9-day glimpse of Shanghai, Xian, Beijing

Arrive in Shanghai

Upon arrival at the?Pudong International Airport, our guide will wait for you at the arrival hall and then you will be transferred to the hotel. The balance of the day will be at leisure.

Metropolis of China

Reach at the top of the second tallest skyscraper in Shanghai, the?Jin Mao Tower. With 88 floors, the tower would definitely offer you the panorama of the Bund and the Huangpu River in the front with the symbol of the city, the Oriental Pearl Tower. The Jin Mao Tower is open in 1998 and when it was the highest skyscraper in the city with a height of more than 420 meters. According to Chinese Numerology, the Tower consists of 88 floors, each of them losing an eighth of height from bottom. The Jin Mao Tower also recalls the shape of a Chinese pagoda. And yet, it is art deco.?Even in the?Pudong New Area, it is possible to make a pleasant stroll. On the Eastern Bank of the Huangpu River, stroll at the foot of the monumental buildings of the futuristic part of Shanghai and admire the frontages of Gothic, Baroque and Romanesque of the Bund across the river.
This afternoon, explore the?Shanghai Museum?to discover one of the most important collections of Chinese art in the world. You will be amazed by the history of this country's millennial culture. Get there by first crossing the People's Square and its Park.
Then, go to do some shopping in the stores of Shanghai on West?Nanjing Road. Enter the crowds of shopaholics strolling around the long pedestrian street of several kilometers. When shopping on the Nanjing Road, enjoy and admire some of the historic buildings with various styles.
This evening, go for?Huangpu River Cruise. Discover the city as the aliens did before 1949. The cruise is indeed along the Bund and its Gothic, Baroque and romantic frontages. On the other side, admire the modern Pudong New Area and its huge skyscrapers. The cruise will makes a U-turn near the Yangpu Bridge and you are provided then the most beautiful view on this cable-stayed bridge which is one of the longest in the world.

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Shanghai Local Life

This morning, first visit the?Jing'an Temple, the first Buddhist temple built in Shanghai and still active today. Join in the crowds of the devout prayers to pray for what you need. Moreover, you can admire a magnificent portrait of the great Buddha Sakyamuni.
Then, the?Yuyuan Garden?is the next destination as beautiful garden of Shanghai. As one might notice while strolling through the shops and restaurants, this area has been restored in a very typical style of ancient China. Cross the bridge with nine turnings and finally go to the Yuyuan garden, a haven of peace in the economic capital-Shanghai.
In the afternoon, take a stroll around the old town of Shanghai and enjoy the?Tianzifang Shikumen. These traditional houses to Shanghai are like the Courtyards to Beijing. Stroll in the middle of shops, the art galleries and cafes in the small and classic alleys of the neighborhood. Then, visit the Shanghai?1933 Old Millfun?which hosts important events in the field of design and fashion nowadays. With a original design, the residential district of Shanghainese is so special in history. Tonight, you will take the flight to Xian, upon arrival; you will be transferred to the hotel in Xian.

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The Eighth Wonder of the World

This morning, climb up a few stone steps and then you are on the?Xian City Wall. Enjoy a stroll or biking on the city wall to admire the city view. Although it is impossible to make a complete tour of the city on the wall, the ride will be interesting.
Then, get away downtown Xian to visit the eighth wonder of the world, the?Terracotta Army. From the passage of the door, prepare to marvel at the craziest project by the first emperor of China. Although the tomb of Qin Shi Huangdi is never ever open, a few rooms containing objects have been observed as having accompanied the deceased. In an annex building, learn more about the story of the emperor and the construction of this magnificent tomb. The real size of the Terracotta Warriors will definitely surprise you, making your Xian tour unforgettable.
We wrap up the day with a?visit to the?Temple of the Eight Immortals. This huge Taoist temple is still one of the main places of worship in Xi'an. Hear Taoist monks chanting while admiring the beautiful statues and Taoist scriptures kept in the temple.

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History of Xian

In the morning, explore the history of the province of Shaanxi. The huge?Shaanxi History Museum?is a treasure of China that would definitely surprise you. From prehistory to the discovery of the Terracotta Army, you will figure out the constant changes that the people of the ancient capital Chang'an had made.
A few miles outside of city wall, you will discover one of the most famous Buddhist pagodas. As a symbol of Xian, you could admire the city of Xian at the seventh floor of the?Big Wild Goose Pagoda.?After visiting the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, stop at a?Jade Factory?-the Chinese favorite treasure. Discover how jade is carved and the difference between real and fake with the guidance of professionals.
In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the culture by visiting the?Great Mosque and Muslim Quarter. Open your senses in the Muslim Quarter of the city and discover spices and dishes typical of the Hui ethnic group. Arrive at the Great Mosque of Xian, one of the four largest ancient mosques of China. Gardens and buildings open to non-Muslims will give you an overview of the Sino-Arab cultural mixture which can be seen in many places.

Tonight, enjoy the delicacy offered in a local restaurant, the?Dumpling Dinner?in Xian. Enjoy these dumplings with meat or vegetables stuffing. By the way, dumplings are the special dish for the Chinese New Year.

After dinner, you will be transferred to the train station to take the overnight soft sleeper train to Beijing.

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Upon arrival, the guide will wait for you at the exit of the train station and then you will be directly transferred to a local restaurant for breakfasts. After then, go visit the architectural treasures of the largest imperial garden in China,?the Summer Palace. Built based on models of the most beautiful gardens of Suzhou and the shores of West Lake in Hangzhou, this huge garden is full of history. There is even a chance for a short cruise on the calm Kunming Lake.?After visiting the Summer Palace, go visit the?Pearl Factory. This factory is where the ancient culture of freshwater pearls is revealed, which traces back to how these beads began being processed 2,200 BC.
In the afternoon, experience a tour back to a time of ancient worship by visiting the?Temple of Heaven. A shrine of Heaven and symbol of Beijing, the Temple is considered as important as the Forbidden City, or even more because the emperor is the son of Heaven. If there is not too crowded, a stroll through the extensive gardens and corridors of the park will immerse you in the lives of old Beijing.

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Great Wall Visit

Today, explore one of the most important symbols of China: The?Mutianyu Great Wall. This wonderful site offers a stunning landscape of the surrounding nature. Having access to the ramparts by cable car, you may enjoy of exclusion from the rest of the world, as this area is a slightly less touristy section of the Great Wall. To return, you can choose to walk, go tobogganing or take cable car.?After the Great Wall tour, stop at the?cloisonne factory?where this ancient art will be revealed. You will explore artisans welding on a piece of copper inlaid with colored enamels.
After returning to the downtown, meet the faithful Buddhist in the?Yonghe Lama Temple. This Lamasery is still active and considered the most beautiful Tibetan Buddhist temple outside of Tibet. This temple has also been the Office of Tibet which is intended for the Dalai Lama's direct communication with the central government in Beijing. Over its five halls, you will be immersed in the sacred atmosphere and feel enchanted by the huge, wooden statue of Buddha Maitreya.
Time for an evening at the?Peking Opera, you will be fascinated by the legends of ancient China. After an early dinner, if you wish, enter backstage at the theater to see how the actors apply their makeup and get ready for their performance. The acting, costumes and music are set with such finesse that you forget the English subtitles on both sides of the stage. You will be surprised by the staging and colors, and especially the music and acting skills are quite impressive.

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While fixing your eyes on this huge?Tiananmen Square, symbol of historical changes in China, truly feel the Chinese patriotic atmosphere. Take a symbolic picture in the center of the square before walking along its underpass, which leads to the Forbidden City.?Pass the Tiananmen Gate and begin the tour of?Forbidden City. Stroll between the walls steeped in history and this huge imperial palace admired by emperors from past Chinese dynasties. Pass by the Palace interiors and courtyards to see how the historical treasures and mysteries are revealed. After that, relax in the Palace museum

In the afternoon, you will climb the small slope of the?Jingshan Park?and reach the Wanchun Pavilion. Here, you can enjoy memorable views of the golden roofs of the Forbidden City, the National Grand Theatre and the central axis of the capital.
As you ride in a rickshaw in the Hutongs, prepare to dive deeper into this unique atmosphere of old Beijing. The famous courtyard houses are available for visitors, as you experience being around working-class families as they enjoy life in these old homes. When sharing a meal with a typical?Beijing Hutong?family, you will learn about the customs and traditional ways of life in these neighborhoods.
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End of the trip

Free until be transferred to the?Beijing Capital International Airport?for the flight home.
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