China Culture & Watertown Tour

Embarking on this journey feels like traveling through time. From the profound history of Xi'an, the ancient capital of thirteen dynasties, to the imperial grandeur of Beijing, the nation's capital, then to the gentle charm of Suzhou, the water town of Jiangnan, and finally arriving at the dazzling modernity of Shanghai—this ten-day itinerary offers a glimpse into the vast depth of Chinese civilization and the unique allure of its cities.

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  • Tour Code: CT-XBSS-10
  • Time: 10 Days
  • Cities: Xi'an,Beijing,Suzhou,Shanghai
  • Accommodation: 9 Nights (4 Star+ Hotel)

Included with every escorted tour

  • Professional English speaking guide.
  • Domestic flights/High-speed Train Fee.
  • Hotel with breakfast in the itinerary.
  • Entrance fees of all the attractions as listed.

Day 1: Xi'an Arrival

  • Arrive in Xi'an and transfer to the hotel

  • 4+ star hotels

  • None

 

Arriving in Xi'an, the ancient capital of 13 dynasties, we will arrange for you to stay in a hotel near the ancient city attractions, so that you can explore freely. Stroll under the ancient city wall and feel the weight of history; shuttle through the Muslim Street, taste authentic food, and experience the rich Muslim customs.

Day 1: Xi'an Arrival Day 1: Xi'an Arrival Day 1: Xi'an Arrival

Day 2: Xi'an

  • Terracotta Warriors-Ancient City Wall- Muslim Street
  • 4+ star hotels

  • Breakfast&Lunch

  •  

In the morning, we will visit the Terracotta Warriors, one of the most famous historical sites in Xi'an, showing the history and culture of the powerful Qin Dynasty. Recommended visiting 3 hours.

We we will visit the Ancient City Wall, one of the most complete ancient city walls in China and an iconic attraction in Xi'an. 

Then, you will come to Muslim Street, a food paradise in Xi'an, where you can taste authentic Shaanxi snacks such as mutton soup steamed buns, roujiamo, etc.We can have dinner nearby to have some taste. In the evening, we will also arrange a shadow play performance for you to appreciate the charm of traditional Chinese culture.

Day 2: Xi'an Day 2: Xi'an Day 2: Xi'an

Day 3: Xi'an

  • Xi'an Museunm--Small Will Groose Pagoda--Tang Dynasty City that Never Sleeps

  • 4+ star hotels

  • Breakfast&Lunch

 

In the morning, walk into the Xi'an Museum, step into this treasure house carrying a thousand years of history, and feel the cultural heritage of the ancient capital of Xi'an. Each exhibit is a witness to history, leading tourists to deeply understand Xi'an's unique status as the starting point of the ancient Silk Road and connecting Eastern and Western cultures.

In the afternoon, visit the nearby Small Wild Goose Pagoda. Climb to the top of the tower and overlook the entire city of Xi'an. The historical precipitation and modern prosperity complement each other, making people sigh at the flow of time and the accumulation of culture.

In the evening, come to the Chang'an Twelve Hours Photography Performance Site to enjoy a visual feast of light and shadow. Through the unique art of photography, the performance presents the glory and prosperity of the heyday of the Tang Dynasty, leading the audience to travel back to that heyday in an instant, as if they had witnessed the grand scene of the heyday of the Tang Dynasty.

At night, stroll in the Tang Dynasty City that Never Sleeps, where the streets are brightly lit and the ancient charm and modern are intertwined. Taste the food and listen to the ancient music, as if you are in the prosperous streets of the heyday of the Tang Dynasty, immersed in the unique charm and atmosphere of the Tang Dynasty.

 

Day 3: Xi'an Day 3: Xi'an Day 3: Xi'an

Day 4: Xi'an--Beijing

  • High Speed Train to Beijing

  • 4+ star hotels

  • Breakfast & Lunch

 

Bid farewell to Xi'an and take the high-speed rail to Beijing to start a new journey, appreciate 5 hours. Arrive in Beijing in the afternoon. After checking into the hotel, you can move freely and feel the prosperity and vitality of the capital.

Day 4: Xi'an--Beijing Day 4: Xi'an--Beijing Day 4: Xi'an--Beijing

Day 5: Beijing

  • Tian'anmen Square--Forbidden City--Summer Palace

  • 4+ star hotels

  • Breakfast&lunch

 

In the morning, walk into Tian'anmen Square and feel the solemn atmosphere. On the square, the solemn national flag flutters in the wind, symbolizing China's greatness and glory. Then, step into the Forbidden City, the world's largest and most intact ancient wooden structure complex, as if traveling back to the era of ancient emperors. Walking among the intricate palaces and courtyards, feel the royal style and dignity, and appreciate the exquisite craftsmanship of ancient Chinese architecture. Every brick and tile carries a profound cultural heritage.

In the afternoon, go to the Summer Palace, stroll in this royal garden, and enjoy the beautiful scenery of lakes and mountains. Here, the mountains and rivers complement each other, and the ancient palaces and elegant gardens complement each other, as if walking into a vivid Chinese landscape painting. On the lake, boats are leisurely and ancient trees are towering. Being in it, you can feel the precipitation of history and the tranquility of nature, and your mind will be relaxed and purified.

Day 5: Beijing Day 5: Beijing Day 5: Beijing

Day 6: Beijing

  • Mutianyu Great Wall

  • 4+ Star Hotel

  • Breakfast

 

Great Wall: Visit the majestic Great Wall at Mutianyu, with entrance and cable car tickets included, allowing you to experience this wonder of the world up close.

You will take an easy cable car up to the Great Wall. Next you will climb up to the city tower overlooking the majestic Great Wall, which will surely make your stay unforgettable. After the Great Wall tour, we will take the cable car down the mountain.

(Note: If you are physically fit, you can also choose to hike up and down the mountain to feel the sense of accomplishment of climbing to the top).

Day 6: Beijing Day 6: Beijing Day 6: Beijing

Day 7: Beijing--Suzhou

  • Train to Suzhou--the Humble Administrator's Garden--Shantang Street

  • 4+ Star Hotel

  • Breakfast

 

Take the high-speed rail from Beijing to Suzhou, the whole journey takes about 4.5 hours.

After arriving in Suzhou, first visit the Humble Administrator's Garden, one of the four major gardens in China. This garden is famous for its exquisite layout and elegant scenery. Walking into the garden, the lakes, rockery, pavilions and towers are scattered in an orderly manner, as if entering a poetic world, and feeling the strong atmosphere of Jiangnan culture.

In the evening, stroll along the historic Shantang Street. Here, there are small bridges and flowing water, winding stone roads, and quaint buildings on both sides and melodious water sounds, which make people feel like traveling back to ancient times. You can taste authentic Suzhou snacks here, such as delicious soup dumplings and crispy cakes, and feel the unique gentleness and tenderness of the Jiangnan water town.

Day 7: Beijing--Suzhou Day 7: Beijing--Suzhou Day 7: Beijing--Suzhou

Day 8: Suzhou--Shanghai

  • Tongli--Shanghai

  • 4+ Star Hotel

  • Breakfast

 

In the morning, you will visit Tongli, a water town in the south of the Yangtze River, and experience the picturesque tranquility and beauty. Strolling in the alleys paved with bluestone slabs, there are ancient buildings with white walls and black tiles on both sides. The traces of time and the stories of history are deposited in every brick and tile.

In the afternoon, return to Shanghai, you can move freely in the Magic City and feel the prosperity and fashion of this modern metropolis.

Day 8: Suzhou--Shanghai Day 8: Suzhou--Shanghai Day 8: Suzhou--Shanghai

Day 9: Shanghai

  • Yu Garden--the Jade Buddha Temple--Shanghai Center--the Bund/Nanjing Road

  • 4+ Star Hotel

  • Breakfast

 

First, you will visit Yu Garden, a typical Jiangnan classical garden. The pavilions, rockery ponds, and small bridges are all cleverly laid out, showing the exquisiteness and elegance of Jiangnan gardens.

Next, you will visit the Jade Buddha Temple to experience the solemnity and tranquility of Buddhist culture. There are two exquisite jade Buddhas enshrined in the temple. The atmosphere is quiet and the incense is strong, inheriting the profound Buddhist culture.

Then, you will climb the Shanghai Tower to overlook the prosperous scene of the entire city. The high-rise buildings and flashing lights on both sides of the Huangpu River complement each other, showing the prosperity and vitality of Shanghai as a modern metropolis.

In the evening, you can stroll along the Bund and enjoy the night view of Shanghai. You can move freely or shop on Nanjing Road. Nanjing Road is brightly lit at night, full of vitality and enthusiasm, and is a great place to experience the urban style of Shanghai.

Day 9: Shanghai Day 9: Shanghai Day 9: Shanghai

Day 10: Shanghai Departure

  • Shanghai Departure

  • None

  • Breakfast

 

We will provide you with a transfer to the airport or train station for your departure, taking with you cherished memories of your classic journey through China. 

Day 10: Shanghai Departure Day 10: Shanghai Departure Day 10: Shanghai Departure

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China Travel Customer Reviews & Experiences

At Into Explore, we pride ourselves on creating unforgettable journeys across China. Don't just take our word for it—read what our customers have to say! Here, you can explore firsthand accounts from travelers who have experienced the beauty, culture, and adventures of China with us.

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Excellent
Clara
July 07,2025
We had a very memorable experience in Xi’An thanks to the expertise and helpfulness from Norman, who helped us planned our trip, and Waldener, our local tour guide from Into Explore. Norman helped us with the itinerary and bookings of transport and accommodations so it was stress free for me. He asked us our preferences when making the rooms reservation to cater to what we like and recommended the best way and places to explore this city. Our tour guide was also flexible with our schedule so we were able to do what we wanted and working around the weather. We were supposed to go Mt Hua on the 2nd day of our tour but it was forecasted to rain. He switched our itinerary around so we could climb Mt Hua on the 3rd day instead when the rain had stopped. Thank you Into Explore for giving us peace of mind to sit back and enjoy our vacation.
Xi'an to Mount Hua Hiking Tour 1 Xi'an to Mount Hua Hiking Tour 2 Xi'an to Mount Hua Hiking Tour 3 Xi'an to Mount Hua Hiking Tour 4
Destination(s): Beijing,Xian,Shanghai
Date of Experience: May 30,2025
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Fernando MARTINEZ
June 05,2025
Fue una buena decisión hacer el Circulo de Oro contratando a Into Explore. Una empresa confiable con una muy buena organización siempre pendientes de nuestros gustos y preferencias. La experiencia de la visita a la Gran Muralla los Soldados Terracota, el Jardín Yu y Shanghái fueron muy interesantes y aprendimos mucho sobre las distintas Dinastías y la historia de China.
Xi'an to Mount Hua Hiking Tour 1 Xi'an to Mount Hua Hiking Tour 2 Xi'an
Destination(s): Beijing,Chongqing,Zhangjiajie
Date of Experience: June 12,2025
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Tripadvisor
Excellent
Nataša G
May 2025 • Couples
5 of 5 bubbles
For smooth travels, I recommend this agency
This agency made sure my trip was 10/10! And I loved the smooth and fast communication we got. We were able to explore China at its finest and had the best time of our lives. If I had any questions during our travel, Vicky was able to help me and solve it immediately. I recommend this agency very much. Thank you!!!
Giovanni D
Apr 2025 • Friends
5 of 5 bubbles
Super Agency
Super organized travel agency, it met the thousand requests made and created a tailor-made travel package. Constant support both in the organizational phase before departure and during the trip. Drivers and guides provided during our itinerary super competent and kind. I highly recommend their services and will turn to them for my next trip to China
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Trustpilot
Excellent
Anna
Jun 17, 2025
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Thank you so much for the help you gave…
Thank you so much for the help you gave during my travel process, I would highly recommend your company anytime from the smooth experience you gave. Looking forward for more trips with you.
Robert Gex
Apr 15, 2025
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Independent travel by train in China…
Independent travel by train in China can be daunting ordeal. We decided to use Intoexplore for booking the trip and are very happy we did. It almost felt like Norman was a family member guiding us through how to use Alipay for payments in China to where to find the ticket office in the train station to convert digital tickets to paper. He was always available (sometimes at 6 am!) to answer any question and solve any problems that arose .. I would strongly recommend him to anyone who is thinking about independent travel to China .

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