China History Tour with Shanxi Highlights

/5 935 Latest reviews

Tour Code: ODY-CN-028

Destination:Shanghai, Suzhou, Xi'an, Pingyao, Datong, Beijing

Duration

13 Days

Tour Type

Private & Bespoke

Tour Style

Classic

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About This Trip

Spend 13 days discovering historical sites in the Golden Triangle of Chinese tourism and their neighboring cities. Begin from Shanghai, through the Bund and Shanghai Museum to find historical clues of this metropolis. Before heading to Xi'an for the Terracotta Warriors, witness the classical garden of Suzhou and enjoy a boat tour of the ancient Grand Canal. Drop by Pingyao to visit the Wang Family Compound and Pingyao Ancient City, and then appreciate the impressive Hanging Temple and Yungang Grottoes in Datong when heading for Beijing to explore the Great Wall and Forbidden City.

Itinerary Summary

DAY PLACE HIGHLIGHTS
1 - 2 Shanghai The Bund, Shanghai Museum, Jade Buddha Temple, Shanghai Tower
3 Suzhou Lingering Garden, Grand Canal Boating, Old Town with Rickshaw
4 - 5 Xi'an Terracotta Warriors, Shadow Puppet Show, Muslim Quarter, Great Mosque
6 - 7 Pingyao Wang Family Compound, Pingyao Ancient City
8 Pingyao - Datong Nine Dragon Screen, Huayan Temple
9 Datong Yungang Grottoes, Hanging Temple
10 - 13 Beijing Great Wall, Forbidden City, Walking Tour in the Hutongs, Temple of Heaven
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Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrival, Shanghai

Landing in Shanghai, a bustling city that never sleeps, buzzing with energy day and night, your private guide will be waiting to greet you and accompany you to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore this dynamic city at your own pace.

Shanghai

Day 2: Shanghai, City Highlights Tour

Begin your exploration of Shanghai by visiting the Shanghai Museum, which houses an extensive collection of Chinese art and artifacts. Take a walk along the bustling Nanjing Road and the iconic Bund, a waterfront promenade along the Huangpu River showcasing a combination of colonial-era architecture and modern skyscrapers.

After that, find a peaceful sanctuary at the Jade Buddha Temple, which is nestled amidst the busy streets of the city. Finally, make your way to the skyscraper Shanghai Tower and enjoy a thrilling ride up to the observation deck to take in unparalleled views of Shanghai and its surroundings.

Optional: The fabulous acrobatics show is highly recommended for tonight which can bring you a memorable night.

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Shanghai

Day 3: Shanghai - Suzhou - Shanghai, Chinese Garden & Grand Canal

After breakfast, you will be driven to the nearby city of Suzhou from Shanghai. There, delve into the UNESCO-listed Lingering Garden, a peaceful sanctuary that embodies the essence of classical Chinese garden artistry.

Following this, ride on a rickshaw to experience the unique charm of the old town and take a 40-minute canal tour with the hand-rowed boat to find out why Suzhou is often referred to as the "Venice of the East". Before returning to Shanghai, spend some time exploring the Pingjiang Road Old Street.

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Shanghai

Day 4: Shanghai - Xi'an, Shadow Puppet Show

Your guide will accompany you to the airport for your morning flight to Xi'an. Upon your arrival, be met and transferred to your hotel in the city center. Then step out and have a stroll around the Xi'an Muslim Quarter to sample some local delicacies.

In the heart of the quarter lies the Great Mosque, an architectural gem combining traditional Chinese architecture with Islamic art and design elements. The tour today will culminate with a Shadow Puppet Show at Gao's Grand Courtyard.

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Xi'an

Day 5: Xi'an, Terracotta Warriors & Bronze Chariots

In the centuries-old former capital of Xi'an, one of the must-see highlights is the Terracotta Warriors and Bronze Chariots (also known as Terracotta Army), the army of clay statues built to protect the afterlife of Qin Shi Huang, China's first emperor. Look at the soldiers' faces, you will find they vary from one another, indicating their different characters and mental states.

After exploring the iconic Terracotta Army, you will be driven back downtown and enjoy some leisure time at the Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City, an immersive Tang-style city block that transports you back to the bygone era.

Optional: If you're interested, the famous Tang Dynasty Show is a good option as tonight's entertainment.

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Xi'an

Day 6: Xi'an - Pingyao, Wang Family Compound

This morning you will be transferred to the railway station to catch your bullet train to Pingyao. The journey will take about 3 hours, and once you arrive, you will be picked up and driven to your hotel.

Late in the afternoon, explore the massive Wang Family Compound, a labyrinthine family residential ancient complex with multifarious courtyards and connecting alleyways. Marvel at the luxurious architecture and listen to the stories of the affluent family from your dedicated guide.

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Pingyao

Day 7: Pingyao, Pingyao Ancient City

Most of the day is reserved to savor the old charm of Pingyao Ancient City: the well-preserved City Wall, the busy Ming and Qing Streets, and the first bank of China - Rishengchang Exchange Shop. Besides that, you can also spend some time roaming through the old small lanes for a glimpse of the earthly lives of local people. Afterward, head to the Shuanglin Temple which is famous for its ancient architecture and exquisite painted sculptures.

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Pingyao

Day 8: Pingyao - Datong, Nine Dragon Screen & Huayan Temple

The morning is free for you until you're escorted to the railway station for your bullet train to Datong. Once arrive in the city that is renowned for its deep historical roots, you will experience the ancient allure at the appealing Nine Dragon Screen and the Huayan Temple, which houses valued Buddha statues and paintings from the ancient Liao and Jin Dynasties.

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Datong

Day 9: Datong, Yungang Grottoes & Hanging Temple

Drive out of the downtown to admire Yungang Grottoes, an awe-inspiring complex of ancient Buddhist caves carved into rocky cliffs, each cave tells a story through its intricate carvings, depicting Buddhist legends, divine beings, and scenes of everyday life during ancient times.

Following that, appreciate the Hanging Temple - a 1,400-year-old wooden marvel built on stilts against the cliff. Stepping into the temple feels like entering a realm suspended between earth and sky, where the scent of incense mingles with the whispers of centuries-old prayers. Drive back to Datong for one more night's stay.

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Datong

Day 10: Datong - Beijing, Hutong Tour

The tour will head north towards Beijing. Board a high-speed train in the morning and arrive in China's capital city about 2 hours later. Warm greetings will come from your guide upon arrival, and a smooth transfer will take you to your hotel.

After refreshing yourself, have a stroll through the old Hutongs, including the Yandai Xie Street section, to discover the history of ancient Beijing and catch sight of local people's modern-day life.

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Beijing

Day 11: Beijing, City Highlights Tour

Your discovery today will commence from the iconic Tiananmen Square, which has been a witness to numerous significant events, including China's rise to power.

As you pass through Chang'an Avenue, you will enter the magnificent Forbidden City, renowned for its grand royal buildings, exquisite ornaments, and priceless treasures. Take your time to explore the palace complex and marvel at its beauty.

Spend the afternoon exploring the Temple of Heaven, an imperial sacrificial altar where emperors conducted worship ceremonies to pray for good weather and abundant harvests.

Optional: Tonight's option can be the thrilling Chinese Kung Fu Show which brings you the charm of this Chinese martial art.

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Beijing

Day 12: Beijing, Great Wall

No trip to Beijing would be complete without experiencing the awe-inspiring Great Wall of China. During this tour, you will visit the less-crowded Mutianyu section of the wall, known for its stunning views, and a round-trip cable car is included to ensure the best experience possible. The Great Wall, which is a symbolic attraction in China, was built on mountain ridges with bricks over 2,000 years ago using only manpower.

You may need some relaxation or step out seeking souvenirs before ending the China tour, so this afternoon is free for you.

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Beijing

Day 13: Beijing, Departure

Bid farewell to the charming city of Beijing. Check out and get ready to be transferred to the airport for your departure flight, either to go home or your next destination.

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What Our Clients Say

"Great Customized Service", "Trip of A Lifetime", "Exceed All Expectations"

Richee Family Adventures

05 Aug 2025

Second Honeymoon My wife and I celebrated our 20th anniversary by spending a few weeks touring around Asia. We loved how Odynovo worked with us to craft a tour of what we wanted to see and how we wanted to see it. This was our first time traveling with a private tour guide, and it was truly amazing. they took care of all transportation, tickets, and everywhere we went we had someone who not only spoke our language, but was also very well-versed in the places we were visiting. We saw Beijing and then took a bullet train to Xi'an. In both cities we had tour guides who had done this "a thousand times," and as a result knew all the tricks on where to take the best pictures, what lines to stand in, where to eat, and what not to waste your time seeing. At one point our guide pulled out ponchos from her backpack when it started to rain, while another helped us haggle for a good price on a new suitcase. We were surprised by how much we loved China, and it is safe to say that is because of the quality of service we got from Odynovo. Oh, and the hotels were great, too! In our first hotel my wife fell in love with her breakfast soup that she had to have every morning, while in Xi'an we were right around the corner from the Muslim Night Market and were able to get to it in less than 5 minutes of walking.We are already looking to see what tours we will be doing next through Odynovo, as the service was amazing, the quality was remarkable, and the cost was very worth it for what we received.
Shannon V

05 Aug 2025

Fabulous! We had a fabulous experience with our guide and Odynovo walking the Great Wall of China, and all other sites in Beijing. We loved our Peking duck dinner. It was fabulous. Thank you, Sammie/Jing for a great experience.
domotic d

05 Aug 2025

Beijing Beauty It started off with a friendly face at the airport, with Roy, our tour guide.The week has been such a pleasure and a treat. From adventures to The Great Wall, Temple of Heaven and the Forbidden City, to local markets, delicious Beijing food and roof top tea houses.Roy and our driver, Mr. Zhou, were prompt in picking us up and driving us around safely.The knowledge and fact about history and Beijing that Roy knows and explains is amazing and the fact he could answer my weird and inquisitive history questionsnwoth ease was a treat.He made it so easy to enjoy ourselves and absorb all that was around us, he even takes great photos too! 😊Polite, kind and thoughtful and ever patient in letting us take our time with things that interested us.I would highly recommend this tour and Roy again and again.
Zarah B

05 Aug 2025

Amazing travel experience My name is Zarah M. Babangida a Nigerian and i visited Beijing with my colleagues from the office. During our 5 day stay in Beijing, Ms. Eva Ma, was our Tour guide and from the minute we came through the Arrival Gate of the Airport, we were embraced by her alluring smile and warm welcome. She remained consistent with her warmth, a kind and intelligent professional who exuded unique passion not just for her job as a tour guide but, even more so as a proud Chinese woman. Her outstanding insight and knowledge of the sweet Chinese history and heritage left us in awe. I couldn't be more proud and thankful that she was assigned to our group and she made our stay exciting, fun-filled effortless and knowledge packed. I absolutely commend her dedication to work which she depicted throughout our stay. I recommend her to every visiting tourist because to know Eva, is to love her. If it were up to me, i will increase her bonuses or upgrade her salary as i am sure most tourists would want or revisit for her sake first and then perhaps other reasons.Thank you Eva and keep the passion up🙌.

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