Xian & Shanghai Extension
Experience the perfect blend of ancient history and modern innovation on this compact journey through Xian and Shanghai. Travel by high-speed and overnight trains, explore world-famous landmarks such as the Terracotta Army, wander classical gardens and futuristic skylines, and immerse yourself in traditional culture with a Tang Dynasty performance. This itinerary offers a rich and varied glimpse into China’s past and present, ideal for travellers seeking a concise yet meaningful cultural adventure.
Day 1: Beijing - Xian
Departure to Xian. Xian city tour
Take the morning high-speed bullet train from Beijing to Xian, travelling comfortably across the Chinese countryside. Upon arrival, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel for check-in. Afterwards, begin an introductory city tour of Xian, once the starting point of the ancient Silk Road. Depending on time, you may visit sites such as the ancient City Wall (one of the best preserved in China), the lively Muslim Quarter, or the Bell and Drum Towers area. In the evening, enjoy a Tang Dynasty Singing and Dancing Show, featuring elaborate costumes, traditional music and classical choreography, accompanied by a delicious dinner.
Overnight in Xian. Meals: dinner.
Day 2: Xian
Terracotta Army. Departure to Shanghai
After breakfast, visit one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th century – the Terracotta Army. Explore the vast excavated pits containing thousands of life-sized warriors, horses and chariots built to guard the tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Learn about the history, craftsmanship, and restoration process of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Afterwards, return to the city for some free time or optional sightseeing before your driver transfers you to Xian Railway Station. Board the overnight sleeper train to Shanghai, an authentic travel experience offering private berths and the chance to see China from a different perspective.
Overnight on the train. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 3: Shanghai
Arrival in Shanghai. Shanghai city tour
Arrive in Shanghai, China’s most dynamic and futuristic metropolis. Meet your guide at the station and begin a city tour. Start at the Shanghai Museum, renowned for its superb collections of ancient bronzes, ceramics, calligraphy and traditional Chinese furniture. Continue to People’s Square, the political and cultural heart of modern Shanghai. Later, stroll along the Bund, the city’s iconic waterfront promenade lined with historic colonial-era buildings that face the dramatic skyline of Pudong and its towering skyscrapers.
Overnight in Shanghai. Meals: lunch, dinner.
Day 4: Shanghai
Explore Shanghai
Begin today in Old Shanghai with a visit to a classical Chinese garden, such as the Yu Garden, known for its elegant pavilions, ponds and traditional Ming-style architecture. Explore the surrounding bazaar area with its handicraft shops and tea houses. Later, fast-forward to modern Shanghai with a visit to the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks offering spectacular panoramic views from its observation decks. Conclude your sightseeing with a walk along Nanjing Road, Shanghai’s most famous shopping street filled with boutiques, cafés and neon lights.
Overnight in Shanghai. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 5: Shanghai
Departure
Your tour concludes after breakfast. Your driver will meet you in the hotel lobby and transfer you to Shanghai Airport in time for your flight home or onward travel.
Tour Schedule
Day 1: Beijing - Xian
Departure to Xian. Xian city tour
Take the morning high-speed bullet train from Beijing to Xian, travelling comfortably across the Chinese countryside. Upon arrival, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel for check-in. Afterwards, begin an introductory city tour of Xian, once the starting point of the ancient Silk Road. Depending on time, you may visit sites such as the ancient City Wall (one of the best preserved in China), the lively Muslim Quarter, or the Bell and Drum Towers area. In the evening, enjoy a Tang Dynasty Singing and Dancing Show, featuring elaborate costumes, traditional music and classical choreography, accompanied by a delicious dinner.
Overnight in Xian. Meals: dinner.
Day 2: Xian
Terracotta Army. Departure to Shanghai
After breakfast, visit one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th century – the Terracotta Army. Explore the vast excavated pits containing thousands of life-sized warriors, horses and chariots built to guard the tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Learn about the history, craftsmanship, and restoration process of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Afterwards, return to the city for some free time or optional sightseeing before your driver transfers you to Xian Railway Station. Board the overnight sleeper train to Shanghai, an authentic travel experience offering private berths and the chance to see China from a different perspective.
Overnight on the train. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 3: Shanghai
Arrival in Shanghai. Shanghai city tour
Arrive in Shanghai, China’s most dynamic and futuristic metropolis. Meet your guide at the station and begin a city tour. Start at the Shanghai Museum, renowned for its superb collections of ancient bronzes, ceramics, calligraphy and traditional Chinese furniture. Continue to People’s Square, the political and cultural heart of modern Shanghai. Later, stroll along the Bund, the city’s iconic waterfront promenade lined with historic colonial-era buildings that face the dramatic skyline of Pudong and its towering skyscrapers.
Overnight in Shanghai. Meals: lunch, dinner.
Day 4: Shanghai
Explore Shanghai
Begin today in Old Shanghai with a visit to a classical Chinese garden, such as the Yu Garden, known for its elegant pavilions, ponds and traditional Ming-style architecture. Explore the surrounding bazaar area with its handicraft shops and tea houses. Later, fast-forward to modern Shanghai with a visit to the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks offering spectacular panoramic views from its observation decks. Conclude your sightseeing with a walk along Nanjing Road, Shanghai’s most famous shopping street filled with boutiques, cafés and neon lights.
Overnight in Shanghai. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 5: Shanghai
Departure
Your tour concludes after breakfast. Your driver will meet you in the hotel lobby and transfer you to Shanghai Airport in time for your flight home or onward travel.
Included
- Accommodation 4*
- English speaking tour guide
- Private car
- Entrance tickets as per itinerary
- Tang Dynasty Singing and Dancing Show
- Train tickets 2nd class: bullet train Beijing - Xian, 4-berth compartments Xian-Shanghai
- Meals as per the programme
Not included
- 1st class overnight train upgrade - £125 per person
- Excursions and meals not listed in the itinerary
- Tips