China 9-Day Classic Highlights Tour

Points of Interest : Beijing

Upon arrival in Beijing, your German-speaking guide will be waiting for you at the airport. From there you drive to the western part of the city to visit the Summer Palace, the Qing emperors’ residence during the hot summer months. Most of the complex is taken up by Kunming Lake, surrounded by halls, covered walkways, the Longevity Hill and the famous marble boat.

After the visit you are driven to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is free to relax or explore the surroundings at your own pace.

Driving time: approx. 2 hours, 60 km

• Meals included : None
• Accommodation : Dong Fang Hotel 3* (Beijing)

Points of Interest : Beijing

After breakfast you set off for a walk across the famous Tiananmen Square, framed by several important government and cultural buildings. From here you continue on foot to the southern entrance of the Forbidden City and explore the vast former imperial palace complex in detail.

In the afternoon you head to the southern part of the city to visit the Temple of Heaven. Its three-tiered Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is one of Beijing’s most iconic landmarks.

Driving time: approx. 1.5 hours, 40 km

• Meals included : Breakfast
• Accommodation : Dong Fang Hotel 3* (Beijing)

Points of Interest : Beijing

In the morning you drive to Beijing’s Olympic Park for a brief photo stop at the Olympic Stadium, known as the Bird’s Nest, and the National Aquatics Center. The journey then continues north of the city to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. Here you can see and climb one of the most picturesque and less touristy stretches of the Wall near Beijing.

For a small additional fee you can make use of a cable car to reach the Wall and a summer toboggan run for the descent. Later you return to the city and your hotel.

Driving time: approx. 3 hours, 160 km

• Meals included : Breakfast
• Accommodation : Dong Fang Hotel 3* (Beijing)

Points of Interest : Beijing, Xi’an

In the morning you first visit the Drum Tower area, where some of Beijing’s traditional hutongs and courtyard houses are best preserved. With your guide you stroll through the narrow lanes, wander along the picturesque shores of Houhai Lake and gain insight into the daily life of local residents.

After a lunch break you are transferred to the railway station and board a high-speed train to Xi’an. On arrival in Xi’an you are met and driven to your hotel for check-in.

Driving time: approx. 2 hours, 100 km

• Meals included : Breakfast
• Accommodation : Minsheng International Hotel 3* (Xi’an)

Points of Interest : Xi’an

Today you visit Xi’an’s most famous attraction with your guide: the Terracotta Army of Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi, located about 40 km outside the city. Thousands of life-sized warriors, horses and chariots stand in vast excavation halls guarding the emperor’s tomb.

In the afternoon you continue to the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda from the Tang Dynasty, one of Xi’an’s symbols and among the oldest surviving structures in China.

Driving time: approx. 2 hours, 100 km

• Meals included : Breakfast
• Accommodation : Minsheng International Hotel 3* (Xi’an)

Points of Interest : Xi’an, Shanghai

In the morning you explore Xi’an’s remarkably well-preserved ancient city wall and enjoy panoramic views over the former imperial capital from above. You then visit the Great Mosque and stroll through the old Muslim Quarter and its busy market streets, one of China’s most vibrant Muslim communities. This is an excellent place to observe daily life and sample Xi’an’s famous street food.

In the afternoon you are transferred to the station and board a high-speed train to Shanghai (around 6 hours). Upon arrival in Shanghai your German-speaking guide welcomes you and takes you to your hotel for check-in.

Driving time: approx. 2 hours, 90 km

• Meals included : Breakfast
• Accommodation : Holiday Inn Express 3* (Shanghai)

Points of Interest : Shanghai

After breakfast you head to Shanghai’s Old Town to visit the beautiful Yu Garden, one of the finest examples of southern Chinese garden design in former private imperial gardens. There is also time to wander through the surrounding old streets.

In the afternoon you visit the Jade Buddha Temple, which is very popular with Shanghai’s residents. Afterwards you stroll along the Bund, the historic riverside promenade, where you can admire the striking skyline of modern skyscrapers facing grand colonial-era buildings.

• Meals included : Breakfast
• Accommodation : Holiday Inn Express 3* (Shanghai)

Points of Interest : Shanghai

Today is completely free for you to explore Shanghai on your own. Your guide will be happy to suggest optional excursions, for example to a nearby water town or to the garden city of Suzhou, often called the “Venice of the East”. Suzhou, with its canals and classical gardens, lies about an hour’s drive from Shanghai.

• Meals included : Breakfast
• Accommodation : Holiday Inn Express 3* (Shanghai)

Points of Interest : Shanghai

Depending on your flight time, you are transferred to the airport for your return journey or onward travel arrangements.

• Meals included : None
• Last day : Transfer to the airport for your return or onward flight