Destinations: Beijing + Datong + Pingyao + Xi’an + Shanghai
Curated exclusively by PandaStudyTour, this 11-day classic journey takes you on an extraordinary exploration of China's most iconic cultural and historical treasures, spanning from the imperial grandeur of Beijing to the ancient grottoes of Datong, the well-preserved ancient town of Pingyao, the imperial heritage of Xi'an, and the modern glamour of Shanghai. Designed for discerning international travelers who crave in-depth cultural immersion, authentic local experiences, and a balanced mix of history, nature, and modernity, this itinerary offers a seamless blend of iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and genuine local interactions. With comfortable accommodations, hassle-free transfers, and expert arrangements by PandaStudyTour, you can fully immerse yourself in China's 5,000-year-old civilization while enjoying a relaxed and memorable journey.
Tour Highlights
Why Choose This Tour with PandaStudyTour?
We understand the needs of international travelers, which is why we handle all the details—from high-speed train and flight bookings to hotel reservations, private transfers, and activity arrangements—so you can focus solely on enjoying your trip. Our itinerary balances iconic landmarks with authentic local experiences, avoiding rushed schedules and ensuring you have enough time to soak in each destination's unique charm. With PandaStudyTour, you'll have peace of mind knowing that every aspect of your journey is carefully planned and supported by our professional team.
Day 1: Arrival in Beijing – Rest & Recover
Upon your arrival at Beijing Capital Airport, our professional driver will transfer you to your selected hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax and recover from jet lag, allowing you to adjust to the new time zone at your own pace before starting your exciting journey.
Day 2: Beijing – Imperial Grandeur & Local Markets
Begin your day with a visit to Tiananmen Square, one of the world's largest public squares, before walking through the Forbidden City, the former imperial palace of China's emperors. Afterward, head to Jingshan Park, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Forbidden City and the entire city. Following a delicious Chinese lunch, explore the Temple of Heaven, a sacred site for ancient emperors to pray for good harvests. Spend the afternoon browsing Panjiayuan Antique Market and Pearl Market, where you can find unique souvenirs, antiques, and local crafts, before your driver brings you back to the hotel by late afternoon.
Day 3: Beijing – Great Wall Adventure & Modern Landmarks
Travel to the Mutianyu Great Wall, one of the best-preserved sections of the Great Wall, where you can choose to hike up the wall or take a cable car for a more relaxed ascent. After a traditional Chinese lunch nearby, drive back to the city to visit the iconic Bird's Nest and Water Cube, with plenty of time for photos. The day wraps up with a serene Chinese tea experience at a local tea house, where you can learn about Chinese tea culture and taste various types of tea. Breakfast and lunch are included, and you can opt for hiking instead of the cable car if you prefer a more active experience.
Day 4: Beijing – Hutong Life & Summer Palace
Start your day with a unique rickshaw tour through Beijing's Hutong neighborhoods, narrow alleyways that offer a glimpse into the daily life of local residents. From there, head to the Summer Palace, a magnificent imperial garden featuring lush landscapes, elegant pavilions, and Kunming Lake. Take a leisurely boat ride on the lake to enjoy the garden's beauty from the water. After lunch, you can stroll along Wangfujing Commercial Street, a bustling shopping area with international brands and local snacks, or explore the shops near Dashilar, a historic district with traditional architecture.
Day 5: Beijing to Datong – Ancient Grottoes & Heritage
Check out of your Beijing hotel early and take a high-speed train to Datong. Upon arrival, visit the Yungang Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring 53 caves filled with thousands of exquisite Buddha stone carvings, dating back over 1,500 years. After a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, stop by Huayan Monastery, a historic Buddhist temple with stunning architecture and cultural relics, and the Nine Dragon Wall, a magnificent imperial decoration featuring nine carved dragons.
Day 6: Datong to Pingyao – Hidden Treasures on the Way
After breakfast, transfer to Pingyao. Along the way, stop at the Hanging Temple in Hunyuan County, a unique temple built into the side of a cliff, and the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, one of the oldest and tallest wooden pagodas in the world. Enjoy lunch at a local spot to taste authentic regional cuisine before arriving in Pingyao, where you'll have time to check into your hotel and rest.
Day 7: Pingyao to Xi'an – Ancient Town & Merchant Heritage
In the morning, visit Qiao Courtyard, a well-preserved mansion that once belonged to a wealthy merchant family, showcasing traditional Chinese architecture and family culture. Head back to Pingyao Ancient Town for lunch, then explore Rishengchang Exchange Shop, recognized as China's first bank, established in 1643. Take a leisurely walk down Ming Qing Street, the main street of the ancient town, lined with traditional shops and local handicraft stalls. Later in the evening, board a high-speed train to Xi'an and check into your hotel.
Day 8: Xi'an – Terracotta Warriors & Local Culture
Spend the morning visiting the world-famous Qin Terracotta Warriors, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. Participate in a hands-on pottery workshop to learn how the terracotta figurines are made, gaining a deeper understanding of this ancient craft. After lunch, visit the Bell Tower, an iconic landmark in Xi'an's city center, and Gao's Courtyard, where you can watch traditional paper-cutting and shadow puppetry demonstrations. In the afternoon, explore the Muslim Quarter, a bustling area filled with local snacks, shops, and cultural attractions. In the evening, you can opt to watch the Tang Dynasty Show for a vivid display of ancient Chinese culture.
Day 9: Xi'an to Shanghai – Ancient Walls & Cultural Sites
Pack up and check out of your Xi'an hotel, then embark on a leisure tour of Xi'an's Ancient City Wall, one of the best-preserved ancient city walls in China, where you can walk or bike along the top for panoramic views of the city. Visit the Wild Goose Pagoda and its north square, a historic Buddhist pagoda with beautiful gardens and fountains. On the way to the airport, stop at Hanyang Mausoleum, one of China's largest museums, showcasing the tomb of an ancient Han Dynasty emperor and numerous cultural relics. Take a flight to Shanghai and check into your hotel.
Day 10: Shanghai – Tradition & Modernity
Start your day with a visit to the Jade Buddha Temple, home to two exquisite jade Buddha statues and a peaceful Buddhist sanctuary. Stroll along the Riverside Promenade, where you can admire the exterior of the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, one of Shanghai's most iconic skyscrapers. Before lunch, visit a local silk museum to learn about China's ancient silk craftsmanship and browse silk products. After lunch, explore Yuyuan Garden, a beautiful classical garden featuring rockeries, ponds, and pavilions, then walk along the Bund, a historic waterfront lined with colonial-era buildings and modern skyscrapers. In the evening, you can opt to watch the ERA Acrobatic Show, a stunning performance showcasing Chinese acrobatics.
Day 11: Shanghai – Free Day & Departure
Today is a free day for you to explore Shanghai at your own pace—you can revisit your favorite spots, do some last-minute shopping, or relax in a local café. When you're ready, our driver will transfer you to the airport for your flight home. If you'd like a unique experience, you can opt to take the maglev train to Pudong Airport, one of the fastest high-speed maglev trains in the world. Breakfast is included, and our team will ensure a smooth and hassle-free departure.
Practical Tips
Let PandaStudyTour guide you through this unforgettable journey across China, where every day brings new discoveries, rich culture, and lasting memories.
