China Essence Tour of Beijing, Xi'an & Shanghai – 8 Days
Beijing - Xi'an- Shanghai
Imperial Capitals, Ancient Wonders & Modern Shanghai
8 DAYS/ 7 NIGHTS
ENGLISH-SPEAKING TOUR
CLASSIC CHINA TOUR
Experience three of China's most iconic destinations on one journey, combining Beijing's imperial heritage, Xi'an's ancient history and the vibrant cityscape of Shanghai.
Walk along the legendary Great Wall, discover the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven, stand before Xi'an's remarkable Terracotta Warriors and explore the historic city walls before continuing to Shanghai's famous Bund and traditional neighbourhoods.
Along the way, enjoy selected regional dining experiences including Beijing Roast Duck, traditional Beijing copper hotpot, Shaanxi cuisine and Shanghai local specialties, with comfortable 5-star accommodation throughout the journey.
Top Trip Features
Three Iconic Chinese Cities in One Journey
Experience the distinctive character of Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai, combining imperial landmarks, ancient archaeological treasures and modern cityscapes in one itinerary.
1
Visit the Mutianyu Great Wall, one of the best-preserved sections of the Great Wall and known for its mountain scenery and impressive Ming Dynasty watchtowers.
2
Walk the Great Wall
Discover Imperial Beijing
3
Explore some of Beijing's most recognised historic landmarks, including:
Tiananmen Square
Forbidden City
Temple of Heaven
Nanluogu Lane
Together, they offer an introduction to China's imperial history, traditional neighbourhoods and cultural heritage.
Day by Day Itinerary
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Welcome to Beijing
Your journey begins on arrival in Beijing.
Upon arrival at Beijing Capital International Airport, meet the local representative and transfer to your hotel.
After checking in, the remainder of the day is yours to relax after your journey and prepare for the days ahead.
There are no scheduled sightseeing activities today, allowing you to settle in at your own pace.
Accommodation: Sofitel Beijing Central / Grand Metropark Hotel Beijing or similar
Meals: Meals at own arrangement.
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Mutianyu Great Wall & Old Beijing
After breakfast, begin the day with one of China's most celebrated landmarks — the Mutianyu Great Wall.
Surrounded by mountainous scenery, Mutianyu is known for its well-preserved Ming Dynasty architecture, defensive watchtowers and impressive views across the surrounding landscape.
Spend time exploring the wall and experiencing one of the most recognised symbols of Chinese history.
Nanluogu Lane
Later, return to the city and explore Nanluogu Lane, one of Beijing's best-known historic neighbourhoods.
Walk through traditional hutong streets lined with courtyards, small shops and local cafés while experiencing a different side of the capital away from its monumental landmarks.
Traditional Beijing Dinner
In the evening, enjoy a traditional Beijing copper hotpot, served individually.
Accommodation: Sofitel Beijing Central / Grand Metropark Hotel Beijing or similar
Meals
Breakfast: Hotel breakfast
Dinner: Traditional Beijing Copper Hotpot
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Free Day – Explore Beijing Your Way
Today is free for you to enjoy Beijing at your own pace.
You may choose to shop, explore independently or simply relax.
Alternatively, two optional excursions are available.
Optional Tour A – Beijing City Highlights
USD $109 per person
Visit:
Summer Palace
Qianmen Street
Traditional Chinese Acrobatics Show
Lunch is included.
Minimum 4 travellers required.
Optional Tour B – Chengde by High-Speed Rail
USD $199 per person
Travel by high-speed rail to Chengde and visit:
Putuo Zongcheng Temple, often referred to as the "Small Potala Palace"
Chengde Mountain Resort
Meals are not included.
Minimum 6 travellers required.
Accommodation: Sofitel Beijing Central / Grand Metropark Hotel Beijing or similar
Meals
Breakfast: Hotel breakfast
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Imperial Beijing & Journey to Xi'an
Begin the day in the heart of Beijing at Tiananmen Square, one of the city's most recognised public spaces.
Continue into the magnificent Forbidden City, once the imperial palace of China's Ming and Qing dynasties.
Explore its grand courtyards, ceremonial halls and historic architecture while learning about China's imperial history.
Beijing Roast Duck Lunch
At lunchtime, enjoy one of Beijing's most famous culinary specialties — Beijing Roast Duck.
Temple of Heaven
After lunch, visit the Temple of Heaven, an important imperial complex historically used for ceremonies and prayers for good harvests.
Later, transfer for your onward journey to Xi'an.
Upon arrival, meet the local representative and transfer to your hotel.
Traveller Tip: This is one of the more active sightseeing days of the tour and involves considerable walking. Comfortable footwear is recommended.
Accommodation: Novotel Xi'an Daming Palace or similar
Meals
Breakfast: Hotel breakfast
Lunch: Beijing Roast Duck
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Terracotta Warriors & Tang Dynasty Heritage
Today is dedicated to the extraordinary history of Xi'an.
Terracotta Warriors
Visit the world-famous Terracotta Warriors, one of China's most important archaeological sites.
Thousands of life-sized soldiers, horses and other figures were created more than two thousand years ago to protect the tomb of China's first emperor.
Sightseeing transport and headphones are included during the visit.
Xi'an Ancient City Wall
Continue to the impressive Xi'an Ancient City Wall, one of China's best-preserved historic city walls.
Walk along part of the fortification while enjoying views across both historic and modern Xi'an.
Big Wild Goose Pagoda
Visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, an important Buddhist landmark associated with the history of Buddhism and the ancient Silk Road.
Grand Tang Dynasty Ever-bright City
As evening approaches, experience the lively atmosphere of Grand Tang Dynasty Ever-bright City.
Illuminated buildings, cultural performances and Tang Dynasty-inspired architecture create an atmospheric evening experience.
Accommodation: Novotel Xi'an Daming Palace or similar
Meals
Breakfast: Hotel breakfast
Lunch: Included
Dinner: Included
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Historic Xi'an & Traditional Arts
Begin with a visit to the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, another important historic Buddhist landmark in Xi'an.
Continue past the Bell Tower and Drum Tower, two of the city's most recognisable historic structures.
Gaojia Courtyard & Shadow Play
Visit Gaojia Courtyard, where you will enjoy a traditional Shadow Play performance.
This traditional performing art combines handcrafted shadow puppets, storytelling and music and provides another glimpse into Xi'an's cultural heritage.
Later, transfer for your onward journey to Shanghai.
Upon arrival in Shanghai, meet the local representative and transfer to your hotel.
Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton Shanghai – Pudong or similar
Meals
Breakfast: Hotel breakfast
Lunch: Included
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Skyline Views, Historic Streets & The Bund
Begin your Shanghai sightseeing from above with a visit to the 88th floor of Jinmao Tower, offering panoramic views across the city.
Wukang Building
Continue to the historic Wukang Building, one of Shanghai's most recognisable architectural landmarks.
Tianzifang
Explore Tianzifang, an atmospheric network of narrow lanes filled with local shops, cafés, traditional architecture and creative spaces.
The Bund
Later, visit The Bund, Shanghai's famous waterfront promenade.
Admire the historic buildings along one side of the Huangpu River and the striking modern Pudong skyline on the other.
The contrast provides one of Shanghai's most iconic views.
City God Temple Ancient Street
Finish the day at the City God Temple Ancient Street, where you will have free time to explore and sample local snacks.
Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton Shanghai – Pudong or similar
Meals
Breakfast: Hotel breakfast
Lunch: Included
Dinner: Included
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Farewell to China
Enjoy your final morning in Shanghai at your own pace.
Check-out is before 12:00 noon.
Depending on your scheduled departure time, transfer to Shanghai Pudong International Airport or Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport for your onward flight.
Your Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai journey comes to an end.
Meals
Breakfast: Hotel breakfast
Important Information
October: 10, 24
November: 7, 21
December: 5, 19
*Departure dates and availability are subject to confirmation at the time of booking.
2026 Departure Dates
Your tour package includes:
7 nights' accommodation in selected 5-star hotels
Daily breakfast as specified in the itinerary
Lunches and dinners as indicated in the itinerary
Domestic transportation between Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai as included in the confirmed itinerary
Airport transfers as specified
Transportation during scheduled sightseeing
English-speaking tour guide service
Admission tickets to attractions listed in the itinerary
Tour guide and driver gratuities
Selected regional dining experiences
Important Tour Information
Deposit & Payment: Full payment is required at booking.
Changes: After payment, no changes allowed.
Minimum Booking: A minimum of 2 travellers is required.
Tour Price
Adult / Child with Bed - AU$2,499 per person
Child Without Bed - AU$2,199 per person
Single Room Supplement - AU$550 per person
*Prices are subject to availability and confirmation at the time of booking.
The following are not included in the advertised tour price:
International airfares
International airport taxes
China visa fees, where applicable
Travel insurance
Optional tours and activities
Personal expenses
Laundry
Shopping
Additional food and beverages not included in the itinerary
Other expenses of a personal nature
Single room supplement
What’s Included
What’s Not Included
Terms and Conditions
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Tour prices are quoted per person and are based on the room arrangements specified for the tour.
The standard tour price is based on two travellers sharing a room.
Room-sharing arrangements with unknown travellers are not available.
Single travellers requiring their own room must pay the applicable single-room supplement.
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Children occupying their own bed are charged at the same rate as adults.
Children under 5 years old may travel without occupying a separate bed.
Hotel breakfast is not provided for children travelling without a bed unless otherwise specified.
Travellers under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
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Travellers under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
Older travellers and guests with limited mobility should consult EC Travel before booking.
Travellers should consider the amount of walking and sightseeing involved and ensure the itinerary is appropriate for their individual circumstances.
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This tour may operate using shared transportation with other travellers.
Provided that the promised services and overall tour standards remain unchanged, transportation may be combined with other passengers.
The order of the itinerary may also be adjusted where operationally necessary.
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The published itinerary represents the planned arrangements at the time of publication.
The order of sightseeing, transportation, hotels, restaurants or activities may be adjusted due to:
Local operating conditions
Attraction schedules
Traffic
Weather
Flight or rail schedule changes
Government restrictions
Safety considerations
Other circumstances beyond the operator's reasonable control
Reasonable efforts will be made to maintain the principal attractions and overall standard of the tour.
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Domestic travel between the tour cities is included as specified in the confirmed itinerary.
Domestic flight and/or rail schedules are subject to availability and operational changes.
Where transport schedules change, the sightseeing order may need to be adjusted accordingly.
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Hotel names listed in the itinerary represent the planned accommodation.
Where a listed hotel is unavailable, a hotel of a comparable standard may be substituted.
Standard hotel check-in in China is generally after 2:00 pm, with check-out generally before 12:00 noon.
Early check-in and late check-out are subject to hotel availability and may involve additional charges.
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Travellers are responsible for ensuring they hold appropriate documentation for travel, including:
A valid passport
A Chinese visa or other valid entry permission where required
Required airline or transport documentation
Entry requirements vary depending on nationality and individual circumstances.
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Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended before departure.
Travellers should consider cover for:
Overseas medical expenses
Trip cancellation
Travel delays
Personal belongings
Lost luggage
Emergency assistance
Other unexpected travel disruptions
Travel insurance is not included in the tour price.
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Circumstances beyond the reasonable control of the tour operator may include:
Natural disasters
Severe weather
Government restrictions
Social unrest
Major transport disruption
Public health emergencies
Other events preventing the tour from operating as planned
Where such circumstances affect the itinerary, reasonable changes may be necessary.
Additional expenses resulting from force majeure circumstances may be the responsibility of the traveller unless otherwise advised.