The Golden Triangle — China in 9 Days — 9 Days · Private · Beijing → Xi'an → Shanghai

9 Days · Private · Beijing → Xi'an → Shanghai

Highlights

China's three icons in one trip: Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors, the Bund
Bullet trains between cities (2nd-class reserved; upgrade to 1st available)
Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Muslim Quarter food walk, Zhujiajiao water town
One private guide team throughout — no repeating your story to strangers

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive Beijing

Meet your guide, transfer to hotel. Evening: Peking duck welcome dinner.

Day 2

Imperial Beijing

Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Jingshan Park sunset view.

Day 3

Great Wall

Mutianyu section — cable car up, toboggan down. Afternoon: Temple of Heaven and hutong walk.

Day 4

Bullet train to Xi'an

Morning train (~4.5h). Afternoon: City Wall walk/bike, Muslim Quarter food walk.

Day 5

Warriors

Terracotta Warriors Museum (early entry), Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Shaanxi History Museum.

Day 6

Bullet train to Shanghai

Morning train (~6h). Evening: the Bund by night.

Day 7

Old & New Shanghai

Yu Garden, Old Town, French Concession, Huangpu River cruise.

Day 8

Zhujiajiao Water Town

Half-day canal town escape; afternoon: Shanghai Museum or free time.

Day 9

Departure

Transfer to airport/railway station.

What's Included — and What Isn't

✓ What's Included

Private English-speaking guides in each city + all private transfers
2 bullet train tickets (2nd class; 1st-class upgrade on request)
All entrance tickets in the itinerary
8 breakfasts + 2 dinners (Peking duck welcome, dumpling farewell)
8 nights hotel (4-star, central; upgrade available)
All airport/railway transfers

✗ Not Included

International flights to/from China
China visa fees
Lunches and most dinners, personal expenses, tips (optional)
Travel insurance (required — we can recommend providers)

Who This Trip Is For

👍 Good fit if you…

First-time China visitors who want the three icons done right in one trip
Couples and families who want everything handled — trains, tickets, timing
Travelers with 9+ days who'd rather go deep in three places than shallow in six

🤔 Probably not if you…

Slow travelers — this covers real ground; if you want one city in depth, look at our city trips
Budget backpackers — private guides and bullet trains cost more than hostels and hard seats, and we're honest about it

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this fit a 240-hour transit visa-free trip?

The 9-day structure can work with careful port planning (e.g., fly into Beijing, out of Shanghai) — we verify your routing before you book.

Can you adjust the pace?

Yes — add a rest day in any city, or swap a sight for a cooking class, tea tasting, or acrobatics show. Unlimited revisions before you pay.

What hotels do you use?

Central 4-star hotels (we name them in your quote); 5-star upgrades available.

Get This Tour, Your Way

from $1,290/person · itemized quote in 24 hours

Licensed English-speaking guide
All entrance tickets pre-booked
No forced shopping — in writing
24-hour support before & during your trip
Unlimited free itinerary revisions

The Golden Triangle — China in 9 Days