Golden Triangle Journey through Time and Skyline
Eight days across China’s Golden Triangle — from imperial Beijing to timeless Xi’an, to dazzling Shanghai.
Walk beneath palace eaves, face an army from 2,000 years ago, and drift along a river of lights.
This is China’s story told through its contrasts — ancient stone, modern glass, and everything that lingers in between.
Arrive at Beijing Capital or Daxing Airport. Your private guide and driver meet you at the arrival hall and transfer you to your centrally located hotel. Along the way, glimpse the capital’s grand avenues and old courtyard neighborhoods.
After check-in, unwind from the flight or take a gentle stroll nearby — maybe a teahouse, bookshop, or local dumpling stall.
Optional Evening Activity: Guided [Hutong Evening Walk] or a Peking Duck Dinner (optional, own expense).
Meals: – | Hotel: 4★ / 5★ Beijing
Morning: Explore [Tian’anmen Square], the symbolic center of modern China, then step directly into the [Forbidden City], a maze of red walls and golden roofs. Your guide reveals hidden details — dragon carvings, imperial gardens, and the “nine dragon screen.”
Lunch Suggestion: Local restaurant serving imperial-style Beijing cuisine (own expense).
Afternoon: Ride a rickshaw through the [Hutong Alleys], visit a local family courtyard, and learn how life has evolved between old gray bricks and new skylines.
Return to your hotel late afternoon; evening free.
Meals: Breakfast | Hotel: 4★ / 5★ Beijing
Early departure to [Mutianyu Great Wall] (≈ 1.5 hrs). Take a cable car up (optional) and walk leisurely along watchtowers that trace the mountain ridge. Your guide sets a comfortable pace with photo and rest stops.
Enjoy lunch at a local farmhouse restaurant with fresh trout and mountain vegetables.
Return to Beijing and stop at [Bird’s Nest Stadium] and [Water Cube] for photo ops of the 2008 Olympic architecture.
Evening at leisure — your guide can suggest a foot massage or acrobatic show (optional).
Meals: Breakfast | Hotel: 4★ / 5★ Beijing
Morning visit to [Summer Palace], the imperial retreat surrounded by willow-lined lakes. Walk the Long Corridor, admire painted beams, and (optionally) take a short boat ride across [Kunming Lake].
After lunch, transfer to Beijing South Station for your high-speed train to Xi’an (≈ 4.5 – 5.5 hrs). Meet your Xi’an guide on arrival and check in to hotel. Evening stroll around the [South Gate Square], where locals dance beneath lantern light.
Meals: Breakfast | Hotel: 4★ / 5★ Xi’an
Morning drive (≈ 1 hr) to the [Terracotta Warriors & Horses Museum], home to 8,000 life-size statues. Your guide narrates the discovery, excavation, and restoration process. Explore all three pits and the bronze chariot exhibit.
After lunch, return to Xi’an and walk or bike on top of the [Ancient City Wall], the best-preserved in China. Late afternoon, wander the [Muslim Quarter] for street food tasting — try pomegranate juice and spiced lamb skewers.
Evening free for optional dumpling banquet or shadow-puppet show.
Meals: Breakfast | Hotel: 4★ / 5★ Xi’an
Morning tour of the [Shaanxi History Museum], housing Tang murals, bronzes, and jade artifacts. Continue to the [Big Wild Goose Pagoda], built in AD 652, and learn about monk Xuanzang’s pilgrimage.
After an early lunch, fly to Shanghai (≈ 2 hrs). Meet your local guide and transfer to hotel. Evening suggestion: a riverfront walk or cocktail with views of [The Bund] and [Pudong Skyline].
Meals: Breakfast | Hotel: 4★ / 5★ Shanghai
Morning: Visit [Shanghai Museum], renowned for bronze and ceramic collections. Then wander the [Yu Garden], a Ming-era masterpiece of pavilions, bridges, and ponds. Browse the [Chenghuangmiao Bazaar] for souvenirs and street snacks.
Afternoon: Walk along [Nanjing Road], China’s busiest shopping street, toward [The Bund], where Art Deco facades face glass towers across the Huangpu River.
Evening: Optional [Huangpu River Night Cruise] to see Shanghai’s skyline illuminated.
Meals: Breakfast | Hotel: 4★ / 5★ Shanghai
Relax over breakfast and enjoy free time for last-minute shopping or a café visit. Your guide and driver will transfer you to Shanghai Airport for departure.
Meals: Breakfast | Hotel: –
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
Group Size: Private (2 – 20 guests)
Language: English
Accommodation: 4★ or 5★ hotels (twin share)
Transfers: Airport pick-up & drop-off
Pace: Leisurely (2 – 3 key visits per day)
(Exchange Rate ≈ 1 USD = 7.25 RMB)
| Group Size | 4★ Without Meals | 4★ With Meals | 5★ Without Meals | 5★ With Meals | Vehicle Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Guests | $1,215 / person | $1,350 / person | $1,435 / person | $1,575 / person | Private Business Van |
| 4 Guests | $730 / person | $870 / person | $950 / person | $1,090 / person | Private Business Van |
| 6 Guests | $565 / person | $705 / person | $785 / person | $925 / person | Private Business Van |
| 10 + Guests | $470 / person | $605 / person | $675 / person | $815 / person | Mini Coach (17 – 22 Seats) |
All vehicles are private and exclusive for your group. Type and capacity adjust automatically to ensure comfort and space.
| Group Size | Vehicle Type | Example Model | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 – 2 Guests | Private Business Van | Buick GL8 / Toyota Sienna | Ideal for 2 travellers with 2 large suitcases |
| 3 – 6 Guests | Premium Van | Buick GL8 Deluxe / Mercedes V-Class | Spacious reclining seats, dual A/C |
| 7 – 12 Guests | Mini Coach | Toyota Coaster 17–22 Seats | Independent luggage hold, comfortable leg room |
| 13 – 20 Guests | Large Coach | Yutong 33 Seats | ~20% empty seats kept for extra comfort |
| 20 + Guests | Full-Size Coach | Golden Dragon 45 Seats | Suitable for corporate or incentive groups |
✅ Private English-speaking guide & licensed driver
✅ Air-conditioned vehicle per group size
✅ 7 nights 4★ or 5★ accommodation with daily breakfast
✅ Entrance tickets to all listed attractions
✅ Airport pick-up & drop-off (4 transfers total)
✅ 24-hour local support & travel insurance
❌ International flights & visa
❌ Optional activities & personal expenses
❌ Single-room supplement
❌ Tips for guide & driver
From the golden roofs of Beijing to the terracotta legions of Xi’an, to the lights of Shanghai reflected on the Huangpu River — this journey is China’s story told in chapters.
It moves slowly, gracefully; each city a pause, each sight a memory.
For those who travel not to rush, but to understand.