China Golden Triangle
This 8-day China top cities tour covers the most popular three destinations and five World Heritage sites in China. It makes an ideal tour for first-time visitors.
The itinerary below is only one possibility. Tell us your preferences and our travel experts will customize this trip to suit your interests, tastes, and budget.
Suggested 8-Day Itinerary
| Day | Highlights |
|---|---|
| 1-4 Beijing |
Explore imperial history, savor local cuisine, and enjoy scenic gardens |
| 5-6 Xi'an |
Marvel at the Terracotta Warriors, stroll the ancient city walls, and visit vibrant markets |
| 7-8 Shanghai |
Walk the Bund, enjoy panoramic city views, and customize your adventure |
Beijing-Xi'an-Shanghai Tour Map
Tour 'Wow' Points
Discover the Hidden Halls in the Forbidden City.
While most tour groups only visit the six halls on the central axis, your private guide will take you to the hidden halls for a deeper understanding of the history and dodge the crowds.
Walk on a Top-Ranked Part of the Great Wall.
The Great Wall at Mutianyu is ranked top among all parts of the Great Wall on TripAdvisor. Walk leisurely through the watchtowers, enjoying a superb view of the Mutianyu Great wall snaking across the mountains.
Taste the Savory Flavor of China
Taste crispy Beijing roast duck, learn how to make dumplings from a local family in Xi'an, and try some Shanghai local snacks.
Unveil the Secrets of the Terracotta Army and Make Your Own Terracotta Warriors
Your local guide will show you around the Terracotta Army and unveil some secrets of the world wonder. See the life-size warriors at the site, get to know how ancient craftsmen made them. Visit a traditional cave dwelling and learn how to make warriors.
Cycle or Walk on the Ancient Xi'an City Wall to Hear the Echo of History
Enjoy an ancient city perspective by biking or walking on the City Wall and take a bird's-eye view of Xi'an.
Discover the Hidden Stories of the Bund and Ascend Shanghai Tower
Travel back in time to the golden age of the Bund in the 1920s. You will walk a route that seldom tourist will find by themselves, see the most original bricks, and hear some interesting stories that you'll never find in history books.
Enjoy a Half-Day Customized Icing-on-the-Cake Experience.
Whether you want to relax, experience fashion, appreciate art, explore folk customs, or shop; from having fun in a fancy bar to exploring an art center, trying nail beauty, testing your popularity in the marriage market, or just buying some lovely gifts, we will make it happen.
Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.
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Our China Highlights Beijing experience exceeded our expectations
What an amazing experience. Jiang our guide blew us away with his passion for and knowledge of his country. He made our Beijing visit a memorable experience. He ensured that our daily activities were personalised and seamless. He was very pro-active and flexible, and applied a personal touch, often sharing personal stories and finer details. more
Mar 2025, Jacques
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Eye opening and amazing China
In Beijing for 3 days. Laura is our private tour guide. She is amazing and very detailed oriented. She is also knowledgeable and always able to answers all our questions. Everything is taken care of by her from the moment we step into Beijing. Totally worry free. This is a amazing trip . She had also arranged a surprise for us once we know we came to China for our honeymoon, she arranged my wife to have traditional costume fitted so that we can have a memorable time at summer palace and greatwall. The pictures turned out amazing, and she helped us take so many great shots. At the end of the trip, she even surprised us with a small token gift, which was unexpected and very touching and sweet. Thank you for your warmth and sincerity, it's clear that she loves her job. Highly recommended to book with China Highlights. The entire process was great, and the staff is very responsive, very warm, very kind and helpful. more
Mar 2025, POWER W @powerw.369
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special time in Beijing
great time in Beijing ! Our guide Ethan was amazing . Our flight arrived late at night and as soon as we got our bags we saw his smiling face . He always had great ideas of places to go and extra things to do at night. He even organized a celibration for our wedding aniversary on the great wall of China, imagine coming to the top of the wall and finding flowers,wine & and a banner saying ``Happy Aniversary`` truely a once in a lifetime event . thank you Ethan & China highlights more
Mar 2025, Barbara J
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Itinerary Quick Look
Here is a suggested itinerary. We are happy to customize a tour according to your interests and schedule.
With a sunny smile, your private guide will be on time and waiting for you in the arrival hall. A comfortable private car and experienced driver will be ready to transfer you to your hotel. We aim to give you a good first impression of China.
Start your day with the symbol of new China, the Tian'anmen Square. From there you will proceed to the Forbidden City, the largest and best-preserved ancient imperial palaces with 500 years of history. While most tour groups only visit the six halls on the central axis, your private guide will help you explore 12 carefully-selected places.
Enjoy the Beijing Roast Duck for lunch. Watch the exquisite cutting skills of the chef, taste crispy duck skin, and learn how to eat it in the correct way. Spend a relaxing afternoon in the hutong alleyways.
Start your day from the Temple of Heaven, which was where emperors prayed to 'heaven' for a good harvest. You may arrive early to see the locals practicing martial arts and doing other activities that you may never see in your country.
In the afternoon,visit Mutianyu, which is the section ranked top on TripAdvisor among all the Great Wall sections for its picturesque scenery and beautifully-restored architecture. It is about 2½ hours' drive from downtown Beijing, but the view and experience make it well worth your time.
Be amazed by the imperial garden at the Summer Palace. It was originally the imperial court's summer retreat, and still makes a nice place to escape the heat of summer.
Get ready to race towards Xi'an on a high-speed train, which is a good way to experience the technological development of China.
In the morning, uncover the mysteries of an underground army that dates back to 206 BC at the Terracotta Army Museum. Then discover a local craftsman's cave dwelling and learn how to make a mini terracotta warrior.
Return to the city area and visit the Ancient City Wall, which has been guarding the inner city for 600 years. Walking along the wall provides a good view of the city. You can also rent a bike to cycle around the wall.
Discover more of Xi'an and China's ancient history at Xi'an History Museum and Little Wild Goose Pagoda, then head to the Muslim Quarter and wander through the alleys to taste the local Muslim cuisine.
In the afternoon, we'll take you to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. Your Shanghai guide will meet you and escort you to your hotel, where you can have a good rest.
Do more than just take one or two selfies on the Bund. Let's travel back in time to the golden age of the Bund in the 1920s during our In-Depth Bund Culture Discovery Tour.
Go into some of the old Bund buildings and listen to their stories. Ascend the tallest building in China — Shanghai Tower, where you will not only enjoy a panoramic view of Shanghai but will also see the future of China.
Half-Day Customized Icing-on-the-Cake Experience
After traveling in China for around 8 days, you might want to do something different at the end of your tour. Do you want to have some relaxation time? Do you have any unfulfilled trip wishes? In the magic city of Shanghai, your private guide will make your wishes come true! Just tell us what you're interested in.
Your private car, driver, and guide will be ready and waiting at your hotel lobby to get you to the airport on time. Sit back and relax, as they help you check-in and escort you to the correct security gate. We will take the stress out of your travel and set you up for a nice journey home.
Hotel Selection
—the Icing on the Cake
Boutique hotels are recommended to enrich your travel experience.
Price Includes: