9 Days Beijing Xian Shanghai Tour From Canada

Summary

Day 1 Canada-Beijing: Make your own flight arrangement to Beijing, transfer to your hotel
Day 2 Beijing: Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Temple of heaven
Day 3 Beijing-Xian: Mutiantu Great Wall, take bullet train to Xian
Day 4 Xian: Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses Museum, Big Goose Pagoda, Tang Dynasty Show & Dumpling Banquet
Day 5 Xian: Xian Ancient City Wall, Muslim Quarter, Shaanxi History Museum
Day 6 Xian-Shanghai: Bell Tower, Xian to Shanghai by train
Day 7 Shanghai: Yuyuan Garden, Jade Buddha Temple, Old French Concession, The Bund, Huangpu River Night Cruise
Day 8 Shanghai: Zhujiajiao Water Town
Day 9 Shanghai-Canada: Oriental Pearl Tower, Fly back to Canada

Day1 Canada-Beijing

Upon arrival in Beijing from your flight from Canada, you’ll be warmly welcomed by our professional local driver at the airport arrival gate, holding a sign that reads “Your Way Holiday.” We believe the first impression matters—expect a friendly smile, a comfortable private transfer, and a helpful briefing about what to expect over the next few days. Our team ensures a smooth arrival, so you can begin your adventure feeling relaxed and confident. During the drive to your hotel, your guide will offer a short city orientation, pointing out notable neighborhoods and giving you tips on how to explore like a local.

Day2 Beijing

After breakfast, your day begins with a deep dive into Beijing’s imperial past as your expert local guide takes you to the Forbidden City, also known as the Palace Museum. This sprawling complex, with its 980 buildings and rich red and gold architecture, was the home of 24 emperors across the Ming and Qing dynasties. As you walk through its majestic courtyards and halls, your guide will bring history to life with vivid stories about the emperors’ daily rituals, family intrigue within the Inner Court, and the deeply symbolic layout of the complex. You'll gain not only stunning photo opportunities but also a deeper appreciation for China’s dynastic legacy through the eyes of someone who knows it inside out.

Next, your journey continues to the Summer Palace, an exquisite imperial retreat and a masterpiece of Chinese landscape design. Once a haven for emperors escaping the summer heat, it’s most famously associated with the powerful Empress Dowager Cixi, whose influence shaped the palace’s aesthetics. As you stroll along the beautifully painted Long Corridor and admire the marble boat floating on Kunming Lake, your guide will explain the symbolism in the architecture and share behind-the-scenes stories about the lavish lives once lived here. You'll feel transported into a scroll painting, where art, nature, and history intertwine.

In the afternoon, you’ll visit the Temple of Heaven, a sacred site used by emperors to pray for good harvests and divine guidance. The striking Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, with its intricate blue tiles and perfectly balanced structure, stands as a symbol of harmony between heaven and earth. Your guide will point out design details aligned with ancient cosmological beliefs, like the Circular Mound Altar and Echo Wall. This serene park-like complex, lined with ancient cypress trees, invites you to slow down and reflect on the spiritual depth of Chinese culture—something that’s easy to miss without a knowledgeable local by your side.

After a full day immersed in Beijing’s rich imperial and spiritual heritage, you’ll be driven back to your hotel in comfort. Your guide will be available to answer any questions, recommend authentic local dining spots, or help you plan how to spend your evening. From start to finish, our focus is to ensure your experience feels smooth, insightful, and meaningful—just like a local discovering their city’s best-kept stories.

Day3 Beijing-Xian

After breakfast, you’ll head out to explore the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, a less crowded and beautifully preserved stretch that offers a more authentic experience. Spanning about 2.5 kilometers, this section features 22 watchtowers, each with its own unique history and architectural details. As you walk along the Wall, your guide will share fascinating stories about its strategic significance and construction techniques used over centuries. The surrounding valleys offer breathtaking views, especially in quieter late afternoon hours or on misty days, where the serene atmosphere makes it feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Our guide ensures you move at a comfortable pace, pointing out hidden details and helping you capture those perfect photos. This experience lets you truly connect with one of China’s most iconic monuments, far from the usual tourist crowds.

After your visit, you’ll be transferred to Beijing train station for your high-speed train to Xi’an. Upon arrival, our local guide will greet you right at the train station exit with a clear "China Private Tour" sign, ready to welcome you and handle all the logistics smoothly. This personalized service means you won’t have to worry about navigation or transport, allowing you to relax as you are driven to your hotel in Xi’an. Our professional guides are here not just to show you places but to help you experience the local culture and history in depth—traveling like a local from the moment you arrive.

Day4 Xian

Your day begins with a journey into one of China’s greatest archaeological wonders: the Terracotta Warriors. Discovered by local farmers in 1974, this underground army was created over 2,000 years ago to guard Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife. Spread across three vast pits, more than 8,000 individually crafted soldiers, horses, and chariots reveal astonishing craftsmanship and military sophistication. As your expert guide walks you through the site, they’ll help you distinguish the different ranks and roles of the warriors, share the fascinating excavation stories, and explain the emperor's ambitious vision for immortality. With insider insights, you’ll truly connect with the grandeur of ancient China.

In the afternoon, your tour continues to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, an elegant structure that has stood the test of time for over 1,300 years. Built during the Tang Dynasty to store Buddhist scriptures brought from India by the monk Xuanzang, this seven-story brick pagoda holds profound historical and spiritual meaning. As you climb its steps or walk around the tranquil temple grounds, your guide will share stories about Xuanzang’s journey along the Silk Road and the pagoda’s changing architectural form through centuries of history. It's more than a monument—it’s a portal to China’s religious and cultural heart.

As the sun sets, your evening will unfold at the Tang Dynasty Palace with a lavish Dumpling Banquet—a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Each dumpling is crafted in unique shapes and flavors, reflecting regional tastes and symbolic meanings. Your guide will help you navigate this culinary experience by introducing the ingredients and customs behind each variety. After dinner, the Tang Dynasty Show begins. This dazzling performance brings the Tang era’s court life to the stage with vibrant costumes, traditional instruments, and graceful choreography. It’s a journey back in time through music and dance, set in one of China’s premier cultural venues.

Following the performance, you'll be comfortably driven back to your hotel. Your guide remains on hand to assist with any requests, from sharing local tips for your next day's plans to helping you better understand what you’ve seen. With thoughtful pacing, deep storytelling, and seamless service, we aim to make you feel not just like a visitor—but like a local uncovering the spirit of Xi’an.

Day5 Xian

Your day begins with a walk along the impressive Xi’an Ancient City Wall, one of the best-preserved city walls in China. Originally constructed during the Tang Dynasty and later expanded in the Ming era, the wall stretches over 13 kilometers in a rectangular shape and encloses the heart of old Xi’an. Standing atop the wall, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the old and new city blending together. Our guide will walk with you, pointing out the different watchtowers, battlements, and historical gates, while sharing how the wall once served as a powerful defensive system. If you’re feeling adventurous, cycling along the top of the wall is an optional activity.

Next, you’ll dive into the vibrant atmosphere of the Muslim Quarter, a lively neighborhood where cultures collide through food and tradition. Here, narrow alleys are lined with stalls and shops offering local Muslim delicacies, from crispy beef pies to sweet rice cakes. Our guide will help you navigate the busy food scene, recommending the most authentic snacks and sharing stories of the Hui community who’ve called this area home for centuries. Beyond just a food street, this is a cultural crossroads reflecting Xi’an’s role as the Silk Road’s eastern terminus.

In the afternoon, you’ll visit the Shaanxi History Museum, widely regarded as one of China’s top cultural institutions. This museum houses over 370,000 items, including ancient bronze ware, ceramics, murals from Tang tombs, and treasures from the Zhou, Qin, Han, and Tang dynasties. As you explore the exhibits, your guide will highlight the most significant artifacts and their historical context, helping you trace the rise and fall of empires that once thrived in this region. The museum's layout brings Chinese history to life, making it accessible and compelling for visitors of all ages.

After a day rich in history and cultural discovery, you’ll be driven back to your hotel in comfort. Along the way, your guide will be happy to answer questions, recommend places to explore in the evening, or help you reflect on the day’s highlights. With each step of the journey, we aim to give you more than sightseeing—we help you experience the depth and rhythm of local life in Xi’an.

Day6 Xian-Shanghai

After breakfast, your guide will take you to explore one of Xi’an’s most iconic landmarks—the Bell Tower. Standing proudly in the heart of the city, this elegant wooden structure dates back to 1384 during the Ming Dynasty and was used to announce the time and signal important events. The Bell Tower is beautifully preserved and richly decorated with traditional upturned eaves and intricate carvings. Inside, you’ll see the massive bronze bell that once rang out at dawn. As your guide walks you through its history, you’ll gain insight into the symbolic role of bell towers across ancient Chinese cities and how they shaped daily life in imperial times.

After lunch, your journey continues with a transfer to Xi’an Railway Station, where your guide will help you board your high-speed train to Shanghai. Traveling by high-speed rail offers a smooth and efficient way to experience China’s modern infrastructure. Upon arrival in Shanghai, one of our friendly local guides will be waiting at the station exit, holding a clear “Your Way Holiday” sign. From there, you’ll be comfortably transferred to your hotel, with your guide offering a brief orientation about Shanghai and answering any initial questions to help you settle in like a local.

Day7 Shanghai

Start your day at the enchanting Yuyuan Garden, a masterpiece of classical Chinese landscaping nestled in the heart of Shanghai’s old town. Originally built in the Ming Dynasty by the Pan family, this private garden was once the most distinguished of its time in Shanghai. Your guide will lead you through its winding paths, pointing out symbolic rockeries, peaceful koi ponds, intricately designed pavilions, and the iconic zigzag bridge. As you explore, they’ll share stories of the garden’s history and design philosophy, helping you understand how it reflects harmony between nature and architecture—just like a local would experience it.

Next, dive into the spiritual side of Shanghai at the Jade Buddha Temple. This active temple is home to two remarkable jade Buddha statues brought from Burma in the late 19th century. The sitting Buddha, carved from pure white jade, exudes serenity, while the reclining Buddha represents Buddha’s peaceful passing into nirvana. Your guide will explain the temple’s customs and architecture, offering insights into Buddhist traditions and the meaning behind temple rituals, incense offerings, and daily practices still observed by local worshippers today.

After lunch, stroll through the leafy lanes of the Old French Concession. Known for its European charm, this former colonial district offers a slower, more graceful pace of life in Shanghai. Tudor-style mansions, hidden courtyards, boutique shops, and sidewalk cafes line the tree-shaded avenues. As you walk, your guide will point out historic landmarks and share tales of Shanghai’s foreign concession era, helping you feel the blend of East and West that defines this area. It’s a perfect place to experience Shanghai’s everyday rhythm—just like the locals do.

Wrap up your day with a visit to The Bund, Shanghai’s most iconic waterfront. Facing the modern skyline of Pudong, The Bund is a time capsule of colonial architecture from the 1800s. Your guide will walk you along the promenade, highlighting the contrast between neoclassical buildings on one side and futuristic skyscrapers like the Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Tower on the other. In the evening, board a Huangpu River night cruise. Watch as the city lights shimmer on the water, with your guide offering commentary on the landmarks and stories that bring Shanghai’s history to life.

After the cruise, your guide will be waiting at the dock to greet you and escort you back to your hotel in comfort. As you relax in the vehicle, take in the final glimpses of Shanghai’s glittering skyline—an unforgettable view that beautifully wraps up a day of exploration. Along the way, your guide is happy to share local stories, answer any questions about what you saw during the day, or offer personalized tips for your time in the city. Whether it’s recommending a hidden café, explaining how locals spend their evenings, or helping you understand Shanghai’s modern transformation, the conversation adds an authentic, thoughtful touch to your journey. By the time you arrive at your hotel, you’ll feel not just like a visitor who saw Shanghai—but like someone who began to truly understand it.

Day8 Shanghai

After breakfast, your guide will accompany you on a one-hour drive to the enchanting Zhujiajiao Water Town, often called the "Venice of Shanghai." With over 1,700 years of history, Zhujiajiao is the most well-preserved of the six ancient water towns surrounding the city. As you arrive, your guide will share fascinating stories about its origins during the Yuan Dynasty and how this riverside town became a thriving trading hub during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Walk along cobbled lanes and arched stone bridges like the iconic Fangsheng Bridge, explore old courtyard homes, and peek into local life that continues at a relaxed pace, untouched by the bustle of modern Shanghai.

During your visit, you'll enjoy a traditional wooden boat ride down the peaceful canals. As you glide past whitewashed homes, hanging red lanterns, and quiet tea houses, your guide will point out unique architectural features and share local legends tied to the waterways. It’s a perfect moment to slow down and immerse yourself in the subtle beauty of Jiangnan-style life. Be sure to have your camera ready—Zhujiajiao’s scenes are postcard-perfect, especially with reflections dancing on the water’s surface.

Afterward, you’ll have free time to explore the town at your own pace. Your guide can suggest local snacks to try or hidden alleys to wander through, ensuring you experience the charm beyond the usual tourist routes. When you’re ready, your driver will meet you for a relaxed return to your hotel in Shanghai. It’s the kind of quiet, authentic experience that lets you feel like you’ve stepped into a living story—and not just another attraction.

Day9 Shanghai-Canada

After breakfast, your day begins with a visit to one of Shanghai’s most iconic landmarks—the Oriental Pearl Tower. Standing at 468 meters, this striking structure dominates the city skyline and offers more than just impressive architecture. Your guide will take you through its fascinating features, including the panoramic observation decks where you can take in sweeping views of the Bund, Huangpu River, and futuristic Pudong skyline. Don’t miss the thrilling glass-floor skywalk or the immersive Shanghai History Museum at the tower’s base, which your guide will help you navigate to understand how the city evolved from a fishing village to a global metropolis. It's a true symbol of Shanghai's modern identity.

After breakfast, your day begins with a visit to one of Shanghai’s most iconic landmarks—the Oriental Pearl Tower. Standing at 468 meters, this striking structure dominates the city skyline and offers more than just impressive architecture. Your guide will take you through its fascinating features, including the panoramic observation decks where you can take in sweeping views of the Bund, Huangpu River, and futuristic Pudong skyline. Don’t miss the thrilling glass-floor skywalk or the immersive Shanghai History Museum at the tower’s base, which your guide will help you navigate to understand how the city evolved from a fishing village to a global metropolis. It's a true symbol of Shanghai's modern identity.

Price Per Person in US Dollars

Price Includes 1. Cozy Ride: Enjoy the comfort and spaciousness of our air-conditioned car, offering scenic views. 2. Bilingual Expert Guide: Benefit from a personalized experience with a guide fluent in your language, catering to your needs. 3. Entrance Fees: Access all attractions and activities mentioned in the itinerary without worrying about additional entrance fees. 4. Seamless Transfer: Enhance your experience with convenient hotel or train station pickup and drop-off service. 5. Connect Seamlessly: Stay connected with complimentary onboard WiFi, allowing you to share your experiences in real-time. 6. City-to-City Train Tickets: Include the cost of train or flight tickets between the cities listed in the itinerary, ensuring a smooth and efficient travel experience. 7. Selected Hotels and Daily Breakfast: Experience a comfortable stay in handpicked hotels, each chosen for its quality and amenities. Enjoy a daily breakfast at the hotel, starting your day on a delicious note. 8. Complimentary Water: Receive a complimentary bottle of water for each person, keeping you refreshed throughout your journey. 9. Travel Agency Liability Insurance: Benefit from coverage under our travel agency liability insurance, providing added protection and peace of mind during your trip.

Price Excludes 1. Personal Expenses: This includes phone bills, laundry, additional tours, postage, and any entertainment fees not covered in the itinerary. 2. Meals: While meals are not included, our guide will recommend the best local food spots, giving you the chance to explore and choose based on your preferences. (Average cost per person for a regular meal at local eateries: 40RMB/6USD-80RMB/12USD) 3. Tips: Tips are not mandatory but are recommended for excellent service. If you feel satisfied with the service, you may consider leaving a tip. 4. Insurance: Insurance coverage for personal loss, illness, or damages incurred during your trip is not included. 5. Optional Activities: Any optional activities listed in the itinerary are not included in the tour fees, allowing you to choose and participate based on your preferences.