China Golden Triangle (10 days)

Imperial stone sundial at Forbidden City, Beijing

Beijing – Xi’an – Shanghai

Explore China’s extraordinary history and rapid modernization on a journey through three of its most fascinating cities. Walk along the Great Wall, see the magnificent Terracotta Army, and experience the energy and sophistication of Shanghai. Featuring some of China’s most celebrated historical and cultural attractions, this tour offers an excellent introduction to the Middle Kingdom.

Important Features

• Outstanding guides handpicked by company owners
• Small group size – average 15, maximum 20
• Inter-city travel by high-speed train
• No annoying forced shopping of any kind
• Quality meals at non-tourist restaurants
• Unlimited supply of bottled water during group activities
• Great Wall visit at Mutianyu including cable car rides

Options Available

• Peking Opera show in Beijing
• Tang Dynasty music and dance show in Xi’an

Terracotta Army, Xi’an

Tour Itinerary

Meal Code: B = Breakfast / L = Lunch / D = Dinner

Day 1/Thu: Departing for Beijing
Depart from a city of your choice, losing a day upon crossing the International Date Line.

Day 2/Fri: Arrival in Beijing
Meet our driver on arrival for your transfer to the hotel. You’ll have the remainder of the day at leisure. The guide will contact you in the evening.

Day 3/Sat: Beijing (B/L/D)
The capital of China, Beijing is a major cultural, educational and political centre with a population exceeding 20 million. One of China’s great historic cities, it served as the imperial capital for much of the past eight centuries. Beijing is renowned for its magnificent palaces, temples, ancient city gates and other historical landmarks, many of which date back to the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1912) dynasties.

We begin today with a visit to the Forbidden City, officially known as the Palace Museum. This vast imperial complex served as the residence and administrative centre of the emperors of the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1912) dynasties. Built between 1406 and 1420, it comprises approximately 980 buildings spread over 72 hectares (180 acres). Its traditional Chinese palatial architecture influenced palace design throughout East Asia. Although the Qing Dynasty fell in 1912, the last emperor, Puyi, was allowed to remain in the Forbidden City until his expulsion in 1924. The Palace Museum opened the following year. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, the Forbidden City is one of the world’s largest and best-preserved complexes of ancient wooden buildings.

Next is Tian’anmen Square, measuring approximately 880 metres from north to south and 500 metres from east to west. Tian’anmen Gate stands at its northern end, with the Monument to the People’s Heroes near the centre. The Great Hall of the People and the National Museum of China flank the square to the west and east, respectively, while Chairman Mao’s Mausoleum and Qianmen (Front Gate) lie to the south. Since the May Fourth Movement of 1919, Tian’anmen Square and its surroundings have been associated with major political events and demonstrations, including the pro-democracy protests of 1989.

Our afternoon sightseeing takes us to the Temple of Heaven, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in southeastern Beijing, this vast complex was where Ming and Qing emperors performed elaborate ceremonies and offered sacrifices to Heaven, praying for good harvests and the well-being of the empire. Construction began in 1406 under the Yongle Emperor and was completed in 1420. The complex was subsequently expanded and renovated during the Qing Dynasty. Covering 273 hectares (674 acres), the Temple of Heaven is nearly four times the size of the Forbidden City.

The Hongqiao Pearl Market is located across the street from the Temple of Heaven. Known for its freshwater pearls, jewellery and other merchandise, it attracts both local and international shoppers. If interested, you may ask the guide to drop you off there after sightseeing, but you will need to return to the hotel independently by taxi.

Dinner tonight features Peking roast duck, one of Beijing’s best-known dishes. Traditionally roasted until the skin is crisp, the duck is carved tableside and served with thin pancakes, scallions, cucumber and a savoury sauce.

Day 4/Sun: Beijing (B/L)
After an early breakfast, we set out on a full-day excursion to the Great Wall at Mutianyu, approximately 75 kilometres northeast of central Beijing.

The Great Wall is one of China’s most impressive engineering achievements. Its earliest sections date back to the 7th century BCE, when individual states built defensive walls against rival states and nomadic groups. Following China’s unification in 221 BCE, the First Emperor, Qin Shi Huang, ordered existing fortifications to be connected and extended. Successive dynasties continued to build and maintain defensive walls, but the most extensive reconstruction took place during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), when much of the brick-and-stone Wall familiar to visitors today was built.

Stretching across northern China, the Great Wall was intended to defend against incursions from the north, regulate border crossings and facilitate military communications. Despite its formidable appearance, it was never an impenetrable barrier, as demonstrated by the Mongol conquest of China in the 13th century under Genghis Khan and his successors, including Kublai Khan.

The Mutianyu section, originally established in the 6th century and substantially rebuilt during the Ming Dynasty, is known for its well-preserved watchtowers and mountain scenery. Cable car rides are included, allowing visitors to spend more time exploring the Wall itself.

Day 5/Mon: Beijing – Xi’an (B/L)
We begin our sightseeing with a visit to a traditional hutong neighbourhood. Hutongs are narrow alleyways lined with siheyuan, traditional courtyard houses typically enclosed by buildings on four sides. The term hutong dates back to the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368) and is believed to derive from a Mongolian word meaning “water well,” reflecting the importance of wells as gathering places in early settlements.

Next is the Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of China’s finest imperial gardens. Originally known as the Garden of Clear Ripples, much of the complex was destroyed by British and French forces in 1860 during the Second Opium War. Reconstruction began in 1886, and the garden was renamed Yiheyuan (Garden of Nurtured Harmony). Covering approximately 290 hectares, the Summer Palace is dominated by Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake, with more than 3,000 bays of traditional buildings spread throughout the grounds.

After lunch, we board a high-speed train to Xi’an (approximately 4 hours 20 minutes). The journey takes us through the North China Plain, passing farmland, villages and rapidly developing cities. China’s extensive high-speed rail network, built largely over the past two decades, has transformed intercity travel, making long-distance journeys faster and more convenient.

Day 6/Tue: Xi’an (B/L)
With a history spanning more than 3,000 years, Xi’an served as the capital of several Chinese dynasties, including the Han (206 BCE–220 CE) and Tang (618–907). It was also the eastern terminus of the ancient Silk Road, a network of trade routes connecting China with Central Asia and regions as far west as the Mediterranean.

We spend the morning visiting the Terracotta Army, located approximately 30 kilometres east of Xi’an. Discovered by local farmers in 1974, this extraordinary collection of life-sized terracotta warriors and horses was created to guard the tomb of Qin Shi Huang, China’s first emperor (221–210 BCE), in the afterlife. The site is one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After lunch, we return to the city for a stroll along the ancient city wall. Originally built in 1370 during the Ming Dynasty, it is one of China’s best-preserved city walls. The wall runs approximately 13.7 kilometres around the old city, enclosing an area of 14 square kilometres. Standing 12 metres high, it measures between 15 and 18 metres thick at its base.

Day 7/Wed: Xi’an – Shanghai (B/L)
Morning sightseeing begins at Xi’an Museum. One of the city’s leading cultural institutions, Xi’an Museum houses more than 110,000 historical artefacts, including ancient bronzes, ceramics, Buddhist sculptures and works of art spanning several thousand years of Chinese history. The museum complex also encompasses the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, built during the Tang dynasty (618–907), and the historic Jianfu Temple grounds. Together, these attractions offer a fascinating introduction to Xi’an’s rich cultural heritage and its importance as one of China’s great ancient capitals.

We then visit the Great Mosque in the old town centre and the adjacent Muslim Quarter. The mosque was established in the 8th century, although most of the surviving complex dates from the Ming dynasty (1368–1644), with further additions during the Qing dynasty (1644–1912). Unlike many mosques in the Middle East, the Great Mosque is predominantly Chinese in architectural style, with traditional courtyards, pavilions and tiled roofs rather than the domes and minarets commonly associated with Islamic architecture elsewhere.

This afternoon, we travel to Shanghai by high-speed train (G96, scheduled departure 15:32, arrival 21:22). Dinner is not included today. Hot meals, snacks and beverages are available for purchase on board the train.

Day 8/Thu: Shanghai (B/L/D)
With a population of nearly 25 million, Shanghai is China’s largest city and a major centre of international trade and commerce. Its modern skyline contrasts with historical landmarks that reflect the city’s colourful past.

We begin our day with a visit to Jade Buddha Temple in an old neighbourhood. We then walk along the famous Bund, a waterfront promenade with a fascinating history.

After lunch, we stroll through the historic People’s Park and adjacent People’s Square in the heart of the city. Both occupy part of the former Shanghai Racecourse, established on this site in 1862.

We wrap up the day’s sightseeing with a tour of the exquisite Yu Garden in the old town centre.

Day 9/Fri: Shanghai (B)
Today is a free day.

If you are interested in Chinese art and history, Shanghai Museum East in Pudong would be an excellent place to spend half a day. The museum houses outstanding collections of ancient bronzes, ceramics, jade, paintings and calligraphy. The original Shanghai Museum at People’s Square now focuses mainly on special exhibitions.

The Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum and Nanwaitan Fabric Market, known for its numerous tailor shops, are also recommended.

Optional Suzhou Day Tour

After breakfast we ride the high-speed train (30-40 minutes) to Suzhou.

Ancient Suzhou is best known for its classical gardens, canals and silk industry. The Venetian traveller Marco Polo visited Suzhou in the late 13th century and wrote admiringly of its prosperity and silk production. With its network of canals and waterways, Suzhou is often referred to as the “Venice of the East.”

Our sightseeing in Suzhou includes historic Tiger Hill, Humble Administrator’s Garden and a short canal cruise. We return to Shanghai by train in the late afternoon.

The all-inclusive price with lunch starts from US$250 per person and requires a minimum of 2 participants to operate.

Day 10/Sat: Returning Home (B)
The tour ends this morning. A private vehicle with a driver (no guide) is provided for your transfer to the airport for your return flight.

Travellers flying directly to North America arrive home on the same calendar day they depart Shanghai after crossing the International Date Line.

Dates & Prices

Prices are per person based on double occupancy.

* Land Only price does NOT include international airfare. Please contact us for a fare quote.