Viamigo

Beijing, Shanghai and Xian are know as the Golden Triangle of China

See the best historical sights such as the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, Terra-cotta Warriors and amazing Shanghaai.

This is a private with with a relatively flixible itinerary, you have your own English speaking guide (otherwise specified), your own driver at your own pace and preference.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Shanghai.

Today's Activities: Airport to Hotel Transfer (Shanghai)

Day 2

Shanghai sighseeing tour.

Today's Activities: Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall, The Shanghai World Financial Center, Yuyuan Garden, The Bund

Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch

- Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall: A short walk across Renmin Square from the Shanghai Museum, this is a fascinating insight into Shanghai’s future. The 2nd floor has a giant walkaround model of the city, and other floors have great displays, interactive exhibitions and walkthroughs of aspects such as the ports, greening, leisure etc.

- The Shanghai World Financial Center : The Shanghai World Financial Center is a supertall skyscraper under construction in Shanghai, China. It is a mixed use skyscraper which will consist of offices, hotels, conference rooms, observation decks, and shopping malls on the ground floors. The hotel component opened with 175 rooms and suites in mid-2008 as the Park Hyatt Shanghai. On September 14, 2007 the skyscraper was topped out at 1 6 1 5 ft and became the tallest structure on mainland China, including Hong Kong, as well as the world's third tallest building, after the Burj Dubai and Taipei 101.

- Yuyuan Garden: In the centre of Shanghai next to the Yuyuan Bazaar, this exquisite old 5-acre garden is famous for its design. The paths wander across bridges, past rockeries and miniature lakes, and through pretty halls and pavilions. The trees and shrubs are planted with an eye to providing charming views, and a sense of peace and harmony.

- The Bund: Once the home of the foreign traders and major banks, the embankment has taken on a new vitality; lovely old European-style buildings mix with futuristic developments, chic restaurants, top end shops and bars offer plenty to see and do – and by night it's magic!

Day 3

Shanghai to Xian

Today's Activities: Hotel to airport Transfer (Shanghai), Airport to Hotel Transfer (Xian), Xian City Wall

Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch

- Xian City Wall: It is a major landmark, and the best preserved, as well as the oldest and largest of the city defense systems in China. One can also bike along the city wall (the rental fee is included).

Day 4

Xian sighseeing tour.

Today's Activities: Terracotta Warriors, Big Wild Goose Pagoda

Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch

- Terracotta Warriors: Discovered accidentally in 1974, this incredible army of over 7000 soldiers, archers, horses and chariots in full battle array has guarded Emperor Qin's tomb since 210BC. Each figure is unique, and the painstaking repair and excavation continues in 3 pits which are protected inside huge hangars. One and half hours from Xian, there is also an excellent museum and film about the history of the vaults. Photos (no flash) are allowed. Wear comfortable walking shoes.

- Big Wild Goose Pagoda: A major Buddhist site, the simple, elegant brick Pagoda stands in the grounds of the attractive Da Ci'en Temple. The Pagoda was built in the 7th century to house the Buddhist materials that Xuanzang (Tripitaka) brought back from his epic journey to India. The Temple complex has several large halls with some great Buddhist statues and murals.

Day 5

Xian to Beijing.

Today's Activities: Hotel to airport Transfer (Xian), Airport to Hotel Transfer (Beijing), Hutong Tours in Rickshaw

Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch

- Hutong Tours in Rickshaw: A maze of historic alleyways and old single storey traditional courtyard houses, now fast disappearing. Dotted around the hutong are the Drum and Bell Towers, Tea House, and local people's houses. Your tour includes a visit with a local family.

Day 6

Beijing sighseeing tour.

Today's Activities: Mutianyu Great Wall(with round way cable car)

Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch

- Mutianyu Great Wall(with round way cable car): This less-crowded section of the Great Wall is a pleasant drive 90km NE of Beijing. A cable car takes you to a good section (avoiding a very steep climb), where you can walk along the wall, through the watch towers and enjoy superb views as it snakes across the hills and mountains. Walk along the wall on your own interest and return by cable car. Wear good walking shoes and protection from the weather.

Day 7

Beijing sighseeing tour

Today's Activities: Temple of Heaven, The Tian'anmen Square, The Forbidden City

Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch

- Temple of Heaven: Situated in the southern part of the city, the temple of heaven covers the total area of 2,700,000 square meters. The temple was built in 1 4 2 0 AD. It is the place where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties would offer sacrifice to heaven and pray for good harvests. The main buildings of the temple including the Circular Mound Altar, Imperial Vault of Heaven and Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest. The surrounding gardens are full of interesting activities, particularly weekend mornings.

- The Tian'anmen Square: The world's largest city square and enduring symbol of China's national pride, surrounded by many imposing buildings including the Heavenly Gate (entry to the Forbidden City), Museums, government buildings and Chairman Mao's Mausoleum.

- The Forbidden City: The Imperial Palace, home to 24 Emperors between 1420 and 1911. Great squares, halls and gates contrast with the intricate networks of side halls, gardens, courtyards and quarters for those who lived in this 'city within a city'. The exhibitions, both permanent and temporary, are also absolutely fascinating. Expect to spend at least 2-3 hours, wear good walking shoes and protection from the weather.

Day 8

Depart Beijing,

Today's Activities: Hotel to airport Transfer (Beijing)

Meals: Breakfast