tours

classic china

Small Groups

Country Collection

Top Rated

4.8

155 Reviews

Classic China

9-Day Small Group China Tour to Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai

Save up to $586

Classic China Guided Tour
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When do you want to travel?

Travel & Accommodation

9 days, 1 country and 3 cities

8 nights accommodation

Meals

8 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 3 Dinners

Activity Level

Balanced

Group Size

Average 16 people

Itinerary

View day-by-day trip itinerary

Beijing to Shanghai, China’s Past and Present

Uncover the heart of China on this immersive Small Group tour, limited to just 18 guests. From the legendary Great Wall to the imperial grandeur of the Forbidden City, you’ll step into centuries of history. In Xi’an, stand in awe before the Terracotta Warriors, then take a slower pace through Beijing’s hutongs by rickshaw, where a local family welcomes you for an exclusive, hands-on dumpling-making experience. Visit a traditional jade workshop and explore the dynamic contrasts of Shanghai, where ancient traditions sit alongside a soaring skyline. From quiet alleyways to iconic wonders, this journey reveals China through its stories, flavours and unforgettable people.

How you’ll travel
Guided throughout, with authentic local connections.

4-star stays

Selected hotel dinners plus a locally hosted meal

Deluxe coach travel and select flights

30 Experiences

View Itinerary

Trip map

Classic China Guided Tour Map 2027

Day By Day Itinerary

9-day itinerary from Beijing to Shanghai visiting 1 Country and 3 Cities.

Choose your dates

View:

About this trip

Sightseeing highlights

Explore Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai

Visit Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, the Great Wall of China at Juyongguan, the Sacred Way in Beijing, Hutong residences, the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an, the Bund waterfront and the Jin Mao Tower in Shanghai

See Local people practicing Tai Chi in the morning and the Shanghai Acrobats

What's included?

View Airport Transfer Information

An expert Travel Director and professional Driver

Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted

All porterage and restaurant gratuities

All hotel tips, charges and local taxes

Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals

Must-see sightseeing

Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing

Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)

Optional Experiences and free time

On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.

Flights from Beijing to Xi'an and Xi'an to Shanghai

Frequently asked questions

Live, unedited & independent traveller reviews

Classic China - Small Group trip reviews

Classic China - Small Group trip reviews

Overall Trip Rating

4.8/

5

155 reviews

independently verified reviews

98% of reviewers would recommend to a friend.

Deanna Niedenthal Duret

5/5

Reviewed on 10/28/2025 12:41:48

Trusted Customer

5/5

Reviewed on 10/23/2025 08:25:15

Nice program, decent hotels and good travel director Very nice and organized tour. The travel

...

Mark Marrero

5/5

Reviewed on 09/29/2025 13:32:29

My wife and I loved the itinerary. However, we do suggest adding an additional day to Xi’an.

Michael Chuisano

5/5

Reviewed on 09/03/2025 10:15:35

This has been my 6th tour with trafalgar and my 24th country and I must say this was the cleanest

...

"August in China"

Trusted Customer

5/5

Reviewed on 08/27/2025 11:38:00

The hotels were fabulous. Location was perfection *personal information removed by feefo*was a

...

"Booking next trip with Trafalgar"

Trusted Customer

5/5

Reviewed on 08/27/2025 10:09:04

*personal information removed by feefo* is the best travel director. Great itinerary

"Wonderful trip"

Amen Hassan

5/5

Reviewed on 06/11/2025 11:09:03

Hubert made a great effort to accomodate our special requirements together with everyone

...

"Amazing China"

Trusted Customer

5/5

Reviewed on 06/05/2025 06:00:25

There were only 12 people traveling, so it was good for us. Trafalgar made a huge effort to give us

...

"A dream tour realized."

Carl Haywood

5/5

Reviewed on 06/03/2025 13:18:27

Superb service. Superb, but taxing physically. Very long days. Still a fabulous tour. Thoroughly

...

Aleksandra Hrycyszyn

4.5/5

Reviewed on 06/03/2025 10:36:54

I enjoyed the trip, however the hotel in Beijing, Novotel Beijing Peace rooms needed to be updated

...

You'll make a positive impact to people, planet and wildlife on this tour

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Feel good (and do good) travel

It feels good to do good. These sustainable travel experiences help you meet inspiring people, support local communities, and make amazing memories that last a lifetime.​

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Sustainable development

Our sustainable experiences help advance 11 of the United Nations SDGs and make the world that little bit better.

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Unique to TTC

Under our sustainability strategy, we've committed to have at least one MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience on every single one of our tours by 2024.

#TTClassicChina

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