Intro to China —
Beijing, Xi’an & Shanghai

Welcome to Beijing, the historic capital of China. Upon arrival at the airport, you’ll be warmly greeted by our representative and escorted to your comfortable transportation for a relaxing transfer to your hotel, conveniently located near one of Beijing’s most iconic landmarks.

The rest of the day is yours at your own pace — rest and recover from the journey, or take a leisurely stroll through the neighborhood for your first taste of Beijing’s atmosphere. As evening approaches, gather for dinner at a carefully selected local vegan restaurant, your introduction to the diverse flavors of Chinese plant-based cuisine.

Begin your exploration of China’s capital with a visit to the magnificent Forbidden City, official Imperial Palace Museum. This architectural masterpiece served as home to 24 emperors across the Ming and Qing dynasties, spanning over 500 years of history — wander its grand halls, courtyards, and pavilions as your guide brings imperial life to light.

Continue to Jingshan Park, immediately north of the Forbidden City, for panoramic views across the palace and Beijing’s skyline from its hilltop pavilion. In the afternoon, step into the city’s traditional hutongs — narrow alleyways revealing the daily life of local residents in their distinctive courtyard homes — before concluding with a relaxing stroll around lakeside Hou Hai Park.

Begin the morning at the magnificent Temple of Heaven, a masterpiece of Ming Dynasty architecture where emperors once performed annual ceremonies of prayer for bountiful harvests. Marvel at the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and its triple-gabled circular roof, and catch locals practicing tai chi and dancing in the early morning light — a wonderful glimpse into contemporary Beijing life.

After lunch, board China’s renowned high-speed train to Xi’an, traveling at speeds up to 300 km/h (186 mph) through the countryside — about four hours of comfortable, scenic travel. Upon arrival, settle into your hotel and enjoy a dinner of fresh, flavorful plant-based Chinese cuisine.

Journey to one of the world’s most extraordinary archaeological discoveries — the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum. This UNESCO World Heritage Site showcases thousands of life-sized clay soldiers that have stood guard for over 2,000 years, among the most significant archaeological finds of the 20th century.

Return to explore the magnificent Ancient City Wall, China’s best-preserved and largest city fortification — walk or cycle the ramparts for panoramic views of old and new Xi’an. Conclude with an immersive stroll through the vibrant Muslim Quarter, where street food aromas fill the air, past the iconic Bell Tower and Drum Tower.

Visit the Wild Goose Pagoda, first built in the Tang Dynasty to house Buddhist scriptures brought from India by the monk Xuanzang — now Xi’an’s city emblem. After lunch, board a high-speed train to Shanghai (about 5.5 hours), where you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel.

Begin sightseeing with a walk along the famous Bund, starting from the Wai Bai Du Bridge for views of the Suzhou River and old buildings on both banks. Continue to Nanjing Road, Shanghai’s busiest shopping street, followed by a Dim Sum lunch and a visit to the Yu Garden and its nearby bazaar.

In the afternoon, head to Pudong for an inside visit to the Oriental Pearl Tower, then take a leisurely walk on the nearby circular overpass for a feel of new Shanghai, before dinner and a transfer back to the hotel.