China for Beginners

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Begin the day at Tiananmen Square, where Mao Zedong proclaimed the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949. His mausoleum and the Monument to the People’s Heroes stand in the centre of the square, which is surrounded by several important national buildings.
At its northern end stands Tiananmen Gate, beyond which lies the Forbidden City, enclosed by imposing red walls. Explore the grand ceremonial halls of the Outer Court before continuing to the smaller buildings and courtyards of the former imperial private quarters. The immense scale of the palace complex is sure to impress.

In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Heaven in southern Beijing. Once reserved for emperors who came to pray for good harvests, the historic complex is now open to visitors. Its surrounding park is also a popular gathering place, where local residents meet to play cards, sing, and exercise.

Forbidden City

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Today, continue your journey to Xi'an by high-speed train. The journey takes approximately five hours. Xi'an served as an imperial capital of China for centuries. After arriving and taking a short rest at your hotel, visit the city wall. Dating from the Ming Dynasty, this 14-kilometre structure is China's largest and best-preserved ancient city wall. You can cycle along the top for interesting views of the courtyards within the old city or enjoy a leisurely walk along the wall.

Xian City Wall

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The Terracotta Army of Qin Shi Huang, China's first emperor, is a highlight of many tours of China and was among the country’s first sites to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Visit the three excavated pits and the exhibition hall displaying the bronze chariots discovered nearby. The remarkable preservation of this 2,200-year-old clay army is sure to impress.

In the afternoon, continue to Xi'an's iconic Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, located within the Buddhist Temple of Great Mercy. Built during the Tang Dynasty, it is one of China's oldest surviving structures. End the afternoon at the Great Mosque in the city centre. Xi'an has a large Muslim population and has welcomed people and cultures from abroad since the Han
Dynasty, when the city served as the eastern endpoint of the Silk Road.

Terracotta Warriors

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Depending on your train schedule, the morning is free for you to spend at leisure. Around midday, take the train to the megacity of Shanghai. Upon arrival, enjoy a walk along the Bund, the city's famous waterfront promenade. Historic trading houses line the west bank of the Huangpu River, while the ultra-modern skyline of Pudong rises across the water. Continue to Nanjing Road, Shanghai's famous shopping street, where local shoppers, eye-catching shopfronts, and colourful advertising displays create a lively atmosphere. A return visit to the Bund in the evening is highly recommended, when the skyline is illuminated.

The Bund

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Begin the day with a tour of Shanghai's Old Town, which offers a glimpse of what the city looked like towards the end of the Qing Dynasty. Today, the area is home to numerous souvenir shops and well-known restaurants, as well as the famous Yu Garden, a fine example of a traditional private garden from southern China. Although popular with tourists, the garden remains a peaceful green oasis in the heart of the Old Town. Next, visit the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center at People's Square, where you can learn about the city's history and plans for future development. If this visit cannot be arranged, the Shanghai Museum, featuring a selection of artefacts from Chinese history, will be offered as an alternative. End the day with a bird's-eye view of Shanghai from the observation deck of Shanghai Tower.

Shanghai Tower

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Depending on your departure time, you will be transferred to the airport for your return or onward flight.