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China’s Golden Triangle: Beijing - Xian - Shanghai

A Masterpiece of Imperial Legacy, Ancient Dynasties, and Global Style

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Beijing - Xian - Shanghai

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This is the ultimate exploration of China’s grand narrative—a journey that loops together the imperial majesty of the north, the ancient cradle of civilization in the central plains, and the electric, hyper-modern pulse of the eastern coast. Spanning three iconic cities connected by a flawless high-speed rail network, this itinerary delivers a profound experience of historical depth and cultural revolution, curated perfectly for travelers who want to see the essential icons of China in absolute comfort.

Your odyssey begins in Beijing, the heart of imperial power. Here, the sheer scale of ancient architecture takes center stage as you wander the massive courtyards of the Forbidden City and ascend the mist-shrouded stone ramparts of the Great Wall. From the historic capital, you travel inland to Xi’an, the ancient terminal of the Silk Road. In this vibrant cultural melting pot, you will stand face-to-face with the mystical, silent ranks of the subterranean Terracotta Army and explore a bustling Muslim Quarter rich with the aromas of handmade noodles, roasted cumin, and centuries of cross-cultural flavor.

Your journey culminates in Shanghai, China’s trendsetting metropolis of the future. The ancient stone paths give way to leafy avenues in the French Concession, lined with chic boutiques, art deco architecture, and hidden tea houses. At night, walk the historic waterfront of the Bund and watch the sci-fi skyscrapers of the financial district ignite into a neon symphony across the river—a dazzling preview of a world yet to come.

Price per person from

$2950

Payment Terms

  • $ 200 deposit is required to secure your trip!
  • Set up to 10 installments plan!
  • 2 months before the trip, the total cost of the trip, a copy of all participants’ passports & your flight tickets are required.

What's Included in the trip?

Included

Not Included

Note

You will arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and depart from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG).

This offer is valid for a minimum of 2 guests.

Single Occupancy Fee

Prices are calculated based on double occupancy, meaning two people sharing one room (with a friend, partner, or family member).

Single Occupancy Extra Fee: $1400

Sample Itinerary

Please note this is a sample itinerary.
Your actual itinerary may vary based on your preferences and feedback.

Welcome to Beijing

You will arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and private transportation will take you to your luxury hotel. Enjoy your hotel and relax before the next day full of adventure.

Check in & Relax!

Guided Forbitten City Tour (Full Day)

Step into the heart of an empire as you traverse the vast expanse of Tiananmen Square before entering the majestic Forbidden City. This sprawling sanctuary of nearly a thousand buildings served as the home to twenty-four emperors, its golden roofs guarded by mythical stone creatures to beckon good fortune. After exploring the hidden courts of the palace, ascend the heights of Jingshan Park—a former royal playground—to witness a breathtaking panoramic view of the imperial city below.

In the afternoon, retreat to the serene Summer Palace, a masterpiece of Chinese artistry and the world’s most renowned “Museum of Royal Gardens.” Wander through a poetic landscape of tranquil lakes, ornate pavilions, and lush hills that perfectly blend imperial grandeur with natural beauty. This is a day of deep immersion into the soul of Beijing, where every corner reveals the legends and elegance of China’s storied past.

Guided Mutianyu Great Wall Tour (full day)

Start your morning with an authentic slice of Beijing life as you join locals for their sunrise exercises in the serene Temple of Heaven Park, a peaceful sanctuary where ancient spirituality meets modern community. From there, your journey reaches new heights at the Mutianyu Great Wall, a breathtaking architectural marvel that snakes across the rugged mountain ridges. Whether you choose to challenge yourself on the historic stone paths or opt for a thrilling cable car ride and toboggan descent, you will be awestruck by the sheer scale of this ancient defensive masterpiece. To cap off your epic day, enjoy a photo stop at the iconic Bird’s Nest and Water Cube, where the cutting-edge design of China’s Olympic legacy creates a stunning contrast against the city’s timeless horizon.

Guided Beijing Tour and transfer to Xi’an by high-speed train

Kick off your morning with an enchanting visit to the Beijing Zoo’s most famous residents—the adorable giant pandas. From there, immerse yourself in the spiritual mystery of the Yonghe Temple, Beijing’s largest and most magnificent Lama Temple, where vibrant Tibetan-style architecture and fragrant incense create an atmosphere of pure serenity. The adventure takes a nostalgic turn as you hop into a traditional rickshaw to weave through the historic Hutongs, catching an intimate, behind-the-scenes glimpse into the authentic daily rhythms of local life. Finally, trade the old-world charm for modern speed as you board a high-tech bullet train to the ancient capital of Xi’an, where your private driver awaits to whisk you away to your hotel for the next chapter of your journey.

Guided Terra cotta Warriors and Horses Tour (Full Day)

Prepare for an unforgettable encounter with history as you journey to the world-renowned Terracotta Warriors Museum, where an accidental 1974 discovery revealed a massive underground army of over 7,000 life-sized sculptures. You will stand in awe before the individualized facial features and unique poses of soldiers that have stood guard for millennia, while a cinematic presentation reveals the gripping story of their burial and excavation.

The day’s legends continue at the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a 1,300-year-old architectural masterpiece built to house sacred Buddhist scriptures brought back from India. To finish your day, step through a portal to the past at Datang Everbright City. This vibrant district, filled with grand Tang Dynasty-style architecture and dazzling displays, offers a stunning “time travel” experience where the golden age of ancient China comes roaring back to life.

Guided Xi’an Tour and Flight transfer to shanghai

Begin your day atop the magnificent Xi’an Ancient City Wall, the oldest and most complete military defense system in the world. Whether you choose to stroll past its historic watchtowers or rent a bicycle to ride the massive perimeter, you’ll enjoy unparalleled views of the ancient moat and the bustling city below. The journey continues at Shuyuanmen Ancient Cultural Street, a vibrant district modeled after the Ming and Qing Dynasties where you can weave through crowds to find hidden treasures among stalls of traditional calligraphy and crafts.

As the afternoon unfolds, dive into the sensory explosion of the Bell and Drum Tower Square and the legendary Muslim Quarter. This is a paradise for food lovers and souvenir hunters alike, where you can feast on iconic Shaanxi street food while browsing for intricate antiques and Terracotta Warrior imitations. Finally, cap off your Xi’an adventure with an evening flight to Shanghai, where a private driver will be waiting to whisk you into the heart of China’s most dazzling, modern metropolis.

Guided Shanghai City Tour

Your Shanghai adventure begins at the enchanting Yuyuan Garden, a classical masterpiece of tranquility originally built as a heartfelt gift for a parent’s golden years. This serenity quickly gives way to the electric energy of the nearby Yuyuan Market, where you can haggle for exquisite pottery and fans while sampling iconic delicacies like steaming crab shell cakes and savory pork chops. By afternoon, you’ll trade the ancient streets for the sky, ascending to the 88th-floor observation deck of the Jinmao Tower for a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of the winding Huangpu River far below.

The journey continues through the chic, pedestrian-friendly Xintiandi, where historic Shikumen stone houses blend seamlessly with cutting-edge modern design. From there, dive into the bustling neon glow of Nanjing Road to discover legendary department stores and authentic local snacks. To conclude your day, wander along the world-famous Bund, a majestic waterfront promenade where grand colonial-era architecture stands in a stunning face-off against the futuristic, glowing skyline of Pudong. It is the perfect harmony of Shanghai’s storied past and its soaring future.

Guided Zhujiajiao Water Town Tour

Step back in time as you discover Zhujiajiao Water Town, the “Venice of Shanghai,” a breathtaking village with over 1,700 years of history. You’ll feel the magic of the Ming and Qing dynasties as you wander past elegant stone bridges and ancient riverside buildings, perhaps even opting for a relaxing gondola ride to truly soak in the charm of this floating world.

The excitement continues back in downtown Shanghai at Tianzifang, a vibrant creative enclave hidden within a maze of traditional residential alleys. This buzzing neighborhood is a treasure trove of unique souvenir shops, trendy cafés, and artisan boutiques tucked away in well-preserved Shanghainese neighborhoods. Whether you’re hunting for novel handicrafts, savoring an open-air coffee, or sampling local street food, rambling through these narrow lanes offers an intimate and stylish look at the authentic Shanghai lifestyle.

Check out & goodbyes

Say your goodbyes & await your private transfer back to the airport.

Gallery

Travel Plan & Logistics

Accommodations

We will provide you with a list of accommodation options based on your budget and any preferences you provide to us once your trip is confirmed – this gives you the opportunity to select the hotel that best suits your taste.

The best time to travel in the China is from September to April.

Flights are not included. However, we do provide assistance with finding the right flights for your dates.
Please email us at info@jovacations.com, with your preferred dates and state of departure and we will send over some options.

2 months before the trip starts

  • The total cost must be paid by all the participants
  • Sign the waiver
  • Send us a copy of all participants’ passports
  • Send us the flight tickets of all the participants

Need Help?

If things don’t go as planned

Cancellation Policy

Payments and Refunds

All deposits are non-refundable.

Cancellations 60+ Days Out: If you cancel your booking 60 days or more before the trip start date, you are entitled to a refund of all amounts paid toward the trip, excluding the non-refundable deposit and any applicable bank transaction fees. 

The deposit is non-refundable.

Payments made after your deposit:

  • 60 days or more before the trip starts: free cancellation & refund, excluding the per-person deposit & bank transaction fees.
  • 60-0 days before the trip starts, 100% cancellation fees apply.

Clients may transfer payments to a future trip or another participant before the payment due date, but this involves administrative fees. Amendments or cancellations made less than 60 days prior are subject to additional conditions.

Clients are responsible for obtaining travel insurance to cover cancellations, trip interruptions, or other unforeseen events. Missed or unused services are not refundable.

For full details, please visit the Terms and Conditions page.

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