are part of the experience). With 10 days, add Guilin — that's the Classic China route. With less time, drop Shanghai before you drop Xi'an: the Warriors are the one sight with no substitute.
Beijing → Xi'an by high-speed train takes about 4.5 hours; Xi'an → Shanghai about 6 hours (or a 2-hour flight). We book the trains as part of the tour — see the high-speed train guide for how classes and stations work.
8 daysNothing but the Triangle, done at a humane pace with the best Wall section and an evening on the Bund.
From US$1,590 per person
Starting price per person, based on 2 travelers. Final quote depends on dates and hotel level. Includes 4-star hotels, private guide & driver, entrance fees and intercity trains; international flights not included.
10 daysAdds two days of Li River scenery between Xi'an and Shanghai — the version we recommend if you have the days.
From US$1,890 per person
Starting price per person, based on 2 travelers. Final quote depends on dates and hotel level. Includes 4-star hotels, private guide & driver, entrance fees and intercity trains; international flights not included.
14 daysThe full circuit, run in reverse — starting in Shanghai and finishing on the Great Wall in Beijing.
From US$2,390 per person
Starting price per person, based on 2 travelers. Final quote depends on dates and hotel level. Includes 4-star hotels, private guide & driver, entrance fees and intercity trains; international flights not included.
Transport in each city — your own car and driver on a private trip, shared with the group on a group departure — an English-speaking guide, hotels, intercity high-speed trains, entrance fees for the listed sights and the meals listed day by day. International flights, your visa (if needed) and personal expenses stay with you. Every quote itemises this in writing.
Yes — swap a museum for a food walk, add a water town from Shanghai, slow Beijing down. That's the point of a private trip; on a group departure the route is fixed, though extra days can usually be added at either end. Tell us on WhatsApp or via the inquiry form.
Yes, second-class seats are included in the quote (first class on request). Your guide handles stations and boarding — you just keep your passport handy, since tickets are tied to it.
Often, yes — either under a visa-free entry policy for your passport, or the 240-hour transit if China sits between two other countries on your itinerary. Check the visa guide, then let us verify your exact flights.
Send us your dates, hotel preference and interests. We reply within 24 hours with a day-by-day plan and a clear quotation.