The 8-day China Small Group Tour is an ideal way to begin your journey through China. In just one week, you’ll explore three of its most iconic cities: Shanghai, the world’s busiest port; Xi'an, one of the oldest cities on earth and the starting point of the Silk Road; and Beijing, the capital and home to the world’s largest palace complex, the Forbidden City. Traveling on fixed dates, you’ll be joined by fellow explorers eager to uncover the wonders of the Celestial Empire.
Your adventure begins in Shanghai, where ancient temples sit beside futuristic towers. Learn how this vibrant city grew into the East’s most influential trading hub over the past two centuries. Cross the Huangpu River to visit China’s tallest building and take a ride in the world’s fastest elevator. Next, you’ll head to Xi'an, a city with over 3,000 years of history that once served as the capital of China and the most populous city on the planet. Here, you’ll visit one of the country’s most iconic landmarks – the Terracotta Army Museum.
The final leg of your journey brings you to Beijing, where you’ll spend three days exploring China’s past and present. From the quiet alleyways of Hutong neighborhoods to the sweeping expanse of Tiananmen Square, Beijing offers an unforgettable window into the soul of the nation.
Check out the detailed itinerary, departure dates, and pricing – and discover why our 8-day China Small Group Tour is the perfect way to experience a country where soaring skyscrapers and ancient monuments exist side by side.
Looking to extend your trip? We can offer Central Asia and Silk Road Group Tours.
Tour itinerary:
Upon your arrival in Shanghai, our guide and driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. We aim to give you a good first impression of China.
Check in time 14:00, if you arrive early today, we can suggest some tour for you to explore the city by yourself.
Check in time 14:00, if you arrive early today, we can suggest some tour for you to explore the city by yourself.
Today, first we will go to the Yu Garden, a classical garden initially built by an official to satisfy his parents over 400 years ago. The Dragon Wall, the Nine-Turning Bridge and a pavilion in the middle of the pond make up the highlights of this garden. After that we will walking in the Old Street for some free shopping time.
In the afternoon, walking along the Bund, you will learn about Shanghai's rise.
Be like a local as you hop on a public ferry among the crowds to cross the Huangpu River and slowly travel from old Shanghai to Shanghai's Pudong New Area. (if the ferry is not available due to weather, public holiday etc., we might change to our car to Pudong area).
Take the fastest elevator in the world and ascend the highest building in Shanghai – the Shanghai Tower. You can enjoy seeing the Oriental Pearl TV Tower below you and get a bird's-eye view of the entire city.
In the afternoon, walking along the Bund, you will learn about Shanghai's rise.
Be like a local as you hop on a public ferry among the crowds to cross the Huangpu River and slowly travel from old Shanghai to Shanghai's Pudong New Area. (if the ferry is not available due to weather, public holiday etc., we might change to our car to Pudong area).
Take the fastest elevator in the world and ascend the highest building in Shanghai – the Shanghai Tower. You can enjoy seeing the Oriental Pearl TV Tower below you and get a bird's-eye view of the entire city.
Transfer to Zhujiajiao Water Town, which is well-known throughout the country, with a history of more than 1,700 years. It is a little fan-shaped town, being regarded as Shanghai's Venice. Walk over the bridges and by the river, and relax in a rowing boat. This lovely town will make you forget that you are next to a big city.
After Zhujiajiao Water Town, your tour guide and driver will escort you to the airport for flight Shanghai-Xi'an.
Be met and transferred to hotel in Xi'an, overnight.
After Zhujiajiao Water Town, your tour guide and driver will escort you to the airport for flight Shanghai-Xi'an.
Be met and transferred to hotel in Xi'an, overnight.
In the morning, uncover the mysteries of an underground army that dates back to 206 BC at the Terracotta Army Museum. Return to the city area and visit the Muslim Quarter and wander through the alleys to taste the local Muslim cuisine. Discover more of Xi'an visit the Ancient City Wall, which has been guarding the inner city for 600 years. Walking along the wall provides a good view of the city.
We'll take you to the train station for fast train Xi'an/Beijing which is a good way to experience the technological development of China.
Your Beijing guide will meet you and escort you to start the visit in Beijing.
Be amazed by the imperial garden at the Summer Palace. It was originally the imperial court's summer retreat, and still makes a nice place to escape the heat of summer.
Your Beijing guide will meet you and escort you to start the visit in Beijing.
Be amazed by the imperial garden at the Summer Palace. It was originally the imperial court's summer retreat, and still makes a nice place to escape the heat of summer.
Start your day with the symbol of new China, the Tian'anmen Square. From there you will proceed to the Forbidden City (closed on Monday, will move to other day if this day is Monday), the largest and best-preserved ancient imperial palaces with 500 years of history.
Spend a relaxing afternoon in the hutong alleyways. Hutong is the name given to a narrow lane, alley, or small street between rows of single-storey Siheyuan dwelled by Beijingers in the past. During the visit in Hutong, you can take the rickshaws, and also visit the local family to talk with the locals to understand Hutong culture. Where there is such a lane, there is a story.
Enjoy the Beijing Roast Duck for dinner. Watch the exquisite cutting skills of the chef, taste crispy duck skin, and learn how to eat it in the correct way.
Spend a relaxing afternoon in the hutong alleyways. Hutong is the name given to a narrow lane, alley, or small street between rows of single-storey Siheyuan dwelled by Beijingers in the past. During the visit in Hutong, you can take the rickshaws, and also visit the local family to talk with the locals to understand Hutong culture. Where there is such a lane, there is a story.
Enjoy the Beijing Roast Duck for dinner. Watch the exquisite cutting skills of the chef, taste crispy duck skin, and learn how to eat it in the correct way.
Start your day from the Temple of Heaven, which was where emperors prayed to 'heaven' for a good harvest. You may arrive early to see the locals practicing martial arts and doing other activities that you may never see in your country.
In the afternoon, visit Mutianyu (we only include the entrance fee and leave you the choice for cable cars or cableway or slides for up and down), which is the section ranked top on TripAdvisor among all the Great Wall sections for its picturesque scenery and beautifully-restored architecture. It is about 2.5 hours' drive from downtown Beijing, but the view and experience make it well worth your time.
In the afternoon, visit Mutianyu (we only include the entrance fee and leave you the choice for cable cars or cableway or slides for up and down), which is the section ranked top on TripAdvisor among all the Great Wall sections for its picturesque scenery and beautifully-restored architecture. It is about 2.5 hours' drive from downtown Beijing, but the view and experience make it well worth your time.
Price includes:
- 7 nights 4* hotel accommodation based on twin share with breakfast with basic rooms;
- A/C nice coach for transfers (1-2 pax 5-seat car, 3-5 pax 7-seat car, 6-9 pax 17-seat van, 10+pax 33-seat bus);
- Skilled English-speaking guide;
- Entrance for the sites as listed in the program;
- Peking duck dinner as listed in the program;
- Fast trains with second-class seats: Xi'an/Beijing;
- Domestic flight with economy seats: Shanghai/Xi'an;
- 24*7 helpline while you are travelling.
Price doesn't include:
- International flights;
- Any other lunch or dinner;
- Tips to local guides and drivers (USD 3 per person per day for a guide and a driver);
- The others not mentioned above.
Dates & Prices, per person
2025
2026
Single supplement: US$ 395
100% guaranteed departures – even if there is only 1 traveler.
Group size: 1-16 persons
Please note that itinerary and prices are subject to change due to airline and train schedule changes, currency fluctuations and other unforeseeable events.
We strongly recommend NOT to purchase airline tickets for 2026 tours without discussing it with your travel consultant.
Accommodation
Holiday Inn Shanghai Jingan Hotel / Northen Hotel Shanghai / Metropark Jichen Hotel Shanghai
Tour Enquiry
China Small Group Tour Reviews
No tour reviews have been posted yet.