China Culture & Watertown Tour

Embarking on this journey feels like traveling through time. From the profound history of Xi'an, the ancient capital of thirteen dynasties, to the imperial grandeur of Beijing, the nation's capital, then to the gentle charm of Suzhou, the water town of Jiangnan, and finally arriving at the dazzling modernity of Shanghai—this ten-day itinerary offers a glimpse into the vast depth of Chinese civilization and the unique allure of its cities.

Day 1: Xi'an Arrival

  • Arrive in Beijing and transfer to the hotel

  • 4+ star hotels

  • None


Arriving in Xi'an, the ancient capital of 13 dynasties, we will arrange for you to stay in a hotel near the ancient city attractions, so that you can explore freely. Stroll under the ancient city wall and feel the weight of history; shuttle through the Muslim Street, taste authentic food, and experience the rich Muslim customs.

Day 2: Xi'an

  • Terracotta Warriors-Ancient City Wall- Muslim Street

  • 4+ star hotels

  • Breakfast&Lunch


In the morning, we will visit the Terracotta Warriors, one of the most famous historical sites in Xi'an, showing the history and culture of the powerful Qin Dynasty. Recommended visiting 3 hours.

We we will visit the Ancient City Wall, one of the most complete ancient city walls in China and an iconic attraction in Xi'an. 

Then, you will come to Muslim Street, a food paradise in Xi'an, where you can taste authentic Shaanxi snacks such as mutton soup steamed buns, roujiamo, etc.We can have dinner nearby to have some taste. In the evening, we will also arrange a shadow play performance for you to appreciate the charm of traditional Chinese culture.

Day 2: Xi'an

Day 3: Xi'an

  • Xi'an Museunm--Small Will Groose Pagoda--

  • 4+ star hotels

  • Breakfast&Lunch


In the morning, walk into the Xi'an Museum, step into this treasure house carrying a thousand years of history, and feel the cultural heritage of the ancient capital of Xi'an. Each exhibit is a witness to history, leading tourists to deeply understand Xi'an's unique status as the starting point of the ancient Silk Road and connecting Eastern and Western cultures.

In the afternoon, visit the nearby Small Wild Goose Pagoda. Climb to the top of the tower and overlook the entire city of Xi'an. The historical precipitation and modern prosperity complement each other, making people sigh at the flow of time and the accumulation of culture.

In the evening, come to the Chang'an Twelve Hours Photography Performance Site to enjoy a visual feast of light and shadow. Through the unique art of photography, the performance presents the glory and prosperity of the heyday of the Tang Dynasty, leading the audience to travel back to that heyday in an instant, as if they had witnessed the grand scene of the heyday of the Tang Dynasty.

At night, stroll in the Tang Dynasty City that Never Sleeps, where the streets are brightly lit and the ancient charm and modern are intertwined. Taste the food and listen to the ancient music, as if you are in the prosperous streets of the heyday of the Tang Dynasty, immersed in the unique charm and atmosphere of the Tang Dynasty.

 


Day 3: Xi'an

Day 4: Xi'an--Beijing

  • High Speed Train to Beijing

  • 4+ star hotels

  • Breakfast&Lunch


Bid farewell to Xi'an and take the high-speed rail to Beijing to start a new journey, appreciate 5 hours. Arrive in Beijing in the afternoon. After checking into the hotel, you can move freely and feel the prosperity and vitality of the capital.

Day 5: Beijing

  • Tian'anmen Square--Forbidden City--Summer Palace

  • 4+ star hotels

  • Breakfast&lunch

In the morning, walk into Tian‘anmen Square and feel the solemn atmosphere. On the square, the solemn national flag flutters in the wind, symbolizing China's greatness and glory. Then, step into the Forbidden City, the world's largest and most intact ancient wooden structure complex, as if traveling back to the era of ancient emperors. Walking among the intricate palaces and courtyards, feel the royal style and dignity, and appreciate the exquisite craftsmanship of ancient Chinese architecture. Every brick and tile carries a profound cultural heritage.


In the afternoon, go to the Summer Palace, stroll in this royal garden, and enjoy the beautiful scenery of lakes and mountains. Here, the mountains and rivers complement each other, and the ancient palaces and elegant gardens complement each other, as if walking into a vivid Chinese landscape painting. On the lake, boats are leisurely and ancient trees are towering. Being in it, you can feel the precipitation of history and the tranquility of nature, and your mind will be relaxed and purified.


Day 5: Beijing

Day 6: Beijing

  • Mutianyu Great Wall

  • 4+ Star Hotel

  • Breakfast

Great Wall: Visit the majestic Great Wall at Mutianyu, with entrance and cable car tickets included, allowing you to experience this wonder of the world up close.

You will take an easy cable car up to the Great Wall. Next you will climb up to the city tower overlooking the majestic Great Wall, which will surely make your stay unforgettable. After the Great Wall tour, we will take the cable car down the mountain.

(Note: If you are physically fit, you can also choose to hike up and down the mountain to feel the sense of accomplishment of climbing to the top).


Day 6: Beijing

Day 7: Beijing--Suzhou

  • Train to Suzhou--the Humble Administrator's Garden--Shantang Street

  • 4+ Star Hotel

  • Breakfast


Take the high-speed rail from Beijing to Suzhou, the whole journey takes about 4.5 hours.

After arriving in Suzhou, first visit the Humble Administrator's Garden, one of the four major gardens in China. This garden is famous for its exquisite layout and elegant scenery. Walking into the garden, the lakes, rockery, pavilions and towers are scattered in an orderly manner, as if entering a poetic world, and feeling the strong atmosphere of Jiangnan culture.

In the evening, stroll along the historic Shantang Street. Here, there are small bridges and flowing water, winding stone roads, and quaint buildings on both sides and melodious water sounds, which make people feel like traveling back to ancient times. You can taste authentic Suzhou snacks here, such as delicious soup dumplings and crispy cakes, and feel the unique gentleness and tenderness of the Jiangnan water town.


Day 7: Beijing--Suzhou

Day 8: Suzhou--Shanghai

  • Tongli--Shanghai

  • 4+ Star Hotel

  • Breakfast


In the morning, you will visit Tongli, a water town in the south of the Yangtze River, and experience the picturesque tranquility and beauty. Strolling in the alleys paved with bluestone slabs, there are ancient buildings with white walls and black tiles on both sides. The traces of time and the stories of history are deposited in every brick and tile.


In the afternoon, return to Shanghai, you can move freely in the Magic City and feel the prosperity and fashion of this modern metropolis.


Day 8: Suzhou--Shanghai

Day 9: Shanghai

  • Yu Garden--the Jade Buddha Temple--Shanghai Center--the Bund/Nanjing Road

  • 4+ Star Hotel

  • Breakfast

First, you will visit Yu Garden, a typical Jiangnan classical garden. The pavilions, rockery ponds, and small bridges are all cleverly laid out, showing the exquisiteness and elegance of Jiangnan gardens.

Next, you will visit the Jade Buddha Temple to experience the solemnity and tranquility of Buddhist culture. There are two exquisite jade Buddhas enshrined in the temple. The atmosphere is quiet and the incense is strong, inheriting the profound Buddhist culture.

Then, you will climb the Shanghai Tower to overlook the prosperous scene of the entire city. The high-rise buildings and flashing lights on both sides of the Huangpu River complement each other, showing the prosperity and vitality of Shanghai as a modern metropolis.

In the evening, you can stroll along the Bund and enjoy the night view of Shanghai. You can move freely or shop on Nanjing Road. Nanjing Road is brightly lit at night, full of vitality and enthusiasm, and is a great place to experience the urban style of Shanghai.


Day 9: Shanghai

Day 10: Shanghai Departure

  • Shanghai Departure

  • None

  • Breakfast


 We will provide you with a transfer to the airport or train station for your departure, taking with you cherished memories of your classic journey through China. 

Why Choose Intoexplore

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Authentic Travel, No Shopping Stops
Every itinerary is designed with comfort and authenticity in mind. We skip the tourist traps and shopping stops to let you truly enjoy the culture, scenery, and stories behind each destination—worry-free and meaningful.
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Tailor Made Tour, Thoughtful Service
We tailor each journey to your schedule, interests, and budget. Whether you're a solo traveler, couple, or group, we work closely with you to design a personalized travel experience that fits your style and needs.
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Diverse Travel Options, Wide Coverage
From one-day tours to small group adventures, family trips to corporate visits—we offer a full range of travel styles. No matter your purpose or preference, we have the right program to match your expectations.
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Local Resources, Professional Team
With experienced local guides, licensed vehicles, and carefully selected hotels, we ensure safety, quality, and comfort throughout your trip. Our on-the-ground team is always ready to support your journey at every step.

China Travel Customer Reviews & Experiences

At Into Explore, we pride ourselves on creating unforgettable journeys across China. Don't just take our word for it—read what our customers have to say! Here, you can explore firsthand accounts from travelers who have experienced the beauty, culture, and adventures of China with us.

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IntoExplore
Excellent
Charnay Tung
March 11,2025
This agency offers good services and always help me with any errors during booking. Thanks for taking good care of my team during our trip at Shanghai.
Lucía Fernández
Nov. 20,2024
Special thanks to my guide, Sofia. It's really hard for me to find a Spanish tour guide. She is professional and I have a good understanding about the China culture under her guide. During the Xi'an trip, I was shocked by the strong atmosphere of culture. I hope I can go next time, really love it.
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Tripadvisor
Excellent
John J
Mar 2025 Family
4.8 of 5 bubbles
An amazing experience with Into Explore, their services are absolutely brilliant
I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to Into Explore for providing the Johnston Family with an amazing experience in China, it really was a brilliant service with a very personal touch by Vicky/Tiana and their team of guides and drivers.
Our whole journey through China exceeded our expectations due to the fact that Into Explore made everything so easy and if issues arose, they were rectified in an extremely timely manner.
Their services is highly recommended and they are very flexible with their clients trip design. Design your vacation and they will work with you to ensure your personal needs are fully taken care off and supported by their office staff at all times.
Once again, our experience with Into Explore was a brilliant one and a very special thanks to Vicky.
Swandi T
Mar 2025 Family
4.8 of 5 bubbles
Amaging Exploring Shenzen
Shenzen is wonderful city since arrive all imigration was very helpful and smiling,entering city has lot of park with so many tree. I got good travel agent who serve me well (IntoExplore),I like to explore food, city view hang out in seaworld area. People are welcome and helpful.
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Trustpilot
Excellent
Robert Gex
Apr 15,2025
trust-10
Independent travel by train in China…
Independent travel by train in China can be daunting ordeal. We decided to use Intoexplore for booking the trip and are very happy we did. It almost felt like Norman was a family member guiding us through how to use Alipay for payments in China to where to find the ticket office in the train station to convert digital tickets to paper. He was always available (sometimes at 6 am!) to answer any question and solve any problems that arose .. I would strongly recommend him to anyone who is thinking about independent travel to China .
Seaid
February 06,2025
trust-11
Excellent experience in Great Wall
as a first-time traveler in beijing, I`m so many thanks to Norman for arranging a well-planned trip to great wall and also the kind driver and guide. My first experience to China was perfect. thanks a lot!!!

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