Visit Ancient Wonders and Modern City Centers on a Three-City Tour of China

On this 10-day, 8-night tour of China from AffordableAsia.com, you’ll discover three of the country’s major cities—Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai—with guided tours and optional excursions at each stop. The trip also includes round-trip international airfare from Los Angeles (LAX) or San Francisco (SFO) on Air China, domestic airfare between each city, accommodations in luxury hotels, and a daily American breakfast.

For a full itinerary, click here.

Days 1–4: Beijing

Your tour of China’s capital city begins with a visit to Qianmen Street, a pedestrian-only boulevard lined with traditional shops. Then you’re off to Tiananmen Square, also known as the “Gate of Heavenly Peace” since it served as the main gate to the Imperial Palace during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Today, the square is flanked by the National Museum of China and the Mao Zedong Memorial Hall, which displays the former chairman’s remains. Next up, head to the world-famous site of the 2008 Summer Olympics, where you can take pictures at Olympic National Stadium (a.k.a. the “Bird’s Nest”) and Olympic National Aquatics Center (a.k.a. the “Water Cube”). You’ll also have some free time to explore Beijing on your own, or take an optional excursion to the Forbidden City or the Great Wall of China.

Days 5–6: Xi’an

At more than 3,100 years old, Xi’an is one of China’s oldest cities. On the way into the city center, you’ll stop at the Drum Tower and Bell Tower, a pair of ancient structures that date back to the 14th century. The rest of the time in Xi’an is yours to sightsee at your leisure, or you can take a tour to see the famous Terra Cotta Warriors. Often called the “8th Wonder of the World,” the 7,000 life-size terra-cotta soldiers and horses were built in the 3rd century BC and placed here in the mausoleum of Emperor Qin.

Days 7–10: Shanghai

Your first stop in Shanghai, the country’s most populous city and its center of commerce, is the Shanghai Museum, where you can browse Chinese bronze works, ceramics, and calligraphy. Then, head to Nanjing Road for an afternoon of shopping along a 3.4-mile stretch lined with name-brand retailers and specialty shops selling fine silks and jade. In the evening, you’ll have the option to attend a Chinese acrobatics show with dinner. The next day, stick around Shanghai and explore the city on your own, or take an optional trip to Suzhou, a nearby water village with Old-World stone bridges and pagodas.