From Ancient Walls to Water Towns: China’s Classic 10-Day Heritage Tour
- From $2,198
- 10 Days
- Beijing
- Shanghai
Tour Highlights
- Trace the imperial glory of ancient China at the Forbidden City and the Great Wall in Beijing.
- Visit Xi’an’s Terracotta Warriors, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has rested underground for over 2,000 years.
- Discover Suzhou, the “Venice of the East,” famed for its classical gardens, ancient canals, and refined literati culture.
- Experience the pulse of modern China in Shanghai, a city where history and innovation coexist.
Tour Details
From Ancient Walls to Water Towns: China’s Classic 10-Day Heritage Tour
Beijing - Xi'an - Suzhou - Shanghai
2 persons minimum
$2,198
Tour Overview
Experience the soul of China in one unforgettable journey that weaves together history, culture, and modern life. From the ancient grandeur of Beijing’s Forbidden City and the Great Wall, to the timeless majesty of Xi’an’s Terracotta Warriors, every day reveals a new chapter of China’s story. Wander through Suzhou’s elegant classical gardens and quiet canals — the living poetry of old China — before stepping into the vibrant rhythm of Shanghai, where the past meets the future beneath glittering skylines.
This thoughtfully designed 10-day adventure captures China’s contrasts and continuity — imperial and contemporary, traditional and cosmopolitan — offering travelers a deeper understanding of the country’s spirit, artistry, and enduring charm.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Beijing
Focus: Jet-lag recovery + light activities (pick-up service)
Welcome to China! Your guide will greet you at Beijing Airport and escort you to your hotel.
Beijing, China’s capital, has transformed into a modern metropolis while preserving numerous historical landmarks that reveal the country’s ancient soul. Enjoy your first evening at leisure.
Accommodation: Belt and Road Hotel / Tiantan Hotel / Sunworld Dynasty Hotel (or similar)
The Forbidden City & Hutong Culture
After breakfast, visit Tiananmen Square, the largest city square in the world, followed by the highlight of the day — the Forbidden City, the grand imperial palace that housed 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. With over 500 years of history, it remains one of the world’s most complete palace complexes.
Afternoon: Enjoy a Hutong rickshaw ride around Shichahai Lake, explore Yandai Xiejie, and try Peking Opera mask painting at a local studio near Prince Gong’s Mansion. Wander through narrow lanes lined with traditional courtyard homes to experience the heartbeat of old Beijing.
Dinner: Not included
Accommodation: Same as above
Day 3 – The Great Wall & Summer Palace
After breakfast, visit the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, one of the most scenic and well-preserved sections, popular with international visitors. Take a cable car up for breathtaking mountain views.
After lunch, head to the Summer Palace, the largest and best-preserved imperial garden in China. Built around Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill, it combines natural scenery with classical southern Chinese garden design.
Dinner: Not included
Accommodation: Same as above
Day 4 – Temple of Heaven & High-Speed Train to Xi’an
Begin your day at the Temple of Heaven, where emperors once prayed for good harvests. Stroll through the tranquil park, visit the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, and observe locals practicing tai chi and dancing.
After lunch, board a high-speed train to Xi’an (about 5 hours). Upon arrival, meet your local guide and transfer to the hotel.
Optional evening: Visit Bell and Drum Tower Square and taste local snacks at the Muslim Quarter (try Jiasan Soup Dumplings).
Accommodation: Grand Dynasty Culture Hotel (or similar)
Day 5 – Terracotta Warriors & Xi’an City Highlights
After breakfast, visit the world-famous Terracotta Warriors, an awe-inspiring army of clay soldiers guarding Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s tomb. Each figure is unique in expression and detail, vividly reflecting the ancient military might of China’s first emperor.
After lunch, visit Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, a 1,300-year-old Buddhist landmark symbolizing Xi’an’s spiritual legacy.
Optional evening: Explore the Grand Tang Everbright City (Tang Paradise) and enjoy cultural light shows or performances like “The Secret of the Tang Dynasty.”
Accommodation: Same as above
Day 6 – Xi’an → Shanghai & The Bund
After breakfast, transfer to Xi’an Airport for your flight to Shanghai (choose a left-side window seat for scenic views of the Qinling Mountains).
Upon arrival, enjoy a leisurely stroll along The Bund, Shanghai’s famous waterfront lined with colonial-era architecture. Continue to Nanjing Road, the city’s premier shopping street known as “China’s No. 1 Commercial Avenue.”
Optional evening: Take a Huangpu River night cruise to admire the illuminated skyline of Lujiazui.
Accommodation: Metropark Hotel Jing’an Shanghai (or similar)
Day 7 – Suzhou Gardens & Ancient Canals
After breakfast, take a day trip to Suzhou, known as the “Venice of the East.”
Visit the Humble Administrator’s Garden, the largest and most famous of Suzhou’s classical gardens, representing Ming-era landscape artistry — water-centered, beautifully composed, and poetic in design.
Afternoon: Stroll along Pingjiang Road, a charming canal-side street with over 800 years of history. Lined with whitewashed houses, stone bridges, teahouses, and boutique shops, it offers a glimpse of living Suzhou culture. Enjoy a traditional Pingtan performance (Suzhou-style storytelling).
Accommodation: Metropark Hotel Jing’an Shanghai (or similar)
Day 8 – Shanghai: Modern Culture & City Views
After breakfast, visit Yu Garden, a peaceful oasis of classical southern Chinese design in the heart of Old Shanghai. Wander through the lively City God Temple Bazaar, where you can sample local snacks like Nanxiang crab soup dumplings.
Continue to the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center, featuring a stunning miniature model of the entire city — a fascinating “window into Shanghai.”
Afternoon: Ascend the Shanghai Tower (118th floor), China’s tallest building, for panoramic city views.
Optional evening: Enjoy dinner with a view of Lujiazui’s illuminated skyline or join a Huangpu River night cruise.
Accommodation: Same as above
Day 9 – Free Day in Shanghai
Enjoy a day at leisure to explore Shanghai your way.
Recommended options:
Art & Culture Route: Wukang Road (Ba Jin’s Former Residence) → Anfu Road (Theater District + brunch cafés)
Shopping Route: West Nanjing Road (Plaza 66, luxury boutiques) → Disney Flagship Store (Lujiazui)
Meals, guide, and transport not included.
Accommodation: Same as above
Day 10 – Departure
After breakfast, your driver will transfer you to the airport for your outbound flight.
Departure Tips:
For international flights from Pudong Airport (PVG), please arrive at least 3 hours before departure.
Private transfer will be arranged based on your flight schedule.
Thank you for traveling with us! As a Chinese saying goes, “May your journey be safe and smooth.”
We hope to welcome you back soon to discover even more of China’s wonders.
All domestic flights and high-speed train tickets as listed in the itinerary
All admission fees, entrance tickets, and activity costs as specified in the itinerary
Services of an experienced English-speaking local guide throughout the journey
Comfortable hotel accommodation based on double occupancy, as indicated in the itinerary
Daily meals as mentioned in the itinerary (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner), with complimentary bottled drinking water
Private transportation with air-conditioned vehicle and professional driver for all scheduled tours and transfers
Airport transfers upon arrival and departure as noted in the itinerary
International flights to and from China
Chinese visa fees and any related travel documentation
Travel insurance (highly recommended)
Personal expenses, such as laundry, telephone, minibar, or optional activities not listed in the itinerary
Meals not specified in the itinerary
Tips or gratuities for guides and drivers
