8 Days China Classic

Your detailed trip plan

A suggested sequence — every flight, hotel and day can be changed.

• 2Destinations
• 2Transport

1. 26 Nov

   Beijing

   Stay from
   

   • China
   • 7 nights

   Situated in northern China, Beijing is the capital of the People's Republic of China, the most populous country in the world. With a population of over 21million people, it is the nation's second-largest city after Shanghai. Beijing is a modern city of impressive new urban and commercial developments that looks towards the future but it is intrinsically linked to its imperial past. Beijing is renowned for its lavish palaces, ancient temples, and huge stone walls and gates. Its art treasures and important government and cultural institutions have long made the city a center of culture and art in China. The heart of the city and most important landmark is Tiananmen Square, the world's largest public square. The Tiananmen Gate separates the square from the Forbidden Palace, one of the city’s must-sees. The Forbidden Palace was the imperial palace during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Today it is known as the Palace museum and is one of the wonders of ancient China. Other Beijing’s main attractions are The Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace and the ancient alleyway neighborhoods, where you can find traditional Beijing architecture, called Hutongs. Beijing is a good base to visit some of China’s major landmarks such as the Great Wall of China and the Ming Tombs. Some great world famous cultural and heritage sites, a thriving nightlife, great sporting facilities given as a legacy from the 2008 Olympic Games, great food such as Peking Duck, and good entertainment options like the Beijing Opera, make Beijing a fascinating city offering a lot to visitors.
2. 26 Nov

   8 Days China Classic 2027 - Hop On

   Guided tour
   

   • days 1–8

   This tour is operated on selected dates as a German-speaking group tour and can also be arranged as a private tour in either German or English.

   
   

   Day 1: Arrival in Beijing

   Your China Classic journey begins as you arrive in Beijing independently. Upon landing, you'll be met by your local guide right at the airport and transferred comfortably to your hotel, giving you time to settle in and adjust before the sightseeing begins. Beijing, China's storied capital, sets an atmospheric stage for the adventure ahead, blending imperial history with modern energy at every turn.

   
   

   Day 2: Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City (B, D)

   After breakfast at the hotel, stroll across the vast Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world and a symbol of modern China. From there, continue to the magnificent Forbidden City, the former Imperial Palace, where centuries of emperors once ruled from within its red walls and golden roofs (note the palace is closed on Mondays). The day continues with a visit to the Temple of Heaven, an architectural masterpiece where emperors once prayed for good harvests. In the evening, you may choose to enjoy an optional Peking Duck dinner at the renowned Bianyifang restaurant, a Beijing culinary classic.

   
   

   Day 3: Summer Palace and the Great Wall at Mutianyu (B, D)

   Following breakfast at the hotel, head to the enchanting Summer Palace, an imperial garden retreat famed for its lake, pavilions, and the Long Corridor. Later, journey out to the Great Wall at Mutianyu, one of the most scenic and well-preserved sections of this legendary structure, reached via a scenic cable car ride. Standing atop the Great Wall of Mutianyu, surrounded by forested hills, is one of the most memorable moments of any China trip. In the evening, an optional hotpot dinner awaits at the popular Haidilao restaurant in Beijing.

   
   

   Day 4: Beijing to Xian by high-speed train (B)

   After breakfast, transfer to the train station for a high-speed rail journey in second class from Beijing to Xian, whisking you across the country in comfort and speed. Upon arrival in Xian, enjoy a cycling tour along the ancient Xian City Wall, one of the best-preserved city walls in China, or alternatively take a leisurely walk along its ramparts for sweeping views over the old town. Afterwards, transfer to your hotel to relax after a day of travel between two of China's most iconic cities.

   
   

   Day 5: Terracotta Army and Xian's Old Town (B, D)

   Breakfast at the hotel is followed by a visit to the world-famous Terracotta Army, the astonishing army of life-sized clay warriors guarding the tomb of China's first emperor, and a true highlight of the entire journey. Continue to the Great Wild Goose Pagoda, an ancient Buddhist landmark that has watched over Xian for over a thousand years. Later, wander through Xian's atmospheric Old Town and visit the Great Mosque, a striking blend of Chinese and Islamic architecture. In the evening, you can opt for a dumpling dinner at Defachang, a Xian institution for this local specialty.

   
   

   Day 6: Xian to Shanghai by train (B)

   After breakfast, transfer to the station for the onward train journey from Xian to Shanghai, connecting China's ancient heartland with its most cosmopolitan city. Once in Shanghai, take an evening stroll along the Bund, the historic waterfront promenade lined with colonial-era buildings facing the futuristic skyline of Pudong, and continue to bustling Nanjing Road, Shanghai's premier shopping street, alive with lights and energy after dark.

   
   

   Day 7: Yu Garden, Shanghai Tower and City Planning Museum (B, D)

   Following breakfast, explore the Yu Garden, a classical Chinese garden of pavilions, ponds, and rockeries tucked within Shanghai's charming Old Town, before wandering its surrounding lanes. Next, ride up to the panoramic observation hall of the Shanghai Tower, one of the tallest buildings in the world, for breathtaking views across the city's dramatic skyline. Round out the day with a visit to the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall, offering fascinating insight into the city's remarkable transformation. An optional dinner at the popular Ding Tai Fung restaurant is available in the evening, a wonderful chance to sample refined Shanghainese and Taiwanese cuisine.

   
   

   Day 8: Departure from Shanghai (B)

   After a final breakfast at the hotel, it's time to transfer to Shanghai airport for your international flight home, bringing to a close a journey that has taken you from imperial Beijing through ancient Xian to modern Shanghai.

   
   

   B = Breakfast | D = Dinner

3. 03 Dec

   Shanghai

   Stay from
   

   • China

   Shanghai is modern city located just south of the mouth of the mighty Yangtze River and split in two by the Huangpu River. It is one of China's largest metropolis and it is considered the most cosmopolitan, sophisticated and progressive city in mainland China. Shanghai is a good place to visit if you want to catch a glimpse of the future of China. A whole new city of skyscrapers has been built in its Pudong district, including the Oriental Pearl Tower, which has become one of the city’s landmarks and is one of the tallest structures in Asia and the Shanghai World Financial Center, the third largest building in Asia and the world. At the west side of the Yangzi River is Puxi area, the older central part of the city. Puxi has very rich history and is here where you will encounter many of the city’s old buildings and attractions, such as the French Concession, the Bund, the Yuyuan Garden, the Jiu Qu Bridge, the Huxin Pavilion and the Temple. Shanghai is China’s cosmopolitan hub of finance and culture. Shanghai has a special oriental charm and a fresh western style that appeal to everyone. And it is also a good base to explore the more rural and classical sights of nearby Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces.