8-Day Golden Triangle Tour
Beijing · Xi'an · Shanghai — the essential first trip to China: the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Terracotta Warriors and the Bund, linked by high-speed train. Tour code: GT-08.
Suggested itinerary at a glance
| Days 1–3 | Beijing — Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Great Wall at Mutianyu, hutongs, Peking duck |
|---|---|
| Days 4–5 | Xi'an — high-speed train in, Terracotta Warriors, Ming city wall, Muslim Quarter food walk |
| Days 6–8 | Shanghai — the Bund, Yu Garden, French Concession, optional Suzhou day trip, depart |
Tour highlights
The easier, greener Wall
Mutianyu rather than the most crowded section — cable car up, and the option to toboggan down like everyone secretly wants to.
Forbidden City, properly read
A guide who explains what the halls were for, not just their names — the difference between a walk-through and a story.
Warriors without the crush
Timed entry and the smaller pits first, so your first sight of the army lands the way it should.
Two skylines, one river
The Bund at dusk: colonial stone on your side, Pudong's towers lighting up across the Huangpu.
Day-by-day itinerary
This is a sample itinerary, so you can see what each day actually looks like — the scenery, the meals and where you sleep. On a private trip the order and pace are adjusted to your dates; your confirmed day-by-day plan, with named hotels, comes with your quote. Small-group departures follow this route.
- Day 1
Arrive in Beijing
Airport pickup and hotel check-in. Gentle evening stroll and a first dinner near your hotel — nothing scheduled that a long flight can ruin. North of the city, the mountains — and the Wall — are waiting for Day 3.
- Day 2
Forbidden City & the imperial axis
Tiananmen Square, then the Forbidden City's main halls and side courts — 180 acres of golden roofs and red walls, read properly with a guide who explains what the halls were for. Afternoon in the hutongs by rickshaw and on foot, with a family courtyard visit.
- Day 3
Great Wall at Mutianyu
Morning at the Temple of Heaven with the locals doing tai chi, then the Wall at Mutianyu — watchtowers and ridge lines winding over the hills, cable car up and the option to toboggan down. Peking duck dinner back in the city.
- Day 4
High-speed train to Xi'an
Bullet train south (about 4.5 hours) — watch the plains and loess country roll past the window. Evening walk on the illuminated Ming city wall and a first taste of the Muslim Quarter.
- Day 5
Terracotta Warriors
The three pits and the bronze chariots, with time to study the individual faces — no two alike. Afternoon: cycle or walk the full city-wall loop, then a Muslim Quarter food walk — lamb skewers, biangbiang noodles, pomegranate juice.
- Day 6
To Shanghai
High-speed train (about 6 hours) or a short flight — your choice at quoting. Evening on the Bund as the skyline lights up: colonial stone on your side, Pudong's towers across the Huangpu.
- Day 7
Shanghai old and new
Yu Garden and the old city in the morning, the French Concession's plane-tree streets after lunch, and the Shanghai Tower observation deck before dinner. Soup dumplings, obviously.
- Day 8
Depart Shanghai
Free morning — or the optional Suzhou gardens day trip if your flight is late: classical pavilions and ponds, 30 minutes away by train. Private transfer to the airport.
What's included
✓ Included
- Air-conditioned car and driver in each city (your own on a private trip)
- English-speaking local guide throughout
- 7 nights' hotels at your chosen tier (comfortable 4-star as standard)
- Intercity high-speed trains listed in the itinerary
- Entrance fees for all listed sights
- Meals as marked day by day
- WhatsApp support before and during the trip
✕ Not included
- International flights to/from China
- China visa, if your passport needs one
- Travel insurance (please arrange your own)
- Personal expenses and optional activities
- Guide/driver gratuities — at your discretion
Deposit & cancellation policy
Deposit & payment: a 10% deposit confirms your booking once you approve the itinerary. The balance is due 30 days before departure; bookings made within 30 days of departure require full payment to confirm.
- 30 or more days before departure: full refund, minus costs already incurred.
- 15–29 days before departure: 70% refund.
- 8–14 days before departure: 50% refund.
- 0–7 days before departure, or no-show: no refund.
- Issued flight, train and cruise tickets are refunded per supplier rules.
If we have to cancel your trip, you receive a full refund. Full terms are sent with your booking confirmation — see also the Booking & Refund Policy page.
Hotels & price
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.
Includes first-timer support: visa-free check, payment setup help and WhatsApp support during your trip.
Quoted per trip, based on a private tour for 2 people with comfortable 4-star hotels — boutique and 5-star tiers are quoted on request. The same route also runs as small-group departures: ask if you'd rather join one and share the cost, and larger groups lower the per-person cost. Your quote lists named hotel options before you commit to anything. Ask for the current price for your dates on WhatsApp; you'll get one itemised figure, not a sales call.
Tour FAQ
Can I start in Shanghai instead?
Yes — the route runs equally well in reverse. Tell us which city your flights suit.
Is 8 days rushed?
It's full but humane: two base changes, no one-night stands. If you have 10 days, the Classic China version adds Guilin and breathes easier.
What if I don't need a visa?
Then this route is ideal for it — 8 days fits within both 30-day visa-free entry and the 240-hour transit window, provided your passport and flights qualify. See the visa guide.