WHERE
Beijing, Xi’an, Luoyang, Shanghai
Echoes of China
A 9-Day Journey Through 3,000 Years of History & Culture
Price
From 90 USD per person per day (minimum 2 travelers required)
For detailed price, please contact us.
How long
9 Days / 8 Nights
The Inspiration Behind the Journey
From imperial Beijing to the elegance of Jiangnan and modern Shanghai, this nine-day journey follows more than 3,000 years of Chinese civilization.
History provides the thread throughout the journey: from the ceremonial axis of the Forbidden City and the ancient cypress groves of the Temple of Heaven, to the armies of the Terracotta Warriors and the music, dance and Silk Road stories of Tang-era Chang’an.
Continue to Luoyang, where Shaolin’s Zen and martial arts tradition meets the Buddhist art of Longmen Grottoes, before arriving in Shanghai to discover a very different chapter of China—shikumen lanes, plane-tree streets and the modern skyline of the Huangpu River.
The aim is not simply to see the landmarks, but to understand the stories behind them.
Walk through the Forbidden City and explore imperial architecture and ritual. Stand before the Terracotta Warriors and trace the rise of the Qin Empire. Experience Tang culture through performance, cuisine and the legendary stories of Chang’an.
Across Beijing, Xi’an, Luoyang and Shanghai, architecture, art, food, performance and everyday life come together to tell a continuous story of China.
Journey Highlights
Perfect for：International travelers seeking an in-depth introduction to China’s history, culture, architecture and everyday life through a high-quality, immersive journey.
A Journey Through Chinese History
Trace thousands of years of Chinese civilization across Beijing, Xi’an, Luoyang and Shanghai.
History in Context
Explore the Forbidden City, Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors, Longmen Grottoes and Shaolin Temple through their historical, artistic and cultural stories.
Culture Beyond the Museum
Experience traditional performances, martial arts, Silk Road-inspired dining and regional culinary traditions.
Local Life & Regional Flavors
From Beijing hutongs and imperial cuisine to Xi’an specialties and Shanghai shikumen, discover how food and everyday life vary across China.
China Then and Now
Travel from ancient imperial capitals and traditional architecture to Shanghai’s modern skyline, seeing how China continues to evolve.
Itinerary at a Glance
Day / 01
Beijing · The Forbidden City
Arrive in Beijing and meet your private driver for the transfer to your hotel.
Enjoy a leisurely visit to part of the Summer Palace, with access through your hotel’s dedicated arrangement. Continue to Tiananmen Square, followed by an in-depth exploration of the central axis of the Forbidden City, uncovering its architectural order, imperial rituals and symbolism.
Climb to Wanchun Pavilion on Jingshan Hill for a panoramic view over the former imperial palace.
For lunch, enjoy refined imperial-style cuisine with a view of the Forbidden City. In the evening, settle into a private courtyard dinner blending Huaiyang and Beijing cuisine.
Meals: Breakfast (/); Lunch (imperial cuisine); Dinner (private courtyard dinner)
Stay: Five-star hotel in Beijing
Day / 02
Hutongs · Mutianyu Great Wall
Begin the morning with a walk through the traditional hutongs of Shichahai, experiencing a more intimate side of old Beijing.
In the afternoon, travel to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. Ride the cable car up, walk along the mountain ridge and take in the surrounding scenery. On the way down, enjoy the toboggan ride.
With extra time, an optional visit to the Ming Tombs Sacred Way can be added.
Lunch combines contemporary Western cuisine with seasonal mountain ingredients. In the evening, sample classic Beijing street-style specialties.
Meals: Breakfast (hotel); Lunch (Wa Chang Restaurant); Dinner (Beijing local specialties) Stay: Five-star hotel in Beijing
Day / 03
Temple of Heaven · Into Xi’an
Begin early among the ancient cypress trees of the Temple of Heaven with a private one-to-one Tai Chi lesson, creating a quieter connection with this historic imperial site.
Continue exploring the Temple of Heaven and learn about its ancient ceremonial traditions and architecture.
Lunch is served at Jing Zhaoyin, featuring refined vegetarian cuisine in a courtyard setting.
In the afternoon, board the high-speed train south to Xi’an. After arriving and checking in, enjoy a relaxed welcome dinner featuring flavors from northwest China.
Meals: Breakfast (hotel); Lunch (Jing Zhaoyin vegetarian cuisine); Dinner (Xi’an welcome dinner)
Stay: Five-star hotel in Xi’an
Day / 04
Terracotta Warriors · Tang-Era Romance
Visit the Terracotta Warriors Museum at a quieter time of day, with an in-depth introduction to the military formation and technology of the Qin Empire.
Continue with an immersive 5D experience transporting you into the world of Qin dynasty China.
In the afternoon, explore Huaqing Palace and its historic hot spring pools, associated with the romance and refinement of the Tang dynasty.
In the evening, enjoy a VIP seat for The Song of Everlasting Sorrow, an outdoor performance bringing one of China’s most famous love stories to life.
Important: The Empress of the Great Tang dinner show and The Song of Everlasting Sorrow are alternative options and cannot be experienced on the same day. VIP seats for The Song of Everlasting Sorrow should be reserved in advance during peak periods.
Meals: Breakfast (hotel); Lunch (Qin–Tang themed cuisine); Dinner (Tang-style Shaanxi cuisine)
Stay: Five-star hotel in Xi’an
Day / 05
Ancient City Walls · The Silk Road
Spend the morning exploring the Xi’an City Wall, with the choice to walk or cycle along the historic fortifications.
Continue through the old city around the Bell and Drum Towers and Sajinqiao, where local streets and food culture bring another side of Xi’an to life.
In the evening, experience the 360° live production The Legend of the Camel Bells, inspired by the Silk Road and its cultural exchanges.
Lunch features modern interpretations of Tang-style Shaanxi cuisine in a private dining setting.
Dinner continues the Silk Road theme, accompanied by Central Asian-inspired dance and immersive theatrical elements.
Meals: Breakfast (hotel); Lunch (modern Tang-style Shaanxi cuisine); Dinner (Silk Road-themed immersive dining)
Stay: Five-star hotel in Xi’an
Day / 06
Shaolin Kung Fu · The Origins of Zen
Take the high-speed train to Luoyang Longmen Station, then continue by private vehicle to Songshan in Dengfeng.
In the afternoon, join a Kung Fu experience with students from the Shaolin martial arts school, followed by an in-depth visit to Shaolin Temple and the Pagoda Forest, exploring the history of Zen Buddhism and its Shaolin tradition.
Please note: The Kung Fu experience is an interactive session with martial arts school students. Participation by Shaolin monks in commercial performances is not promised.
Lunch is a vegetarian meal at the Shaolin Temple. In the evening, choose between a Shaolin Kung Fu dinner show or a traditional Luoyang Water Banquet.
Meals: Breakfast (hotel); Lunch (Shaolin vegetarian meal); Dinner (Luoyang Water Banquet / optional Kung Fu dinner show)
Stay: Five-star hotel in Luoyang
Day / 07
Longmen Grottoes · Shanghai · The Bund
Explore the western section of Longmen Grottoes, with a specialist introduction to the evolution of its stone carvings and the spread of Buddhism into China.
Depending on your interests and time, continue to the eastern section and Xiangshan Temple.
Enjoy a selection of Luoyang’s traditional intangible cultural heritage snacks before taking the high-speed train to Shanghai.
After checking into your hotel, walk along the Bund and take in the illuminated skyline of Lujiazui.
End the day with a private dinner at The Peninsula Shanghai, overlooking the Bund and featuring refined Shanghainese cuisine.
Meals: Breakfast (hotel); Lunch (Luoyang heritage snacks); Dinner (private Bund-view dinner)
Stay:Five-star hotel in Shanghai, with Bund river views
Day / 08
Former French Concession · Shikumen Shanghai
Explore Wukang Road and Anfu Road in Shanghai’s former French Concession, walking beneath plane trees and past historic villas while discovering the city’s distinctive Haipai culture.
In the afternoon, visit Xintiandi, where restored shikumen architecture meets contemporary Shanghai.
For those interested in history, an optional visit to the former Jewish Refugee quarter in Hongkou can be added. Alternatively, enjoy a relaxed afternoon tea at Sinan Mansions.
Lunch features refined Shanghainese cuisine in Xintiandi. In the evening, enjoy a modern Shanghai-Western fusion dinner overlooking the Bund.
An optional Shanghai contemporary dinner show is also available.
Meals: Breakfast (hotel); Lunch (Shanghainese cuisine); Dinner (Shanghai-Western fusion cuisine)
Stay:Five-star hotel in Shanghai
Day / 09
Zhujiajiao Water Town · Farewell Dinner
Spend the day exploring Zhujiajiao Water Town, travelling through its waterways, crossing historic bridges and wandering through its old lanes.
Take time for afternoon tea and relaxed shopping while experiencing the quieter, more graceful side of Jiangnan life.
Return to central Shanghai in the afternoon for a farewell dinner bringing together flavors from across China.
An optional Jiangnan folk music dinner show can be added in the evening.
After dinner, your private transfer will take you to the airport for your onward journey.
Meals: Breakfast (hotel); Lunch (Zhujiajiao water-town cuisine); Dinner (farewell dinner)
Accommodation Portfolio
Beijing | Five-Star Hotel
Xi’an | Five-Star Hotel
Luoyang | Five-Star Hotel
Shanghai | Five-Star Hotel with Bund Views
Pricing & Details
[Pricing Note]
This is a high-end, customized itinerary. Quotes are flexible and tailored based on travel dates, group size, hotel tier, and selected experiences. Please consult our customer service for a detailed quote.
To proceed with booking, a $500 USD per person itinerary planning fee is required to secure your arrangements. This fee will be applied to your total trip cost and deducted from your final balance. Full payment is required 30 days prior to departure. If booking within 30 days of departure, immediate full payment may be required.
[Inclusions]
• Eight nights of high-end hotel accommodation
• All meals specifically marked as included in the itinerary
• Second-class high-speed rail tickets between Beijing, Xi’an, Luoyang and Shanghai
• Private vehicle and driver throughout the journey
• Airport and railway station transfers
• First-entry admission to the Forbidden City, Jingshan, Mutianyu Great Wall, Temple of Heaven, Terracotta Warriors, Huaqing Palace, Xi’an City Wall, Shaolin Temple and Longmen Grottoes
• VIP tickets for The Song of Everlasting Sorrow
• Tickets for The Legend of the Camel Bells 360° live performance
• Private one-to-one Tai Chi lesson at the Temple of Heaven
• Shaolin martial arts school interactive experience
• English-speaking guide throughout the journey
• In-depth English-language guiding at the included attractions
• Driver service fees and parking fees
[Exclusions]
• International round-trip flights
• Visa or transit-without-visa related services and documentation
• Personal expenses, including drinks, laundry and souvenirs
• Optional paid experiences, including the Ming Tombs Sacred Way, Peking Opera dinner, The Empress of the Great Tang dinner show, Shaolin Kung Fu dinner show, Hongkou Jewish Refugee quarter visit, Shanghai contemporary dinner show and Jiangnan folk music dinner show
• Personal expenses and local transportation within scenic areas not specifically listed
• Any other expenses not expressly included in the itinerary
Important Notes & Terms
Itinerary Flexibility: As a customized tour, activities can be flexibly adjusted based on arrival time, weather, and personal preferences. The guide reserves the right to adjust the sequence of the tour for an optimal experience without reducing the core attractions.
Check-out Policy: Hotel check-out time is before 12:00 PM. For late check-out, please consult the front desk directly. Luggage can be stored at the reception while you wait in the lobby; please keep valuables with you.
Advance Reservations: The Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and Terracotta Warriors require advance reservation. Please allow sufficient time for security checks. During peak periods, VIP seats for The Song of Everlasting Sorrow, The Empress of the Great Tang, The Legend of the Camel Bells and other dinner shows are limited and should be reserved as soon as the booking is confirmed.
High-Speed Rail:International visitors should use their passports when purchasing train tickets. Please arrive at the station at least 40 minutes before departure.
Physical Flexibility: The Mutianyu Great Wall, Ming Tombs Sacred Way and Hongkou historic district are optional and can be adjusted according to physical ability. At the Xi’an City Wall, guests may choose between cycling or walking.
Dining Preferences: Spicy and strongly flavored dishes can be adjusted or replaced according to guest preferences. Ingredients and spice levels can also be adapted for international visitors.
Shaolin Experience:The Shaolin Kung Fu experience is an interactive session with martial arts school students. Participation by Shaolin monks in commercial performances is not guaranteed.
Cancellation & Changes: If you are unable to travel for personal reasons, please notify us at least 30 days before departure. We will do our best to arrange a date change. If rescheduling is not possible, the remaining amount will be refunded after deducting any incurred hotel, ticket and train booking fees. No refund will be provided for no-shows on the day of departure or for leaving the journey early. Please refer to the Booking Terms for full details.
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