Footsteps Through China's Imperial Past
Tracing dynasties across ancient capitals
This classic route across China is a starting point, not a fixed script. It balances imperial history, natural wonders and the energy of its cities — and every part of it can be reshaped around you. Extend a stay, swap a city, slow a morning: your itinerary is built from your interests, pace and dates, and only confirmed when it fits.
The journey
Overview
What you'll remember
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The Terracotta Army
Pit 1 at opening time, then Xi'an's city wall by bicycle.
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Tianjin's concessions
The Five Avenues and the old banking quarter — a gentler, quieter capital pause.
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The Forbidden City
End to end, then the Temple of Heaven at morning-exercise hour.
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The Wall and the hutongs
Badaling on foot, and the lanes of Shichahai by rickshaw.
What it looks like
Route
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Shanghai
2 nightsThe Bund and the river, then the high-speed rail north.
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Xi'an
3 nightsThe Terracotta Army, the city wall by bike, the Muslim Quarter.
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Tianjin
2 nightsThe former concessions and the Five Avenues, a gentler capital pause.
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Beijing
4 nightsThe Forbidden City, the Great Wall, the Temple of Heaven and the hutongs.
In / Exclusions
Inclusions
- Costs for a private, air-conditioned business vehicle throughout the tour.
- Services of a private English-speaking tour guide.
- Hotels, entrance fees to scenic spots (first gate tickets), and meals as listed in the itinerary.
- Travel insurance coverage during the tour (details available on the Insurance Policy page).
- Inter-city flights or high-speed train travel.
- 24-hour customer service support during the trip.
- Service fees, covering tour planning, handling, operation, and communication costs.
Exclusions
- Chinese Visa fees.
- Round-trip ticket. (We offer Air Ticket Booking Service, if you need it, please let us know.)
- Personal expenses.
- Meals, transportation transfers, and tourist attraction fees not listed in the itinerary.
- Optional activities recommended at scenic spots or other commercial establishments.
- Luggage overweight charges.
- Optional activities provided by the driver or guide.
- Personal Accident Insurance during Travel.
What travellers say
Scroll ›We wanted the dynasties and got them — the Terracotta Army at opening time, then the quiet of Tianjin before Beijing. The pacing was right.
The Terracotta Army at opening time, before the coaches arrived, was worth the whole trip. Then a slow afternoon on Xi'an's wall.
Tianjin was the surprise — nobody goes there, and it was the quietest, nicest stop. The old banking streets are beautiful.
Our guide was a retired history teacher and it showed. The Forbidden City came alive instead of being a list of gates.
Travelling with two teenagers, we needed days that moved. The city-wall cycle in Xi'an and Badaling did the job.
Frequently asked questions
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More journeys to consider
Scroll ›A Westward Odyssey Across China, Over Three Weeks
From bustling coastal shores to the roof of the world
Stories Woven Into the Streets of Shanghai
An intimate journey through old lanes and modern skylines
Living Tales from the Mountain Villages of Southwest China
Encounter ethnic traditions preserved in Guizhou's highlands
Following the Flavour Stories Along China's Southern Shores
A slow culinary pilgrimage across coastal food cities
Brushstroke Landscapes of Jiangnan
Canal villages and cloud-wreathed mountain peaks
Tell us what you have in mind
Share your travel plans. A coordinator will craft a clear, no-obligation itinerary within 24 hours.