240-hour visa-free tour exploring the best of China: Beijing & Xi’an & Shanghai

Nihao! Welcome to Beijing, the capital city of China! Upon your arrival at the airport in Beijing, the tour guide and driver will meet and greet you at the exit by holding a welcome board with your name. And then escort you to the well-selected hotel in downtown Beijing. The rest of the day is free on your own so you can have a good rest for the jet lag or explore by yourself around your hotel.

Tiananmen Square (天安门 tiān ān mén): The Heart of China

At 440,000 square meters, Tiananmen Square is the world’s largest public square (equals the size of 62 football fields) and the symbolic centre of modern China. It has witnessed key moments in Chinese history. It was here that President Mao Zedong stood on October 1st 1949, to proclaim the founding of the People’s Republic of China, marking a new era in the nation’s history.

The Forbidden City（紫禁城 zǐ jìn chéng）: Enter the Homes of Emperors

Step into the Forbidden City, the largest and best-preserved palace complex in the world. Built in the early 1400s, it spans over 180 acres with more than 8,700 rooms, serving as home to 24 emperors for nearly 500 years. For comparison, the Forbidden City is over four times larger than Buckingham Palace (39 acres) and vastly exceeds the White House, which sits on just 18 acres.

This imperial city is a living museum of Chinese art, culture, and history. Highlights include the Hall of Supreme Harmony, where the emperor held his throne, and the Imperial Garden, a quiet and beautiful retreat.

Temple of Heaven（天坛 tiān tán）: The Sacred Site of Imperial Worship

Visit the Temple of Heaven, a 600-year-old masterpiece of ancient Chinese architecture. This site was the ceremonial heart of imperial China, where emperors Dynasties of the Ming （1368-1644AD）and Qing （1644-1912AD) performed elaborate rituals to pray for good harvests. Don’t miss the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, a stunning circular structure standing 38 meters tall, built entirely without nails! Test the legendary acoustics of the Echo Wall, where whispers travel magically across 65 meters.

Summer Palace（颐和园 yí hé yuán）: A Royal Escape Like No Other

Begin your day at the Summer Palace, the 741-acre royal retreat built in 1750 as the ultimate summer getaway for the imperial family. This was where Emperor Qianlong, one of the most powerful and influential rulers in Chinese history, spent his longest stay—about five months—during his 80th birthday celebration.

Walk through the Long Corridor, a half-mile (728m) walkway filled with over 14,000 colourful paintings that tell stories of Chinese myths and history.

Check out Kunming Lake, which covers most of the palace grounds and was the emperors’ favourite spot for boat rides.

Climb up to the Tower of Buddhist Incense, standing 41 meters tall, for amazing views of the palace and the city beyond—it’s where royals once admired their kingdom.

Badaling Great Wall（八达岭长城 bā dá lǐng cháng chéng）: A Hero’s Challenge Awaits!

No trip to Beijing is complete without visiting the Great Wall of China, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Built over 2,000 years ago, the wall stretches over 13,000 miles and was constructed entirely without modern machinery—an astounding achievement in ancient engineering. Today, you’ll explore the Badaling Great Wall, the most well-preserved and popular section. Winding through steep mountain ridges, it offers incredible panoramic views and an immersive experience of history. Climbing Badaling is your chance to live the famous saying: “He who has never been to the Great Wall is not a true hero.”

The Sacred Way（圣道 shèng dào）: Walk the Path of Emperors

Next, you’ll explore the Sacred Way, a 7-kilometre path lined with statues of animals, officials, and mythical creatures—guardians meant to protect the emperors on their final journey. This ancient road leads to the Ming (1368-1644) Tombs, where 13 emperors are buried.

The Chang Tomb（长陵 cháng líng）: An Emperor’s Eternal Legacy

In the afternoon, we’ll visit the Chang Tomb, the largest and most magnificent of the Ming (1368-1644) Tombs, where 13 emperors are buried. It was completed in 1427 as the resting place of Emperor Yongle. Emperor Yongle, known for commissioning the Forbidden City and the world’s largest encyclopedia of his time, left behind a legacy of unmatched ambition and achievement.

Beijing isn’t just about historical landmarks; its vibrant streets and alleys pulse with the rhythm of everyday life, offering a unique glimpse into the local culture. Use your free time to explore the city’s hidden gems—try authentic street food in Wangfujing Snack Street, browse quirky shops in the 798 Art District, or soak in the charm of a traditional hutong neighborhood.

After breakfast, transfer to the train station for your high-speed train to Xi’an, a city steeped in history and culture. Sit back and enjoy the smooth journey as you cover over 1,200 kilometers in just about 5 hours. Arrive in Xi’an in the afternoon, where your guide will meet you and escort you to your hotel. Spend the evening at your leisure, or opt for a memorable experience with a delicious dumpling dinner followed by a spectacular Tang Dynasty Cultural Show.

Terracotta Warriors（兵马俑 bīng mǎ yǒng）: The Eternal Army-Guardians of an Ancient Empire

Step into history as you explore Xi’an’s legendary Terracotta Army, a jaw-dropping underground army of over 8,000 life-sized warriors, horses, and chariots. Crafted more than 2,200 years ago during the reign of Emperor Qin Shi Huang (221-210 BC), each figure is uniquely detailed—no two faces are the same! Wander through the massive excavation pits, where you’ll see soldiers standing in formation, ready for battle. This ancient masterpiece isn’t just a glimpse into China’s past—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience you’ll never forget.

Small Wild Goose Pagoda（小雁塔 xiǎo yàn tǎ）: The Tower That Stands Through Time

Visit the charming Small Wild Goose Pagoda, a masterpiece of Tang Dynasty(618–907AD) architecture built over 1,300 years ago during the reign of Emperor Zhongzong (707–709 AD). Standing at 45 meters tall with its original 15 tiers (now 13 due to an ancient earthquake), this elegant brick structure is a testament to the engineering brilliance of ancient China.

Today, enjoy free time to explore Xi’an at your own pace. Start by visiting the Bell Tower, a striking symbol of the city, and stroll through the nearby Drum Tower area for local sights. For a taste of Xi’an’s rich culture, head to the Great Mosque, an impressive blend of Islamic and traditional Chinese architecture. Then, dive into the vibrant atmosphere of Muslim Quarter, where you can sample delicious street food and shop for unique souvenirs.

After breakfast, you will be escorted to the airport for a flight to Shanghai （about 3hours）and start your next exciting journey in Shanghai, China’s most dynamic metropolis! Upon arrival, your guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Enjoy a relaxing evening to soak in the energy of the city or take a night stroll along the famous Bund, illuminated by dazzling city lights.

Step into the tranquility of Yuyuan Garden（豫园）, a 400-year-old Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) masterpiece with ponds, rockeries, and intricately carved pavilions.

Take a stroll along the Bund（外滩）, a 1.5-kilometer waterfront promenade where 52 historic buildings reflect Shanghai’s colonial past. Snap photos of the futuristic skyline across the Huangpu River.

Wander along Nanjing Road（南京路）, China’s premier shopping street, bustling with luxury boutiques and local shops.

Enjoy the day at your own pace in Shanghai or choose an optional tour to Suzhou, a charming garden city which is about 2 hours drive from Shanghai.

Your guide will transfer you to the airport, marking the end of your memorable journey. Safe travels and see you next time!