Touch down in China's capital, where tradition meets modern rhythm. Your guide will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. Settle in and get ready for a journey filled with stories, flavors, and timeless landmarks.

Stand at the symbolic center of China in Tiananmen Square before stepping through the towering red gates of the Forbidden City. Behind these ancient walls lies a world of imperial rituals, golden rooftops, and hidden courtyards. In the afternoon, retreat into the Hutongs, where a traditional teahouse tucked in a quiet alley offers a chance to sip jasmine tea and taste Beijing snacks while listening to stories of old Beijing life.

Begin the day where emperors once prayed for good harvests - the Temple of Heaven. Locals fill the park with morning dances and games beneath ancient cypress trees. Then journey into the mountains to walk the Great Wall at Mutianyu, where stone watchtowers wind across dramatic ridges. A countryside lunch at a local farmhouse brings simple northern flavors to your table.

After breakfast, board a high-speed train to Xi'an, watching the city fade into fields and hills as ancient China beckons in the west.

Upon arrival, your guide will meet you at the station and take you to the hotel for check-in. After a short rest, head to the Ancient City Wall - one of China's oldest and best-preserved. Stroll along its broad ramparts for sweeping views of Xi'an, where ancient rooftops meet modern high-rises. As you pass old watchtowers and battlements, imagine the soldiers who once stood guard here, protecting the city through the centuries.

Marvel at the silent army of the Terracotta Warriors - each face unique, each step echoing Qin Dynasty ambition. View the intricate bronze chariots before heading back to the old city.

Drive back to the city concert, move to the Muslim Quarter, and wander lantern-lit alleys and taste local specialties: hand-pulled biangbiang noodles, creamy old-style yogurt, and fresh pomegranate juice straight from the press.

Fly from the historic heartland to the vibrant coast. Upon arrival in Shanghai, your guide will assist with hotel transfer. The rest of the day is free for a leisurely walk or an evening snack by the river.

Start your day on the Bund, where grand colonial façades face off against Shanghai's sleek skyscrapers across the river. Then wander the leafy lanes of the former French Concession - quiet elegance lined with sycamore trees and Art Deco villas. Enjoy a leisurely dim sum lunch before exploring a local market in Tianzifang, where street snacks are tucked between creative studios and craft shops. End the day with a peaceful stroll through the tranquil Yuyuan Garden, followed by sweeping views of the city from the top of Shanghai Tower.

After breakfast, step into a bustling local market, where stalls brim with live seafood and fresh produce. Pick out your own ingredients in preparation for the cooking class to follow. Led by a local chef, the class teaches you how to craft delicate dim sum or stir-fry with precision - then sit down and savor the delicious meal you've created.

Later, explore the Shanghai Museum, one of China’s most prestigious cultural institutions, known for both its architecture - shaped like an ancient bronze vessel - and its unparalleled collection. From intricately cast bronzes to rare calligraphy scrolls and luminous jade artifacts, each gallery reveals the depth and refinement of Chinese civilization.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward flight. As you leave, carry with you not just souvenirs, but the tastes, textures, and tales of three unforgettable cities.