Beijing, Xi’an & Shanghai

This 10-night Escorted Tour offers an incredible opportunity to discover the three most iconic cities of China. Our Beijing Xian Shanghai tour is designed for Irish travellers who want a straightforward, well-organised way to see the world’s most famous landmarks without the stress of independent planning. Throughout this guided holiday, you will be accompanied by an expert tour leader and local guides who provide factual insights into the centuries of history that have shaped this fascinating country. From the ancient architecture of imperial dynasties to the neon-lit skyscrapers of modern metropolises, this itinerary covers it all with a warm and friendly approach.
Your journey begins in Beijing, where you will spend five nights exploring the heart of Chinese history. You will walk through the Forbidden City and stand in the vast expanse of Tiananmen Square. A major highlight is our guided trip to the Great Wall of China, where you will have the chance to walk along a section of this world wonder. We also visit the Temple of Heaven and the Summer Palace, providing a deep look into the spiritual and cultural traditions of the Ming and Qing eras. Every night, dinner is included, with a mix of hotel meals and authentic local restaurant experiences to ensure you get a true flavour of the region.
From Beijing, we travel by high-speed train to Xi’an, the ancient starting point of the Silk Road. Here, you will witness the extraordinary Terracotta Warriors, a collection of thousands of life-sized stone soldiers that remained hidden for over two millennia. After exploring the massive city walls and the Wild Goose Pagoda, we fly to Shanghai for the final leg of our adventure. Shanghai offers a striking contrast to the ancient sites, where you will experience the world’s fastest train and see the bustling old town alongside cutting-edge modern architecture. With breakfast and dinner included daily, and all domestic transport handled by our team, this holiday offers excellent value for anyone looking to cross these legendary destinations off their bucket list.
Are visas required for this tour?
Which meals are included in the price?
Is there a lot of walking involved?
What's Included+
- Booking advice from your Travel Escapes travel advisor
- Return flights from Dublin to Beijing and Shanghai to Dublin
- 20kg checked-in bag per person
- 5 nights in Beijing with day trips to the Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China
- 3 nights in Xi’an including a full-day excursion to see the Terracotta Warriors
- 2 nights in Shanghai with excursions to Yu Garden and the old town
- Services of an expert tour leader and local tour guides
- 10 nights accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis
- Dinner included every night: six at the hotel and four at local restaurants
- All transfers and transport including high-speed train and domestic flight
Itinerary
1Depart for your Beijing Xian Shanghai tour+
Your adventure begins as you depart from Dublin for your flight to Beijing, the capital of China.
2Arrival in Beijing+
Upon landing in Beijing, you will be met by your local guide and transferred to your hotel. Settle in and prepare for your first group dinner, which is included every night of your stay.
3Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City+
Explore the massive Tiananmen Square before entering the Forbidden City, the former imperial palace. Later, visit the Temple of Heaven and stroll along Qianmen Street, a historic pedestrian avenue filled with local shops.
4The Great Wall and Sacred Way+
Travel to the Great Wall of China for a guided walking tour along this iconic structure. In the afternoon, visit a traditional Jade Factory and walk the Sacred Way, the impressive entrance to the Ming Tombs.
5Summer Palace and Olympic Park+
Visit the Summer Palace and enjoy a boat cruise on Kunming Lake to see Longevity Hill. Later, see the 'Bird's Nest' Olympic Stadium from the outside before an evening at leisure.
6Lama Temple and Hutong Walking Tour+
Discover the Tibetan Buddhist Lama Temple, home to a 26-metre tall Buddha. Afterward, explore the traditional Hutong residential lanes on foot and visit the shops at Sanlitun Village.
7High-Speed Train to Xi'an+
Board a high-speed train for the five-hour journey to Xi'an. On arrival, visit the ancient City Wall, which dates back to the Ming Dynasty and remains one of the best-preserved fortifications in China.
8The Terracotta Warriors+
Marvel at the thousands of life-sized statues at the Terracotta Army site, buried to protect an ancient emperor. The day also includes a visit to the historic Wild Goose Pagoda, a classic example of Tang-style architecture.
9Free Day in Xi'an+
Enjoy a full day to explore Xi'an at your own pace. You might choose to visit the Muslim Quarter or the Han Yang Lin Mausoleum to see more archaeological treasures.
10Fly to Shanghai and Maglev Experience+
Fly from Xi'an to Shanghai. Experience the world's fastest train, the Maglev, as you head into the city centre. Visit one of the city's famous towers for panoramic views of the modern skyline.
11Yu Garden and Old Shanghai+
Explore the serene Yu Garden and the bustling old town. Visit Xintiandi Street and the Shikumen Open House Museum to learn about local history before some free time for final souvenir shopping.
12Homeward Journey+
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to Dublin, bringing your adventure across China to a close.
| Date | Acc. | Price | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 Sep 2026 | Twin | €4,299 | On Request |
| 07 Oct 2026 | Twin | €3,599 | Enquire Now |
| 21 Oct 2026 | Twin | €3,599 | On Request |
| 04 Nov 2026 | Twin | €3,799 | Enquire Now |
| 20 Mar 2027 | Twin | €3,679 | Enquire Now |
| 14 Apr 2027 | Twin | €3,669 | Enquire Now |
| 26 May 2027 | Twin | €3,629 | Enquire Now |
| 08 Sep 2027 | Twin | €3,549 | Enquire Now |
| 06 Oct 2027 | Twin | €3,799 | Enquire Now |
| 23 Oct 2027 | Twin | €3,849 | Enquire Now |
| 03 Nov 2027 | Twin | €3,899 | Enquire Now |
- Booking deposit: enquire at time of booking
- Prices are per person based on two sharing.
- Single Supplement applies.
- A non-refundable / non-transferable deposit is required at the time of booking.
- Balance due 16 weeks before departure.
- Optional insurance available (terms & conditions apply).
- Taxes, prices & itinerary subject to change.
- Booking terms & conditions apply.
- Travel Insurance is not included.
Ref: TD

