How to Plan Your 10 Day Small Group Tour: Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Hong Kong
If you’re planning to travel China, this 10-day small group tour might be just the perfect fit for you. This tour will bring you to some of the most significant World Heritage sites across China, including the Great Wall of China, the Terracotta Warriors of Xian, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, and the cosmopolitan city of Hong Kong.Overview: What’s Included
This comprehensive tour package comes with the following inclusions:- 10 nights accommodation based on twin-sharing room
- One-way Economy-class airfare from Xi’an to Zhangjiajie and Zhangjiajie to Shanghai
- Two bottled water per person per day during guided tours
- Gratuities to guides and drivers (recommended)
- China visa fees
Meeting and Pickup
The tour will begin with a pickup from the Beijing airport on Day 1. Make sure to include your passport information during registration as it will be required to confirm your participation.Pickup Points
You can select from the following pickup points:- Beijing airport pickup
- Downtown hotel pickup
Start Time
The tour will start at 9:00 AM on Day 1, so make sure to schedule your flight to reach Beijing at least a few hours earlier.Pickup Details
Your guide will pick you up at your chosen pickup point and whisk you away to your comfortable accommodation to catch some rest before embarking on your China adventure the following day.What to Expect
Day 1: Beijing Airport Pickup
After arriving at Beijing airport, you will be greeted by your guide and taken to your hotel to check in.Day 2: Beijing
On your second day, you will be introduced to Beijing’s most iconic landmarks. You will kick off your sightseeing with a trip to the Forbidden City, followed by a stroll through Tiananmen Square, and lastly, a visit to the Summer Palace.Day 3: China Great Wall Tour
No trip to Beijing is complete without visiting the Great Wall, and on this tour, you will visit one of the less crowded sections of the Great Wall. You will also be taken to the Ming Tombs, an ancient tomb complex located outside the city.Day 4: Beijing to Xian by High-Speed Train
On Day 4, you will board a high-speed train to the city of Xian, which is located in northwestern China.Day 5: Terracotta Army Tour
In Xian, you will witness the famous Terracotta Army, a collection of terracotta sculptures that depict the armies of the first Emperor of China. Afterward, you will explore the Ancient City Wall.Day 6: Xian to Zhangjiajie by Flight
You will be flown to Zhanjiajie on Day 6, a city located in the Hunan Province of China.Day 7: Zhangjiajie
On Day 7, you will have the opportunity to visit Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, where you can marvel at the towering sandstone pillars that make this park a unique natural wonder.Day 8: Zhangjiajie
Another day in Zhangjiajie will give you plenty of time to explore the park more fully. You will be taken to several viewpoints inside the park, including the Avatar Hallelujah Mountain.Day 9: Zhangjiajie to Shanghai by Flight
Day 9 will see you jetting off to Shanghai, China’s largest city with over 24 million inhabitants.Day 10: Shanghai
You’ll visit some of Shanghai’s most significant sites today, including the Shanghai Museum, Yuyuan Garden, the Bund, and Nanjing Road.Day 11: Departure from Shanghai
On the final day of your tour, you will depart from Shanghai to your next destination.Additional Information
Please take note of the following:- Confirmation will be received at the time of booking.
- The tour is not wheelchair accessible.
- Passport name number expiry and country are required for registration.
Ready to Book Your Tour?
If this tour sounds like something you’d enjoy, head to the booking page to purchase your spot. Don’t miss out on the chance to see some of China’s most incredible sites!
Frequently Asked Questions About Beijing
1. What is Beijing?
Beijing, also known as Peking, is the capital city of the People’s Republic of China. With a population of over 21 million people, it is the second-largest city in China after Shanghai.
2. What is the weather like in Beijing?
Beijing has a continental, monsoon-influenced climate. Summers are hot and humid, with temperatures averaging around 30°C (86°F) in July and August. Winters are cold and dry, with temperatures dropping below freezing in January and February. Spring and autumn are mild, with temperatures ranging from 10°C (50°F) to 20°C (68°F).
3. What are some famous landmarks in Beijing?
Beijing is home to many famous landmarks, including:
- The Great Wall of China
- The Forbidden City
- The Temple of Heaven
- The Summer Palace
- The National Stadium (also known as the Bird’s Nest)
4. What is the Great Wall of China?
The Great Wall of China is an ancient fortification that stretches over 13,000 miles across China. It was built over several centuries to protect China from invasion by nomadic tribes. The most well-known section of the Great Wall is located near Beijing and is a popular tourist destination.
5. What is the Forbidden City?
The Forbidden City was the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties. It was built in the 15th century and served as the home of the emperor and his household. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is open to the public as a museum.
6. What is the Temple of Heaven?
The Temple of Heaven is a complex of religious buildings located in southeastern Beijing. It was built in the early 15th century and was used by emperors from the Ming and Qing dynasties for annual ceremonies to pray for good harvests.
7. What is the Summer Palace?
The Summer Palace is a complex of gardens, pavilions, and palaces located in the northwestern outskirts of Beijing. It was built in the 18th century and served as the summer residence of the emperor and his court. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
8. What is the National Stadium (Bird’s Nest)?
The National Stadium, also known as the Bird’s Nest, is a stadium located in the Olympic Green in Beijing. It was built for the 2008 Summer Olympics and Paralympics and is one of the largest steel structures in the world. It is currently used for sporting events and cultural performances.
9. What is the transportation system like in Beijing?
Beijing has an extensive transportation system that includes buses, subways, taxis, and bicycles. The Beijing Subway is one of the largest and busiest subway systems in the world, with over 20 lines and more than 350 stations. Taxis are also widely available, but it is important to always use licensed taxis and to agree on a fare before getting in.
10. What are some traditional foods in Beijing?
Beijing is known for its traditional foods, including:
- Peking duck
- Jing Jiang Rou Si (shredded pork in sweet bean sauce)
- Zha Jiang Mian (noodles with soybean paste)
- Chao Gan (fried liver)
- Bao Du (stuffed sheep intestines)
11. What are some popular shopping areas in Beijing?
Beijing has many popular shopping areas, including:
- Wangfujing Street
- The Silk Market
- The Pearl Market
- Sanlitun Village
- The Beijing Zoo Market
12. What are some cultural events in Beijing?
Beijing is home to many cultural events throughout the year, including:
- The Spring Festival (Chinese New Year)
- The Mid-Autumn Festival
- The Beijing International Film Festival
- The Beijing Music Festival
- The Beijing Art Biennale
13. What is the best time of year to visit Beijing?
The best time of year to visit Beijing depends on your preferences. Spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons, with mild temperatures and beautiful foliage. Summer can be hot and humid, but it is also the best time to see many of the outdoor attractions. Winter can be very cold, but it is a great time to see snow-covered temples and the Great Wall.
14. What are some tips for traveling to Beijing?
Some tips for traveling to Beijing include:
- Bring comfortable walking shoes, as many attractions require a lot of walking
- Be prepared for crowds, especially during peak tourist season
- Learn a few basic phrases in Mandarin, as English is not widely spoken
- Avoid drinking tap water and only drink bottled water
- Be cautious of scams and pickpocketing
15. What is the currency in Beijing?
The currency in Beijing is the Chinese Yuan (CNY).
16. Do I need a visa to travel to Beijing?
If you are traveling to Beijing from most countries, you will need a visa. It is important to check with your embassy to see if you need a visa and to apply for one well in advance of your trip.
17. What is the language spoken in Beijing?
The official language of Beijing is Mandarin Chinese. However, many people also speak other Chinese dialects as well as English.
18. What are some cultural customs in Beijing?
Some cultural customs in Beijing include:
- Bowing as a sign of respect
- Using both hands to give and receive gifts
- Using titles and honorifics when addressing others
- Removing shoes before entering a home
19. What is the time difference between Beijing and my location?
Beijing Standard Time is 8 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+8). To calculate the time difference between Beijing and your location, you can use an online time zone converter.
20. What is the emergency number in Beijing?
The emergency number in Beijing is 110 for the police and 120 for medical emergencies.
How to Spend Your Time As a Tourist in Beijing
Beijing is a city that is full of history, culture, and amazing food. It is a destination that should be on every traveler’s bucket list. With so much to see and do, you might be wondering where to start. In this guide, we’ll cover the top attractions, things to do, and places to eat in Beijing.Top Attractions
Beijing has no shortage of historical and cultural attractions to visit during your stay. Here are some of the must-see sights:The Great Wall of China
One of the world’s most iconic landmarks, the Great Wall of China, is just a short trip from Beijing. Visitors can choose to visit one of the more popular sections, such as Mutianyu, where you can take a cable car up to the Wall and enjoy the views. For a less crowded experience, consider visiting a less popular section, such as Jiankou.The Forbidden City
Once the imperial palace of China’s emperors, the Forbidden City is now a museum that showcases the dynastic history of China. Visitors can explore the various courtyards, halls, and temples throughout the complex and learn about the lives of the emperors who once called it home.The Temple of Heaven
Built in the 15th century, the Temple of Heaven was once a place for emperors to pray for a good harvest. Today, visitors can explore the temple grounds and learn about the significance of the various structures and gardens within.Things to Do
In addition to visiting historical sites, there are plenty of activities to keep visitors busy in Beijing. Here are some of the most popular:Explore Hutongs on a Bike Tour
Hutongs are traditional alleyways lined with courtyard homes that can be found throughout Beijing. Exploring them on a bike tour is a great way to see how locals live and get a glimpse of the city’s history.Visit the Panda House at the Beijing Zoo
Pandas are one of China’s most beloved animals, and visitors to Beijing can see them up close at the Panda House at the Beijing Zoo. The zoo also has a variety of other animals to see, including tigers, elephants, and giraffes.Take a Chinese Cooking Class
Food is an important part of Chinese culture, and taking a cooking class is a fun way to learn about traditional Chinese dishes. Visitors can learn how to make dumplings, noodles, or other delicacies from a local chef.Places to Eat
Beijing is known for its delicious food, and visitors should take advantage of the many dining options available. Here are some of the best places to eat:Dadong Roast Duck Restaurant
Roast duck is a Beijing specialty, and Dadong Roast Duck Restaurant is the place to go to try it. The restaurant is known for its perfectly crispy skin and juicy meat.Guijie Street
Guijie Street is a famous food street in Beijing known for its cheap and tasty food. Visitors can choose from a variety of street foods, including lamb skewers, noodles, and fried rice.Da Dong Bei Dumplings
For those looking for a quick and cheap meal, Da Dong Bei Dumplings is the perfect spot. The restaurant is known for its handmade dumplings, which come in a variety of flavors.Book Your Tour Now
Beijing is a city full of history, culture, and amazing food. Whether you’re interested in exploring historical landmarks or trying new foods, there is something for everyone in Beijing. By following this guide, you’ll be sure to make the most of your trip to this incredible city.Table of Contents
