Why Travel with Discover Beijing Tours
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Enjoy a premium trip that goes beyond the typical tourist attractions.
Well-Selected Local Guides
Knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and attentive — your personal local guides will share interesting stories, insider information, and even create unexpected highlights!
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Why Travel with Discover Beijing Tours
Unique Experiences
Enjoy a premium trip that goes beyond the typical tourist attractions.Well-Selected Local Guides
Knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and attentive — your personal local guides will share interesting stories, insider information, and even create unexpected highlights!Your Booking is Risk-Free
Cancel up to 24 hours before the travel date in advance for a full refund
12 Days China Train Tour with Yangtze River Cruise & Golden Triangle (Beijing, Xi’an, Shanghai)
If you’re new to China and eager to experience its diverse landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture, this is the perfect journey for you. Our 12-day China Train journey seamlessly blends the charm of China’s iconic cities with the awe-inspiring majesty of the Yangtze River. Imagine exploring modern marvels and ancient capitals, all while enjoying the convenience and speed of high-speed train travel.
Begin in Shanghai, where modern charm greets you. Stand atop the Shanghai Tower, and witness the city’s blend of modernity and ancient heritage. Stroll the banks of the Huangpu River, a symphony of old and new. Set sail on a 5-star Yangtze River cruise, carried by gentle waves through China’s history. Marvel at the Three Gorges‘ grandeur and visit the remarkable Three Gorges Dam – an architectural wonder of the world. Continue to Xi’an, where history lives in every step. Face the Terracotta Warriors, guardians of an emperor’s tomb for millennia. Since the city’s ancient walls and vibrant culture. Finish in Beijing, China’s Imperial capital, and walk the hallowed grounds of the Forbidden City. Traverse the Mutianyu Great Wall, where history whispers and panoramas amaze. Experience the entire journey in the company of high-speed trains, making every transition seamless and comfortable.
Join us as we unveil China’s tale uniquely, traveling swiftly and comfortably on high-speed trains. Your journey awaits, so take the first step and embark on this remarkable adventure with us.
Studded with cliffs, peaks, caves, temples and ocean views, Laoshan Scenic Area is a highlight of any Qingdao visit. Spend the morning discovering it with a private guide by cable car and on foot: just pick your preferred route then savor sights such as Taiqing Palace, Chaoyin Waterfall, Longtan Waterfall and Beijushui River. After a restaurant lunch, visit your chosen Qingdao city signatures, perhaps the beer museum or the pier.
- Make sure everyone bring passport with
- Full names and passport numbers are required to book tickets for attractions.
Itinerary Quick Look
Day 1 Shanghai City Tour
Shanghai Museum (Shanghai Bowuguan)
Meet your tour guide in the lobby of your Shanghai hotel, hop on your private air-conditioned vehicle, embark upon your customized tour of the city’s sights. Discuss the historical highlights and attractions you wish to see with your knowledgeable guide who will help you plan an itinerary according to your interests. Then, set off and explore. Typically, you will start with the Shanghai Museum. The museum is divided into eleven galleries and three exhibition halls. With bronze ware, ceramics, and painting and calligraphy as its distinctive collections, the museum boasts 120,000 pieces of rare and precious cultural relics in 21 categories.
Jade Buddha Temple
Then, move on to Jade Buddha Temple. You will see the White Jade Buddhas which were brought here from Burma in the nineteenth century. Stroll around halls and courtyards in the temple with your tour guide, learn the history about the temple and buddhism in China, see how the locals come to worship and burn incense.
Yu Garden (Yuyuan)
Enjoy lunch in the local restaurant, then explore the Yuyuan Garden. Yuyuan Garden is the largest ancient gardens with Ming and Qing style architecture. Follow your tour guide to explore the garden, learn how to form a perfect garden. Then visit the Old City God Temple, where various of local snack shops and streets are scattered around.
The Bund
Continue to the Bund, where you will see amazing city skyline, including the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center Shanghai Tower, Shanghai Tower and colonial buildings along the Huangpu River. Take a walk and stop for photos.
Former French Concession
Continue to explore the Former French Concession. Besides its historical and religious factors, Shanghai French Concession is also a fantastic place for spending leisure time. Follow your tour guide to wandering the narrow alleyways, dining and one of the million cafes or restaurants(at your own cost), or browsing through the endless art galleries and photographic studios.
Xintiandi
Finally, finish your tour in the lively nightlife district of Xintiandi. As a window to the past and the future, to China and the world, Shanghai Xintiandi’s Shikumen attraction was created by converting residential blocks into a multifunctional dining, retail and entertainment center flowing with restaurants, boutiques, cafes and bars of an international standard. Follow your tour guide and explore the area. If you have already visit some of those places above before, and want to do something different. Please feel free to discuss with your tour guide on where to go, you can choose these attractions or activities base on your interests: Shanghai Museum/ Pearl TV Tower/World financial center/Jinmao Tower After the tour, your guide will take you back to your hotel in Shanghai.
Day 2 Shanghai to Yichang by High Speed Train
Your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby this morning and take you to Shanghai Hongqiao Train Station. From there, you will catch a high-speed train to Yichang, which is about a 6.5-hour journey. This seamless transition ensures a smooth and efficient travel experience for your trip to Yichang.
Upon your arrival at Yichang, your guide will be waiting to welcome you. They will help you navigate to the cruise company’s complimentary shuttle service at Yichang East Railway Station. This personalized assistance ensures a smooth transition to your next adventure.
Boarding time and departure piers can vary due to multiple factors. Ship lines may have different schedules, while water levels and weather conditions also play a crucial role. Seasonal changes can impact the availability of certain piers. Adapting to these variables is essential for a smooth and efficient boarding process.
Day 3 Yangtze River Cruise |Three Gorges Dam, Captain’s Welcome Party
Embarking on a Yangtze River cruise offers a unique opportunity to uncover the wonders of the longest river in Asia. As you leisurely sail along the heart of China, you will be immersed in stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and a deep connection to the country’s history. This experience promises a blend of relaxation and exploration, allowing you to witness the beauty and significance of this iconic waterway firsthand.
Today’s highlight is the Three Gorges Dam, the largest hydropower project in China. Visiting the dam allows you to witness the impressive system of locks in action. It’s a unique opportunity to see the engineering marvel up close and appreciate the scale of this significant infrastructure project.The enormity of the dam across the Yangtze River, standing at 181 meters tall and stretching 2335 meters wide, is truly impressive. Its width of 115 meters adds to the grandeur of this engineering marvel.Travelers who choose to sail through the Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift are in for a thrilling and unique experience. The opportunity to marvel at the colossal dam up close is a rare and exciting adventure that promises to leave a lasting impression. This exhilarating journey offers a fresh perspective on the sheer scale and engineering marvel of the world’s largest ship lift.
Embarking on the shore excursion to the Tribe of Three Gorges today would offer a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the region. Exploring this historic site can provide valuable insights into the local traditions and way of life. While the excursion may involve an additional fee, the experience of visiting such a significant location can be truly enriching and memorable.Protected Cultural Hub: Tribe of the Three Gorges Scenic Spot, situated between the Three Gorges Dam and Gehzouba Dam on Xiling Gorge, is renowned as the “Protected Center of the Popular Culture and Art of the Three Gorges.” This title highlights the spot’s significance in preserving the rich cultural heritage and artistic traditions of the region.
Day 4 Yangtze River Cruise | Three Gorges, Shennv Stream
Today’s itinerary includes a full day to admire the stunning Three Gorges. First up is the Xiling Gorge, famous for its rugged shoals and turbulent waters. Sailing through this gorge promises an exhilarating experience amidst the breathtaking natural beauty.
Exploring Shennv Stream: Shennv Stream, also known as Goddess Stream, in Wushan County is a leisurely shore excursion option. The picturesque surroundings and tranquil waters offer a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the stream can be a rejuvenating experience, perfect for unwinding and reconnecting with nature.
Enhance Your Experience: Opting for the shore excursion to White Emperor City (Baidi Cheng) offers a unique opportunity to delve deeper into the historical and cultural significance of the region. This additional fee can provide you with a richer travel experience and a chance to explore a renowned site that holds a special place in Chinese history.
Day 5 Yangtze River Cruise | Ghost City of Fengdu, Captain’s Farewell Party
Scenic Journey: Today, your cruise will showcase the beauty of the Yangtze River. Marvel at the stunning landscapes and cultural landmarks along the peaceful waters, creating a serene and memorable experience for all passengers aboard.
Today, you will embark on a shore excursion to Fengdu Ghost City with a local English-speaking tour guide in the morning. This experience will offer you a unique insight into Chinese folklore and history, as the guide will provide fascinating commentary on the site’s cultural significance. The visit to Fengdu Ghost City promises to be an enriching and memorable part of your journey, immersing you in the mystical world of Chinese mythology and architectural wonders.The ghost city described is a fascinating blend of temples, memorials, and monasteries, each steeped in legendary stories of the underworld, devils, and Chinese demons. The rich history and folklore surrounding these sites offer a unique glimpse into a mystical world filled with intrigue and wonder.Embarking on the optional excursion to Shibaozhai Pagoda in Zhongxian County offers a unique opportunity to explore one of the eight extraordinary architectures in the world. This iconic pagoda is a testament to ancient Chinese architectural mastery and provides a glimpse into the rich history and cultural heritage of the region. For those with an interest in history and architecture, this excursion promises to be a truly unforgettable experience.
Day 6 Xi’an
The Museum of Qin Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses
Meet up at the lobby of your Xi’an Downtown hotel in the morning, greeting by your knowledgeable and friendly personal guide then transferred by an air-conditioned vehicle to the world-famous Terracotta warriors museum. Terracotta warriors, known as “the Eighth Wonders of the World”. Your tour guide will explain the related histories and stories on the way, feel free to ask questions if you have. The museum divided into three sections: No.1 Pit, No.2 Pit, and No. 3 Pit. The original site was found by four local farmers while drilling a well in 1974 and now it has turned into the most important attraction in Xi’an. Stroll around the museum and get rich information from your tour guide.
Big Wild Goose Pagoda (Dayanta)
Enjoy a delicious lunch in a local restaurant, then drive to Xi’an city and visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. As the symbol of the old-line Xi’an, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda is a well-preserved ancient building and a holy place for Buddhists. Originally built in 652 of the Tang Dynasty (618-907), Big Wild Goose Pagoda functioned to collect Buddhist materials that were taken from India by the hierarch Xuanzang, who travelled along the Silk Road for 17 years and traversing 100 countries, finally arriving in India. He obtained Buddha figures, 657 kinds of sutras, and several Buddha relics. Stroll around the area with your tour guide, visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, the Da Ci’en Temple, and different halls, squares and gardens. Get rich information about the ancient Silk Road, Buddhism in China, histories and stories about this UNESCO attraction. Feel free to ask questions if you have.
Muslim Quarter
Afterwards, heading to Muslim Quarter, It is the hub of the Muslim community in Xi’an City, Follow your tour guide to stroll around the Muslim food and souvenir market. Try delicious local snacks if you want at your own cost. After the tour finished, you will be transferred to your hotel in Xi’an.
Day 7 Beijing City Tour
After breakfast, your guide will pick you up at your hotel and then head to Tian’anmen Square, which is the world’s largest public square and also the symbol of China. It has witnessed many big events in China over the past decades and from here you can take good pictures of Tiananmen Gate showing on CCTV News every day.
Walk across the square and you will visit the might and splendor of the awe-inspiring Forbidden City, the world’s largest palace complex and one-time home to 24 emperors of China. Listed as a world heritage site, Forbidden City has about 500 years’ history, and served as the political and ritual center of China during the Ming (1368-1644) and the Qing (1644-1911) dynasties. With over 8,728 rooms, the Forbidden City is not only China’s largest and best-preserved collection of ancient buildings, but also a city within the city, like the Vatican in Rome. Enter through Meridian Gate and visit along the central axis to ensure you won’t miss any highlighted palaces. You can admire its brilliant architecture and numerous ancient art treasures while listening to your guide and learning more about the emperors’ stories hidden inside the Imperial Palace. Later, take another 15-minute walk up to Jingshan Park, where you can have a magnificent panorama of modern Beijing and princely views over the russet roofs of the Forbidden City.
In this afternoon, drive to the “Museum of Royal Garden” – Summer Palace, which used to be the resort for royal families to flee summer heat. The grounds, temples, gardens, pavilions, lakes, bridges, gate-towers, and corridors are a marvel of landscaping. Enjoy the leisure walk and take your time to appreciate the imperial architectures, hilltop views, and beautiful lakes, which offer a pastoral escape into the landscapes of traditional Chinese painting.
Recommended Optional Activity: You can try the famous Peking Roasted Duck at Quanjude this evening.
Day 8 Beijing Great Wall Tour
In this morning, you will head northwest of Beijing (about 1.5-2 hours’ drive, 73km) to the Great Wall at Mutianyu. The Great Wall boasts a history over 2,000 years and stretches more than 3,000 miles across several provinces of northern China, making it one of the most impressive ancient masterpieces on the planet. Mutianyu Great Wall is connected with the Jiankou Great Wall in the west and the Gubeikou Great Wall in the east. Mutianyu is the longest and best fully-restored Great Wall with fewer tourists and is also famed for its 23 Ming-era watchtowers and stunning views. Take the cable car up to the 14th watchtower and then enjoy the memorable hiking time on the wall while visiting its western route. With the green pines and cypresses covering the surrounding area, and the winding wall standing majestically on the vast land, you will capture the most stunning natural scenery in this section. Challenge yourselves while climbing up to the 20th watchtower where you could fulfill your Great Wall dream. Cherish the chance and take photos as many as you like!
After the once-in-lifetime experience, head back to downtown Beijing and have the chance to take photos with the exterior of the Bird’s Nest (Beijing National Stadium) and Water Cube (Beijing National Aquatics Center). They were both designed for the 2008 Beijing Olympics and used for the 2022 Winter Olympic Games. After that, transfer back to your hotel and have a good rest tonight.
The Temple of Heaven in Beijing’s Tiantan Park is larger than the Forbidden City but smaller than the Summer Palace. It holds great historical significance, known for its stunning architecture and beautiful surroundings. Visiting this iconic site offers a glimpse into China’s rich cultural heritage and is a must-see for those exploring Beijing.The Temple of Heaven, a Taoist temple and UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned for its intricate layout, unique structure, and stunning decorations. The symbolism embedded in its design reflects ancient Chinese cosmology and philosophical beliefs. The circular shape of the main hall symbolizes heaven, while the square shape of the surrounding walls represents the earth. These architectural features, coupled with ornate decorations, create a mesmerizing experience for visitors, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of China.
Exploring old Hutongs offers a unique glimpse into local life. These ancient alleyways are full of history and charm. Walking through them allows you to experience the authentic daily routines of residents. From traditional architecture to local vendors, Hutongs provide a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of modern city life.
From the bustling cityscape of Shanghai to the historic grandeur of Xi’an’s Terracotta Army, each destination has woven a unique narrative into your travel story. As you bid farewell to these remarkable cities and the memories you’ve made, you carry with you a treasure trove of cultural insights and unforgettable moments that will linger long after the journey ends.
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