Splendid China - 9 D / 8 N

Day 01: Arrive in Shanghai Welcome to your Southern Travels Best of Splendid China tour. On arrival, you will be met by your Southern Travel Tour Manager who will welcome you and later transfer you to the hotel. En route, get your first glimpse of China's vibrant cityscapes, ancient traditions, and modern marvels blending seamlessly. After check-in, unwind and refresh from your journey. Enjoy a Maglev Train Ride, and the rest of the day is at leisure to relax or explore nearby sights. Evening, enjoy a Huangpu River Cruise, offering stunning views of Shanghai’s iconic skyline. Overnight in Shanghai.

After breakfast at your hotel, you'll start the city tour with visits to People's Square, a Pearl Factory, and the Shanghai Museum to explore the city's culture, history, and craftsmanship. Next, enjoy panoramic city views from the 88th floor of Jinmao Tower and admire the Shanghai TV Tower from the outside. In the evening, stroll along the historic Bund with its iconic waterfront views, followed by free shopping time on Nanjing Road. The day concludes with an overnight stay in Shanghai.

After a delightful breakfast, discover the Jade Buddha Temple, home to exquisite jade statues that radiate calm and history. Feel your pulse quicken at the Shanghai Circus, where acrobats dazzle with breathtaking feats of skill and precision. Later, visit Shanghai Zoo for an engaging and memorable wildlife experience. Stroll through the chic streets of Xintiandi, a stylish district where historic Shikumen architecture meets trendy cafés and boutiques. Wrap up the day with a visit to the bustling AP Market, perfect for picking up unique souvenirs, before returning to your hotel for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, board a high-speed train to Xi'an, a city where history whispers from every corner. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel to refresh and later explore the iconic Big Wild Goose Pagoda with entry to this renowned cultural landmark. As evening falls, be mesmerized by the fountain show, where water, lights, and music come together in a magical spectacle. Overnight stay in Xi'an.

After a hearty breakfast, step back in time with a visit to the world-famous Terracotta Warriors, an aweinspiring army of life-sized statues guarding the tomb of China's first emperor. Continue to a local crockery factory, where traditional craftsmanship brings exquisite pottery to life. Later, take a leisurely stroll through Muslim Street, a vibrant hub filled with local snacks, spices, and handicrafts, offering a taste of Xi'an's rich cultural tapestry. Overnight stay in Xi'an.

After a leisurely breakfast, board a high-speed train to Beijing, gliding through the Chinese countryside as you leave the ancient capital behind. Upon arrival, you'll be welcomed and transferred to your hotel in the heart of the nation's imperial capital, where history and modernity coexist in perfect harmony. Settle in and relax, preparing for the adventures ahead in Beijing. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, embark on an unforgettable journey to the Great Wall of China at Juyong Pass, one of the world's most iconic landmarks, where you can walk along its ancient stones and take in breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Continue your day with a visit to a Jade Factory, where artisans transform raw jade into exquisite treasures. Explore the sacred Temple of Heaven, a masterpiece of Ming architecture and spiritual significance, before stopping for photos at the Olympic Stadium, an emblem of modern Beijing. Conclude your day at the Summer Palace, a serene retreat of imperial gardens, sparkling lakes, and ornate pavilions, perfectly blending nature and architecture. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, step into the heart of China's imperial past at Tiananmen Square, the world's largest public square, surrounded by monumental architecture and historic significance. From there, explore the majestic Forbidden City, the sprawling palace complex that once housed emperors and their courts, where every hall, courtyard, and corridor tells a story of centuries-old tradition. In the afternoon, enjoy free time at Xiushui Market, a bustling shopping destination known for its fine silk, handicrafts, and souvenirs-perfect for picking up unique gifts and mementos. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Beijing

After breakfast at your hotel, it's time to bid farewell to the wonders of China. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home, carrying memories of majestic landscapes, ancient history, and vibrant city life. We hope your journey was filled with unforgettable experiences and cherished moments. Your feedback is invaluable to usplease share your thoughts at feedback@southerntravels.com