10-Day Beyond the Golden Triangle with Shanxi
Tour Highlights – Explore China’s Ancient Capitals
- 🚩 Discover China’s Golden Triangle: Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai — enriched with a unique stop in Pingyao Ancient City.
- 🚩 Visit world-renowned landmarks: the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Terracotta Warriors, Summer Palace, and Bund.
- 🚩 Walk through 3,000 years of history in Pingyao, a UNESCO site with Ming & Qing dynasty architecture and courtyards.
- 🚩 Marvel at lifelike painted sculptures in Shuanglin Temple and experience the grandeur of the Wang Family Compound.
- 🚩 Enjoy immersive experiences: hutong family visits, Shanxi noodle-making, and Xi’an Muslim Quarter foodie adventures.
- 🚩 Witness Shanghai’s transformation from fishing village to global metropolis — skyline cruises, skyscraper ascents, and heritage walks.
Suggested Itinerary at a Glance
| Days & Destination | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Days 1–3 · Beijing | Forbidden City private tour, Great Wall at Mutianyu, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Beijing hutong rickshaw & local family visit |
| Days 4–6 · Pingyao | Pingyao Ancient City walking tour, Shuanglin Temple painted sculptures, Wang’s Family Compound, local noodle-making experience |
| Days 7–8 · Xi’an | Terracotta Warriors discovery, Muslim Quarter food street tour, Ancient City Wall cycling, Big Goose Pagoda cultural visit |
| Days 9–10 · Shanghai | The Bund heritage walk, Yu Garden classic Chinese garden, Shanghai Tower observation deck, Huangpu River Cruise, skyscraper skyline tour |
Tour “Wow” Points
Marvel at Stunning Painted Sculptures (Shuanglin Temple)
Over 2,000 beautifully preserved painted clay sculptures dating from the 12th–19th centuries, featured in Black Myth: Wukong.
Step into Qing Dynasty Splendor (Wang Family Compound)
A sprawling courtyard complex reflecting the prosperity and artistry of Shanxi’s elite families.
Uncover the Forbidden City’s Secrets
Wander through 12 curated sites inside the palace with expert commentary on imperial rituals, architecture, and stories of powerful emperors.
Great Wall at Mutianyu — Fewer Crowds, Better Views
Take a round-trip cable car to the 14th watchtower and enjoy sweeping vistas of green valleys and rugged mountains.
Live the Hutong Life
Visit a local Beijing family, try cultural activities (calligraphy or paper cutting), and ascend the Bell Tower for panoramic views.
Foodie Adventure in Xi’an
Taste Rou Jia Mo, biangbiang noodles, Yangrou Paomo, and more along the vibrant Muslim Quarter — a paradise for food lovers.
Terracotta Warriors Immersion
See the life-sized army, learn the legends of Qin Shi Huang, and craft your own miniature terracotta replica.
Shanghai’s Skyline Evolution
Stroll the Bund, ascend the Shanghai Tower, cruise the Huangpu River, and contrast Shanghai’s colonial past with its futuristic skyline.
Suggested Itinerary (Full Version)
Day 1 | Beijing Arrival – Airport Transfer
Your private Beijing tour begins as your local guide, driver, and car greet you at the airport. Assistance with luggage and hotel transfer included. The rest of the day is free for you to explore nearby attractions and prepare for your China adventure.
Day 2 | Beijing City Highlights – Forbidden City & Hutongs
Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner
Discover the Forbidden City with an in-depth private tour of 12 handpicked sites. Learn about imperial architecture, history, feng shui, and the lives of industrious emperors. Continue with a Beijing hutong walking tour, visiting a local family’s home and ascending the Bell Tower for city views.
(Optional Cultural Activity) Choose from Chinese calligraphy or traditional paper cutting to enrich your Beijing cultural experience.
End the day with a classic Beijing food experience — savoring crispy and juicy Peking duck.
Day 3 | Beijing Tour – Temple of Heaven & Great Wall (Mutianyu Section)
Breakfast & Lunch
Morning visit to the Temple of Heaven, a UNESCO heritage Taoist complex where emperors once prayed for harvests. Witness locals practicing tai chi and singing.
Travel to the Mutianyu Great Wall, one of the best-preserved sections. Enjoy a cable car ride to the 14th watchtower and breathtaking Great Wall views across valleys and mountains.
Day 4 | Beijing to Pingyao – Summer Palace & High-Speed Train
Breakfast & Lunch
Before departing Beijing, stroll through the Summer Palace, an imperial retreat known for lakeside pavilions and landscaped gardens.
After lunch, transfer to the station for a high-speed train journey to Pingyao, arriving in about 3.5 hours. Begin your Pingyao Ancient City exploration.
Day 5 | Pingyao Ancient City Walking Tour
Breakfast & Lunch
Explore one of China’s best-preserved ancient cities, Pingyao, with over 2,700 years of history. Visit the massive city walls, the historic Rishengchang Draft Bank (China’s earliest bank), and immerse yourself in the authentic charm of Ming & Qing architecture.
Join a hands-on cooking class to make Shanxi-style noodles, a highlight of Pingyao food culture.
Day 6 | Pingyao to Xi’an – Shuanglin Temple & High-Speed Train
Breakfast & Lunch
Morning visit to Shuanglin Temple, renowned for its 2,000 painted clay sculptures that feature vibrant colors and lifelike forms. This temple has gained fame through the popular game Black Myth: Wukong.
Transfer to the station for a high-speed train to Xi’an, arriving in the evening.
Day 7 | Xi’an Tour – Terracotta Warriors & Muslim Quarter Food Adventure
Breakfast & Lunch
Visit the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, one of the world’s greatest archaeological discoveries. Learn stories of Emperor Qin Shi Huang and try your hand at creating a miniature clay warrior in a local workshop.
Later, embark on a Xi’an Muslim Quarter food street tour, tasting Rou Jia Mo, biangbiang noodles, Yangrou Paomo, and other famous Xi’an dishes.
Day 8 | Xi’an to Shanghai – Big Goose Pagoda & Ancient City Wall
Breakfast & Lunch
Morning visit to the Big Goose Pagoda, a 7th-century Buddhist landmark offering panoramic city views. Then enjoy a leisure cycling experience atop Xi’an’s Ancient City Wall.
Fly to Shanghai in the afternoon with private airport transfer included.
Day 9 | Shanghai City Tour – Skyline, Bund & Yu Garden
Breakfast & Lunch
Begin with a Shanghai Tower observation deck visit, one of the world’s tallest skyscrapers. Enjoy coffee with panoramic views before a Huangpu River Cruise to see the contrast of old and new Shanghai.
Walk along the Bund, admiring colonial-era architecture, then explore Yu Garden, a classical Chinese garden with rockeries and halls. Optional fine dining or Michelin-recommended food experience in Shanghai.
Day 10 | Shanghai Departure
Breakfast
Free time for last-minute sightseeing or shopping. Your guide and driver will escort you to the airport for your onward flight. End of your 10-day Beijing–Pingyao–Xi’an–Shanghai private China tour.
Trip Notes
- Customization: The itinerary can be adjusted to your pace, interests, and travel dates.
- Accommodation: Boutique hotels are recommended to enrich your travel experience.
- Travel Assistance: 24/7 helpline available during your trip.
- Transportation: Private air-conditioned vehicle, high-speed trains, and domestic flights included.
Why Choose This Tour
- Combines classic Golden Triangle highlights with the rare gem of Pingyao, a true journey off the beaten path.
- Expert local guides who enrich each site with cultural, historical, and personal stories.
- Immersive hands-on activities — from noodle-making to hutong traditions and terracotta crafting.
- Flexible, customizable private tour tailored to your preferences.
- Highly rated by travelers worldwide, with excellent reviews on TripAdvisor.
Includes:
- Private air-conditioned business car with large windows and ample space
- English-speaking local guides
- Activities, hotels, and meals listed in the itinerary
- Domestic flights/trains between cities
- 24/7 helpline during travel
💰 From US $2,299 p/p
(Based on a private tour including 4-star hotels for 2 people. Final price varies depending on season, group size, and hotel category.)The more people, the bigger the discount — up to 40% off.
