China Private Journeys

Private journey

Beijing, Xi’an & Shanghai: A 12-Day Private Journey

A private, flexible route through China’s imperial capital, the home of the Terracotta Army and the modern Yangtze delta — planned around your dates, pace and interests, then quoted by a person.

Duration
12 days, 11 nights
Route
Beijing → Xi'an → Shanghai
Pace
Moderate. Most days have one main visit or a transfer, with the rest of the day free. The route can be slowed down or tightened.

Day by day

  1. Day 1 · Beijing

    Arrive in Beijing

    Land at Beijing Capital or Daxing airport and meet your driver for a private transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours.

  2. Day 2 · Beijing

    The Forbidden City

    Walk through the imperial palace with a private guide, entering at the south gate and following the central axis at an unhurried pace.

  3. Day 3 · Beijing

    The Great Wall at Mutianyu

    A private vehicle takes you to the Mutianyu section, where you can walk the restored wall and take the cable car up or down.

  4. Day 4 · Beijing

    Temple of Heaven and a hutong afternoon

    Visit the Temple of Heaven in the morning, then slow down in a traditional hutong neighbourhood with time for tea or a local lunch.

  5. Day 5 · Xi'an

    Beijing to Xi’an by high-speed train

    A morning train takes about four to six hours. Your Xi’an guide meets you at the station and the evening is free.

  6. Day 6 · Xi'an

    The Terracotta Army

    Spend the morning at the Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum Site Museum with a guide who can explain the excavation pits and the figures’ history.

  7. Day 7 · Xi'an

    Xi’an City Wall and the old city

    Walk or cycle a stretch of the Ming city wall, then explore the streets inside it at your own pace.

  8. Day 8 · Shanghai

    Xi’an to Shanghai by high-speed train

    The direct train takes roughly six to nine and a half hours. A private transfer meets you at Shanghai Hongqiao and takes you to your hotel.

  9. Day 9 · Shanghai

    The Bund and Yu Garden

    See the historic waterfront in the morning and the classical Yu Garden in the old city, with time to walk between them.

  10. Day 10 · Shanghai

    Shanghai Museum

    A guided visit to the Shanghai Museum’s collections, followed by a free afternoon for shopping or a walk along the river.

  11. Day 11 · Shanghai

    A day shaped around you

    Keep it open, add a day trip to Suzhou or Zhujiajiao, or spend the time on food, design or family activities. We adjust the plan with you.

  12. Day 12 · Shanghai

    Depart Shanghai

    A private transfer to Pudong or Hongqiao airport for your flight home.

Where you stay

Hotels are chosen with you after you enquire. Your quote names the exact property, room type and breakfast plan before anything is booked.

What’s included

  • Private English-speaking guide on guided days
  • Private vehicle and driver for transfers and guided days
  • High-speed train tickets between Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai (second class; upgrades on request)
  • Hotels with breakfast, selected with you before booking
  • Entrance tickets for the sites listed in the itinerary
  • Trip planning and a local contact while you travel

Not included

  • International flights
  • Visa fees and travel insurance
  • Meals and drinks not listed in the final itinerary
  • Personal spending and gratuities

Make it yours

  • Add Chengdu, Guilin, Huangshan or a Yangtze cruise
  • Change the hotel class or room type
  • Add another guide language, subject to availability
  • Slow the pace, add rest days or plan around accessibility needs
  • Travel as a couple, a family or a small private group

Who it suits

  • First-time visitors who want the classic route without a group
  • Couples and families who value private transport and a flexible pace
  • Travellers who want a human to plan the details and quote the trip

Price

This trip is quoted after we understand your dates, group and hotel preferences. Send an enquiry and a person will reply with a written plan and price.

Request a quote

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