The 8-day Central China Highlights Tour is one of the best compact tours for a first introduction to China, its history, and its culture. You will visit just three cities, but that’s enough to leave you with a deep impression of the country – and vivid memories of some of its most iconic sights.
The journey begins in the nation’s capital, Beijing, where you’ll explore the legendary Forbidden City, climb the Great Wall of China, and visit many other sites that have shaped China's centuries-old history. You’ll then travel to Xi'an, the former capital of several great empires and home to the world-famous Terracotta Army. The tour concludes in Shanghai, a city that has evolved over the past two centuries from a small coastal town into the world’s largest port. Here, you’ll experience the seamless blend of classical Eastern architecture and soaring modern skyscrapers, including some of the tallest in China.
Take a look at the full itinerary, photos of key attractions, and program details – and discover why the Central China Highlights Tour is the best way to see China’s classic sights in a short amount of time.
Tour itinerary:
Arrive at Beijing Airport, where our car will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel. As the capital of China, Beijing is arguably one of the most historic and cultural cities, and one of the oldest capitals in the world. In the evening, take a tour of Qianmen Street.
Our first stop is the impressive Tiananmen Square, where most national ceremonies are held. From the square, you can walk to the splendid Forbidden City. Upon arrival at the largest imperial palace, travelers are always impressed by the high red walls and the large number of buildings with golden roofs. Then we walk to Coal Hill, once a royal garden, where we can enjoy a panoramic view of the Forbidden City. After that, we drive to Shichahai Hutong to visit the traditional residences of Beijing by rickshaw, an old-fashioned mode of transportation. Then we continue on foot to explore the Houhai area, which is part of Shichahai.
Today we first visit the fascinating Badaling Great Wall, taking the cable car up and walking down. The wall was constructed beginning in the seventh century to protect the Chinese empire from invaders, and it remains an unmissable part of any China experience. Then we drive to the Summer Palace, where we enjoy a boat ride. The palace served as the royal family’s “Palace to Avoid the Heat” during the summer months.
Today we first visit the Temple of Heaven, where the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties worshipped the Gods of Heaven. Then we go to the Silk Market, where you’ll find nearly everything you might want to buy. After that, we transfer to the station for a bullet train to Xi'an by second-class seats.
Upon arrival, your guide and driver in Xi'an will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel for a rest.
Upon arrival, your guide and driver in Xi'an will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel for a rest.
Today you will be driven to the suburban area to marvel at the powerful Qin Terracotta Warriors. Then we’ll visit the South Gate Old City Wall, which is the most complete city wall that has survived in China, as well as one of the largest ancient military defensive systems in the world.
In the morning, we drive to visit the Xi'an Museum, then we visit the Small Wild Goose Pagoda. Later, we return to the city area and visit the Muslim Quarter. There are about ten mosques in this area, among which the Great Mosque is the most famous and popular. After that, we drive to the airport for the flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, your guide and car will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel.
Today we first visit Yu Garden, including the nearby bazaars. In Yuyuan, you can see the sophisticated design and fine layout of pavilions, halls, rockeries, ponds, and cloisters. Then we visit the Shanghai Museum, which specializes in ancient artworks of China, especially bronze ware, chinaware, calligraphies, and paintings. After that, we will take a walking tour of Nanjing Road and The Bund to enjoy the modern view of Shanghai. Visit the Pudong area, take the fastest elevator in the world, and ascend the highest building in Shanghai – the Shanghai Tower. From the observation deck, you can enjoy a bird's-eye view of the entire city.
Note:
The rate is valid from 15 April 2025 until 31 December 2026, except for the holidays in China (Labor Day 1-5 May 2025, National Day 1-8 October 2025, Chinese New Year 15-25 February 2026, Labor Day 1-5 May 2026, National Day 1-8 October 2026).
Price includes:
- 7 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast based on twin sharing;
- English-speaking guide for each city;
- A/C tourism coach (5-seat car for 1–2 pax, 7-seat car for 3–4 pax);
- Entrance fees for the sites listed in the program;
- Domestic flights with economy seats: Xi'an-Shanghai;
- Bullet train with second-class seats: Beijing-Xi'an.
Price doesn't include:
- International flights;
- Any lunch or dinner;
- Tips to local guide and driver;
- Overweight luggage on domestic flights.
Prices, per person
Prices are for 2025 in US$ per person, with discounted prices for larger groups available on request.
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